Co-Director, Alpharetta
Co-Founder & Owner
A native Atlantan, Donna Aranson graduated with an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education from The University of Georgia. Donna taught in both public schools and Jewish day schools, preschool, kindergarten and elementary grades for 30 years and was the Admini
Co-Director, Alpharetta
Co-Founder & Owner
A native Atlantan, Donna Aranson graduated with an undergraduate degree in Education and a Master's Degree in Special Education from The University of Georgia. Donna taught in both public schools and Jewish day schools, preschool, kindergarten and elementary grades for 30 years and was the Administrator at Intown Jewish Preschool for 9 years.
Donna and her daughter, Hannah, were so excited to make their long-time dream of opening a child-centered preschool a reality by bringing Seeds of Wonder Journey School to downtown Roswell and the Temple Kehillat Chaim community. She is proud to provide an environment wherein each child has an opportunity to explore the world around them in a creative, Reggio-Inspired Jewish environment, and where each child’s individual style of learning is valued and nurtured.
In her spare time, Donna enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with her 6 grandchildren!
Co-Director, Alpharetta
Co-Founder & Regional Director
Hannah Williams holds a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and an MA in Jewish Studies Education from Siegal College. After teaching preschool and elementary school for fifteen years, Hannah was the Preschool Director at Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham, NC f
Co-Director, Alpharetta
Co-Founder & Regional Director
Hannah Williams holds a BA in Middle Eastern Studies from Emory University and an MA in Jewish Studies Education from Siegal College. After teaching preschool and elementary school for fifteen years, Hannah was the Preschool Director at Lerner Jewish Community Day School in Durham, NC for 5 years. Hannah was the founding Director of Ahava Early Learning Center, a Reggio Inspired childcare program in Buckhead, and served as the Chair of the Jewish Early Childhood Council of Atlanta from 2015-2019, as the JECCA Administrator from 2019-2021. Hannah has served on Independence High School's Career, Technical & Agricultural Education Program's Advisory Board since it's inception in 2019.
Hannah’s professional development includes participation in The Covenant Foundation Fellowship for Leadership in Early Childhood Education and The Covenant/JECEI (Jewish Early Childhood Education Initiative) Fellowship. These prestigious national programs incorporated in-depth study of Jewish Early Childhood Education with a focus on the Reggio-Emilia Approach, a Study Tour in Israel and site visits to vanguard preschools throughout the United States and Israel.
From Hannah: My passion is supporting teachers, children and families along their journey!
Co-Director (Administrative), Roswell
Alissa began working in Early Education 17 years ago, when she found a true passion for teaching young children and sharing her own joys in the classroom. Alissa's favorite thing about working with children is witnessing them take the humble beginnings of ideas, questions, and exploration, and watching
Co-Director (Administrative), Roswell
Alissa began working in Early Education 17 years ago, when she found a true passion for teaching young children and sharing her own joys in the classroom. Alissa's favorite thing about working with children is witnessing them take the humble beginnings of ideas, questions, and exploration, and watching them achieve understanding and accomplishment from their own successes. Alissa appreciates the remarkable effects that patience, kindness and mindfulness create in our classrooms and always strives to apply these not just at school, but in her personal life too.
Over her career, Alissa has had the privilege of working in a variety of capacities; she taught in some very small centers, served in state-run programs, and in a Headstart within the Indiginous community. She loved creating Pre-K programs at larger private schools, and most recently, Alissa was a Co-Director of a center of 130 children in Washington state. Alissa has always operated as an emergent learning teacher with a serious lean into the arts, so she is very excited to be a part of a Reggio Inspired school where this is a way of life!
Alissa and her husband, Kevin, moved to Georgia from Seattle in 2021. Their grown children live at opposite ends of the country, and they are excited to live closer to her husband's family in Florida, as well as working towards their personal goals. Every once in a while her Canadian slips out with an 'eh'. She comes by it honestly as she was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. This isn't her first stay in the south, though, Alissa lived in Florida for a couple years and loves some of the great things here - the storms are her favorite!
