2020-21 Faculty Team

Infant 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 position at her last school, Regine worked with infants ages 7 through 12 months, and enjoyed teaching these little movers! Regine was also a science specialist for preschool - 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

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, daycares, and as an elementary school teacher’s aid. Most recently, 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 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 Teacher

 Jasmine Dowlen was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Austin Peay State University and she is currently attends Liberty University, where she is pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family counseling.

Jasmine has been working in early childhood education for 7 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. 

Transitional K/Kindergarten Teacher

Samantha is so excited to join 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.

Early Preschool Teacher

Gisel Castillo was raised in Miami, Fl and has lived in Atlanta, Ga for 3 years. She has 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. 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.

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.

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)! 

Toddler/Young 2's 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 in childcare settings with all age-groups, infants through PreK, and for the past 3 years has focused her professional career 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!

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, also a SOWJS teacher. 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 preschool 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.