www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20080629/NEWS/724947344/10 -
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Published on: 6/29/2008
Last Visited: 6/30/2008
Imagination Place director Mickey Barrett shows some butterflies to Maddy Devin, 7, and other participants in the Things with Wings program Tuesday.
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Mickey Barrett's office on the second floor of Imagination Place Children's Museum is what she calls the perfect spot to watch kids explore and enjoy their fictional city "Main Street."
Not far from the pretend Piggly Wiggly, fire station and Exchange Bank, Barrett can be seen observing with a smile.
That's what is great about her job, she said - being able to witness all the wonderful "aha" moments kids have when they've figured out something for the first time.
"It's really fun and exciting when you see families exploring and learning together," Barrett said.
"That's why I got into teaching in the first place."
No longer a music and art teacher in California, Barrett is the new director of Imagination Place, 501 Broad St.
Barrett traded in her hectic city life as an educator last year to move back to Gadsden because she wanted a better place to raise her daughter.
While Barrett grew up mostly in the Washington, D.C., area, she said she remembers spending holidays and summers here.Her parents grew up in town, so when she was looking for places to relocate, Gadsden made the top of her list.
"I love it here, I really do," Barrett said."It's just so nice for my daughter here."
Barrett's daughter, 14-year-old Sarah, also is partly responsible for her mom taking the job.
"I was looking for a place for Sarah to volunteer, and when I found (Imagination Place), I realized they were hiring and applied."
Sarah, who has been volunteering with children since she was a youngster, said she's enjoying Gadsden and loves that her mom's job allows her to work with kids.
"I'm adjusting.The air is cleaner, and it's a lot more green than gray," she said, referring to the paved city streets of California.
Also going through a few adjustments of its own is Imagination Place.
Sarah said she's proud of how her mom improved the play center so far.
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"I've learned a lot from Mickey, and she's one of the reasons I'm going to go to school for social work.She's encouraged me."
Barrett, who has a degree in child development, also spent seven years working as a professional development trainer in California.
She trained at both educator convention workshops and in-training workshops.
Science also is a big part of Barrett's background.
She was an after-school science program coordinator for many years and worked with the National Society of Teachers Science Programs.Barrett also taught children from pre-kindergarten to high school.
But, Barrett didn't have to stay in California to have variety in her professional career.
The former educator said being the director of Imagination Place requires her to wear many hats.
She acts as a liaison with schools on a regular basis, coordinating field trips and summer camps for children.
Imagination Place has only one full-time staff member besides Barrett, plus four part-time workers, so she also is responsible for hiring volunteers to read and play with the kids.
"It's been vital, our volunteers' contribution," Barrett said."Not only do they give us their time, but also feedback and new ideas."
The volunteers range from 14 to 63 years old and come in based on the crowd.The center's busy hours are mostly on weekends.
Barrett said her background as an educator has definitely helped her make a smoother transition into being director, but said community support has been great.
"Everyone has been so wonderful and accommodating.I love the people, and I love the work."
In her spare time, Barrett can be found painting.She's an artist and a metalsmith.
What was once a hobby has now become a part of her career.
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