“I have observed that Rose has a quiet and gentle authority. The first time she did the Story for All Ages in a worship service and introduced herself as ‘Miss Rose’ (it is the custom in our congregation for the children to address the adults they have as teachers, etc. as Miss or Mr. with the adults first name) one of the children chimed in that she would call Rose – Rose and not use the Miss. Rose gently, firmly and graciously responded that she (the child) could call her Miss Rose. I saw this as a great strength in that Rose maintained and claimed her role as an authority figure while not losing composure and maintaining sensitivity.

Also, at this first Story for All Ages, Rose showed the children a child sized wooden chair that she has and told them that it would be in her office and always there for any time that any of them (the children) would like to come and talk with her. This was a fantastic way to establish rapport with the children. Having the chair was a visual element that reinforced the verbal message that the children are important and that she wanted to get to know them. The Sunday after this the Kindergarten and First grade class was taking a tour of the church and the first thing they wanted to do was go see the chair! Her introduction of herself to the children showed great relational skill and a knowledge of how to reach people through a variety of senses.”

~~Lynn Hunt, Long-time credentialed DRE, First Unitarian, St. Louis

Rose with the little chair after a Children’s Story about giving gifts. Featured here is her own stuffed animal, a gift from her older brother.