Bal Swan Children’s Center Is On a Mission to Develop Young Minds
Bal Swan Children’s Center is a cornerstone of the Broomfield community, dedicated to providing top-tier early childhood education and therapeutic support to their youngest citizens. They are committed to implementing the best practices in early childhood development, with the well-being of children serving as the guiding principle behind all of their decisions. Executive Director, Debbie Kunz, spent some time talking to me about their goals and objectives.
Debbie, as a wife and a mother, what personal experiences helped to enhance your abilities as Executive Director of the Bal Swan Children's Center?
I consider the most important aspect of my job as Executive Director of Bal Swan Children's Center is upholding the vision and mission of the organization. I think constantly about cultivating positive interpersonal relationships with staff, students and families. There are no better relationships in life to practice positive interpersonal skills than in the home. As a wife, I have learned to appreciate my husband for the incredible strengths that he brings to our relationship. Together, we have fostered trust with one another by working through tough times and hard decisions. My role as Mother has prepared me the most for this job. Since both of our children are twice exceptional, parenting presented challenges for which I was not prepared. I had to learn how to become an expert on my child, looking deeply at their unique attributes and trying to parent them in a way that would bring out the best in them. The second child was exceptionally challenging because he was very defiant, to the point where he received a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder. While I am not convinced that he deserved that label, he definitely stretched me as a parent. I had to learn to be okay with myself for being the best parent I could be to him, and to not see his behaviors, motivation, etc. as a reflection of my parenting. Once I backed off and allowed him to suffer natural consequences for his actions, I was able to find the empathy and love to parent him well. To this day, we have a wonderful relationship because I accepted him for who he is, and actually honed in on some of his unique attributes like critical thinking, debate, depth and a drive for autonomy.
I am aware of your fondness for hiking and skiing. Whenever do you find the time to just have fun?
One of the values listed in the Bal Swan social contract is a work-life balance. While my balance is not great, I definitely take one day/week for play (at least most weeks). On my day off, I hike, ski, walk my dog, do yoga, sleep and otherwise restore my soul. Since we are so close to the mountains, it is easy to get away for a day and feel totally disconnected from work and other obligations.
You hold a master's degree in social work from UW-Columbia. Are there facets of this teaching which strengthen your skills at the Center?
Studying social work helped me to think in a systems perspective, meaning that I think about all the complex systems that enhance people's lives and also present challenges to people's lives. Looking at Bal Swan Children's Center through a social work lens helps me think about the various systems impacting our work - from the macro perspective of early childhood in our world today to the micro perspective of relationships with staff. Social workers focus a lot of work on building protective factors, and I think daily about how a positive school culture can benefit families and provide protective factors for families.
Additionally, you act as a Workship Leader. What made you gravitate towards doing this duty? As to accomplishments in this area, what has been your biggest to date?
One of my spiritual gifts is exhortation, meaning that I love leading people into a strong understanding of their faith. Since music is such a powerful opener for faith life, it makes sense to open people's hearts and minds to the lyrics of a song. I love encouraging people to truly think about the lyrics of a song, embracing God's Promises of love, grace and forgiveness.
Each classroom of yours has two teachers, while the average child count is 8 to 16 students. Are there specified benefits to these types of implemented instruction?
Relationships with children are critical to their learning, and it is impossible to build authentic relationships if there is not time. Keeping teacher-student ratios low allows the teachers to intentionally spend time with each child, getting to know them as a learner and person. Each student receives an individualized learning plan, meaning that teachers work together with parents to establish goals for the child's growth and development. If teachers were so busy just managing a lot of bodies, they would not be able to form individualized relationships nor actually see each child as a unique learner.
I had been reading that you are using Brightwell for class management. To those unfamiliar, can you give a detailed description of this tool and its uses?
Brightwheel is a data management system for childcare centers. It increases parent-teacher communication by making it easy to see lesson plans, photos from daily activities, newsletters, etc. It also helps us stay compliant with licensing requirements such as signing children in and out of the center, and moving children from one room to another room. Since Brightwheel has a phone app, it is super easy for parents and the desktop version makes it also easy for administrators. Additionally, it serves as a time clock for staff.
Could you share the ways you believe that Bal Swan stands out among other organizations of the same type? Secondly, do state what you seek out when taking on new therapists as to background and biggest offerings?
