Interview with Ms. Kelsey Bayless
Here at Pathfinders we think our team of talented, passionate and caring individuals is
one of the qualities that makes us special. Today we sat down with our very own Ms.
Kelsey Bayless to find out more about what makes her such an invaluable asset to our
team.
Ms. Kelsey, you have been working at Pathfinders for 2 1/2 years, what is the most rewarding part of your job?
When I’ve been working with a student and they accomplish something they never
thought they could do before, the look of excitement on their face is priceless. I like it
when they notice it and I don’t even have to point it out. That’s the greatest moment with
every student I’ve had.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Well I wanted to be a Police officer, but I realized I don’t like to be the enforcer, and
policemen have to do a lot of enforcing. So I’d like to do what I’m doing now, working
with kids!
Back in the day, what could we find you doing on the playground?
I was a Tether Ball and Hand Ball master.
What is the best advice someone has ever given you?
Don’t worry about what other people think about you.
Ok Ms. Kelsey, this is probably the most important question we have to ask you:
Do you want to build a snowman?
You know, living in southern California we don’t get a lot of snow, so yes, I do.
If you could paint your office any color, what color would you paint it?
Does leopard print count as a color?
Do you Volunteer anywhere?
I go down to an orphanage in Mexico and volunteer with the kiddos there.
Who was your most influential teacher?
I think my second grade teacher. I don’t remember too much, but she was so nice and
encouraging, I think she gave me a strong foundation.
Who is your favorite mascot? Aka, where did you go to school?
Anteater! UC Irvine Anteaters
Finish this sentence: I have recently learned…
…how to scramble eggs. Clarification, I hated eggs when I grew up so I never cooked
them, and now I like them so…
What do you think parents can do that will make the most difference for their kids here at Pathfinders? What do you appreciate in a parent?
In my time as a Cognitive Trainer I have noticed that a parent who learns the activities
alongside their child, impacts their growth the most. I see the joy in the students eyes as
they get to either show, teach, or learn an exercise with their Mom or Dad. It creates a
bonding moment and strengthens the important concept of training being most successful
through working as a team! Parents are the greatest cheerleaders throughout our
program, and by us all working together it truly supports the child.
As an adult, what have you learned or grown in while working here. What’s been a
challenge?
I have to hand it to the kiddos- the activities we train are hard! I have strengthened my
belief that if you believe in yourself, the sky is the limit! Believing in yourself is critical to
success in cognitive training. The biggest challenge is helping the kids see that they can
do anything once they believe in themselves. They are so smart and often surprise me
with the witty things their minds think up!
Why do you think pathfinders is worth working for? What makes it stand out?
What makes working at Pathfinders worthwhile is observing a child’s progress
throughout their journey. It is amazing to see how empowered the student feels as they
become more confident in themselves. What makes Pathfinders stand out to me is that so
many techniques we use here are applicable to ALL ages. I have found success in my own
day to day routine by applying what I have learned and it is always an honor to get to
share that with others.
You can find Ms. Kelsey at our new Aliso Viejo location, as well as our Rancho Santa
Margarita office, working with kids and adults, fitting more into her day than most of us
think is possible!
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