Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Milwaukee Recreation’s Beulah Brinton Community Center is often bustling with activity throughout the year. From athletic classes for active older adults to music instruction for all ages and skill levels, participants have various recreational opportunities to fit all of their interests and needs.
At the heart of Beulah Brinton, there is a familiar figure whose energy, kindness, and inclusive programming have fostered deep connections within the community. Aimee Guzman, known as Ms. Aimee to her students and families, is well known for her commitment to creating safe spaces that develop crucial learning opportunities, personal growth, and socialization skills for ages 1-7.
Since joining Milwaukee Recreation just over one year ago, Guzman has quickly become a cornerstone of the community for young families. As a mother and a previous participant in Milwaukee Recreation’s programming, Guzman fostered a deep understanding of what families in the area needed and sought to fill that gap with various programs that address a child’s early developmental needs.
“I wanted to come up with a wide assortment of programs so that if something didn’t seem like a perfect fit for a family, I would have other options for them,” Guzman said. “It didn’t mean that they didn’t fit in, it just meant that we needed to find a different program for them.”
After running her own state-licensed child care for a number of years, Guzman wanted to further address the need for increased access to children's programs throughout the city, while also giving families a more affordable option.
“What I’ve noticed is that oftentimes there are programs out there, but so many people are priced out of them,” Guzman said. “I love that we can give all of these options, but at a very reasonable price. If we didn’t have Milwaukee Recreation’s programs, there would be so many kids who could not take part simply because of cost.”
This winter, Guzman is set to continue running her extensive list of play group programming at Beulah Brinton, offering classes such as Regulation Station, Tot Time with Aimee, Thomas and Friends, Fidgity Foodies, Sporty Sprouts, Heavy Work Like Hulk, Mini Mixed Media Marvels, and My First Play Group.
Each week, Guzman combines structured activities and games that work to develop learning comprehension, listening, teamwork, and sharing skills. Each session offers participants a wide range of activities including arts & crafts, dancing, reading, cooking, music, and sports.
For the kids who walk into Guzman’s classes each week, it is clear that the experience has helped to expand both their social and learning skills. Guzman’s ability to create a nurturing environment where youth feel seen, valued, and understood has allowed them to grow into more expressive versions of themselves, while also gradually preparing them for their shift into K4 learning. “I love having the opportunity to watch the kids grow,” Guzman said. “Seeing a kid that comes in nervous and reserved, [and] blossoms into someone who could go into their K4 classroom with such personality and confidence, I love seeing them come out of their shell and show me who they are over time.”
Joel Symons, the supervisor of Beulah Brinton Community Center, has worked closely with Guzman throughout her time at Milwaukee Recreation and emphasized just how significant her impact has been on participant's lives. “It’s quite possible that for many of Ms. Aimee’s students, their first memory in life will be taking her class at Beulah Brinton Community Center. I can’t think of a better memory to look back on,” Symons said.
Every day, dozens of young people gather in Guzman’s classroom, excited to see what activity is in store for them. As parents observe and give thanks on their way out, Guzman responds to their feedback with incredible gratitude and hopes she can provide families with the same positive experiences she had with her children in Milwaukee Recreation’s programming.
“I feel so lucky, and I’m really proud of the job that I have,” Guzman said. “I’m hoping that because of their early and positive experience with Milwaukee Recreation, families will continue taking more classes. That’s my hope. To bring in families as early as possible and get them in love with Milwaukee Recreation and all we provide, just like it happened for me.”
Visit mkerec.net/guide for more information on Ms. Aimee’s winter classes and other programs offered throughout the city! Registration for programs in the Winter 2025 Recreation Guide begins on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. for city of Milwaukee residents and Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. for non-residents.