Meet Bethany Chaffin | Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Chaffin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
While I was in college studying developmental psychology and education, I traveled around the world and studied the educational systems in nine countries. I learned about many different philosophies and saw the pros and cons of their different methods.

When I returned from my travels, I decided that I wanted to become a teacher and an administrator in order to help make an impact and shape the future of our world.

During my 15 years as a teacher, I was honored to be one of the San Diego County Teachers of the Year. As a County Teacher of the Year, I had the opportunity to speak with many educators, administrators, and policymakers and realized that even though there are wonderful things about our public education system, there are also many things that are not the right fit for every child. The fact that children who do not fit into the typical “public school” box but don’t always have options was weighing heavily on my heart. Those children needed a place that would allow them to shine and succeed.

With this realization, I decided to step out of my role as a teacher and put my administrative credential and Masters degree to work. I started a program that would provide an educational option for children who needed something different to help them develop a love of learning!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Friends of Willow Tree is the ONLY Waldorf-Inspired enrichment center in all of Southern California. We partner with charter schools in order to give parents a choice in the education that they desire for their child(ren). We pride ourselves in the diversity of our students which is due to the accessibility of our program to those from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

In our work as a community, we:
~ Participate in a worldwide movement of social renewal starting with our own campus community
~ Strive to reflect in our student body the cultural and socio-economic diversity of our greater community
~ Endeavor to create an environment in which students, faculty, staff, and parents communicate openly, respectfully, and safely

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Safari Park Wrench and Rodent
Harlows
Village Roots

Hiking trails all over the county – love them all!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to Tiffany Pleysier – for always believing in the vision of Willow Tree and for being my right-hand every step of the way.

Website: www.friendsofwillowtree.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowtreelearning

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WTenrichmentcenter

Image Credits
I took each of these photos 🙂