Welcome To Our Parent Portal

This is a Members-Only Portal for families of children currently enrolled at Aspen Grove.

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

Jade Wagner

Director of Admissions

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.

Infant Educator

Elaine Farnum

Rittenhouse Square
My name is Elaine Farnum, and I am originally from Birmingham, England. I joined Aspen Grove’s Rittenhouse Square classroom in August 2023. 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 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 my business, I took on the roles of Assistant Teacher and Lead Teacher for 2 Keystone Star 4 and NAEYC accredited child care programs. I believe strongly in joining childcare programs whose main mission and commitment is towards maintaining high quality childcare standards and quality 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.
Infant Educator

Diah Rahayu

Fitler Square
My name is Diah Rahayu. I received my Bachelor’s degree with a major in Education from Adibuana University, Surabaya, Indonesia. I have also attended many ECE trainings and seminars. I am currently enrolled in in the CDA program for early childhood education. I have been working in early childhood education since 2014. I enjoy working with young children because I love it. I feel happy when I am around them. I also want to help them achieve their milestones and help them learn about the world. With my love, patience, and care, I will take care of your child like my own. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because of its location and the benefits that come with it. One example would be how our curriculum embraces nature based learning and how one of our core values is “Nature is our teacher”. I love exploring the neighborhood with our students and showing them how beautiful nature is. It not only exposes the students to the world around them but also benefits us as teachers. My favorite thing to do in nature is exploring mountains and waterfalls. I also like going to the beach. During my free time, I like to bake, travel, and watch movies. I also love to volunteer at my church and my Indonesian community.
Infant Educator

Kelly O’Hara

Spruce Street
My name is Kelly O’Hara. I have many ECE certifications. I’ve been working in the early childhood education field since 2010. I enjoy working with children because I love the way they look at the world. I love to see them grow and I love to see all the things they learn. I also love the community that comes with working with young children. It’s an honor to build relationships with the children along with their families. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I value the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. My favorite thing to do in nature is anything by the water! When I’m not at work, I love to spend time with my husband, family and friends.
Infant Educator

Esther Susanto

Fitler Square
My name is Esther Sustano. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and an Associate Degree in Tourism and Travel Management from Indonesia. I have been working in early childhood education since 2016. I enjoy working with young children because it brings me immense joy, as I cherish the opportunity to understand each child’s unique personality, support their development milestones, and witness their growth and progress. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because Aspen Grove is a nature-based learning school. We actively engage children with the natural environment and its elements as effective tools for learning. My favorite thing to do in nature is taking nature walks, which provide an opportunity to reconnect with the basic while appreciating the beauty of surroundings. I am a happily married mother of 2. I like exploring new places, travelling and making new friends.
Infant Educator

Hana Somali

Spruce Street
My name is Hana Somali. I hold a Woman Leadership Institute Certificate from the Hartford International University, Connecticut, a Bachelor of Theology from Southeast Asia Bible Seminary, and have taken many Indonesia Relevant Courses in family and women’s studies. I have been working in early childhood education since 2020. I enjoy working with young children because I am always amazed with every small step they can take. I believe it is important to build their self-esteem in early childhood by caring and loving them genuinely. I choose 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 strong willingness 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.
Young Toddler Educator

Mercedes Brooks

Fairmount Park
My name is Mercedes Brooks. I have an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in early childhood education since 2016. I enjoy working with young children because they bring me happiness and peace. The cuddles, the smiles, the laughter makes me want to be a great educator. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I value the importance of being little and connecting with my students at their level, allowing me to understand their feelings, their emotions, their concerns, and their charismatic personalities. I also take great pride in helping them develop a sense of self and independency. My favorite thing to do in nature is allowing the kids to have fun and explore it with their own hands and eyes. Children learn best through play. I’m a mom of 4 wonderful children and a “fur” mom to 7 great pets. I love being a mom and my passion for teaching makes me a better person, inside and out.
Young Toddler Educator

Ashley Keating

Belmont Plateau
My name is Ashley Keating. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English, and am schooled in Positive Behavioral Intervention Services, and WILD Nature Based Training. I have been working in early childhood education since 2020. I enjoy working with young children because I absolutely love the wonder and joy children naturally have towards life and learning. Even the most simple of things can be magical in the eyes of a child, and seeing the world through their perspective makes even the most mundane tasks new and fun. Even on my worst days these children never fail to put a smile on my face. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because when looking for teaching jobs, Aspen Grove stuck out to me because of their core values and nature based learning. As someone who had just moved to the city from a rural town, I was really excited to see a school really making the effort to bring in the sensory of nature and all it has to offer. My favorite thing to do in nature is hiking. I’m an avid hiker so anytime I can climb up a mountain and look at a nice view I am a happy camper!
Young Toddler Educator

