This is a Members-Only Portal for families of children currently enrolled at Aspen Grove.
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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.
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.
My name is Joanna Martinez. I have been with The Aspen Grove School going into my third year. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern University and recently decided to go back to school to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Studies, which I am currently working on. I have worked in early childhood for 11 years, 4 of which have been with infants. It has been a wonderful journey and experience that is a career for me. I also have a certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Being a teacher is 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! I am also a mother of two wonderful young adults. I speak English & Spanish.
I have just joined the Aspen Grove team and have been working as an educator with children ages 2-12 years for 4 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Scientific Illustration with Pre-med Emphasis. I love working with young children and I appreciate the opportunity to be a positive role model and force in their lives. I speak English and Spanish.
I’m Elaine and I am originally from Birmingham, England. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and have over 25 years of background experience working with infants, toddlers, and school age children. Prior to my role at Aspen Grove, I owned and operated a licensed and certified ECE program for 21 years. My program received multiple Philadelphia Child Care Resources Awards as well as a PA State Representative Congratulatory Award for my service and commitment to the early childhood field. After retiring my business, I took on the roles of Assistant Teacher and Lead Teacher for 2 Keystone Star 4 and NAEYC accredited programs.
I believe being a part of programs whose mission and commitment is to maintain high quality standards and quality early childhood education. I also strongly believe in the African proverb that “It takes a village to raise a child” and have discovered a wonderful example of this village right here at the Aspen Grove School.
I am Ms. Mercedes Brooks. I have an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and am currently working to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well. I have been working in early childhood education for almost 8 years and have been at Aspen Grove for 3 years. I enjoy working with young children and taking care of them as if they were my own children. I am a mom to 4 children and am an animal lover at heart!
My name is Symantha Jones. I am excited to be a part of the Aspen Grove team! I have 6 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and have a Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) and have worked to build a solid foundation and passion for educational excellence. I love working with children and having a hand in molding them into the amazing individuals they are and will be one day.
My name is Odessaa Powell and I have recently joined the Aspen Grove teaching team. I have 9 years experience in teaching young children. I obtained my Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) from Manor College. I plan on continuing my education to obtain a degree in Early Childhood. I enjoy teaching my students something new as I enjoy seeing how happy they get when they start to connect the dots and have ah ha moments on their educational journey.
My name is Alexis Randall. I have a Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) and I am currently in the process of completing a college degree program. I have over 14 years of experience working with children under five years. I enjoy working with younger children because they are eager to learn new things and I love watching them grow. I also have a 10 year old son.
I’m Ashley! I have a Bachelors in English, 5 years’ teaching experience and many certifications in Early Childhood Education. Some of my favorites include trainings on picky eating, Positive Behavioral Intervention and supports, and my all-time favorite – a Growing up WILD nature-based training! I speak conversational Hindi and am learning Punjabi. I absolutely love the wonder and joy children naturally have towards life and learning. Even the simplest of things can be magical in the eyes of a child, and seeing the world through their perspective makes even the most mundane tasks fun and new. Even on my worst days these children never fail to put a smile on my face. Fun fact – prior to my teaching career I worked as a film makeup artist!
My name is Tanya Johnson. This will be my third year teaching at the Aspen Grove School. I graduated from Walden University in 2020 with a Master’s degree in Child and Adolescence Developmental Psychology. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Associates in Human Services. I have worked as an Early Childhood educator for over ten years. I look forward to getting to know you and teaching your little ones this year. I believe in creating a fun, safe, caring and positive learning environment.
My name is LaShay Burroughs. I have worked for many years as a nanny, a group leader, and a teacher’s assistant. I have also had the pleasure of helping educate Kindergarten students with autism. This is my second school year at Aspen Grove and I look forward to getting to know you more as well as your children each and everyday.
My name is Gloria Carr. I have been at Aspen Grove for 3 years. I have 7 years teaching experience in Early Childhood Education. I recently completed a Child Development Associate Certificate program (CDA). I love working with children and have found that my passion is helping them learn new things as well as watching them grow. In my free time I read books, eat good food and travel. I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year!
I’m Qonita! I am originally from Indonesia and also speak Bahasa Indonesia. I have a Bachelors Degree in Agriculture but always had a dream to become a teacher from the time I was a child. Watching children, especially when they smile, teaches us to always be happy. I learn from children just as they learn from me and they motivate me to be a better person. I also have two children of my own.
My name is Fabiola Zamor and I have been working at Aspen Grove for 3 years. I have a Master’s in Early Childhood Education and I am committed to the healthy growth and development of children with a passion for purposeful engagements. As an educator, I am highly dedicated to providing nurturing care and high-quality learning experiences to young children. I have always enjoyed supporting others and believe that my calling is to work with children early on in their life.
My name is Olivia Mcllwaine. I have worked with various age groups in early childhood and this is truly where my passion lies. I have an Associate’s degree in Art and Design. In my spare time I love baking, painting, watching Disney movies and spending time with family. I am a wife and mother of two girls.
My name is Alexis Gardner and I have been a teacher at The Aspen Grove School for 6 years, since its inception in 2017. I have taught children ranging in age from 1-5 years old. I have a dual Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education as well as Childhood Education from Fredonia State University. I am certified to teach children ranging in age from birth up to 6th grade. I am very excited to work with you and your children to build upon the skills they already have and continue to engage with their surroundings in a kind, curious, and considerate way. I speak English and Spanish (beginner level)
My name is Emma Ditnes. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Art and Acting and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching for over 10 years and have over 15 years’ experience working with young children. I absolutely adore working with Preschool students and helping them to become well-rounded young people.
My name is Lena Puterbaugh. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing from Franklin & Marshall College. I have worked in environmental education and in Behavioral Health using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques. The pillars of my teaching are: respect, love, and guidance. I also believe in our innate creativity as humans, and I want to help children develop their independence and problem-solving skills early in life. I speak both English and Spanish.
My name is Ms. Arianna. I have been a part of the AGS team for 3 years. I have over 8 years of experience in early childhood education. I’ve worked with children ages infants through 4 years old. Having the knowledge and creativity to help uplift children with confidence in their daily life is what inspired me to become an educator.
I’m Haliymah! I’m currently a student at the University of Arts working towards my Bachelors in Fine Arts. I’ve worked with young children for 2 years and love the bonds I get to make with each and every child in the many classrooms that I support. The joy on their faces when I enter the room is very special! I speak a little bit of American Sign Language (ASL)
My name is Chyenne (Chy). I graduated from Temple University in 2020 with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and Dance. I have been working in the field of education for 13 years now and 6 of those years in an early childhood setting. I am working to obtain my Child Development Associate (CDA) within the next year. My favorite part of working with children is observing the different personalities they all have. I love watching a child pick up a new skill!
