2022-2023 Faculty Team
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Owner & Co-Founder
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
Owner & Co-Founder
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!
Hannah Aranson Williams
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Co-Founder & Executive 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 wa
Co-Founder & Executive 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!
Merry B.
Donna "Bubbe D" Smith Aranson
Merry B.
Pedagogista & Teacher
Merry is not only a Teacher, she is also our Pedagogista (Curriculum Coordinator/Mentor Teacher) extraordinaire.
Merry grew up in New Jersey and spent time living in NYC and Boston. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Boston Univer
Pedagogista & Teacher
Merry is not only a Teacher, she is also our Pedagogista (Curriculum Coordinator/Mentor Teacher) extraordinaire.
Merry grew up in New Jersey and spent time living in NYC and Boston. She holds a BS in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and an MS in Early Childhood Education from Boston University's Wheelock College of Education.
After teaching children, ages 2-8, for 10 years, Merry took time off to start a family.
Merry started Hands on Learning, her personal business, in which she develops and facilitates workshops for preschool and daycare teachers in 2012. She returned to the classroom in 2015, teaching PreK at Northbrook Preschool in Roswell until 2018, when she joined the SOWSJS faculty team.
Alissa B.
Annika C.
Annika C.
Assistant Director
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 unde
Assistant Director
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 join 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!
Annika C.
Annika C.
Annika C.
Atelierista & Teacher
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
Atelierista & Teacher
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 arrived in GA in 2020, Annika arrived dragging along a wild bunch: Three kids and a husband (Drummer/Author)!
Regine B.
Annika C.
Regine B.
Teacher
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
Teacher
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 joining the SOWJS team!
Shawn H.
Nadine R.
Regine B.
Teacher
Shawn is currently completing her PhD in Psychology with a focus in criminal justice. She earned two Master's Degrees - one in Education and one in Special Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University in San Diego, California. She also obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Workforce Education and
Teacher
Shawn is currently completing her PhD in Psychology with a focus in criminal justice. She earned two Master's Degrees - one in Education and one in Special Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University in San Diego, California. She also obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Workforce Education and Development at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Shawn taught at SOWJS before the Covid pandemic, until she left to pursue her PhD. During the last two years, in addition to her studies, Shawn has been a paraprofessional in the Cobb County School District, as well as staying connected to the SOWJS community by returning from time to time as a substitute teacher whenever her schedule allowed. We were so excited to welcome Shawn back to SOWJS in the summer of 2022! Shawn has more than 20 years of teaching experience, including more than 10 years in Reggio-Inspired programs, and has worked with children of all ages. Her passion is working with children birth to five years of age.
Shawn enjoys watching movies, spending time with her friends, traveling, and going to dinner with her family.
From Shawn: I am looking forward to growing with the children, families, colleagues and the entire school community Seeds of Wonder Journey School!
Nadine R.
Nadine R.
Nadine R.
Teacher
Nadine is beginning her second 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
Teacher
Nadine is beginning her second 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.
Jasmine D.
Nadine R.
Nadine R.
Teacher
Jasmine was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Austin Peay State University. Jasmine currently attends Liberty University, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family counseling.
Beginning her third year at SOWJS, Jasmine has been working in early childh
Teacher
Jasmine was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Austin Peay State University. Jasmine currently attends Liberty University, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family counseling.
Beginning her third year at SOWJS, Jasmine has been working in early childhood education for 8 years. Her primary focus is working with Infants and Toddlers.
Ever since Jasmine was a child she always knew that she wanted to work with families and children. In her free time, Jasmine enjoys spending as much time as possible with family and friends, well as giving her time to her energetic puppy, Oreo.
Gisel C.
Danielle S.
Bailee B.
Teacher
Gisel was raised in Miami, FL and is beginning her third year at SOWJS. Before joining our faculty team, she worked in childcare for over 10 years through mentoring programs, summer camps, after school programs, nannying, children’s homeless shelters and as a preschool teacher. Gisel uses healing tools such as painting, crafting,
Teacher
Gisel was raised in Miami, FL and is beginning her third year at SOWJS. Before joining our faculty team, she worked in childcare for over 10 years through mentoring programs, summer camps, after school programs, nannying, children’s homeless shelters and as a preschool teacher. Gisel uses healing tools such as painting, crafting, dancing, meditation, yoga, affirmations, and journaling to lead empowerment workshops in her community, including for the SOWJS faculty team during our professional development days and faculty retreats, where she is always the highlight of the day!
Gisel's passion to inspire children grew deeper while at the children’s homeless shelter where she was given the opportunity to facilitate empowerment workshops which helped the children heal though mindfulness. She has a deeply rooted gift in helping others, especially children. Her goal is to continue expanding the minds of our youth through creative mindfulness.
Gisel enjoys working on her home apothecary, crafting products, dancing, painting, meditating, hiking and simply being out in nature. Gisel's company is https://www.giselsharmony.com/
From Gisel: It brings me much joy to witness children evolve and find beauty within the simplest, often forgotten or unnoticed things, like a leaf falling from a tree.
