Kathleen Flanagan
Family and Child Studies - 1993 MS Graduate
About Me
My name is Kathleen Flanagan. I am from Franklin, Louisiana, but lived in the Monroe area for 17 years. While living in North Louisiana, I was a pre-kindergarten and kindergarten teacher in both public and private schools. In 1993, I received my master’s degree through the College of Human Ecology in Early Childhood Education. In 1996, my family and I returned to the area of South Louisiana where I grew up. I have been employed with the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana for ten years. For the last six years I have served as director of Yaamahana/Chitimacha Child Development Center. Yaamahana is a “Class A” state licensed center serving children from 6 weeks through 7 years old. My staff and I continuously strive to provide quality care to the children and families in our program. I am also a trainer for Excellence for Children/The First Three Years. I present trainings to Louisiana child caregivers on the nationally recognized Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers curriculum.
Why Tech?
When teaching in the Monroe area in the early 1990’s, I found that my philosophy regarding Developmentally Appropriate Practices was frequently challenged. I knew why play was so important, but I did not know how to convince administrators, colleagues, and parents of the benefits of play. I wanted to know more about best practices for young children and decided that continuing my education was the answer. Before enrolling in a graduate program, I visited with Dr. Janie Humphries. After our first conversation, I knew that Louisiana Tech offered the kind of program that would meet my needs. My three years at Louisiana Tech were an excellent educational experience that provided the foundation I needed to run a quality child care center. My role as trainer also started with encouragement from Dr. Janie Humphries while I was attending Louisiana Tech.
Mentor
Dr. Janie Humphries was my mentor while attending Louisiana Tech and has had a continuing influence throughout my professional career. Her dedication to improving the quality of early childhood programs is inspirational. Each year at the Louisiana Early Childhood Association Conference, I attend Dr. Humphries’ session so I can once again benefit from her wealth of knowledge. I can sincerely say that Dr. Humphries is one of the most influential people in my life.
Pam Romero
Nutrition and Dietetics - 1986 Graduate
My name is Pam Romero,RD,LDN,CDE. I am currently a Public Health Nutritionist with the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Nutrition Section where I am the Coordinator of the Louisiana Council on Obesity Prevention & Management (LA Obesity Council), consultant to the Chronic Disease Programs and supervisor of dietitian specialist. I received a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from LA Tech University and Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) status from the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators.
I practiced as a Diabetes Educator Nutritionist at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center for 16 years. As the Program Manager of the Diabetes Center, I expanded the program to become the Diabetes & Nutrition Center, with the acquirement of reimbursement through Medicare for medical nutrition therapy.
I served as the National Legislative Network Coordinator for the Louisiana Dietetics Association, 1996-1998 lobbying for medical nutrition therapy in Washington and worked effectively with the Louisiana Legislature in the passage of the 1997 Louisiana Diabetes Bill. I have participated in and chaired numerous committees with the Baton Rouge Dietetic Association, Louisiana Dietetic Association, Baton Rouge Affiliate of the American Diabetes Association, and the American Association of Diabetes Educators. I currently serve as a Board Member and the Secretary/Treasurer of the Louisiana Board of Examiners in Dietetics and Nutrition.