Symantha Jones

Bartrams Garden
My name is Symantha Jones. I have a 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 have been working in early childhood education since 2016. 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 choose 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.
Young Toddler Educator

Anita Battle

Fairmount Park
I am Anita Battle and it has been a sincere pleasure working at The Aspen Grove school for the last 2 years. I have been working with young children for 7 years and absolutely love it! It is my mission to help ensure a safe and stimulating educational environment for our students. I cannot wait to share my passion for teaching and learning with you and your children.
Young Toddler Educator

Jamie Gantos

Belmont Plateau
My name is Jamie Gantos. I have always worked with kids, babysitting, and even volunteering in my early teens at my church’s daycare. After high school, I began work as a respite care worker for children with special needs. I eventually found my stride as a support teacher at an early childhood center in Ohio, getting experience with all ages. I have been working in Early Childhood since since 2022. I was a support teacher, which was very fun because I got to know every single child in the center, every parent, and really learned how each age group, let alone each individual child, learns, grows, plays, communicates, etc. I enjoy working with young children because what can be more exciting and rewarding than watching a little human grow and experience life for the first time with nothing but pure joy and curiosity! I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because AGS focuses on play and the outdoors, and this is super important for all ages. I myself crave outside time throughout my day, so I am especially excited to work somewhere that provides that. My favorite thing to do in nature is take deep breaths, pause, try to quiet my mind and think about how crazy it is that all of this exists.
Young Toddler Educator

Domataia Powell

Bartram’s Garden
My name is Domatia Powell. I am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential 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!
Young Toddler Educator

Ornella Ashby

Laurel Hill
My name is Ornella Ashby. I am currently enrolled in the CDA program. I have been working in early childhood education in a school/center-based setting since 2019, but I have over 19 years of experience working in childcare. I enjoy working with young children because it provides me with an opportunity to have a lasting positive impact on our most vulnerable and impressionable human beings. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I admire the school’s core values, its historical location, and the overall welcoming feeling I get when entering the building. There’s definitely a feel of community that I am proud to be a part of, and it’s a school that I would feel safe enrolling my own children. My favorite thing to do in nature is seeing every moment as a learning opportunity, so my favorite thing to do in nature is to observe my surroundings. To listen, look, and feel things around us, and try to figure out what, why, and how everything works.
Young Toddler Educator

Alexis Randall

Hickory Run
My name is Alexis Randall. I am I have my CDA in early childhood. I have been working in early childhood education since 2003. I enjoy working with young children because I have a true passion for teaching, and I feel that every child need to have a loving caring and dedicated teacher who wants to see them grow. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because The Aspen Grove school is a unique place to work at. I love that its a nature based because the children get to explore the outside for different activities. My favorite thing to do in nature is collecting leaves.
Older Toddler Educator

Octavia Coleman

Cedar Park
My name is Octavia Coleman and I have almost 10 years experience in early childhood education. This is my second school year at Aspen Grove. I am currently completing coursework to obtain my Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA). I always strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children to excel in.
Older Toddler Educator

Tanya Johnson

Love Park
My name is Tanya Johnson. 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 have been working in early childhood education since 2010. 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. AGS focuses on the four central principles of the Reggio Emilia approach ( Representation development, in -depth projects, emergent curriculum and collaboration) through our nature based activities in art, science, loose parts play, music, movement and so on. 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.
Older Toddler Educator

Gloria Carr

Ricketts Glen
My name is Gloria Carr. I am currently enrolled in a CDA program for early childhood education. I have been working in early childhood education since 2016. 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 choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because they value the importance of being little. All things in the school are 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.
Older Toddler Educator

LaShay Burroughs

Love Park
My name is La’Shay Burroughs. I am enrolled in the T.E.A.C.H. program at CCP to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in early childhood education since 2018. 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 things to do in nature is to enjoy the beauty. I love looking at the beautiful flowers and the huge tree, and spotting pretty butterflies or ladybugs.
Older Toddler Educator

Erica Johnson

French Creek
My name is Erica Johnson. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in early childhood education since 2010. I enjoy working with young children because I learn new things everyday, plus I get to be silly and a kid right along with them. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because it aligns with my own values. I am unafraid to make mistakes. I always tell my nuggets that mistakes are how we learn. My favorite thing to do in nature is on a windy or rainy day, I love to sit on my porch and feel the cool breeze or listen to the rain fall.
Older Toddler Educator

Qonita Supriyatno

French Creek
My name is Qonita Abdurokhim. I am currently enrolled in a CDA program for Early Childhood Education. I have been working with young children since 2015. I enjoy working with young children because working with kids is fun, they make me laugh. Also, we can learn from them too and get motivated to be a better person. I choose 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.
Pre-School Educator

Fabiola Zamor

Dilworth Park

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.

