ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to, acknowledge the many people who have made valuable contributions throughout the development of AS I AM.
Staff in Head Start programs throughout New England completed surveys addressing mental health issues in the Head Start classroom. Marilyn Crandlemire, Joanne Brady, Jeanne Bishop, Davene Fay, Donna Bailey-Miller, Tony Council, Sally Mallory, Trudy Sade, Lisa Harris, Linda La bas, Janet Connell, Tricia Ka il, Dean Patterson, Susan Ota, Better Woodbury, John Sommo, Sue-Ellen Myers, Janet Weston, and Chris Hansen reviewed sections of the first draft. Their responses were an important impetus to our work and helped us frame our ideas in a practical form.
Norm LaPointe and Chris Long helped us use the extensive library at the Child and Family Institute at the University of Southern Maine. David Birch gave us access to his library at the State Department of Education in Augusta, Maine. Carolyn Drugge and Midge Leavitt suggested additional resources.
Consultants Donna Bailey-Miller, Sally Buckwalter, Renee Curry, Joni Foster, Bob Keteyian, Catheryn Knox, Maria Jimena Lasansky, Michael Trout, and Marjorie Withers helped us refine ideas and- issues. Their individual styles and approaches to mental health stimulated and challenged us throughout the first year.
Anne Faragher worked as a staff member during the preparation of the first draft. We appreciated her creative spirit and energy.
During the second year Bob Keteyian, and Mary Veit worked with us reviewing drafts of each section of the curriculum. They recognized the potential of AS I AM to influence the mental health practices of teachers. Their lively insight into young children, mental health knowledge, and classroom experience helped us integrate the mental health framework into each piece.
Dr. Margie Copland used AS I AM with Head Start parents in Trenton, New Jersey. Margie found it an excellent training tool. The enthusiasm with which these urban parents approached the curriculum validated our belief that it can be used universally by parents as well as teachers.
Throughout the two years, Darlene Henderson was competent, flexible, reliable, and good natured as she prepared draft, after draft, after draft on her computer.
The sensitive photographs of Michel Chalufour brought the spirit of our field sites to the curriculum.
Dr. Mary Lewis and Hector Sanchez from the Head Start Bureau provided support and guidance as we worked to meet the grant requirements. Dr. Lewis also provided cross-cultural photographs.
Grant Lee, Executive Director of Action Opportunities, Inc. provided AS I AM a home and an opportunity to become real. Grant's management skills, energy, and commitment guided the project's development from beginning to end.
Most important, we wish to acknowledge the women who field tested AS I AM. They eagerly took a risk, and unselfishly extended themselves beyond their normal work responsibilities. By bringing the experiences to life in their classrooms, they helped us modify, add, delete, and refine. We will long remember their enthusiasm, honest feedback, willingness to grow, and friendship.
In the St. Croix Head Start Center: Judy Lincoln. Pat Do*, Sherrill Meserve, and Ella Robinson.
In the Machias Valley Head Start Center: Paula Flaherty. Betty Reynolds, Janice LaBlanc, Lynn Hatch, Carolyn Harrington, and Chris Lee.
In the Ellsworth Head Start Day Care Center: Athana joy, Lynn DorrGarrity, Britt Urh, JulieBednar, and Rose Holdsworth.
In the Stonington Head Start Center: Linda Shepard, Judy Mitchell, Vicki Hull, and Roberta Small.
To all of these people we extend our heartfelt thanks.
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