Bal Swan Children’s Center is award-winning because of its authentic commitment to social-emotional teaching, its emphasis on inclusion, its integration of teachers and therapists and its absolute commitment to children and families feeling loved and feeling a sense of belonging in a supportive community. People say there is a certain “Bal Swan magic,” that describes that special feeling people get when they walk into this building. The combination of evidence-based curriculum with authenticity and genuine care lead to great outcomes for children and families. When Bal Swan students matriculate into the public schools, teachers notice that they are kind, empathetic and accepting of their peers. There is also a noticeable curiosity and intrinsic motivation in Bal Swan alumni because they have come from a safe, stable and supportive environment. Instead of feeling like they need to measure up, Bal Swan students know that they are appreciated and loved for who they are.
When seeking new therapists, the most important attribute is the goodness of fit. We want therapists who value inclusion and are willing to push therapy sessions into the classroom. We know that children are acutely aware of being “different,” of being ostracized by their peers, and we do not want to remove children from the classroom and contribute to their perception of being an outsider. Many therapists are looking for a clinical environment and a very predictable schedule, and Bal Swan does not fit that at all. The therapists have to be flexible in utilizing peers to help a student achieve goals, and to help teachers with strategies to differentiate learning.
Some of the therapies you offer include occupational, speech, warm water and peer group therapy. Are these the most effective as to the demographic you engage with each week?
Yes, we have large caseloads of children needing occupational, speech and warm water therapy. The peer groups are also highly effective because children are highly motivated by their peers. The newest therapy is behavioral therapy, overseen by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). With a behavioral therapist, we can accept children who have not found success in other centers due to big behaviors and emotions. With individualized behavior support, these children are able to stay in the classroom and learn how to have positive peer interactions. It is a powerful therapy.
At one point, flooding took place in your gym and library. Will you indeed be needing to build a new center? If that is indeed a fact, how can we all help to make this happen?
We are, in fact, trying to raise money now to rebuild our early childhood center. This sixty-year-old building does not have central air or heat, has big cinder block walls that are a barrier for internet access, and does not have classrooms that current licensing requirements expect. Our goal is to build an all-new “Campus of Connection” that will house an early childhood center, a therapy clinic and a publicly chartered elementary school. We are so excited to keep families from two years old through grade five, and build more protective factors for families. If families are truly the building block of our society, we want to create a campus that supports, nurtures and guides families from the beginning of their life together. We will have offerings such as infant massage, breastfeeding support groups, parenting classes, early intervention, and parent-child classes - in addition to the classrooms. It is a very costly proposal, and yet our families deserve it. Any individual, family or business can donate to our new building on our website.
What, if any, enhancements are expected for Bal Swan in 2025?
We will find out in the first quarter of 2025 if Boulder Valley School District will authorize us as a charter school. If so, we will be the first charter school emphasizing full inclusion and belonging in the state of Colorado. We know that this model works for people and that inclusive environments produce great outcomes for all involved. When we think about the mental health crisis and extreme division in our world, a school like Bal Swan can contribute to solving these problems and building a safer, kinder, more accepting world. To learn more, visit: Bal Swan Children's Center
Ben Lesser: A Man They Call A Living Miracle
I truly consider myself blessed to be able to spotlight a person that is best defined as a living miracle. Ben Lesser is a 96-year-old author, public speaker and Holocaust survivor. He was able to survive four concentration camps, two death trains and two death marches, and then was eventually liberated at Dachau. Instead of being conquered by hate, he chose to live a life that teaches the message of love. Honored that he is part of my publication, but more importantly, one of the greatest inspirations of my life.
Ben, you have faced unimaginable hardships during the Holocaust. How did those experiences shape your approach to challenges in your business and personal life? Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome. As a Holocaust survivor who built a successful life in America, how did you cultivate self-belief and confidence?
Well, I did not have much confidence coming to America. I was just a young man who lost his family and friends in the war. I barely spoke English, and all I knew was my sister Lola and husband Michel’s family who traveled to New York before me. I was excited to be with them, but I didn’t know who I was or who I would become. That did not come till much later. What I did know and what I have learned is that when I had to make a difficult choice, I tried to determine what the right thing to do was and then do it. Do everything the right way without short cuts. There is a reason for this choice. I had this feeling when I arrived at Auschwitz and was faced with Dr. Mengele (known as Angel of Death), whom I didn’t know who he was at the time. He determined everyone’s fate by a flick of the finger, right, left, right, left. My gut knew even at fifteen not to take the easy route. I don’t know how, if you want to call this confidence or bold or luck, I stretched myself out, spoke in a deep voice pretending I was eighteen, told them my age, and that I was healthy and ready to work. My uncle and cousin followed suit, and we were all directed to the left. I guess that set the tone of how I chose to live my life. No easy way out. No shortcuts.
In your book 'Living A Life That Matters,' you emphasize focusing on the positive. How can leaders maintain a positive mindset while still acknowledging and addressing serious issues? You've said you've never worked harder than you have since starting your foundation. What drives you to keep pushing forward at this stage of your life, and how can other leaders find similar motivation?
