Dawn Velez

“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” – Socrates

“You can’t fall if you don’t climb. But there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground.” – Unknown (inspired by all the tree climbers at Little Owl)

Dawn has been working closely with children, teachers, and families in the field of early childhood development for twenty plus years. Previous to Little Owl, many years were spent as a preschool teacher at the child development center at California State University, Long Beach, where she also received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Development. She continued her education by receiving a Masters of Arts in Human Development at Pacific Oaks in Pasadena and teaching college courses at Long Beach City College. Little Owl has been her home since 2012.

Dawn’s passions include laughing with her two sons and husband, reading, and spending time outdoors hiking. Her favorite activities with children involve storytelling, reading and re-telling stories through children’s theater, photography and digital slideshows, and multi-media art such as 3-D art and recycled art projects. She is drawn to risk-taking activities such as facilitating wood working and construction, sewing and finger knitting, wrestling and tumbling, and dancing and acting (yes, these can be “risk-taking” activities to perform, let loose and to be yourself in front of other people).

Dawn strives to always have the spirit of a student. Dawn cherishes her work with children because it helps her rem