In her personal time, Alissa is an avid reader and enjoys researching a variety of topics. She loves to garden and grow, and she and Kevin are known to wander off into the woods quite regularly.
From Alissa: Watching children learn and accomplish their goals is a truly amazing process to be a part of, and I am grateful to be in a position which allows me to connect with families in such a meaningful way. I am so happy to be a part of the SOWJS team, and this school, where I have the opportunity to share in some beautiful values! I look forward to getting to know you and your family and working together through happy days and fun learning!
Co-Director (Pedagological), Roswell
Bailee was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Bailee holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Child Development from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and, in her role as Co-Director, fills the roll of Pedagoista (Curriculum Coordinator). Bailee has been working with children fo
Co-Director (Pedagological), Roswell
Bailee was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Bailee holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Child Development from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and, in her role as Co-Director, fills the roll of Pedagoista (Curriculum Coordinator). Bailee has been working with children for the past 10 years in various settings such as nannying, summer camps, preschools, daycares, and as an elementary school teacher’s aid.
Before joining the SOWJS faculty team in 2020, Bailee worked at a childcare corporate office as the Director of Quality Assurance and Education, where she mentored teachers in areas such as best practices, interactions, challenging behaviors, assessment and documentation, and NAEYC accreditation. Bailee’s experience with the Reggio Emilia philosophy began in college at the preschool lab on campus, and she brings that philosophy into every setting. Bailee’s interests include playing flute in a classical, concert band setting and hiking with her rescue lab/pit Albus Dumbledog. In LA, she and her husband were part of a non-profit charitable adult cheerleading team which raises money and awareness for HIV/AIDS organizations in the area. Bailee and her husband are in the process of starting a sister team in the Atlanta area.
From Bailee: I am ecstatic to work in a preschool which exudes such an amazing philosophy towards child development! I look forward to fostering growth and learning alongside your children in a loving, respectful setting.
Atelierista, Roswell & Alpharetta
Annika is an Artist, Teacher and Life Coach trained in NYC. Originally from Hawaii, and educated in the Waldorf Schools, she has a deep interest and reverence for Cultures, and Nature.
Annika holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Parsons School of Design and has continued her own art education through oth
Atelierista, Roswell & Alpharetta
Annika is an Artist, Teacher and Life Coach trained in NYC. Originally from Hawaii, and educated in the Waldorf Schools, she has a deep interest and reverence for Cultures, and Nature.
Annika holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Parsons School of Design and has continued her own art education through other various art programs. Annika has been a homeschool educator to her own children, has taught art to students at a Friends' School, and held an internship with Art Start, in which she taught art to children in a homeless shelter.
Annika has designed a thoughtful and beautiful studio space (atelier) for the children at Seeds of Wonder Journey School, incorporating everything from up-cycled goods to natural materials, from fabric to beads, from clay to wire and so much more! Each class meets with Annika for a weekly art class, as well as open-studio time in the afternoons for our older children!
Having joined the SOWJS team in 2020 when she arrived in GA, Annika arrived dragging along a wild bunch: Three kids and a husband (Drummer/Author)!
Teacher, Roswell
Regine is from Massachusetts, where she earned a BS in Biology with a concentration in biomedical science, and also minored in Psychology and Chemistry at Salem State University. In addition to her years of experience teaching preschool as both a classroom teacher and as a science specialist, Regine has been a camp coun
Teacher, Roswell
Regine is from Massachusetts, where she earned a BS in Biology with a concentration in biomedical science, and also minored in Psychology and Chemistry at Salem State University. In addition to her years of experience teaching preschool as both a classroom teacher and as a science specialist, Regine has been a camp counselor and a babysitter for the YWCA and the YMCA, and she has worked with children through a Summer Outdoor Kindergarten program and with the Boys & Girls Club. Through these various roles, Regine has worked with infants through school aged children over the years. Regine originally joined the SOWJS faculty team in 2020 and recently rejoined our faculty team after spending a year teaching 2's at a STEM-focused program.
