March is Women’s History Month, when we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history and contemporary society. With this series, we will highlight some of NPRC’s women for the work they have done throughout their careers and for their contributions to the College and higher education.
NPRC kicks off this series with a celebration of Leigh Anne Kraemer-Naser, the Director of Applied Studies and an Instructor of Early Childhood Education. Kraemer-Naser began her time with NPRC in January 2019 as an adjunct instructor through the pilot program with Gannon University. Later that year, an opening as a full-time instructor of Early Childhood Education opened and Kraemer-Naser began this post in the fall. In November 2021, Kraemer-Naser assumed the role of Director of Applied Studies and continues to lead faculty in early childhood education, special education, social sciences, and criminal justice.
Before her time with the College, Kraemer-Naser taught full time at the middle and pre-school levels, while substituting in grades K-12. She also worked as an educational researcher and curriculum writer and owned and operated her own curriculum development company for over seven years. In her studies, she has completed a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education degree at Mercyhurst University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University, a Childcare Director’s Credential from Point Park University, and will complete a graduate certificate in institutional research from Penn State later this year.
Her own college experience as a transfer student has allowed her to better serve and understand the circumstances of many NPRC students. The College features students who have their own collection of credits and Kraemer-Naser considers herself an advocate to help these students find their best path towards earning a degree. She says, “I transferred after my freshman year of college and had dual enrollment credits from high school. A lot of credits at first didn’t transfer to the institution I ended up graduating from. It took months, multiple emails, submission of course syllabi, and an interview with the head of the Education department before they would accept these credits. As a member of the Transfer Evaluation Team at NPRC now, I try to apply empathy from that experience when looking at transcripts for potential transfer students. I always want to honor students’ academic experiences where it’s appropriate.”
This investment in her students and her positive influence on their lives continue to be the number one accomplishment and area of importance as she continues her career in education. To her, success is measured by how well her students do as they head out to begin their own careers as educators. “Wherever they go after leaving my classroom, whether they become educators themselves or move onto a different career path, it is a reflection of my passion and growth mindset as an educator.”
In her personal life, she is the mom of two teenage girls and has been consistent in making sure they know their mom is not afraid to push limits and fight for change, and they should not be either. She even has the words “be the change” tattooed on her. “One story that sticks with me is my oldest daughter, who was three at the time, was climbing a tree at the park while wearing a dress. An older woman approached her and me and told Caroline to ‘get down because it’s dangerous and little girls can’t climb trees in dresses.’ I assured the woman that my daughter had shorts on under dress and that I was supervising her safety. I let Caroline continue, and I climbed the tree with her. A few years later, on my wedding day, I climbed a tree in my dress. For me, it was an act of rebellion and a positive role model for my girls. Women can do anything they set their minds to. Barriers only exist if you let them.”
Leigh Anne is only one of the many inspiring women at NPRC we are celebrating this month. Join us throughout March for more features that celebrate women in the workplace and inspire local young women to explore an entire world of possibilities in their lives and careers!
NPRC acknowledges that the information contained in this content is complete and accurate at time of publication. It is descriptive in nature and the college reserves the right to make any adjustments it deems necessary or desirable. Updates to programs, tuition, or other academic-related items will be reflected in the online College Catalog or on the respective College web pages. Questions regarding accuracy of content may be emailed to marketing@rrcnpa.org.