Lab Staff

Dr. Patty Clarkson
Director
pkclarks@calpoly.edu

Patty Clarkson is an early education professional who has over 30 years of experience as an administrator, principal, director, teacher, seminar leader and consultant. Patty received her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership (with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education) from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She received a BS in Psychology and Human Development and a MA in Education Administration from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Patty’s research interests include the impact of college lab programs in supporting student’s constructivist views. Patty co-authored A Developmental Approach to Educating Young Children (Corwin, 2010) and a case study featuring the Learning Lab in More Than A Motto (Volume 1, 2017). In addition to directing the Lab program, Patty also teaches the CD230 Lab course as well as various other Child Development/Early Education courses. Patty continues to consult throughout the state with schools and early education programs in areas of staff development, quality practices, operational guidelines, and licensing regulation support.

 

Kari Applegate
Early Childhood Master Teacher
kapple02@calpoly.edu

Kari has been the Master Teacher at the Learning Lab since September of 2012. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in child development (CD) from Cal Poly and her Master’s in early childhood education (ECE) from Fresno State University. In between degrees, Kari experienced many different areas of the CD and ECE fields including teaching, early intervention, and preschool program consulting on inclusion and behavior. She was also program coordinator for state CD programs for Community Action Partnership. She enjoys helping children discover and grow a love for learning!

 

 

Laura Deichen
Early Childhood Teacher
ldeichen@calpoly.edu

Laura has been an early education teacher for the Learning Lab since December of 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simpson University, and an AA in Early Childhood Education from Shasta College. Laura has extensive experience in early education as a site supervisor, lead teacher, after-school teacher and inclusion support facilitator for Head Start in Orange County. She enjoys creativity in all its forms, but especially loves textile arts. Camping, hiking, books, and cooking keep her grounded; while her four adult children encourage her to reach high.

 

 

Brooke Palmerston
Early Childhood Teacher
bpalmers@calpoly.edu

Brooke earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from California State University, Northridge and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of Colorado Denver in 2022. Her experience in early childhood education has focused on preschool-aged children, families, and supporting adults who work with young children through classroom teaching and educational workshops.

Her teaching practice is inspired by both the Reggio Emilia and Montessori approaches, including advanced study in Reggio Emilia in 2019. Brooke has facilitated trainings including Strengthening Families, Family Storyteller, KNPB Educational Outreach Workshops, and Nevada Pre-K Standards trainings. She enjoys sharing art experiences with children and spending time in nature through walking and camping.

 

Child Development Faculty

Name	Office Location	Email	Phone
Jennifer Jipson	47-24C	jjipson@calpoly.edu	805-756-2033
Denise Daniels	47-21D	ddaniels@calpoly.edu	805-756-2106
Jasna Jovanovic	47-21B	jjovanov@calpoly.edu	805-756-2611
Linda Lee	47-21Q	llee10@calpoly.edu	805-756-6131
Jessica Kaczorowski	47-21P	jkaczoro@calpoly.edu	805-756-2077
Natasha Duell	47-21D	nduell@calpoly.edu	805-756-2004