Shelby Norgaard is the Curriculum and Staff Development Coordinator in our Childcare & School Age Care department. Shelby is the backbone of the department by helping train staff, support the Site Managers and Teachers in any way she can to ensure they have what they need to carry out lesson plans and ensuring teachers and children are safe.

“There is nothing like walking into a classroom and having children shout out my name,” Shelby stated. “Hugs and fist pumps are the highlights of my day. It is always an adventure to figure out a way to sit ten children on the floor to read or play. While we make a difference in the lives of children, they also make a difference in the lives of those working at EmBe.”

Shelby’s time at EmBe has empowered her in ways that she did not realize she needed.

“Teaching children to me was just part of who I am,” Shelby said. “When I needed to teach Conscious Disciple to other staff, it was a challenge for me. I learned new methods of assisting a child to calmly express their feelings and stand up for themselves. Even as adults, it is something we all can use.”

Everyone at EmBe is so thankful for Shelby’s expertise and continued inspiration towards staff on a day-to-day basis.

1. What is your proudest moment at EmBe?
   My proudest moment was when I was working at South as a Lead Teacher. I had a child in my classroom that was struggling to learn her colors. We would practice every day. Eventually, she began asking to work on those colors daily without me prompting her. No matter how many she was about to do that day, she was excited that she knew some. Helping this child build resilience within herself and self-esteem to know that no matter what she is wonderful, loved and smart was the proudest moment at EmBe.
2. What are three words you’d used to describe EmBe?
   – Consistent-we are always here for our families
   – Ever changing-we have to flexible in this world
   – Solution-seeking- always looking for solutions to make things better
3. Tell us something that might surprise us about you
   I have fifteen grandchildren, nine girls and six boys, from twenty-two to six months. One child has five, one has four, one has three, one has two and one has one.
4. Where is your favorite place to be?
   Home is my favorite place. It could be my home, my parents or my adult children’s home. Being with family is my focus.
5. Do you have a favorite quote?
   “While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about!”
6. How do you define success?
   Success is getting through the day and knowing I made a difference to someone today!
7. What is your least favorite food?
   Liver, it smells and tastes TERRIBLE!

Looking for a rewarding career with the chance to make a difference in the lives of Sioux Falls kids and families? Click here to visit our career page to view all our current open positions.