From Regine: I truly have a joy and a passion for working with children. I take the time to understand how they see the world and guide them. As much as I love teaching children, I love learning from them too. Education is ever-changing and all children learn in their own individual way. I enjoy working in this field because it keeps me on my toes. I love a work environment that I am constantly learning in and making a difference in someone's life. Being that children are our future, I find it extremely important to guide, nurture, and teach at a young age. I am thrilled to be a part of the SOWJS team!
Teacher, Roswell
This is Danielle's fourth year teaching at SOWJS. She was born and raised on the beachy shores of Sarasota, Florida. She holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College and she currently attends Brenau University, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
Danielle has been workin
Teacher, Roswell
This is Danielle's fourth year teaching at SOWJS. She was born and raised on the beachy shores of Sarasota, Florida. She holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen College and she currently attends Brenau University, where she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
Danielle has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education since she moved to Georgia thirteen years ago. Danielle has experience working with all age-groups, infants through PreK, and has focused most of her professional career centered around Infants, Toddlers and Two's.
Danielle's free time is devoted to her three lovely children. They are always trying to find their next adventure. Danielle and her family enjoy Glamping and just exploring the outdoors!
Teacher, Roswell
Nadine is beginning her fourth year teaching at SOWJS. She was born in Montreal, Canada. Her family moved to South Florida in 1991. She finished high school in the United States and attended Florida Atlantic University. Nadine graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1999. In 2000 Nadine’s preschool career beg
Teacher, Roswell
Nadine is beginning her fourth year teaching at SOWJS. She was born in Montreal, Canada. Her family moved to South Florida in 1991. She finished high school in the United States and attended Florida Atlantic University. Nadine graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1999. In 2000 Nadine’s preschool career began. For the past 20+ years Nadine has taught in a few schools in South Florida and started teaching in Atlanta in 2005. Throughout her teaching career she has taught art, Judaics, and children of all ages. In addition has remained current in continuing to pursue her own education and professional development classes.
Nadine Resides in Roswell with her Husband Barry and son Tyler. Outside of work, Nadine is a “Soccer Mom”, is a big Atlanta United Fan, loves doing activities with her family, enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time in her at home studio painting or creating with clay.
Nadine believes she was born to be a teacher. When she was a young girl she loved playing school with her dolls and taking care of her little brother, she started babysitting as a young teen, and worked at camps before starting her teaching career.
From Nadine: Teaching is in my heart and is my passion. I love watching children smile and cheer as they learn something new. I am so excited and feel totally blessed to now be part of the Seeds of Wonder family.
Front Desk & Facilities Support, Roswell
Sam holds a Master's Degree in teaching, and has previously taught Middle and High School for the City of Chicago Public Schools, Dekalb County and at Atlanta Jewish Academy. Sam also has an extensive background leading teams in customer service.
Sam is an experienced nature enthusiast who strives t
Front Desk & Facilities Support, Roswell
Sam holds a Master's Degree in teaching, and has previously taught Middle and High School for the City of Chicago Public Schools, Dekalb County and at Atlanta Jewish Academy. Sam also has an extensive background leading teams in customer service.
Sam is an experienced nature enthusiast who strives to create life-changing experiences for each and every participant through his company, Summit Academy Adventures, in which he leads hands-on activities and customized programs, to teach children, teens and adults how to become effective and inspirational leaders in both their personal and professional lives. Sam also has a love of music and even played for SOWJS's first Sukkot playground potluck!
Sam lives ITP with his daughter and his dog, both eager hiking companions! He enjoys listening to live music and playing his mandolin and guitar when he is able.
