From Vail Christian High School to the Clyfford Still Museum
Paris Baker's Inspiring Journey in Early Childhood Education
Paris Baker, a graduate of Vail Christian High School’s Class of 2013, has established an impressive path in the field of early childhood education and development. Following her graduation from VCHS, Paris pursued higher education at Colorado State University, where she completed her undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies in 2017. Her dedication to the field led her to further her studies, earning a master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado in 2023.
After achieving her bachelor’s degrees, Paris began her professional journey at Colorado State University’s Lab Development School at the Early Childhood Center (ECC). There, she worked with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, focusing on enhancing early childhood experiences for children, educators, and caregivers through improved accessibility and program development. As a mentor teacher at the ECC, Paris supported and supervised many undergraduate students as they had their first experiences in the field. After graduating with her master’s degree, Paris took on the role of Project Coordinatorfor the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, contributing to their Early Childhood Mental Health Unit, focused on increasing accessibility and awareness of services for teachers and young children across the state.
Paris’ passion for early childhood education found its perfect fit at the Clyfford Still Museum in Denver, where she currently serves as the Family and Early Childhood Manager. Her innovative work, alongside her supervisor Nicole Cromartie, was recently highlighted in an article by the New York Times. This article showcased their unique program, Art Crawl, which is designed to offer infants and their caregivers the opportunity to engage with art, build relationships, and learn alongside each other while surrounded by Still’s expansive body of work. Held three times a month, Art Crawl allows newborns through 14-month-old children to the galleries, explore multisensory materials, and interact with the artworks in a stimulating environment. The feature included a snapshot of Paris’ sister, Kass (Baker) Whitman, VCHS Class of 2017, and her daughter Ridgway, sitting in front of a Clyfford Still painting, with Paris captured in the background.
Although not directly mentioned in the New York Times article, Paris plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and expanding the museum's programs for young children. Her efforts at the Clyfford Still Museum are a testament to her commitment to fostering creativity and exploration among children and families.
Reflecting on her time at Vail Christian High School, Paris fondly recalls the close-knit community and the supportive environment.
“The family experience I had as a student was something special. The love and caring that teachers and other students had for each other and being in community with others created shared experiences that I treasure.”
Paris’s advice to current students at VCHS is profound:
“Ask yourselves the ‘deepest why’ behind what you do. Be aware of what makes you passionate and what brings you joy. Life should be joyful, so lean into what brings you joy.”
Paris Baker’s journey from Vail Christian High School to her impactful role at the Clyfford Still Museum is exemplary of how dedication, passion, and community values can shape a meaningful career. Her work continues to inspire and enrich the lives of young children and their families, making her an exemplary VCHS alumna.
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