About Us
Encouraging Children
Glenn Penkava is a retired special educator specializing in early childhood education. He worked in the field of education for 41 years. He has his B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from George Peabody College. He has his M.S. in Educational Psycology and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision both from National Louis University. He is also certified to teach Early Childhood and ESL. Glenn provides presentations to caregiving groups and individual support to caregivers and educational staff on toilet training. In his retirement he continues to substitute as well as helps to look after his grandson. He is an avid cyclist and hiker and enjoys Science Fiction, Mystery, and Mathematics. He is the proud Papa of Kai Soucie.
Kai Soucie is a stay-at-home mom who has worked in the field of educaiton in various roles for 5 years. They have their B.S. in Mathematics from Northern Michigan University and their M.A.T in Middle Grades Mathematics Education from National Louis University. Kai was a teaching assistant and tutor throughout undergrad and taught Algebra at University of WIsconsin at Milwaukee for a semester. They were a teacher at Eye Level and an assistant teacher at a preschool before working in Adult Education at AbbVie. They student taught in 6th and 8th grade in 2023 before becoming a proud mommy to a little boy. They are certified to teach 5th through 12th grade Mathematics. Kai loves hiking, reading, and board games, as well as spending time with family and friends.
Encouraging Children is a site dedicated to the enrichment of child/caregiver relationships, promoting early education, the love of learning, and encouraging caregivers and teachers on their journeys.
We will be sharing techniques, resources, and wisdom from our experiences and research. Check out our podcast Encouraging Children on your local podcatcher.