Think positive. Be positive. Do positive.
I could not be who I am today without my lovely wife of seventy-two years, Jean, and her support. She passed away a few years ago, but we had a strong marriage. I constantly remind myself that I am here for a reason. Having strength and determination can be your superpower. That is mine. I am determined, even at ninety-six, to remind everyone that the Holocaust did happen – Never Forget or Never Again.
You hold many titles: author, public speaker, and CEO – but also Holocaust survivor. Why do you feel some deny that this historical event happened?
When history is not taught, history is repeated. Teachers for seventh grade and beyond have so much to teach that when instructing on World War II, the amount of material becomes overwhelming. At times, they tend to gloss over that period. Hence, since they did not learn about it in schools, many deny it. It wasn’t until recently that United States legislation passed Holocaust and genocide education. Currently, twenty-nine states mandate Holocaust education.
It is also not easy because many survivors are not here anymore to tell their story. Seeing and hearing an eye-witness is believing. It has a greater impact than words in a history book. That is why our Foundation created the first ever Holocaust Curriculum taught by a survivor. Created by teachers for teachers, the Zachor Holocaust Curriculum (zachorlearn.org) is a toolbox for teachers, students and enthusiasts to utilize for FREE. We have also created an Artificial Intelligence of myself where anyone can ask questions, and I will answer long after I am here.
Many state that they have returned back to visit concentration camps and also spend time with fellow survivors. What was this experience like?
One of the hardest things I have ever had to face was returning back to these camps. I went quite a few times; once with my sister Lola and wife Jean. It was very emotional. Never thought I would go back. However, I thought about it and the importance of going with the rest of my family and others through March of the Living to show my loved ones and students that I am a living survivor. I am here as an eye witness to show you that this did happen. I was here.
You spent five years as a kid living through an experience most of us are too horrified to truly try to process. What would you like everyone to understand about that period in your life and about what you personally endured during the Holocaust?
You mention my being a kid, but I never got to be a kid… I never had that privilege. When I was nine years old, my parents told me, “There’s no more playing, there’s no more whining, there’s no more crying…you have to listen and be an adult now.” Overnight, I had to grow up. One day, I was laughing at school, just like my great-grandchildren do, and the next day, there was no school.
It is nearly impossible for people to truly understand what we endured in these camps. I learned very quickly about discipline, obedience, the power of choices, and that you had to be the absolute best you can at whatever you do. One example from my time in the camps: the SS gave me a boulder the size of a car and they forced me to break them down into smaller pieces and throw it into a mining car, run it down a hill to the grinding machine that would grind it into gravel, and then push the car back up. It was truly backbreaking work, but I did it and I did it well. They never had a chance to reprimand or beat me. I never gave them a reason, and to this day, I try to be the best at whatever I do. It does not matter whether it is in business, family, or with ZACHOR… I try to be the best I can.
This wasn’t just about discipline for myself. Even though I was younger, I had to take care of my uncle and my cousin who I entered the camp with and who I tried to keep alive for as long as I could. In fact, although a lengthy story, it’s an important one. My uncle had given everyone in our family, including me, new shoes with diamonds in the heels, should we ever need to use them. We were stripped down with all of our belongings taken from us when we entered Auschwitz. By some miracle, I was able to sneak these shoes in. This is how I was able to care for what was left of my family. I knew that diamonds were hidden in my shoes. I used this to pay for my uncle to work in the kitchen so we could get extra rations so that my uncle (who was weaker at the time) would not have to work in the rock quarry.
This was my experience in the camps, the death march, and the three weeks on the death train that I was forced to suffer through. It was one miracle after another. Imagine being starved and having one piece of bread in your back pocket and rationing it out the size of half an egg every midnight. This lasted for three weeks. We were so starved, but it was discipline. I was able to survive three weeks with only one piece of bread and no water. Not that we knew it then, but this had to have been my will and the will of the others who survived with me to stay alive. We knew we had to share this trauma once we were liberated. My purpose was, and is, to tell everyone that this did happen so we never repeat this barbaric history.
What are the best lessons you learned from your years in the ghettos and concentration camps that any of us can apply today?
As I mentioned before, I quickly realized that you had to be the best that you can be in everything you did. I don’t know any other way. This same principle carried me through life. I did whatever it took to succeed. I didn’t look at the clock at five pm and immediately go home. I always asked my boss what else I could help with before I left. There was always something and I did it.
