wisdom begins with wonder

The Leadership Team

Co-founder & Owner

Head of School

Director of Program and Teaching

Director of Admissions

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

Benjamin Franklin

Our teachers are the footsoldiers of our vision and are at the heart of what we do.

As a Reggio-inspired school, Aspen Grove teachers serve as guides to a child’s natural curiosity. They understand the importance of being little and bring optimism, nurturing and connection to their classrooms. Our teachers represent the world that our children will grow up in and many speak a second language. Our lead teachers are degreed in Early Childhood Education or in a related field and our assistant teachers are either degreed or have CDAs (Child Development Associate). Meet some of them:

Our Teachers

Joanna Martinez

Classroom: Infants

Diah Rahayu

Classroom: Infants

Victoria Butler

Classroom: Toddlers

Tanya Johnson

Classroom: Toddlers

Alexis Gardner

Classroom: Pre-K
Our Leadership Team

Sharon Jayakumar

Co-Founder & President

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.

Our Leadership Team

Samaad Robinson

Head of School

Samaad holds a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration.  Samaad has over a decade of experience in education administration.  Prior to Aspen Grove, he was Dean of Climate and Culture at Thomas H. Dudley Family School in East Camden, New Jersey as well as Family Enrollment Guide for the Camden City School District and played a key role in student and community outreach. 

Samaad is a classical trained pianist and started his career in education as a music teacher.  He loves working in early childhood education as he sees the powerful impact we can have on a child’s life by helping shape their early years.

Our Leadership Team

Maria Banks

Director of Program and Teaching

Maria is an early childhood and elementary educator who specializes in finding innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning.  Maria has her B.S. in Elementary Education from Temple University and is licensed in classroom instruction, curriculum development, supervision and the principalship. Maria started her career as a nursery and prekindergarten teacher and later worked with kindergarten through eighth grade students in Philadelphia and Wissahickon Schools. 

Maria has coached, supervised and provided professional development for educators.  She has co-authored the book PLCs, DI, & RTI: A Tapestry for School Change.

Maria is also a member of Childhood Education International, NAEYC and the Reading/Writing Project. Maria also holds a Masters in Education.

Our Leadership Team

Shakita Green

Director of Admissions

Shakita has been immersed in the field of education since 1998.  She is a lifelong learner and has a Bachelors Degree in Education from Syracuse University.  Shakita spent 5 years advocating for students in the Philadelphia School district as an Early Literacy Specialist, supporting teachers and school leaders with implementing research based best practices.  Whether in the classroom as a teacher, in the field as a coach, in the community as a volunteer or at church as a servant leader, she feeds her soul by staying committed to empowering children, families and communities.