Teacher, Roswell
Alexis joined the SOWJS teaching team in 2021 as a member of the infant-toddler team. She graduated from Kennesaw State University where she earned a BA in Early Childhood Education with a specialty in Birth through Kindergarten. Alexis previously worked at Etz Chaim Preschool in Marietta from 2018-2021 as an Assistant Tea
Teacher, Roswell
Alexis joined the SOWJS teaching team in 2021 as a member of the infant-toddler team. She graduated from Kennesaw State University where she earned a BA in Early Childhood Education with a specialty in Birth through Kindergarten. Alexis previously worked at Etz Chaim Preschool in Marietta from 2018-2021 as an Assistant Teacher and as a Camp Counselor. Before that, Alexis also worked as waterfront staff at Camp Barney Medintz. Alexis is a compassionate teacher with an eye towards creating a positive learning environment for our youngest students. In her free time, Alexis enjoys exploring and taking her Labrador, Sedona, hiking on the many trails around Georgia.
From Alexis: I’m so excited to be part of the Seeds of Wonder Journey School family and to help your children explore. I have always had a passion for teaching children, and I love helping them learn new skills.
Teacher, Roswell
Morgan was raised in the greater Atlanta area and is returning after expanding her early childhood education in Los Angeles, CA for the past 9 years. Morgan is a behavior specialist, as well as having worked in early childhood classrooms for nearly 10 years. Morgan’s educational experience is expansive; not only has she
Teacher, Roswell
Morgan was raised in the greater Atlanta area and is returning after expanding her early childhood education in Los Angeles, CA for the past 9 years. Morgan is a behavior specialist, as well as having worked in early childhood classrooms for nearly 10 years. Morgan’s educational experience is expansive; not only has she been the program coordinator for one of the largest summer camps in the Southeastern United States, Morgan also worked in Hebrew schools as a behavior specialist, sharing her knowledge with education teams through Southern California.
Morgan has been WISC certified, is trained in the Reggio Emilio philosophy, as well as in RIE, she is a parent educator and previously served as the assistant director of a prestigious early childhood program in Los Angeles.
Morgan’s interests include being outdoors and on the water, her dog, being with family, as well as being involved in the local Jewish community.
From Morgan: I hope to share my love for Jewish traditions and practices as well as integrate my experience as a behavior specialist into my daily practice as a teacher to ensure each child feels seen, heard, and deeply cared for.
Teacher, Alpharetta
With 19 years of teaching experience, Lori has had the pleasure of guiding students from infancy to fourth grade. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, she now calls John's Creek home. Lori holds a BS in Elementary Education with specializations in early childhood education, reading, and science.
Outside of the cl
Teacher, Alpharetta
With 19 years of teaching experience, Lori has had the pleasure of guiding students from infancy to fourth grade. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, she now calls John's Creek home. Lori holds a BS in Elementary Education with specializations in early childhood education, reading, and science.
Outside of the classroom, Lori enjoys reading and crafting. Lori shares her life with her husband Matt, three children, two dogs, and two cats.
Teacher, Roswell
Deb grew up in Columbus, GA and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1994. This is Deb's third year as a member of the SOWJS faculty team. She has been an educator of young children for almost 30 years, most recently at the Premo School as their art specialist. Deb studied at The Art Institute of Chicago, Loyola University
Teacher, Roswell
Deb grew up in Columbus, GA and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1994. This is Deb's third year as a member of the SOWJS faculty team. She has been an educator of young children for almost 30 years, most recently at the Premo School as their art specialist. Deb studied at The Art Institute of Chicago, Loyola University of Chicago, and earned a BFA in Art Education from UGA. After working as a Pre K-5th Art Specialist with Fulton County Schools for several years, Deb took time off to start a family.
Deb enjoys spending her free time making art and has created and sold hundreds of works in art shows, galleries, and craft fairs. On most weekends she can be found outside, covered in mud or paint and/or doing science experiments with her son. Deb also enjoys photography and working creatively with children. Deb loves spending time with her three children.
From Deb: I am excited to be a part of the SOWJS family and the opportunity to explore, grow, learn, and play with your children in such a beautiful, loving environment.
