The role of the educator in this setting is that of guide, researcher and learner. We believe that every individual in the school community is actively engaged in learning. It is the educator’s responsibility to open the doors to knowledge, to observe and pay attention to details, to listen to and consider children’s ideas – even the ones that are not “true” or “correct.”
Administration
Founder / Director
Teresa became interested in early childhood education in the capacity of parent volunteer at her children’s preschool. While being involved there, she developed an understanding of what wonderful early childhood education could and should be. Progressing from volunteer to President of the Board of Directors and ultimately Director of Operations at the Grant Park Cooperative Preschool, Teresa discovered her passion to broaden the availability of these experiences to more families and children.
In 2011, Teresa opened The Nest Nursery School with two co-founders in the Ormewood Park neighborhood in southeast Atlanta. Several years later, Teresa extended her experience to the City of Decatur in the form of a new center for infants and young children – The Willow School. The Willow School will offer to its families a unique environment inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.
Teresa earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Accounting from University of Phoenix and is pursuing a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado. She has been on three study tours to Italy to deepen her knowledge and understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach. These inspiring visits shape the philosophies and practices that Teresa brings to childhood education: respect for the learning process, a love of children, and a passion for advocacy for the causes of the very young.
Teresa lives with her husband, Adam, in Grant Park. They are the proud parents of five wonderful children, two grandchildren, and a stubborn but loving dog.
Assistant Director
Keli Jackson, also known as Mrs. Keli, is thrilled to be joining the Willow School Team! She has been working with infants and toddlers since 2008 and has enjoyed every minute. Before becoming an early childhood educator, she worked as a full-time opera singer. She holds a BA in music from Spelman College. Her passion for her work with children led her to seek a Masters degree. In May of 2015 she graduated from Walden University with a Masters in Early Childhood Education and a specialization in Teaching and Diversity.
Keli has been married 9 ½ years to her incredible husband Santana, and they are eager to start a family of their own. In her free time, Keli performs solo recital work, teaches voice lessons, sings with the Atlanta Opera Chorus, spends time with her three dogs, and her super sweet niece, Kalynn.
Each day Keli is inspired to make a difference in the lives of children and families. It is her goal to make each day a great day for every child. She became a teacher because of her love for children and loves to get messy and explore! Working with young children, Keli realizes how important these early years are and the positive impact that early childhood educators have on their growth and development. It is these things that make this job so rewarding.
Administrative Assistant
Melissa Godbee is the Administrative Assistant for the Willow School.
Administrative Support
Adam provides administrative support to teachers and staff. He is also the Director of Willow Music.
Educators
Forest Class
Amanda Espinosa has been an early childhood educator since 2010 and has worked with young children for more than 15 years. She holds a bachelors of fine arts degree from the Art institute of Atlanta, and believes that children approach learning with creative minds. She especially enjoys linking school lessons with the creative arts. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, and sewing.
Preschool 1 Class
Straight from Virginia, Andreia knew early childhood was the field fit for her. Andreia spent her high school career doing internships and student teaching, which helped bring her career journey to light. Andreia graduated from Georgia Piedmont College with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Andreia really enjoys teaching and wishes to become an elementary school teacher in the future.
Willow At Home Class
Gillian has been teaching in early childhood education for four years. Prior to this, she was a Library Specialist and involved in many children’s library programs. Gillian was inspired to be an educator by her Dad who not only taught high school English/Spanish and Publications, but was also an artist, poet and musician. Gillian strives to provide a nurturing, and secure classroom where children can learn through creative play. She believes energy, kindness, open minds and positive attitudes are key elements to a successful learning environment.
Two's 2 Class
Jordan was born and raised in Atlanta. She began working with children when she was in high school, through babysitting and internships with local preschools. She continued her work with children during her four summers at an overnight camp in Alabama. Here, Jordan discovered her profound interest in inspiring children using outdoor exploration and self-discovery. Overall, she has 6 years of experience working with children ages 2-16. She recently obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Emory University and is enthused to continue her work with children at the Willow School. Jordan hopes to eventually pursue higher education in childhood psychology and education and continue her passionate work with children.
Pre-K 1 Class
Lenoir was born in North Carolina, but grew up in Atlanta. Lenoir has an associates degree from Georgia Piedmont College, specializing in infant and toddler care. She also has experience working with Preschool and Pre-K aged children. Lenoir loves working with all children and watching them grow and interact with the world around them. Having the opportunity to work with infants at the Willow School is a dream come true! In her free time, Lenoir loves listening to music and writing poetry.
Ones
Nancy Guarnieri is a mother of four children and while watching her own children grow she got interested in child development. Nancy holds numerous certifications pertaining to early Childhood Development from Rutgers University. Nancy has fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents and families as a Case Manager in the State of New Jersey.
Nancy was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. When not facilitating the growth and development of her students, Nancy can be found pursing her passion of photography. Nancy has entered several photographic contests, and has had her photos exhibited in the community of New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Preschool 2 Class
Shannon Knighton moved from a small Georgia town to the big city of Atlanta in 2009, and after all this time, the city stills provide new adventures everyday. She is the aunt of four nieces ,and two nephews, and two great-nieces! Adapting and growing, life in the city is proving productive and enjoyable for Miss Shannon.
Daycare Assistant. Nanny. Sunday School Teacher. Educator. With over a decade of experience in working with children of various ages and abilities, Shannon has held many positions; yet, an observant spectator of early child development gives her the greatest joy. She believes through play and discovery that children learn and retain knowledge.
She lives by the quote from children’s rights activist, Marian Wright Edelman, “Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.”
Pre-K 1 Class
Tiffany lives in Decatur with her wife, one very spoiled dog, two cats, and 18 house plants. She studied psychology at Clayton State University, with an emphasis on early childhood development. Tiffany got started teaching through sharing the art of ballet after much cajoling from a dance teacher. She has experience teaching ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary in ages 3 to adult. Her favorite class to teach is Creative Movement with the littlest of dancers. She is incredibly excited to be part of The Willow School staff!
Infant 1 Class
Toddler 2 Class
Two's 1 Class
Cordney Epps was born in Atlanta. She has a CDA and over 10 years of experience working in childcare. Cordney is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
After-School Coordinator
Chef
Kayla was born and raised in Decatur. As a young child, her dream was to become to become a teacher. She volunteered as a teenager at Creative Beginnings.
Kayla has over 5 years experience serving young children. She has numerous certifications, holds a AS in Early Childhood Education, and is pursuing her BA at Brenau University in Early Childhood Education. Kayla is passionate about educating young children and dedicated to provide a positive, friendly, fun and safe learning experience for all children.
Willow At Home Class
Infant 2 Class