This is a Members-Only Portal for families of children currently enrolled at Aspen Grove.
wisdom begins with wonder
Sharon worked in the corporate world for almost 20 years before becoming an entrepreneur. A Philadelphia-based mom of 2, she was inspired to start The Aspen Grove School for her son. After many tours and long waitlists in search of finding a joyful learning environment for him, she decided to build one. Sharon works hands-on with the leadership team in bringing Aspen Grove’s vision to life. She believes in joy at the center of all learning and in the strength of an interconnected community.
Sharon has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication, a Master’s Degree in Marketing Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She is a member of NAEYC, North America Reggio Emilia Alliance and an Ambassador for the Association of Early Learning Leaders. Sharon is also the co-founder of Bhagya Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating girls in her hometown Bangalore, India.
Jade holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from Bryn Mawr College. She started her career as a Preschool and Toddler teacher and most recently served as a Center Director for 5 years. During this time Jade successfully managed enrollment, parent communication and community events. Jade is a lover of nature and nature-based learning and enjoys the joy and wonder that young children exude. When she’s not at Aspen Grove, you’ll find her exploring the many amazing green spaces and restaurants of Philadelphia.
Hi, I’m Alicia! I’ve been working with young children, particularly infants and toddlers since 2015. I am currently working on my Infant and Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA). My favorite children’s books are the “Little Blue Truck” series, and my favorite park is Rittenhouse Square. I love jumping rope and taking nature walks, especially in the Fall! I chose to be a teacher at Aspen Grove because I appreciate the culture here and our appreciation of nature.
Hi, I’m Hana! I have been working in early childhood education since 2020. I hold a Women’s Leadership Certificate from the Hartford International University, Connecticut, a Bachelor of Theology from Southeast Asia Bible Seminary, and have taken many courses in family and women’s studies. I enjoy working with young children because I am always amazed by every small step they can take. I believe it is important to build their self-esteem in early childhood by caring for and loving them genuinely. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because Aspen Grove believes that children have the desire and capacity to explore and discover on their own, and that children always amaze us by the ways they
understand and explore the world, and by their curiosity to try everything and make mistakes. I find these values aligned with my own values. My favorite thing to do in nature is walking, sitting back, and breathing the fresh air amidst green spaces or city parks in full bloom.
Hi, I’m Anita! I have been working in early childhood education since 2015 and am currently enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA). I enjoy working with young children because they are our future. I like watching each child grow and knowing that I had an impact. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because it’s different from any other place that I’ve worked at. I love the idea of the children being at the center of their own learning and being able to bring nature inside the learning environment. My favorite things to do in nature are taking walks and just enjoying the outside world. I also enjoy reading and will gladly take reading a book over watching movies, any day!
Hi, I’m Dom! I am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials and am excited to continue my studies to earn a college degree in child psychology. I have been working in early childhood education since my high school experience at The Free Library of Philadelphia as a Teen Leader, which inspired me to pursue a career in child development. I later became a Group Leader, which further motivated me to work in early childhood education. I enjoy working with young children because I love it when children experience that “ah-ha” moment. Every day is a great opportunity to learn, and I enjoy nurturing and learning alongside them as nature becomes our teacher! I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because we allow nature and our children to take the lead as we offer guidance. My favorite thing to do in nature is engaging our senses to carefully observe and fully experience our surroundings!
Hi, I’m Elaine! I’ve been working with young children for over 25 years of and hold a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am originally from Birmingham, England and joined Aspen Grove in August 2023. Prior to this, I owned and operated a licensed and certified childcare business for 21 years. My childcare program received multiple Philadelphia Childcare Resources Awards as well as a PA State Representative Congratulatory Award for my service and commitment to the early childhood field. After retiring from my business, I took on teaching roles for 2 Keystone Star
4 and NAEYC accredited programs. I believe strongly in programs whose main mission is to maintain high quality standards in early childhood education. I also strongly believe in the African proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child” and I believe that I have discovered a wonderful example of this village right here at the Aspen Grove School. My favorite activities in nature are riding my bike and nice long walks.
Hi, I’m Khayla! I have been working in Early Childhood since 2021. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My favorite things to do in nature are take walks and go hiking. My favorite park in the area is Wissahickon Park. My very favorite children’s book is “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I admired the school values, and wanted to teach in a nature-based program.
Hi, I’m Symantha! I have been working in early childhood education since 2016. I have a Child Development Associate (CDA), and I am also enrolled in the T.E.A.C.H. program at CCP to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with young children because I love being able to shape young minds and create new connections with my students and their families. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I align with the school’s core values. My favorite thing to do in nature is take walks and hikes to observe nature and its amazing views.