I didn’t have a formal education, so I had to work three times as hard to catch up. Every night after dinner, I studied, and I had a wonderful wife who supported this. I became successful enough that I could invest some of my income into smart real estate opportunities and then became a real estate broker myself. All of this took a lot of extra work and very little sleep. Again, this takes a lot of willpower.
To listen to Ben’s full story, visit: Holocaust Survivor Talk: Ben Lesser
To learn more about Ben, go to: Non-Profit Holocaust Survivors Foundation | Zachor Foundation
An Afternoon At AMT Theater: A New Non-Profit Theater with True Nuance and Nostalgia
In late January, I spent some time speaking with Tony Sportiello, Artistic Director, and Pete Dorton, Film Producer, about the backstory and big new plans for the theater. As a bit of background on Tony, he has produced four Off Broadway musicals. He is a published playwright and the author of more than two dozen plays, with productions in New York, Los Angeles, London, Russia, China and more. Further, Sportiello is also a television writer/producer/editor with more than twenty years experience in the post production industry. As for Pete, past history found him holding the Founder title of both YOLO and Big League Theater Company. He would go on to showcase several original plays, and even put on a production on Theater Row. His eventual move into making movies took him away from theater for a long while, but he is now excited to be back - marrying the two mediums in his happy place. Alongside being at AMT, he will still remain working within the acting world, and may even decide to go down the directing road sooner than later. See below for the full interview.
The AMT Theater has been open for two and a half years, and it took some time for the owners to find the best venue for this labor of love. They had looked at numerous spots that were bigger and cheaper that they turned down due to their location not being in Midtown Manhattan. Al Topper, the financier, was very adamant that his dream project be placed in the heart of the Theater District. He is an entrepreneur, inventor, composer, award winning documentarian and filmmaker who brings a great deal to this endeavor. Since this search occurred during the pandemic, there were not many places open to tour. At the time Al acquired this spot, it was being used as a tango place. Although it needed some modifications, Al gave the green light and AMT had a home.
The majority of what they produce is mostly new, original work – but also rent out their space to other productions. Previous on-stage productions have been musicals, cabarets, plays and some recitals. Turning towards offerings for children, AMT has had five youth theater programs to date, and all run by an actual working director since 2022. This theater is a haven for young writers, actors and directors, and participants range in age from 6 to 14. They are all too aware that the future is going to be seen through different eyes, and are intent on encouragement of these artisans. Additionally, AMT held their first on-site film festival last year.
As to who handles what at the theater, I am told there is no one real role for any person. Everyone is in charge of everything. These artists are changing the world with their reativity. They are aware of how often rejection and vulnerability are a regular part of an artist’s life. If they are able to affect others in a positive way, or can help change one’s outlook – they have done their job.
The entire crew that manages this majestic theater must be doing something right, as AMT is already being bestowed awards. Tony seems to believe that their main mission helps to get them attention – providing an impressive looking theater to the NY population. They are fanatical about cleanliness inside their doors, so no food or drink are allowed while watching a production. Seats, bathrooms and rehearsal rooms are as immaculate as possible. They strive to offer elegant, tasteful entertainment.
When I asked about the upcoming productions put in place, Tony mentioned both their Valentine’s Day film event and premiere of a new musical comedy, which is set for March. On February 14, 2025, AMT will be showing a total of twenty-four films. These are recycled shorts whose time in the festival circuit has completed. They hope to help give these projects a new life. March 7, 2025 is the debut of “Upside Down”, which finds two writers trying to make a Broadway hit by turning the world on its head. Taking what is real and turning it into an absurd reality. Truly offers a peek into what a marginalized community has to deal with on a daily basis.
If you are asking yourself, what are AMT’s goals for the next year? Well, their hope is to assist many more creatives in having a backdrop to host their creations. Their rentals are not inexpensive, but staff tries to favor those with little means. Tony has talked about the inclusion of teaching workshops in 2025 or 2026. Also, since this non-profit theater is now rented out until January of 2026, this allows more time for the staff to properly plan a fundraiser.
Please help the NYC community continue to bring dreams to life by supporting this theater. To lean more, visit: AMT Theater | times square theater | 354 West 45th Street, New York, NY, USA
Allison Liefer is currently the Senior Development Director for the Parkinson’s Foundation. She has spent a total of over fifteen years with this charity and has made some substantial strides as it relates to awareness of this disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation is committed to removing barriers to care, making research inclusive, and ensuring that information and resources are accessible to every person living with Parkinson's. The Foundation’s goal is to reach people with PD from populations of focus that have been adversely affected by health disparities, causing them to systemically experience decreased access to educational resources, care and research opportunities due to social, economic and environmental disadvantages. Grateful that I was given time with Allison to discuss their mission and major goals for the future. View the interview here: Interview with Allison Liefer