Katie Brandow, MSW, LMSW

Katie received her Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University and attended the University of Oregon where she received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Science with an emphasis in Sociology. Katie spent 11 years working full time in the non-profit mental health sector working with families in family preservation and reunification services. In addition to leading School of Enrichment, Katie continues to provide parent training and medical social work with families in our community. Katie is a certified Early Words instructor, Darkness to Light facilitator and has taught parenting education courses and evidence based programs for the Family Resource Center and The Commission on Children and Families. Katie has worked throughout Central Oregon with teenage girls in mentoring programs as well as providing community trainings on implementing in home parenting techniques among other topics. Katie has been involved with School of Enrichment prior to opening our doors in 2007. Katie is mom to two daughters and believes that early childhood experiences in a supportive environment teaches socialization, problem solving and coping skills creating well rounded children and adults, ready to take on the world. Katie coordinates admissions to School of Enrichment and oversees admissions and the operations of the school.

Katie and the surrounding community recognized the need for a quality, enriching and balanced early childhood program in Bend. After several months of planning with learning specialists and early childhood education professionals, they opened the doors to an excited community of parents who were equally eager to have their child participate. Katie gratefully acknowledges the community of community partners who have brought invaluable insight, professional advice, and generosity in spirit that helped shape School of Enrichment’s foundational years. Her excitement continues as the program continues to grow into something more amazing each day.

Candice Rodgers, AAECE

– Pre-K Teacher

Candice began teaching at School of Enrichment in 2012, yet it feels as if she’s been on our team from the beginning. Candice fits right in and has been a great fit to our school. Candice’s overall positivity, flexibility and way of being with the kids is admirable! It’s clear that she is right where she’d like to be. Candice studied business at University of Oregon for two years prior to deciding to earn her Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Central Oregon Community College. Candice has lived in Central Oregon for 28 years and has worked as a teacher for 8 years and also worked at Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation. Candice has been trained in Darkness to Light and Handwriting Without Tears and is often seeking out training opportunities for herself and the team. Candice nanny’s for two families and enjoys travel, reading, camping and boating in her spare time.

Amanda Barnhart

– Preschool teacher & Certification Director

Amanda Barnhart began as a substitute for School of Enrichment in 2009 and proudly began as the teacher of our preschool program in 2010. Miss Amanda usually has her arms full of kids giving them hugs throughout the day. In addition to leading the preschool students, Amanda oversees School of Enrichment’s specialists and events held off the School of Enrichment campus, such as Drop ‘n Hop and Yogis Unite Bend. Amanda moved to Bend from Salinas, California and has been in Oregon for five years. She started her work with kids at the young age of 12 working in the Sunday school at her church. By age 15, she was doing lesson planning and directing her own classroom. Being a preschool teacher has been Amanda’s lifelong dream and it is evident she was meant to teach. Amanda has been a nanny for several years and although she enjoys children of all ages, she is fascinated by two and three year olds. Amanda started her college education at Monterey Peninsula College in California in Early Childhood Education and is continuing her pursuit at Central Oregon Community College. Amanda, who is always applying new information obtained through her academics, has irreplaceable hands on experience that has definitely given her the confidence to take her knowledge and apply it in the classroom. Spend some time with her and you’ll sense the innate enthusiastic energy.

Wendy Andrick, BSW

- Certified Children’s Hatha Yoga Instructor for Special Needs

In 1997 Wendy completed her Bachelors of Arts and Science in Social Work at the University of Montana with a minor in Spanish and Native American Studies. During this time she worked as a specialist at Watson's Children Shelter where she served a wide population of children from the community, in foster care and who were residing at the shelter. Wendy was in charge of supervising staff, students and organizing developmentally appropriate activities for the infant, toddler, preschool and after school programs.

Upon graduating, Wendy’s career goals switched to teenagers and I spent over 10 years in a variety of capacities working with adolescents on a counseling level. From group homes to probation, juvenile detention to boarding schools for struggling teens. Upon the birth of her daughter Maya, Wendy’s world shifted as she entered the world 3 1/2 months prematurely and has several special needs as a result.

That is when her journey led her to Yoga for the Special Child. Wendy became certified in Yoga in 2009 and plans to pursue the teaching and practice of Yoga. Wendy is honored to be a part of the team at School of Enrichment and share the joys of Spanish and Yoga. Wendy believes passions and healthy living are an important part of education.