Hi, I’m Tameera!. I’ve been working in early childhood education since 2022 and trulyfell in love with ECE. I hope to start working on my CDA (Child Development Associate) shortly, to take the next step in my career in child care. I enjoy working with young children because they are the future and I love being able to contribute great qualities to students & help shape the minds of the next generation. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I admire the Reggio Emilia approach and I understand the importance of nature for everyone. My favorite thing to do in nature is to go on runs with my dog and sit in the sun.
Hi, I’m Alexis! I have been working in early childhood education since 2003. I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) in early childhood education. I enjoy working with young children because I have a true passion for teaching, and I feel that every child needs to have a loving, caring and dedicated teacher who wants to see them grow. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because The Aspen Grove school is a unique place to work at. I love that it’s nature-based and children get to explore the outside for different activities. My favorite thing to do in nature is to collect leaves.
Hi, I’m Yuliana. I have been working in early childhood education since 2018 and have a Child Development Associate (CDA). I am a mom of 2 children – a 17 year old son and a 16 year old daughter. I enjoy working with young children because I love children and seeing things from a child’s perspective. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I appreciate the Core Values, especially “We are unafraid.” My favorite thing to do in nature is using natural materials and reused material to create arts and crafts. I also speak Indonesian and Chinese and I love dancing!
Hi, I’m Tiffany! I’ve been working with young children for over 20 years, and find so much joy in teaching younger tots. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree and have taken many trainings along the way, and I’m excited to continue my education in Early Childhood Education. Working with young children is truly special to me—they have this wonderful way of seeing the world with curiosity and joy, and I love being part of those “lightbulb” moments.
I was drawn to Aspen Grove’s nature-based philosophy. I believe children learn best when they can explore, play, and connect with the world around them. I personally love long walks and reading outdoors, and winter is my favorite season—it’s so calm and beautiful.
I’m learning Chinese, love spending time with my family, and exploring new places. One of my dreams is to visit my Motherland and experience its culture and history in person.
Hi, my name is Dewi. I have a Bachelor of Science in Communication from my country, Indonesia, and have been teaching young children for the last 3 years. I’m passionate about creating a supportive and fun learning environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore. I have 2 young children and am glad that my own son is at Aspen Grove in one of the toddler classrooms.
I love spending time outdoors. My favorite thing to do in nature is hiking through the woods, birdwatching, and exploring the local parks. Being outside inspires me and reminds me of the importance of curiosity and discovery, which I bring into our classroom every day.
Hi, I’m Octavia! I have been working in ECE since 2014. I am currently enrolled in the T.E.A.C.H. Program where I am working towards obtaining my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from birth to 4 years. I enjoy working with young children because they bring out my inner child. It’s a privilege and honor to be a part of a child’s early learning journey and to watch them share the things they have learned with others. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because It’s very inclusive. We get to learn through the process of play. My favorite things to do in nature are standing barefoot on the grass and watching the sunset. Some of my favorite hobbies include going on nature walks, writing short stories, and painting with my children.
Hi, I’m Nykierah! I have worked with Older Toddlers since 2022, and believe that childhood is an important time to honor children as individuals and help them cement their own core values. I began volunteering in Early Childhood during High School, where I taught 3 and 4 year old dance programs. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing. My favorite thing to do with children in nature is observe and explore natural things. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I love the nature focus within education and want to learn and grow as a nature-based teacher!
Hi, I’m Gloria! I have been working in early childhood education since 2016 and am currently enrolled in a Child Development Associate (CDA) program for early childhood education. I enjoy working with young children because they love to learn. Everything is brand new to them and getting to watch their excitement as they explore their environment is priceless. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because one of our core values is that “we value the importance of being little”. Everything in the school is designed with the children’s full development in mind. My favorite thing to do in nature is listen to the birds and to feel the sun on my skin.
Hi, I’m Destinie! I have been working in Early Childhood since 2020. I currently have a Child Development Associate (CDA) in Infants and Toddlers, and am working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood through the T.E.A.C.H. program. I love spending time outside in nature, and my favorite park in Philadelphia is Smith Memorial Playground. My favorite time of year is the very beginning of Fall, when the leaves start to change color and the world feels magical! I chose to become an educator at Aspen Grove because I am drawn to our Core Values – I love that our focus is always on the amazing journey that is a child’s learning!
Hi, I’m Tanya! I have been working in early childhood education since 2010. I have a Masters degree in Child and Adolescence Developmental Psychology from Walden University as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Associates in Human Services. I enjoy working with young children because I take joy in knowing I am truly making a difference in a child’s life . I believe in creating a fun, safe, caring and positive learning environment for my students. My dream is that the students in my classroom remember their learning experience here as fun! I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because Aspen Grove is a Reggio-inspired school. At AGS we base the course of study on the child’s interests to create a collaborative environment that can help encourage growth. Learning is led by each child. My favorite thing to do in nature is planting and gardening.
