2020-21 Faculty Team

Infant/Toddler Teacher

 Regine Borgella hails from Malden, MA and received her BS in Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Science with minors in Psychology and Chemistry from Salem State University. Regine moved to Georgia in 2019, eager for a change. Regine has a passion for working with young children that she has developed over the course of several years.  In her last school, Regine worked with children ages 7 through 12 months, and enjoyed teaching her these little movers! Regine was also a science specialist for children ages 2 - school aged. Before teaching infants, Regine also worked as a camp counselor and a babysitter. She has worked at the YWCA, the YMCA, a Summer Outdoor Kindergarten, and the Boys and Girls Club. In her free time, Regine enjoys listening to music and working on DIY home decor and crafts.

From Regine: I have always had patience and joy 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 as the infant/ toddler teacher!  

Early Preschool Teacher

Summer Maness comes to us from Memphis, TN, her home state. Summer is cisgender, and her pronouns are, “she, her, and hers.” She earned the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) on the PK-12 certification track from the University of Memphis. Summer earned a BA in French, with minors in Spanish and Applied Linguistics. 

Summer began teaching 6 years ago as a French teacher to grades K-5. Two years later, she changed her graduate track to TESOL. While teaching ESOL, attending grad school, and raising her first beautiful baby child four years ago, Summer earned her Registered Yoga Teacher Certification (RYT 200) so she could safely share her teachings through movement with songs, mindfulness, and breathing and meditation techniques within all nurturing environments. Two years later, Summer successfully owned and operated a mobile yoga studio and taught yoga to children in various settings, such as, yoga studios, public and private schools, private parties, and preschools. Summer also married her partner and soulmate a year later and a year after that, she had her second beautiful baby child.  

Summer’s goal in teaching has always been to uplift the children so they may enlighten the world.  Summer enjoys meditation, practicing yoga, hiking with her family, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and cuddling with their two cats, Dr. Churchill and Karma. 

From Summer: If we start with the children, our world will only improve. If we pay close attention to the events that have unfolded in America within the last decade, then we will see there is no mistaking that the shift has already begun. The children will change the world; but first, they’ll need the tools to find their peace and a teacher who can sit back, always smile, and listen. In the words of the great Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh, “Peace begins with your lovely smile.” 

Early Preschool Teacher

Bailee Beazley 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 9 years in various settings such as nannying, summer camps, preschools, and as an elementary school teacher’s aid. Most recently, Bailee worked at a preschool 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 join 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.

Infant/Toddler Teacher

Danielle Stanley 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 moved to Georgia 11 years ago and has been working in the world of early childhood education since then. Danielle has experience working with all age-groups, infants through PreK, and for the past 3 years has focused her professional career centered around Infants and Toddler

Danielle's free time is devoted to her lovely three children. They are always trying to find their next adventure. Danielle and her family enjoy Glamping and just exploring the outdoors!

Transitional K/Kindergarten Teacher

Samantha is so excited to be joining the SOWJS family this year! Samantha is originally from Indiana where she graduated from Purdue University with degree in Elementary Education. Samantha has been a camp counselor, a substitute teacher, a coach for Girls on the Run and, most recently, taught 3rd grade for the past two years. She is eager to take on her new role as a Transitional K/Kindergarten teacher. Being new to the area, Samantha mostly looks forward to spending time outdoors hiking. In her free time, Samantha enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her dog, Lucy. 

From Samantha: I have learned the importance of giving children a choice when it comes to their learning.  I believe the Reggio Emilia approach is ideal for young students as it fosters their natural interests and gives them the opportunity to learn about the world around them in a genuine way.

In the 5/6 year old classroom, I believe that academics should come about as a result of play the majority of the time. I believe students ages 5/6 should be given a lot of opportunity to choose their own learning activity (play). This not only allows them to learn about things they have chosen, but also teaches them vital social skills- allowing students to learn from their peers.

PreK 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 

Brand new to life in GA, Annika arrived dragging along a wild bunch:

Three kids and a husband (Drummer/Author)! 

PreK Teacher

Mia is excited to join the Seeds of Wonder Journey School faculty. Mia developed her passion for working with children at an early age because of her mother, Jennifer. Mia started working with children as a nanny in middle school and stayed with the family until she graduated high school. She also has extensive experience working with autistic children through her work as an assistant at The Lionheart School. There, Mia helped children through hippotherapy, which helps children strengthen their mental and physical abilities.  Mia currently is starting her senior year at Kennesaw State University where she is working towards her BBA in Management with a minor in Marketing. In her free time, Mia enjoys riding and competing with her horse, Nirvana, and going on adventures with her rescue dog, Joey.

Resource Teacher

Dayanara Gonzalez-Castro joins our school as she finishes her time at Independence High School, where she will graduate in December.  Dayanara has many years of experience babysitting and being a very involved older sister to her younger siblings. Dayanara is eager to share her upbeat personality and wonderful way with children with the SOWJS community as she supports the classroom teachers and children.