Ashley Kate Nazaire is set to graduate in the Spring of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Nazaire began her educational journey at Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), graduating with her Associate of Arts and then transferring to the University in fall 2022. While Nazaire always held a passion for working with children and families, her decision to join the HDFS program wasn’t immediate. At TMCC, Nazaire first studied Computer Science, then decided to switch to the HDFS program once she started her bachelor’s degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

“I just knew I had a calling to work with children and families, and this major was for me. This major has helped me build closer relationships with the families at my job and my students. Being a preschool teacher has a special place in my heart, knowing that I am positively shaping their futures.” said Nazaire.

Nazaire completed her internship with Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS), an organization that provides services to families and children from birth to three with developmental delays or disabilities. Through this experience, Nazarie was able to attend daycares and home visits, shadowing developmental, speech, occupational and physical therapists. Reflecting on her internship experience, Nazaire highlights, “This internship made me realize that I enjoy helping children with their developmental goals, which made me think about going to grad school.” 

Nazaire is a first-generation student, and her accomplishments have made a significant impact on her family. She fondly reflects on her support system during her time at the University, exclaiming, “My friends, my family, my students, and Jenna Dewar have played a big role in my journey, as well as the team at the College of Education and Human Development. I could tell that the professors I've had were passionate about what they taught, which helped me grasp the content I was learning.”

Jenna Dewar is a senior lecturer and assists students in facilitating their internship experiences.

Dewar explains, “Ashley has been such a bright light in our program – with a resilient spirit and determination to gain new experience. Through her internship, she experienced many of the facets of working with young children with unique developmental needs, and this will serve her well as an effective professional in the future.”

Reflecting on her time at the University, Nazaire explains that although balancing her work and her coursework was difficult at times, she states, “I am proud of myself for not giving up and always doing my absolute best in my assignments no matter what I was feeling.” 

Nazaire offers advice for future students entering the HDFS program or the University. “One piece of advice I would give future students is don't forget to take care of yourself, do things you enjoy, and take breaks when you need them,” said Nazaire.

After graduation, Nazaire plans to travel and continue her work as a preschool teacher. She explained that she eventually would like to pursue a master’s degree in speech pathology and audiology. “I’ve always wanted to work with children developmentally, and Speech Pathology and Audiology are something that has been on my mind.”