Teacher, Roswell
Madison is a Georgia native who began teaching in 2018 as a Pre-K teacher and quickly fell in love with the profession. She then pursued her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Multicultural and Anti-Bias Curriculum from Chattahoochee Technical College and graduated in 2023. She loves t
Teacher, Roswell
Madison is a Georgia native who began teaching in 2018 as a Pre-K teacher and quickly fell in love with the profession. She then pursued her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Multicultural and Anti-Bias Curriculum from Chattahoochee Technical College and graduated in 2023. She loves to be creative with her students and strives to have a positive and safe environment for students to learn in. Outside of teaching, Madison loves to garden and bird watch.
From Madison: I love to watch my students grow and master new skills. Being a teacher is the most rewarding job in the world and I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this school and community!
Teacher, Alpharetta
Shari graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. After working for many years as a software consultant for PwC, Shari decided to stay at home when her son was born in 1999. In 2005, fueled by her love of young children, she decided to re-enter the work force. She started
Teacher, Alpharetta
Shari graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Finance and a minor in Economics. After working for many years as a software consultant for PwC, Shari decided to stay at home when her son was born in 1999. In 2005, fueled by her love of young children, she decided to re-enter the work force. She started a Mother’s Morning Out program (18 months – 2 years) at Temple Beth Tikvah in Roswell where her own children attended preschool. Looking to work closer to home, she joined the Gesher L’Torah preschool in 2006 as a school teaching assistant. In 2007, she started the same Mother’s Morning Out program at Gesher L’Torah. Since then, Shari has taught various ages….18 months, 2’s and 3’s and, for the past few years, has truly enjoyed being a specialist in the preschool. Seeing the children’s eyes light up when she walks into the classroom to bake or to perform some magical science experiments is priceless.
Shari lives in Johns Creek with her husband and her two adult children, Evan and Jenna. Both have decided to grace her nest once again for the next year. 😊
In her spare time Shari enjoys exercising, spending time with her family and her wonderful friends, live entertainment and cooking.
From Shari: I am proud to be the longest-serving employee at Gesher L’Torah, and I am thrilled to now be a part of the Seeds of Wonder Journey School!
Teacher, Roswell
While Leviyah is from Atlanta, it is in NYC that she earned her undergraduate degree and formed her love for early childhood education and development through her studies of Human Development in Sociology. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Leviyah made her way back down to her home state and began working as a gue
Teacher, Roswell
While Leviyah is from Atlanta, it is in NYC that she earned her undergraduate degree and formed her love for early childhood education and development through her studies of Human Development in Sociology. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Leviyah made her way back down to her home state and began working as a guest teacher at Intown Jewish preschool in 2020. It was there she developed a reputation for prioritizing verbal and nonverbal communication between students by encouraging safe and mutually rewarding interactions throughout learning activities and play time. Leviyah promoted interpersonal skills between children including through active listening, empathizing with others, managing conflict, teamwork and motivating others. Leviyah joined our team during the 2023-24 school year as an Individual Support Teacher and currently serves as both Individual Support and Classroom Teacher.
From Leviyah: I love to see children’s unique personality shine and grow as they continue on their learning journey and I never forget just how much children also teach us. -
Teacher, Alpharetta
Sara, a Staten Island, NY native, relocated to Atlanta at the age of three. After graduating from Norcross High School, she pursued her education at the University of West Georgia. In 2014, Sara transitioned from the corporate sector to become a stay-at-home mom following the birth of her first son.
In 2019, Sara began
Teacher, Alpharetta
Sara, a Staten Island, NY native, relocated to Atlanta at the age of three. After graduating from Norcross High School, she pursued her education at the University of West Georgia. In 2014, Sara transitioned from the corporate sector to become a stay-at-home mom following the birth of her first son.
In 2019, Sara began her teaching career at Gesher L’Torah Preschool, gaining valuable experience in pre-K, two and three-year-old classrooms. Her dedication to early childhood education is evident through her active involvement in the community. She has served as a PTA president for two years, currently is on the board of Scouts of America and co-presides over the GLT synagogue Sisterhood.
Outside of her professional life, Sara has two boys that keep her busy with their various activities. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors with her husband and children, engaging in activities such as hiking and gardening. Sara’s profound appreciation for Judaism has been enriched by her visits to Israel.
