Celena Ambrose of Jeddito, an early childhood educator with Holbrook’s Head Start and a graduate of Northland Pioneer College (NPC), was recently named as one of only 11 Public Broadcasting System (PBS) Kids Early Learning Champions nationwide, and only one of two to be selected from a small, rural community. This award recognizes and celebrates passionate educators who work with the nation’s youngest students, from infants to second graders.
According to Ambrose, “I was blessed to have grown up on the reservation surrounded by family. My family gave me the opportunity to always be around little ones, which is where my interest for early childhood sparked.
“When starting my journey on seeking a career, early childhood was not my first choice, but I always knew I enjoyed children. It wasn’t until I stepped in my first classroom as a teacher’s assistant, that is when I knew.”
According to a press release provided by NPC, Ambrose was elected to Arizona’s Early Childhood Alliance (AZECA), an advocacy and awareness group that fosters positive change in the field of early childhood education. Ambrose will further immerse herself with professional learning and networking opportunities to benefit the youngest students in the area as a PBS Kids Early Learning Champion.
It was noted that Ambrose was selected for “her intense ability to network and give the youngest children the possibilities and opportunities to learn through a variety of resources on a state and now, on a nationwide level,” according to Kristine Nishimura, PBS Kids’ regional outreach coordinator for education and community impact in southern Arizona.
Ambrose stated that she is driven by the fact that she isn’t doing this for herself. “All of my successes and growth is not just for me, it’s for my family, my community and to inspire future generations.” Ambrose continued to say that working for Holbrook is important to her, “I feel a part of the community. Working this job has brought me tremendous opportunities for network and growth.”
When asked about what she thinks is important for the younger generations, she stated, “I think love and compassion from others surrounding them cause for greatness to flourish in the young. Show them the kindness and care you wish you could have.”