Hi, I’m La’Shay!. I have been working in early childhood education since 2018. I am enrolled in the T.E.A.C.H. program at CCP to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with kids because it gives me the opportunity to bring my inner child out. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I believe in the core value of the importance of being little. My favorite thing to do in nature is to enjoy the beauty. I love looking at the beautiful flowers and a huge tree, and spotting pretty butterflies or ladybugs.
Hi, I’m Erica. J! I have been teaching in early childcare education since 2014 and counting. I enjoy working with young children because they make me laugh. I constantly feel loved, and they challenge me everyday to think fast and be creative. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because it aligns with my own values. We value the importance of being little! I love that a core value is being a kid and living in the moment for as long as possible. Now that doesn’t mean they can’t be independent, it just means they can still enjoy being a kid and living life. We are unafraid to make mistakes and I always tell my nuggets that mistakes are a part of how we learn. My favorite thing to do in nature is to sit on my porch while it’s raining and a little windy. Listening to the rain fall and enjoying the breeze.
Hi, I’m Qonita! I have been working with young children since 2015 and am currently enrolled in the Child Development Associate (CDA) program for Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with young children because working with kids is fun and they make me laugh. Also, we can learn from them and be motivated to become a better person. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because Aspen Grove has core values that I identify with, such as Nature is our teacher. It makes me happy to teach kids about the world around us, and help them learn something new everyday. My favorite thing to do in nature is to watch my son riding a bike outdoors, and I hope to start camping someday soon!
Hi, I’m Lisa! I have been working in early childhood education since 1990 and have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I enjoy working with young children because I love being a part of shaping and encouraging young minds to do their own thinking and discovery! I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I am in alignment with their core values. I believe early childhood is a very special time for learning and growth. It should be filled with wonder and discovery. It should be a slow walk, not a rush to the next age. I follow nature-based learning because the world has plenty to offer if we take time to look. I enjoy offering authentic learning experiences, not “replicas.” My favorite thing to do in nature (when I cannot be on the beach) is exploring arboretums.
Hello! My name is Eldi, and I’ve been working in childcare for a year now. I’m currently working towards obtaining my CDA certification and would love to pursue further education in the field. I’ve always had a passion for working with children and fostering their curiosity and creativity. I chose Aspen Grove because of the love and thought that goes into every aspect of this center. Growing up in Albania, surrounded by nature, has always been a source of inspiration for me. I believe that providing children with the best opportunities to learn and grow in nature is a driving force behind my work. My favorite things to do in nature are hiking and swimming! I also speak Albanian.
Hello, I’m Summer! I hold an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education and am currently completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Arcadia University. I’ve known from a young age that I wanted to be a teacher and began volunteering with young children at age 15. After graduating high school, I immediately started working full-time in childcare. I love working with young children because of their innate curiosity and eagerness to explore the world around them. Their sense of wonder inspires me to maintain my own. I’ve always been drawn to nature-based education, believing that children learn best through hands-on experiences in their environment rather than through worksheets. I teach at Aspen Grove because it allows me to grow alongside my students in a setting that aligns with my educational values. I enjoy spending my free-time in nature: reading, crocheting, gardening, and exploring. I’m also passionate about the arts and love creating using any medium. I often incorporate reclaimed materials into my work to promote sustainability. I can speak toddler-level French!
Hi, I’m Valerie! I have been working with children since 2014. I have experience as a music teacher, a camp counselor, and most recently I was an assistant teacher in a preschool classroom. My favorite thing to do in nature is go for a bike ride, and Clark Park (with the Dog Bowl) is my favorite local park! My favorite children’s book is “A is for Activists.” I chose to become an educator at Aspen Grove because the nature-based philosophy and emphasis on student exploration and discovery align well with my teaching values.
Hi, I’m Emma! I have been teaching since 2012, teaching Pre-k age students since 2017, and transitioned to Early Childhood full-time in 2021. I have a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and Certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health from Arcadia University. I enjoy working with young children, not to be *too* cliche, but childhood really is a magical time. A 2018 NASA study showed that 98% of children are creative geniuses as opposed to only 2% of adults—2 percent! As we age, we gain life experience, but we lose our innate sense of creativity. Every day I get to come to work, learn from and be inspired by a brilliant group of people and experience their magic firsthand. I can’t imagine anything better. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because of the school’s core values, particularly the importance of being little. As an Early Childhood educator, my goal is to provide young children with the time, space, and materials for meaningful experiences to take place and preserve their “being little” for as long as I possibly can, and hopefully inspire them to be lifelong learners. My favorite thing to do in nature is to just listen.
