Prime Poway Woman No. 15: Colleen Pratt

Also Read: Highlighting 31 Prime Poway Women

A mother who loves the children she volunteers to work with as much as she loves her own is why Colleen Pratt is a Prime Poway Woman.

Pratt, who has lived in Poway for 12 years and previously taught at an elementary school, became actively involved at Midland Elementary when her children began attending the school.

After volunteering in the classrooms, Pratt stepped it up a huge notch and became the first president of the Midland Educational Foundation and is now a part-time IMPACT teacher.

But she doesn't consider the school fortunate for having her—in fact, it's the other way around for Pratt.

"Midland is a great place to be with an incredible staff and wonderful families," she said. "How lucky am I to get to be with kids each day."

Pratt, who looks up to Midland Principal Julie Lerner, said she is most proud of her family and five children: Sam, Abby, Sadie, Joe and Zeke.

"My children are funny, thoughtful and kind children," she said. "I am proud to say that they are great citizens who are concerned about others and their well being.  It makes me very proud of all of them."

What does Women's History Month mean to you?

"Women’s History Month is important because as women, we need to celebrate the women who paved the way for us to make whatever choices we want.  We can choose to work, stay at home, or do both if we so choose.  The women who came before us made it possible for us to live our dreams."