From Sara: I am thrilled to join Seeds of Wonder Journey School, and eager to contribute to my students’ educational journey, providing enriching and meaningful experiences. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up when they discover something new!
Teacher, Roswell
Abby is so excited to join the SOWJS team! She previously worked in Gwinnett County Public Schools, as well as in preschool settings in New York City.
Abby holds a Bachelors in Psychology from Muhlenberg College and a Masters in Infant/Toddler Development and Early Childhood Education from Bank Street Graduate School of
Teacher, Roswell
Abby is so excited to join the SOWJS team! She previously worked in Gwinnett County Public Schools, as well as in preschool settings in New York City.
Abby holds a Bachelors in Psychology from Muhlenberg College and a Masters in Infant/Toddler Development and Early Childhood Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education.
In her spare time, Abby enjoys reading, taking walks, and spending time with family.
From Abby: I am so excited to work with the young toddlers here at SOWJS!
Teacher, Roswell
Dana moved to the United States from Romania almost ten years ago. Since then, Dana has had a strong focus on building relationships through her strong customer service skills. She has worked with children in different capacities for many years - most recently, as an infant teacher at a Primrose since 2021. Dana embodies
Teacher, Roswell
Dana moved to the United States from Romania almost ten years ago. Since then, Dana has had a strong focus on building relationships through her strong customer service skills. She has worked with children in different capacities for many years - most recently, as an infant teacher at a Primrose since 2021. Dana embodies all of the qualities that we look for in an infant teacher, including a strong ability to connect with children, families and others on the faculty team. She gets to know each baby in her care and anticipate their needs with the skillful experience and intuition.
Teacher, Alpharetta
Robyn is originally from South Florida. After Graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations, Robyn moved to Atlanta. She worked as a fundraising campaign manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is a mother to three girls, all who attended Gesher L’Torah preschool. Her oldest dau
Teacher, Alpharetta
Robyn is originally from South Florida. After Graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations, Robyn moved to Atlanta. She worked as a fundraising campaign manager for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is a mother to three girls, all who attended Gesher L’Torah preschool. Her oldest daughter was part of the first graduating pre-K class of the preschool! Robyn began substitute teaching at Gesher preschool while her children were in attendance. She went on to become a preschool assistant for several years. After deciding she wanted more time in the classroom, she became the lead teacher for the two year old class.
Robyn enjoys being with her golden doodles, walking, reading and spending time with her friends and family.
From Robyn: It is special and meaningful to me to be joining Seeds of Wonder Journey School. I look forward to watching and assisting in the growth and development of each child. It fills my heart with such joy being a part of a child’s preschool experience.
Teacher, Roswell
Nikki holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Gwinnett Technical College. She has been teaching in preschool settings for 6 years, including, most recently, in another Jewish Reggio-Inspired setting for the last three years. In her former setting, Nikki had a strong reputation for making sure each chil
Teacher, Roswell
Nikki holds an associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Gwinnett Technical College. She has been teaching in preschool settings for 6 years, including, most recently, in another Jewish Reggio-Inspired setting for the last three years. In her former setting, Nikki had a strong reputation for making sure each child's individual needs are always met and for developing an emergent, child-centered curriculum in her classroom. Nikki comes from a large family and loves spending time with them. She also enjoys playing games - video games and especially board games.
From Nikki: I like getting to know each individual child, and figuring out the best way to help them learn.
Love working with Infants, Toddlers and Young Children?
Interested in joining our preschool faculty team?
Check out our CAREERS PAGE for more information!
Our child-centered philosophy and intentionally smaller class sizes set us apart from the other preschools, daycare and childcare centers in Roswell!
Seeds of Wonder Journey School welcomes and invites families of all backgrounds to apply.
Seeds of Wonder Journey School
1145 Green Street
Roswell, GA 30075
AND
4320 KImball Bridge Rd.
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Copyright © 2021 SOWJS. All Rights Reserved.