Pre-School Educator

Olivia McIlwaine

Dilworth Park

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.

Pre-School Educator

Alexis Gardner

Cherry Springs
My name is Alexis Gardner. I have a dual bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education and I am certified to teach birth-6th grade. I’ve been at Aspen Grove since 2017 (when it opened), but have been working with young children in some capacity since beginning college in 2009. I enjoy working with young children because they are so genuinely curious, kind, and creative. It’s interesting and inspiring to get a glimpse of the world through their eyes. I also truly believe that if we, as a society, take early childhood education really seriously and foster the natural inclinations of young children, we can create a better place for them and for generations to come. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because the vision of the school aligns with my own thoughts on early childhood education, and it’s important to me to have the space, freedom, and trust to be able to teach in a way that is meaningful to me and the children in my care. My favorite things to do in nature are reading a book, playing games with friends, or enjoying a picnic.
Pre-School Educator

Berenice Villanueva

Cherry Springs
My name is Berenice. I have been working with young children for 7 years and this will be my 5th year working in an early childhood center. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education Studies from Arcadia University. I love to encourage curiosity and problem solving. As a teacher, I provide a loving, nurturing and safe environment for all my students to grow and learn. I speak English and Spanish.
Pre-School Educator

Lisa Speakes

Dilworth Park
My name is Lisa Speakes. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working in early childhood education since 1990. 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 choose 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 is when I cannot be on the beach, I love exploring arboretums.
Pre-School Educator

Emma Ditnes

Marsh Creek
My name is Emma Ditnes. I have a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and Certificate in Infant Toddler Mental Health from Arcadia University. I have been teaching since 2012, teaching pre-k age students since 2017, and transitioned to Early Childhood full-time in 2021. 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 choose 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 listen.
Pre-School Educator

Sophia Lennox

Dilworth Park
My name is Sophia Lennox. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History and Art History, with minors in Community Education, Museum and Field Education, and Gender Studies. I come from outdoor education experience as a camp program director, among other roles such as Nature Education Director, Mentor Program Director, and Yoga and Athletics Director. I have been working with children since 2016 in various capacities! I enjoy working with children because of how endlessly magical little things are to them and how they explore the world around them with such authentic curiosity. I choose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I love the focus on children being able to navigate and explore the world through nature as the third teacher, especially in the very unique and creative ways this is achieved in the urban environment. I also love the focus on children as individuals who have opinions, feelings, and interests, just as much as adults! My favorite thing to do in nature is go on a walk trying to focus and be mindful of new things and see where it takes me! I follow things that I am interested in, and find beautiful and that leads me to new and interesting environments.
Pre-School Educator

Helena Dosendahl-Puterbaugh

Marsh Creek
My name is Helena (Lena) Dosendahl-Puterbaugh. I hold a Bachelor’s degree and have over 40 hours of Behavioral Health Technician Training. I have been working in early childhood education since 2018. I enjoy working with young children because I am somewhat of a child myself. I love developing meaningful connections with children; connections that are full of love and support. I want to show children how to believe in their independence and creativity. I chose to be an educator at Aspen Grove because I believe deeply in the power of nature-based learning. I continue to enjoy the connection to nature that my parents helped foster for me as a young child growing up in Oregon, and I want to provide that for other children. My favorite thing to do in nature is sit among the trees and walk barefoot in the grass. I love art as well. I attended a 6-12 arts magnet school and have grown to love collage, creative writing, watercolor, and building with clay.
Pre-Kindergarten Educator

Amy Phath

Ridley Creek
My name is Amy Phath. I have over 10 years experience working with children under 5 and have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. I love watching children blossom and grow and helping them to unlock their creativity and hidden talents. I speak English and Khmer.
Support Teachers & Staff

Arianna Fields

Support Staff

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.

Support Teachers & Staff

Tierney Storm

Support Staff
My name is Tierney. I just started working at Aspen Grove. I have a Bachelor of Arts in German and some education training from Kutztown University. I am fluent in German and currently learning French. I have been working with children under 5 years for 2 years.The best thing about working with young kids is making them smile! If I can make a child happy, then I’m happy. I am married and we have two kitties, one dog, and a parakeet.
Support Teachers & Staff

Wanda Patrick

Administrative Assistant
My name is Wanda Patrick. I have been in the field of education for over 30 years. My last role was as an Administrative Assistant at Eastside High School in Camden, NJ. I see myself as a central part of Aspen Grove School – as a hub of communication for the operations of the school and in assisting teachers and families with anything that you may need. I look forward to building strong relationships with you and your children.
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