women

Transforming the Role of the Elder in American Society - One Woman’s Vision for a New Kind of Intergenerational Community

by Opal South | October 15th, 2009
Sheila Rubin

When Sheila Rubin wasn’t convinced that the local education options were good enough for her own daughters, she founded The Redmont School’s preschool program – in her own home.


When she realized that there wasn’t a local elementary school that both acknowledged and revered the whole child – not just their intellectual IQ, but their artistic talents and moral development – Sheila spearheaded the grades program at Redmont, by teaching her own class of 1st graders. 


When Ms. Rubin contended that no other Middle School program advocated the teaching of both the academic capacities and the developmental needs of the preadolescent, she stayed with her class of 1st graders and followed them through the 8th grade. Read more...

Women in the Magic City - Vol. I - Part 2

by Opal South | September 30th, 2009
Norse Goddess Hannah Eliot

Interview with Bettina Byrd-Giles

I met up with Bettina Byrd-Giles at Lucy’s Coffee & Tea on a bright Friday afternoon in July. My research had led me to discover her two blogs: The Intercultural Post and Lessons of an 80’s Alumna, as well as her consulting company’s website, The Byrd’s Nest. Raised in Birmingham from the 2nd grade, Bettina’s blogs are chockfull of posts about events in Birmingham, opinions on local elections, tips for recent graduates on how to find the right job and career path, and lively anecdotes about her two-year-old son. Shortly after my arrival at Lucy’s, the casually collected and confident Bettina Byrd-Giles greeted me with a smile, ready for a smoothie and a conversation. Read more...

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Bettina Byrd-Giles