Meet Karen Avital: ECE Program Director & Early Childhood Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Avital and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, how do you think about risk?
My first memory of taking a risk was at age 7, I was at a friends house and loved practicing cartwheels (I literally thought I was a gymnast, ha!) I decided to cartwheel off of a flight of 4 stairs at her house (umm, that didn’t go to well). I ended up in the ER with a broken arm. Apparently, I was known for taking risks as a child, and my sisters took part in inspiring me. When I was 3 my sister spun me around by my arms (dislocated my elbow), the same day the cast came off I hopped on my sister’s very cool banana seat bike and caught my leg in the wheel. Back to the hospital the same day to place a cast on my leg! I was very creative and ambitious as a child (with a few broken bones along the way). I had a lot of freedom to explore the outdoors. I truly believe that this is where a lot of my risk-taking skills started building. When my parents got divorced at the age of 14, I was pushed to take more risks, and geez did I jump for them. Throughout my life I’ve always had a “go experience new things” kind of mentality. So when it was time to take the risk and jump from a Corporate position at a Biotech firm, I didn’t hesititate to jump. I’ve always been a confident believer. When one door closes another opens. When the door opened 11 years ago to own and operate my own Child Care Center, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was 28 at the time, and never owned my own business. I took many risks along the way, but never felt scared to take them. I always believed that this was my destined path, this is was my purpose. Risks have always pushed me to the edge, and every time I jumped or heck landed another cartwheel it felt good. Sometimes, you don’t land the right way, but you find it in you to get up and keep ongoing. I can really relate this to my educational approach to teaching young children. I refrain from instilling fear in them, rather allowing them to take rational risks, they can learn from and build their confidence around. I see children today as resilient and competent explorers, risk-taking is a skill set that is built over time.

What should our readers know about your business?
For the past 11 years I have been running Barefoot Atelier, a Child Care Center in West Los Angeles. I have always been so proud of our community, our educational approach to Early Childhood Education and the values instilled in our children. Just a few days ago a parent said “I love the vibe here, it feels so good”. I agree, Barefoot is definitely a vibe, not just a place you drop off your child and leave. The Atelier has its own soul, and you can feel its vibration. The journey wasn’t easy, there have been many ups/downs. There are many times I have stopped and said “wow, I really didn’t sign up for this.” As a Director you find yourself wearing multiple hats, you must be a confident leader as that sets the tone for the entire operation. You must be highly organized and business-oriented, as there are many administrative duties involved. Beyond that, we are coaching parents, supporting teachers, complying with State Standards, HR, and the list goes on and on. Throughout it all I have brought two children to the world and am currently expecting our third. Wowza! I have learned throughout time to slow down and take it one day at a time. If I don’t complete my to-do list today, it’s not the end of the world, the sun will rise again tomorrow. Staying positive has always helped me stay on track. I’ve had moments that I’ve fallen, but with such a warm/loving family and community support I have always seemed to find my way back! Barefoot Atelier is a special place, with an eclectic vibe. A place many children, families, and educators call home. This makes my heart happy, and inspires me to get up every day and continue doing what I love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is full of eclectic experiences. Pre-COVID of course; Breakfast @Gjusta in Venice, A nice ride on the bike path. A drive on PCH can take you to multiple fun spots; Malibu Country Mart going North, Balboa Island going south. Yoga classes @Laughing Frog Yoga are great for a neighborhood studio. Rent paddle boards in the Marina, and grab a drink at one of the nearby hotels. Dinner @ Milo & Olive or enjoy a drink at Moonshadows on PCH during a sunset. There are many wonderful spas to explore one of my favorites Tomoko Spa in Beverly Hills, for something less expensive head down to Santa Monica and enjoy The Now Spa or The Raven. There are many great juice places to gulp something healthy after a hike @juice crafters, Moon juice, Pressed juicery Spend the day in Old Town Pasadena, Larchmont, Abbott Kinney, or Silverlake. Nature Lovers Enjoy: Hikes, There are some increbile hikes in our city! Time tunnel in Topanga is a gem! Temescal Canyon, Eaton canyon. Huntington Gardens Museums: Natural History Museum, The getty, La Brea Tar Pits. Our city offers wonderful workshop opportunities, cooking classes (@Hipcooks) Potter classes (@Eco Ceramics in Palms) Dane classes (@LADancefit). Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A special shoutout; to my Dad who has always inspired me to be who I am, and believed in me! My mom, for all the lessons, learned, and my sisters for always being such good role models (I forgive you for the broken bones!). My husband who encourages me daily believes in me and has taught me all about love, you have been there every step of the way! I love you! To those that have been on my path that has taught me right from wrong, thank you for the lessons, you have helped me become who I am today. To the children of our world; don’t let fear push you around, be brave and jump as high as you can! Take risks, and be courageous our world needs compassionate citizens that will do right for it. Love Freely

Website: www.barefootatelier.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/barefootatelier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarefootAtelierPreschool