I have worked in many libraries in my adult life, and the Clisby Library is by far my favorite! What makes this library so special is the way the students interact with it. They are curious, creative and resourceful. The library becomes another type of playground — a place to explore and question. It is…READ MORE »
I first learned about Miquon while doing research for a paper in graduate school in Cambridge. I was intrigued by the description of a school where the adults trusted children to play independently and to learn passionately. That article traveled with me for ten years. When I moved to the Philadelphia area and discovered that…READ MORE »
I am a licensed psychologist with a private practice serving children, adolescents, and adults. Previously, I was the clinical director of the Social Learning Disorders Program at the University of Pennsylvania, conducting the Social Skills Seminar for young adults with Aspergers. I am also a published author, having recently co-authored "The Autism Playbook" (New Harbinger,…READ MORE »
So much of my childhood was filled with writing and illustrating stapled storybooks, most of which involved weathering winter storms with my family and doing hefty chores. It was mostly fiction! I really like that every day at Miquon our learners tell stories during play and exploration built upon their identity and experiences. Their thinking…READ MORE »
When I first met my husband, Josh McIlvain '82, he used to talk about an amazing little school he went to called Miquon. I had a hard time understanding how an elementary school could have such an impact on a person – until I came to Miquon myself. I am happy to have the opportunity…READ MORE »
One of my favorite things about Miquon is when our whole community comes together on Friday mornings for assembly. Each group sits with their buddy group and everyone is sincerely excited to see each other! It's a time when we will gather to sing songs, tell stories, or perform plays. Every month or so, we…READ MORE »
I have been an Assistant Teacher at Miquon since 1995. During that time, I have taught in age groups from 1st through 6th grade (though never 3rd), and for the last 16 years, exclusively in the 5th/6th. I have several years of prior experience in Special Education with both adults and children. I have a…READ MORE »
I grew up exploring the woods surrounding Miquon and spent my summers here as a camper. As a child, I delighted in the rippling creek, tall trees and the seemingly infinite supply of delicious wineberries. My experiences nurtured a deep affection and appreciation for the natural world. After thirty years, this hasn't changed. I'm extremely…READ MORE »
I began at Miquon in October, 2014. My office is tucked away upstairs in the main office building, and I very much enjoy the distraction of being able to watch the children play from my office window. I am a proud Penn State University alum, and prior to working at Miquon, I spent 10 years…READ MORE »
Miquon brought me to Philadelphia from Los Angeles in 2013, both for my professional role and for my children. Previously, I ran the alumni program at the USC Price School of Public Policy and served as communications director for the USC Alumni Association. Originally from Boston, I am busy getting back to my east coast…READ MORE »
I am the mother of Miquon graduates Eric '98, Laura '01 and Anna '09. Staff and parents alike know me as the “go to” person for almost any question, and I manage the school database, arrange parent-teacher events, coordinate transportation, and most importantly, oversee the classroom snack program. Before coming to Miquon, I worked in…READ MORE »
When I was a senior in high school, my guidance counselor gave our graduating class one of those tests that connect interests into potential career paths. While in homeroom, one by one, my friends’ names were called to receive their results. They started to open their letters – Doctor; Lawyer; Architect; smiles grew over their…READ MORE »
MEd Elementary Education, Widener University. MBA Finance, Drexel University. BS Commerce and Engineering, Economics Concentration, Drexel University I joined Miquon in September 2004. Most of my years here have been spent as a group teacher in a first/second grade classroom, along with one year in a first grade classroom, and one year as an assistant…READ MORE »
I have vivid memories of the playroom my sister and I shared when we were little: our beloved kitchen set, a tiny desk, magnetic letters, a surplus of art supplies, lots of dolls, a mini piano and a typewriter I inherited to practice writing. In this sacred space I especially loved playing school. So it's…READ MORE »
I will never forget the first time I did an Internet search for independent schools in the Philadelphia area. I was overseas at the time teaching in Thailand, beginning to think about coming back home to the United States. The Miquon School popped up and I was in awe of what I saw. As I…READ MORE »
I am delighted to be back at Miquon as it is one of my favorite places in the world. I remember the freedom and joy I felt to be learning and playing at Miquon as a child. I always felt so known by all my teachers – each engaged with me distinctly, challenging me to…READ MORE »
I will never forget the first time I ventured onto Miquon’s campus. It was a crisp Saturday afternoon in October ’82. The sugar maples were ablaze with brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow. A lone turkey vulture circled overhead. The creek babbled merrily as it slid over the rocks. A chipmunk darted through a…READ MORE »
I came to Miquon to teach in the fourth grade during the 2014-15 school year, looking forward to learning alongside children who are curious and immersed in the world around them. I love the freedom that we have at Miquon to delve deeply into topics of interest and to support the growth of child as…READ MORE »
