Name: Linda Stansbury

Nickname: Linnie

Title: Regional Director - Region 1

Years w/ Company: Less than a year

Years w/in Field: 20+

Education: BA in Children's Theatre, Minor Child Development, Emerson College

Geographic Location: San Francisco, Bay Area

Family info/hobbies: I have been married for 21 years to my best friend. We have two amazing children, an 18-year-old son and a 15-year-old daughter. I like to listen to music (all kinds), dance (structured and free-style), sing, go for walks in the Redwoods, and spend time with my family – sometimes doing many of the above!

Formative Geographic Location (where did you grow up)?
I was born and raised in Massachusetts.

What do you love most about your job?
I love working with people – adults and children. I love seeing others' potential and supporting and inspiring them to reach it. I love the passion that teachers have working with young children and their families. I love the talented colleagues that I have met over the years and their dedication and commitment to children and to our field. And I love that every day brings something new.

If you could meet a famous person (alive or dead), who would you want to meet/why?
I would like to meet Maria Montessori because she was hugely influential in paving the way for children to learn through creativity and exposure to materials in their environment; that children can learn without feeling they are being taught.

Who is your hero/why?
My hero is my other best friend — my mother. She faced many challenges in her life, as she raised five children, and she always put her children first. She is courageous, wise, caring and fun. She created a solid foundation, while teaching respect and determination, and she instilled a drive in me to always reach for success.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by others who share the same passion and commitment towards the work we do, by challenges and new opportunities, by music that moves me to follow my passion in dance, and by my children. When I see their drive, their positive energy and the impact that they have on others, I am inspired to continue to work with children with hopes of having a positive impact on them as well.

What was your favorite subject in school/why?
Music – because music moves me. My music teacher saw potential in everyone and gave me the courage and confidence to pursue my passions and dreams.

What is (or was, growing up) your favorite color crayon?
Purple – it is rich & passionate.