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.”
Administrative/Pedagogical Staff
Director
Keli Jackson, affectionately known as Mrs. Keli is a founding member of The Willow School and has been joyfully working with infants and toddlers since 2008. Before stepping into the world of early childhood education, she followed a different kind of calling: music. A classically trained opera singer, Keli holds a B.A. in Music from Spelman College and is a proud member of The Atlanta Opera Chorus. She also earned her M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Walden University.
Keli has been married for 20 years to her incredible husband, Santana, and together they are the proud parents of a bright, spirited daughter who keeps life full of wonder and joy. Their home is filled with music, laughter, and love.
Music lives in Keli’s bones, and so does her passion for nurturing children. She became a teacher because she believes in the transformative power of connection, curiosity, and care. She’s not afraid to get messy, dig deep, or explore right alongside the children—because she knows the early years are sacred and foundational.
Every day, Keli is inspired to be a steady, joyful presence in the lives of children and families. Her mission is simple but powerful: to show up with intention and heart, so each child feels valued and each day holds something special.
Assistant Director
Tiffany has been part of The Willow School community since its founding in 2015, growing alongside the school through nearly every role it has to offer — substitute, floater, PreK teacher, and pedagogical team member — before stepping into her current position as Assistant Director.
Her path has not been linear, and that is part of what makes her perspective distinctive. During the pandemic, Tiffany transitioned into healthcare management within a pediatric hospital setting. While there she developed expertise in operations, family experience, and systems-level thinking. She returned to Willow with that lens intact, bringing a cross-sector fluency that informs how she approaches operations, collaboration and staff development.
Tiffany is drawn to the work of building — building systems that function, teams that thrive, and individuals who feel seen. She is known for her attention to detail, her warmth with children & families, and her belief that a well-run environment is itself a form of care.
Outside of school, Tiffany performs in color guard with a local marching band. Tiffany spends time with her wife and 13 year-young dog. She is also, notably, one of Bubbles the tortoise’s biggest fans.
Pedagogista
Keiran graduated from Agnes Scott College in 2014 with a degree in Psychology and has worked with children in a variety of roles for 16 years. His experience includes roles such as a camp counselor, soccer coach, nanny, social/emotional skills coach, facilitator of a queer/trans teen support group, elementary educator and preschool educator. Keiran has worked in early childhood education since 2018 and, prior to joining the Willow School, worked for Turning Sun School, the Morgan Oliver School and the Highlander School. The Reggio Emilia philosophy resonates deeply with him, and he finds fulfillment in supporting teachers in implementing the Reggio approach in the classroom. He also believes strongly in the empowerment of children through play and learning, and is committed to building communities that honor and respect children’s voices, ideas and identities.
Atelierista
Amy moved to the US from the UK in 2011 and is settled here with her husband and three children. She still gets regular shipments of tea from England, but enjoys family life in Decatur.
Amy’s BA honors from Leeds University is in Applied Social Sciences and Drama, Film and TV. She also has a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of York St John, specialising in English Language and Literacy. Over the past 25 years, she has enjoyed a rich and varied career in education. Amy has taught children ages 0-18 years, many of whom were neuro-divergent and all with varied backgrounds and life stories.. She has a passion for discovering children’s individual gifts and helping them fulfill their true potential.
Amy was part of the original Willow team and has had many different roles. She looped with her infant class up to PreK and has since been part of the pedagogical team, most recently in the role of Atelierista. This allows her to get creative with the children in all age groups! She was fortunate enough to attend a study tour in Italy which gave her the opportunity to deepen her understanding of the Reggio Emilia approach.
Outside of The Willow School, Amy enjoys documenting family life through photography and writing, cooking and with her children, reading and spending time outside, in nature with friends.
Atelierista
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.
Enrollment and Family Engagement Coordinator
Melissa Godbee, is a Chicago native and married mother of four. Since moving to Atlanta in 2008, Melissa has performed with regional companies in the Southeast and the world-renowned Atlanta Opera. With a passion for music and performance, she cherishes opportunities to help cultivate that same love of the arts in others. Melissa holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree, from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. After moving to Atlanta, Mrs. Godbee received a graduate assistantship at Georgia State University where she completed her Masters in Music. She has worked in an Administrative capacity for 18 years. She began working at the Willow School in 2019, in an Administrative role. Today she is an active member of the Atlanta Opera Chorus, performs with Capital City Opera, and is our Enrollment and Family Engagement Coordinator. In addition, 3 of her four children have matriculated through Willow!
Administrative Assistant
My name is Dale, and I’ve been happily married for almost 40 years. I’m the proud mom of four adult children and grandmother to four amazing grandchildren. I also have two beloved fur babies. I love spending time with family and friends, and coming from a large family as does my husband. I can honestly say I’ve been around and caring for children most of my life.
Before joining The Willow School, I worked in the medical field for nearly 30 years. I made a career change due to health reasons, and when I was ready to return to work, my son suggested I join him at Willow. A chef position happened to be available in 2018, and I’m so glad I took the opportunity! I truly love being part of the Willow community.
I worked as the school chef until March 2020, and returned to Willow in October 2022 as the Administrative Assistant, a role I currently hold and genuinely enjoy every day.
The Willow School Founder est. 2015- Feb. 2026
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.
Support Staff
Early Music Specialist
Sara Fanucchi is a music educator, teaching artist, and singer and is thrilled to be a part of the wonderful Willow School community! Sara has been teaching early childhood and preschool music for more than 15 years and finds so much joy in making music with the very young. