Baby Bear Hugs Hires New Staff

October 22, 2004

Kiowa County Baby Bear Hugs is pleased to announce the hiring of two new staff members, Tina Kraft as Kiowa County Coordinator and Shellie Engelhardt as Paraprofessional.

Tina Kraft who has been a member of the community most of her life is very excited about her new position. She completed her degree in Early Childhood Education in July and is really looking forward to being able to use her education and experience to help the young children and their families in Kiowa County. She will be coordinating all aspects of the program and hopes to get some volunteer visitors going soon. Tina is married to David Kraft and they have five children, Chelsea, Shawn, Levi, Jacob, Bryce, one grandchild two-year old granddaughter Khylar, and one more on the way. Baby Bear Hugs is moving in a great new direction and we know that Tina will do a great job.

Shellie Englehardt is the new Para-Professional visitor. Her duties will be visiting families and helping Tina when needed. Shellie is very excited about the opportunities her new position will give her and the families she visits. She feels very blessed to be a part of the community and Baby Bear Hugs. Shellie is the new bride of David Engelhardt and moved to Eads in June of this year. Shellie has three sons, Austin and Rhian who live in Denver, and Keagan who is in fifth grade in Eads.

Baby Bear Hugs would also like to say thank you to the Kiowa County Commissioners who have given the Program their First office ever in Kiowa County. The office is located in the courthouse down stairs across from the Sheriffs Office. This is a project that has been underway for sometime and we are very thankful to have this space. So thanks to Vern, Rod, and Dutch we really appreciate this.

There will be a advisory committee meeting on November 17th, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be held at the courthouse so everyone can see the new office.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help the program contact Tina or Shellie.