2021-22 Faculty Team

School Administrator

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 joining a Reggio based school where this is a way of life!

Alissa and her husband, Kevin, just moved to Georgia from Seattle. 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!

Teacher & AM "Director on Duty"

 Keisha joined our faculty as a teacher for our school-age Virtual Learning Pod, and quickly became an integral member of the school-wide team, always happy to stepp in to suport other classes when needed. 

Keisha holds a Bachelors Degree from Temple University in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  Most recently, Keisha has been working as a Preschool teacher in a childcare center Acworth.  Keisha also has worked for the YMCA, including as a camp counselor.  Keisha was a Tutor Mentor and Head Tutor for Temple University's Upward Bound program. In this role, Keisha not only tutored and mentored the children in the program, she also led the tutoring team. 

Keisha was born in Miami, Florida and grew up in a military family. Keisha is a mother to twins who are enrolled at SOWJS in the toddler class - a boy and a girl, and she enjoys cooking and reading. 

From Keisha: I enjoy working in Education because I love shaping the minds of children, and helping them reach their fullest potential!

Teacher & Judaics Coordinator

 Nadine 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. 

Teacher

Jen brings nearly three decades of early childhood expertise, coupled with a lifetime love of Judaic learning and teaching, into every interaction with young students. Her calling is the design and implementation of strength-based, compassionate, meaningful learning opportunities for small, inclusive child groups.

Jen's contributions in the developmental education field, particularly with emphasis on autism spectrum disorders, have earned her the moniker “The Autism Angel” and numerous awards, expert panel appointments, and accolades, including “Best Children’s Therapeutic Recreation Program in Georgia” for her small groups, Social Butterflies. Jen’s inspiring book, The Heart of Autism: Motivational Intervention Strategies For Professionals & Caregivers, received the national “I-Parenting Outstanding Media Resource Award” and currently is used as a touchstone training resource in the field. Jen has provided collaborative teacher trainings with Emory Autism Center, The Model Classroom (a private developmental program), and has given developmental strategist lectures from Canada to New Zealand. Jen is a credentialed Forensic Interviewer, appointed and sworn in by the State of Georgia Governor’s Office of the Child Advocate as an advanced forensic expert in crimes against children. This accreditation further solidified her deep commitment to safety and compassion for all children, as she has interviewed over 300 of Georgia’s most vulnerable child-witnesses and victims/survivors of violent crimes, testifying as an expert witness in child behavior and trauma response in child abuse trials.

While Jen is a Marietta native and a longtime community member, with her post-graduate study at the University of Georgia, she has officially called herself an Athenian for many years.  She graduated from the Epstein School, Walton High School and The University of Georgia with a degree in Speech Communications.

Jen is excited to return to the metro Atlanta area to join the faculty team at Seeds of Wonder Journey School. Outside of teaching, Jen is often found delighting in nature and wildlife pursuits, small-scale sculpting and jewelry arts, singing, editing/writing, laughing, and making a daily practice of Tikkun Olam (the Jewish value of repairing the world).

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 second 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.  

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. 

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 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.  

Teacher 

Gisel 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. 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. 

Teacher

Nicole was born in New York, and raised in the John's Creek area. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Kennesaw State University. Nicole has been working with children for the past 11 years in varying capacities, from nannying to teaching in a private preschool setting. Nicole’s positive attitude and patient demeanor guide her work with young children. Almost three years ago , Nicole was blessed with her first son. Upon looking for a school for him to attend, she came across Seeds of Wonder Journey School. After touring the school, Nicole knew she not only wanted her son to be educated at SOWJS, but that she also wanted to become a part of the wonderful preschool faculty!  In addition to her passion for early childhood education, Nicole enjoys doing yoga, hiking the North Georgia mountains, and spending time with her family.  

From Nicole: I believe that early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning, as well as stimulating and encouraging the innate curiosity of children. I look forward to learning and growing alongside your children! 

Teacher 

 Cree joins the SOWJS faculty team with a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of young children and early childhood classrooms. Cree has six years of classroom experience, including with another Reggio Emilia inspired preschool. Cree also has worked as a nanny. 

Cree currently is a student at Georgia State University, studying marketing and business law. She grew up mostly in the southeast and traveled extensively 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 love and security when they are away from home, and to allow them the space to explore and have fun with what they learn. 

Teacher

 Deb grew up in Columbus, GA and has lived in the Atlanta area since 1994. Deb 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: Ansley (20), Hannah Cate (17), and Ethan (11).

From Deb:  I am excited to join the SOWJS family and the opportunity to explore, grow, learn, and play with your children in such a beautiful, loving environment.

Teacher

Danielle 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 4 years has focused her professional career around Infants and Toddler education and development.

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 exploring the outdoors. 

Music Specialist  

Jennifer studied Environmental Science and Forestry at SUNY Morrisville in upstate NY, holds certification in Early Childhood Education, and is an internationally certified Kindermusik educator. She began pursuing her interest in early childhood education with her own children by volunteering at summer camps, school and as a Girl Scout leader for 5 years. 

Experienced in Reggio Emilia philosophy, Jennifer has been a mentor teacher at SOWJS since early 2019, taught PreK at Ahava ELC in Buckhead, and she also taught for the Fulton County Public School System for 8 years. Jennifer incorporates her love of music and learning through her thriving piano/percussion/Kindermusik studio for students, who span from infants to toddlers to preschool age to school age to adult. 

In her spare time, Jennifer loves spending time with her better half, Greg, her 3 daughters, a rescue dog named Joey, and 2 rescue bunnies, Franklin & Nightfury. Jennifer shares the love and joy of learning that she has shared with her own children with the parents and young children with whom she works. 

From Jennifer: I am delighted to share my love of education and to instill my passion for learning within every child’s heart and soul.  

Assistant Teacher

Alexis joins our faculty this year as a member of the infant-toddler team. She is in school at Kennesaw State University where she is working towards her 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.