Hi, I’m Saiful! I have been working in early childhood education since 2010.
I have my Bachelor’s degree in Economics: Accounting from the University of Pamulang in Indonesia.
Working with young children is deeply rewarding to me. I love celebrating their milestones, watching them grow, and sharing in their joy and creativity each day. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because of its strong core values and commitment to nature-based learning, which I believe nurture children’s well-being and resilience.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time with my large family. I’m the sixth of seven children, and also speak Indonesian.
Hello my name is Amy Phath. I have been working in ECE since 2010 and have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies. I enjoy working with all age groups and exploring the minds of young children and seeing them learn through play. It’s amazing how much we can learn from them as well as they can learn from us just by playing and exploring together. My favorite thing to do while being outdoors in nature is to stop and listen and discover new things around me. I enjoy painting, spending time with my family, baking with my nieces and nephews, cooking with my mom and sister, and listening to music. I also speak Khmer, the Native language of Cambodia.
Hi, I’m Jordan! I’ve been working with young children since 2024 and have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I love supporting their early growth and learning, knowing I get to help lay the foundation for their education — it’s truly an honor.
I chose to teach at Aspen because I value its belief that every stage of childhood is important and that all children deserve respect.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy meditating, taking long walks, and exploring new places in nature. I’m also the youngest in a family of five and was co-captain of a step team in college.
Hi, I’m Arianna!
I have been working in early childhood education since 2015.
I enjoy working with young children because I enjoy getting to witness the world through their perspective. They also bring out the silly side of me.
I chose to be an educator as Aspen Grove because I appreciate the core values, especially “We Go the Distance”. I’m willing to go the distance to help my fellow colleagues and children that are in need of assistance.
My favorite thing to do in nature is to take a walk and observe what’s around me.
Hi, I’m Diana!
I have two degrees: An Associates in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
I am from Spain and have been living in Philly for the past three years where I’m raising my daughter who’s the joy of my life! My lifelong connection with children began at 16 when I started working as a babysitter and was a teacher in Spain, as well as working as a au pair in Ireland and Switzerland that deepen my understanding of the diversity of family dynamics.
My favorite thing to do in nature is hiking in the mountains, walking forest trails; or simply enjoying the time outside together with my family.
Hi, I’m Sophia!
I’ve been work with children since 2019 and was recently teaching a farm and garden program. I am currently working on my Bachelors in Human Development at Temple University.
My favorite thing to do in nature is observe trees and my favorite park is Bartram’s Garden (I also love walking along the water!). My favorite children’s book is “A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon.
I chose to join Aspen Grove because of our nature based focus.
Hi, my name is Samaria, and I have been working in early childhood education since 2010. I have a genuine love for working with young children and am dedicated to fulfilling my role as an educator. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is that I not only get to teach, but I also continue to learn and grow alongside the children every day.
I chose to become an educator at Aspen Grove because I truly value its nature-based learning philosophy. This approach gives children the opportunity to explore the outdoors in their own ways, encouraging curiosity, discovery, and joy.
My favorite thing to do in nature is going for walks, where I can enjoy the beauty of different trees and flowers and find peace of mind in the outdoors.
Hi, I’m Will!
I’ve been working in education since 2018 and originally studied filmmaking. I love working with young children because it allows me to challenge their minds while having fun together.
I chose to join Aspen Grove because I believe in teaching children how to connect with the world around them, especially through nature. My favorite things to do in nature is simply standing on my porch during the rain, listening and feeling the breeze.
Outside of teaching, I love to travel and take on adventurous activities like skydiving, hiking, and camping.
Hi, my name is Shakira!
I’ve been working in early childhood education for over 13 years. I love working with young children because their curiosity and joy make every day exciting.
I chose Aspen Grove because its nature-based philosophy matches my belief that children learn best through exploration and connection with the world around them. My favorite thing to do in nature is hiking, gardening, listening to the rain.
Hi, I’m Anooshy! I have been working in early childhood education since 2018. I hold a Bachelors degree in Clinical Psychology. I enjoy working with young children because of my interest in child developmental psychology. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because of my love for children and because of the school’s nature-based focus.
My favorite things to do in nature are making snowmen in the winter and taking long walks.
I speak several languages including Pashto, Urdu, and Punjabi.
Hi, I’m Wulan!
I’m from Indonesia and have been working in early childhood education since 2015.
I chose Aspen Grove because its nature-based approach fits my belief that kids learn best when they’re connected to the world around them. My favorite thing to do in nature is hiking and exploring trails.
I also speak Indonesian, and outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and painting.