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Co-founder & Owner
Head of School
Director of Program and Teaching
Director of Admissions
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:
I’m Joanna, I’m originally from New York City, happily married (20 years and counting) and mother of two wonderful young adults. I also speak Spanish! I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern University and now working on my BS in Childhood Studies. I have worked with young children for over 11 years , 4 of which have been with infants. I have all the patience in the world when it comes to working with children, especially infants! It’s a passion that started in my heart the size of a mustard seed and throughout the years that seed has grown and flourished into what I feel and express to my little students and families on a daily basis - TENDER, LOVE & CARE! My goal is to care for and nurture my students in a loving teachable environment. To help them develop skills that can prepare them for their future years.
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I’m Diah! I am a mother of a 19 year old girl and 13 year old boy. I have a bachelor’s degree from Adibuana University Indonesia with a Major in Education. I have many ECE certifications and have been working with children for 9 years. I also speak Indonesian! I love working with children because I want to see their growth and to help them achieve their milestones. With my patience, love, and ability, I take care of my classroom children like they are my own.
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I’m Victoria (Vicky). I have over 6 years of experience in teaching. I have a Bachelor degree in Art and Art History from Rowan University and am currently working on my Masters in Early Childhood Education from Eastern University. I teach the toddler age group and enjoy bringing a nurturing, safe, loving and creative environment for my students. I enjoy learning, teaching, creating, and supporting all learners by giving them the utmost care and support to thrive and grow!
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I’m Tanya! I have a Masters degree in Child and Adolescence Developmental Psychology from Walden University as well as a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Associates in Human Services. I have been an Early Childhood educator for over 10 years. I take such 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 and my dream is that children in my classroom remember their learning experience here as fun!
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I’m Alexis! I have a dual bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as Childhood Education from Fredonia State University and am certified to teach children ranging in age from birth up to 6th grade. One of main reasons I chose to pursue a career in teaching (specifically in the early childhood range), is because I believe that we, as people, are naturally very curious and engaged learners. For that reason, I think it is remarkably important for there to be an education system filled with teachers who believe in each child’s potential to learn and grow and who are willing to work to find the best way for them to do so. During these crucial formative years, a child is learning the foundational skills that will carry them through to adulthood. They are learning at least one language (as well as the body language and other nuances therein), they are figuring out how to move around, dress and feed themselves, engage with peers, resolve conflicts, and use the tools available to them in order to solve problems. I am very excited to help build upon the skills children already have and continue to engage with their surroundings in a kind, curious, and considerate way!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
