Staff

Andrew (Director): I have worked with young children for more than 20 years, and more than half of that time at Habibi’s. Our goal here is to help children discover themselves and their place in the world--a sometimes loud and frenzied place, and other times a quiet, meditative one. We also try to serve parents as they make their way through the sometimes bemusing and rarely dull maze of raising a child. (to learn more about Andrew, see the Austinmamas.com article!)

CAROLINA : I have been at Habibi’s for 16 years. I first started out volunteering on Thursday afternoons so that I could improve my English. I have attended ACC for 4 years. My favorite thing at HH is the source of community that the teachers, parents and kids have; we are a big family. I know that after leaving the Hutch the children will have confidence and self esteem to achieve anything that they want. When I am not Habibi’s I enjoy spending time with my family, helping my kids with homework, cooking and playing outside.

MIKE: Although is seems like yesterday, I started at HH in 1993. I worked at several other pre-schools in Austin and I have taken community college courses in early childhood education, and I am currently still learning things everyday from each of the children of Habibi’s Hutch. I know that we let the kids be kids. We let them be what they need to be not what we--as adults--need them to be. I like the way that I get a chance to watch kids learn, see the way they learn, and try to learn too. HH kids are always excited, happy and open to learn about the things they don’t know because we give them that chance. I hope the kids leave with a profound sense of who they are, self confidence, sense of adventure and a few lasting memories. The kid that I am, I enjoy BMX riding on 9th street , eating fried chicken, listening to loud music and finding funny shapes in clouds when I am not at HH. To me Habibi’s Hutch is like being at your grandma’s house but only she’s not there; your cool uncle is…HH is a great place, for work and play!

THOM: I’ve been at Habibi’s since July 2005. It’s a great place for kids to explore and begin learning social skills. I like the fact that for most of the day all ages are mixed together. I often see the older kids treating the younger ones in the way the teachers treat them. I have worked with children the past 10 years, including 4 years at Sri Atmananda and working at other day care schools in Austin . When I’m not playing zoo at Habibi’s, I enjoy skateboarding and playing the piano.

CHELSEA: I hope to one day teach science to middle school-aged kids, and am currently enrolled at ACC studying education. I enjoy trimming, watering and singing in my garden. Well, singing anytime is great. Watch out! I make a mean tomato basil pesto from home-growns that ' ll lay you down! For fun I throw bowls, cups and other goofy-looking vessels on my potter ' s wheel. I enjoy making just about anything with my hands. Laughing is my medicine and the guys and gals at Habibi ' s keep me in stock and smiling. I love how imaginative the Hutchsters are. Habibi ' s is a place like no other and I ' m excited to be here with you all.

JEAN MARIE: I recently returned to Austin after an extended adventure spent exploring Southeast Asia , weathering the tsunami, practicing meditation, writing copiously about the experience, and living off the grid in a Zen monastery in the California wilderness, where I spent countless hours chopping vegetables, hiking in the mountains and staring at a blank wall. I’ve had a rainbow of employment experiences over the years, but I always seem to come back to working with kids which, for me, is that rare and lucky combination of being something that I love and am good at. I feel really grateful for the opportunity to learn and teach and play at HH. I am constantly amazed and humbled to witness and encourage the art of conflict resolution by people who can’t even tie their own shoelaces yet! I have a BA in Anthropology and Philosophy. I swim like a fish, ride my bike whenever possible, eat lots of kale, write when the mood strikes, and dance like a maniac. I love the Beatles but can’t stand beets. I play the piano and drums, and am trying to teach myself violin (although I sound more like a screeching cat at the moment). I have a thing for dark chocolate, Vonnegut, and third world travel, and I still get a kick out of Sesame Street .