Hattie LaRochelle
Avenues Director, Summer Camp Program    

I remember the very first time I walked into CDCW. The year was 2016, and it was my 22nd birthday. I had recently graduated college and was out trying to find my place in the world, when a friend reached out with this cool teaching opportunity. Suddenly, all my memories of playing “teacher” when I was a little girl were brought to life. I remember gathering as many dolls as I possibly could to create a “class” and writing on my little dry-erase board many different “lessons”. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that would be foreshadowing for what I would eventually enjoy spending my life doing.

I went to Christopher Newport University and received a degree in Psychology, with a minor in Communications. I took numerous childhood development and behavioral classes throughout college, which continued to spark that passion in me for working with children. Fast forward to me walking through CDCW, and my heart being filled with joy and excitement.

I spent most of my childhood growing up across the street, so it was easy for CDCW to automatically feel like home. However, not just for its location. I remember the kindness of the teachers, the welcoming atmosphere, the happy children, and the generous spirit of everyone surrounding me. Stepping foot in this building really felt magical in the most organic way.

Over the past 7 years I have learned of a wonderful benefit from working at CDCW, and that is that you gain a second family. One that you can share not just the joys of everyday work accomplishments with, but also the joys of life. When I bought a house, got a dog, got married-all my CDCW family was celebrating alongside me. It’s a place filled with love, care, and community. One day I plan to have kids of my own, but for now I treat the children at CDCW as if they were my own. There’s no better place to witness the beauty of growing children.