Bailee B.
Danielle S.
Bailee B.
Teacher
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. 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
Teacher
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. 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.
Danielle S.
Danielle S.
Danielle S.
Teacher
This is Danielle's third 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 f
Teacher
This is Danielle's third 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!
Lilly E.
Deb Weidinger
Alexis S.
Teacher
Lilly, a nurse by trade, joined our SOWJS family as a mom in 2020 and joined our faculty team this year as a teacher in the infant room.
After graduating in 2008 from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lilly has always enjoyed her career as a Registered Nurse (RN), primarily at Children’s Healthcare of Atlant
Teacher
Lilly, a nurse by trade, joined our SOWJS family as a mom in 2020 and joined our faculty team this year as a teacher in the infant room.
After graduating in 2008 from Emory University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lilly has always enjoyed her career as a Registered Nurse (RN), primarily at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Taking care of children and families facing medical challenges is one of her biggest passions, including little ones she cared for in the NICU, Lilly absolutely loves babies!
Lilly lives in Roswell with her three precious daughters, Eloise, Violet and Jane, and their dog, Buddy.
From Lilly: I feel so lucky to work outside of the hospital setting right now because it is is good for my heart, and I know my calling is to care for babies and toddlers!
Alexis S.
Deb Weidinger
Alexis S.
Teacher
Alexis is starting her second year 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
Teacher
Alexis is starting her second year 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.
Deb Weidinger
Deb Weidinger
Deb Weidinger
Teacher
Deb grew up in Columbus, GA and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1994. This is Deb's second 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 Chic
Teacher
Deb grew up in Columbus, GA and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1994. This is Deb's second 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 lives in East Cobb 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.
Britt W.
Hailey W.
Hailey W.
Teacher
Britt-Kaylia is excited to join the team. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from GA State University. Britt has worked with children for over five years, both as a private nanny/babysitter and working in multiple school settings, including other Reggio-inspired Jewish preschool environments, as both a cl
Teacher
Britt-Kaylia is excited to join the team. She has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development from GA State University. Britt has worked with children for over five years, both as a private nanny/babysitter and working in multiple school settings, including other Reggio-inspired Jewish preschool environments, as both a classroom teacher and as an art teacher.
From Britt: I love seeing the light come on in a child’s face once they’ve seen what they are capable of or once they figured something out that was giving them a hard time.
Hailey W.
Hailey W.
Hailey W.
Teacher
While Hailey has been working in preschools and daycares since 2017, she started working with children 11 years ago, including as a private nanny. Hailey studied Early Childhood Education at Lanier Tech, and received an "expert" level in her building relationships with young children assessment. She has a keen instinct and lovely
Teacher
While Hailey has been working in preschools and daycares since 2017, she started working with children 11 years ago, including as a private nanny. Hailey studied Early Childhood Education at Lanier Tech, and received an "expert" level in her building relationships with young children assessment. She has a keen instinct and lovely teacher-child interactions.
She and her wife Katy enjoy spending time together indoors and out with their fur baby, a black lab mix.
From Hailey: I love what I do, and I know I am called to be with children. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, but also enjoying the beautiful things that nature has to offer. Listening to good music is something I do constantly. I cannot wait for my own children one day, and until then I hope to bring light and love into your children's lives.
Cree W.
Hailey W.
Cree W.
Teacher
Cree has been working with children for more than 6 years, both as a nanny and as a teacher at other Jewish Preschools, before joining our faculty last year. A student at Georgia State University, Cree is studying marketing and business law. Cree grew up mostly in the southeast and traveled a lot due to her father's service in the
Teacher
Cree has been working with children for more than 6 years, both as a nanny and as a teacher at other Jewish Preschools, before joining our faculty last year. A student at Georgia State University, Cree is studying marketing and business law. Cree grew up mostly in the southeast and traveled a lot due to her father's service in the military.
From Cree: I have worked with children of all age groups and backgrounds. I love to give children a sense of security and love when they’re away from home, and allow them the space to explore and have fun with what they learn.
Ama S.
Your Picture Could Be Here!
Cree W.
In-House Substitute Teacher
Ama S. is an experienced childcare provider who has worked with children of all ages, from preschool through high school. Specializing in Africana Studies, Ama is currently in school to obtain her degree at Georgia State University. She uses her skills to create environments that are open and welcoming to youth
In-House Substitute Teacher
Ama S. is an experienced childcare provider who has worked with children of all ages, from preschool through high school. Specializing in Africana Studies, Ama is currently in school to obtain her degree at Georgia State University. She uses her skills to create environments that are open and welcoming to youths of color, as well as many other races and ethnicities.
When she is not working or at school, Ama is an avid lover of books and enjoys spending her time being creative. She uses her passion for creativity to make Shea Butter for her family's Shea Business and reading the stories of many young writers.
From Ama: Thank you again for the chance to use my skills to help more youth bloom.
Your Picture Could Be Here!
Your Picture Could Be Here!
Your Picture Could Be Here!
Love working with Infants, Toddlers and Young Children?
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