Colby, Kan. – (Wednesday, June 3, 2020)
Jennifer “Jen” Moss, Childcare Provider and former Nutrition Specialist at Kids Port, has been promoted to Director of the group childcare center which operates two locations in Colby. Moss replaces Ashleigh Bustillos who left the organization in February.
Moss has been a familiar face at Kids Port since 2016, providing lesson plans, caring for children, planning, and preparing nutritious meals.
“At Kids Port, we focus on offering an assortment of healthy foods, and we strive to serve only fresh fruits and vegetables. Everything is homemade in our on-site kitchen,” says Moss. “And, I’ve always enjoyed incorporating lessons and opportunities to learn into meal prepping and whenever possible.
“Kids love to help in the kitchen, and we encourage them to help with meal prepping, cleaning, folding laundry and other chores at Kids Port. It’s especially rewarding to see children shine when they are proud of an accomplishment, and when they have the opportunity to be helpful while also learning.”
Before Kids Port, Moss spent 14 years serving the Golden Plains School District as a paraeducator through the Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center.
“As a paraeducator, I gained valuable knowledge from some of the most talented and dedicated teachers in northwest Kansas,” continued Moss. “Together, with more than four years of experience becoming familiar with Kids Port, I am most excited to bring my teaching experience and knowledge to the table in my new role as Director, and to share it with others.”
“Jennifer has continued to exceed my expectations at Kids Port,” says Travis Rickford, Executive Director of LiveWell Northwest Kansas, the parent nonprofit organization who oversees the operation of Kids Port.
“Without a doubt, her promotion to the Director position as already proved to be an asset to the organization as she is respected by her fellow childcare providers and is loved not only by the children at Kids Port but also their parents. Jennifer is skilled with patience and compassion, is both personable and professional, and shares her interests in education and living a healthy life with the children every day.”
A graduate of Golden Plains High School, Moss received an associate degree from Colby Community College in 1985 before attending Fort Hays State University from 1986-1987. She and her husband, Terry Moss, a farmer from Menlo, have two grown children, Dylan Moss and Jacy Moss.
To learn more about Kids Port, go to www.LiveWellNWK.org/KidsPort.