Colette Derks, Classroom & Executive Assistant

Colette has been working at Blossom since it opened in August of 2003 starting as a Teacher's Assistant and progressed to a classroom teacher. She  has been involved with the Deaf community since 2001.  Colette started at the Deaf Service Center (now known as the Deaf and Hearing Connection of Tampa Bay) as the receptionist, where she learned how to sign with American Sign Language (ASL).  Once proficient with ASL, she started working for the Deaf Service Center's After School Program. 

Colette has attained her Child Development Associate Equivalency (CDAE) and her Child Care Director's Credentials.  She is working towards her Montessori certification and has been teaching in the Preschool classroom (ages 3 - 6) since 2005.
  
Colette has two beautiful sons and a little girl. When Colette is not at Blossom or in class, she is spending time with her family, taking her children to the park, or attending 'play dates' with her children.