Dana Bowser at Balanced Educational Tools

For the last 15 years I taught all grade levels from pre-K to 12 in a range of special education settings, including a correctional center as well. When I see my students learn and grow every day, it gives me a sense of purpose. To help them on this journey, I developed a skills curriculum based on personal development, financial literacy and entrepreneurship, three subjects that our public school system lacks. I am proud to reveal that my curriculum is available for download. Using my experiences, I opened a daycare in my home in 2006 where I could get hands-on experience in shaping the youth via custom educational tools. Besides this, I also mentor people who wish to open their own daycare centers, either in a specific facility or in their homes.. It was a joy to do so as I enjoy helping people realize their dreams.

I consider my teaching style to be flexible, adaptable, and student centered. I like to serve as a facilitator when working with my students and give them lots of encouragement and support.

Teacher of the Year, Grafton School 2008

I hold a Bachelors in Business Administration and three Masters degrees (in curriculum instruction, educational leadership, and special education).

During a creative activity with the children in my daycare I fell in love with soap making. I took several classes to hone my skills and set-up my first store, Edna James Soaps in 2015. Fast forward to today and my soaps have been sold across the city of Richmond in boutiques and features at the Artisan Café. I love natural things and have wrote a book titled "Hello Natural."