Get to know Marietta Brady, our Tots Playgroup leader!

Marietta Brady has never not worked with kids.  As a teenager, she worked as a camp counselor in Peru, South America where she developed her signature teaching style – a combination of spontaneity, structure and movement.  From there, she went on to earn a bachelors degree in Physical Education and taught in schools for over five years.

At the Social Center, she leads two free groups for young children on Fridays. 

The SPANISH TOTS  group, from 10a – 10:30am, is a Spanish immersion class for 1-5 year olds. Marietta links the teachings to games, play and motion.  She says that some of the tots learn enough to have short conversations and sometimes speak with her in Spanish when they encounter her around town.  She has observed that “Learning a second language helps you think faster and brings a kind of mental strengthening.  The kids like the feeling of something new and often the parents learn alongside the kids”. Marietta gives each caretaker a set of songs in Spanish and book materials to practice at home.

Her TOTS PLAYGROUP runs from 10:30am – 12pm. Children aged 0-7, together with a parent or guardian, are welcome to join this fun group where kids can play and learn social skills. Adults can share experiences, bond and sometimes commiserate in a face-to-face setting. Play is both outdoors and indoors - depending on the weather - and includes fun activities like a bounce-house, soccer, water balloons, music, gymkhana, bubbles, crafts, etc. All are welcome from Elizabethtown and neighboring communities. 

Through the Social Center, Marietta has also led hikes for children and taught Peruvian dance.  In her life outside the center, she teaches and tutors English and skills for newcomers to the U.S.   She is also a swimming instructor for parent and child lessons and for kids, teenagers and adults.

Marietta first came to the U.S. in 2012 to live and work as an exchange student in Minnesota. After her time in the Midwest, she set out on a trip to see the Statue of Liberty, but stopped at Whiteface along the way.  She fell in love with the area - and with a man who would later become her husband.  It’s truly our gain to have her many talents and good spirit here in Elizabethtown.