Program Coordinators
Hi, I’m Jayne
I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity.”- Eleanor Roosevelt
The launch of Canary Cottage Kids on the Block in Columbus is a dream come true for Jayne! She fondly remembers being a KOB puppeteer from 1987 to 1992 while living in Cincinnati. She and her puppet partner presented shows to grade school students to raise awareness about the inclusion of children with disabilities and mental health issues. Students were curious to hear these stories about acceptance and kindness.
As a result of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jayne was curious to find a way to open discussions about the behavioral health issues impacting grade school students. By chance, she mentioned her passion to an executive director who is active in performing arts in Columbus. They discovered a KOB troupe waiting for Jayne in a storage room in a theater! Jayne enthusiastically adopted the entire family of puppets.
Jayne had a conversation with her friend Laura, who she teamed with for many years. Together, they shared a passion for supporting youth through their comfort dogs by volunteering at Ohio State University. Laura expressed an interest in partnering with Jayne and bringing puppet performances to children in Columbus.
Jayne has also been an active volunteer working with various organizations supporting disabled children and their families. Professionally, she is an executive coach and a facilitator of leadership development programs for corporate leaders. She is skilled in understanding human growth and development.
Hi, I’m Laura
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” – William Butler Yeats
Kids have always been a huge part of Laura’s life, so she was thrilled when Jayne suggested starting a Kids on the Block troupe in Columbus, Ohio.
Laura served on the Harrison County Library Board for several years and became a member of the Ohio Gifted Education Board when she moved to Marysville, Ohio.
Laura specialized in dog behavioral issues as a canine business owner and founded the Acme Therapy Dog group. This group worked with The Ohio State University to help students cope with stress. Laura also trained emotional support dogs for the Delaware County Halfway House.
Though retired, Laura stays involved in the community. She serves on the Grange Audubon Society’s Backyard Wildflower Challenge board. She helped create a nature preserve out of an open area of land belonging to her Homeowner’s Association.
Laura enjoys presenting programs at schools because, through puppetry, she can bring children to a teachable moment that they will never forget.
She has always worked with kids through church and scouting. Laura would use puppets for the different characters in the books she would read to them.
Laura is passionate and dedicated to Canary Cottage Kids on the Block’s mission and work. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University for her undergraduate degree. Her husband, Phil, and she have two hilarious grandchildren –Theo and Felix. And has learned firsthand the toll the pandemic has taken on them in terms of social and behavioral issues.
To relax, Laura enjoys reading, gardening, painting, and walking with her two dogs, Penny and Peso.
Tech Support
Hi, I’m Phil
I like to help Jayne and Laura with their project.
How to become a puppeteer
Are you interested in becoming a puppeteer for Canary Cottage Kids on the Block? Click here to learn more about this volunteer position.
How to support the program
Thank you! Schools need the programs but lack funding. Make a difference for your school by contacting Laura Davis to inquire about sponsorship for a school presentation.
You can make a financial contribution or contribute your time. Click here to learn more about how you can support Canary Cottage Kids on the Block.