Gay Grossman g144man@population-matters.org Profession: Educator | Early Childhood Development Specialist | Community Leader Education 1965, BA, History with Honors, Swarthmore College 1966, MAT, Secondary History/Government, Harvard Graduate School of Education 1982, BA, Elementary Education, Fort Lewis College Career Profile Gay Grossman has dedicated her career to secondary and elementary education, with a special passion for early childhood learning. Taught secondary social studies & English in Philadelphia (public & private schools) and Simsbury, CT. Relocated to New Mexico (1970), teaching in Taos and later raising two sons in Albuquerque. Moved to Durango (1976) and taught part-time at Colorado Timberline Academy. Co-founded Durango Early Learning Center (DELC) in 1978, where she served as Assistant Director (1978-2002). Earned Colorado & New Mexico K-12 certification in 1982 after additional studies at Fort Lewis College. Volunteer & Community Service Durango Nature Studies: Naturalist/teacher for 24+ years, including 6 years on the Board of Directors (2 as co-president). Durango Choral Society: Member since 1976, currently serving on the Board of Directors. Lamaze Childbirth Education: Instructor for many years. Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Mentor since 2002. Heartwood Cohousing (Bayfield, CO): Played a key role in its formation and has led several community teams/committees since moving there in 2000. Other Involvements: Member of Great Old Broads for Wilderness and American Association of University Women. Active in Friends of the Pine River Library and Pine River Shares. Fort Lewis College Activities Lifelong engagement with ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Music Department and courses through Office of Continuing Education. Frequent attendee of Life-Long Learning lectures. Participated in events with Professional Associates, alongside husband Richard. Personal Interests Environmental stewardship, nature studies, and intentional communities. Mentoring & tutoring children. Family and grandchildren. Music & Performing Arts: Longtime singer with Durango Choral Society. Outdoor Activities: Hiking, skiing, horseback riding, and water sports. Travel & International Experience Extensive travel to Europe, Australia/New Zealand, India, Hong Kong/China, and Peru. Lived in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. Grew up in Montreal, Canada and is a graduate of The Putney School, Vermont.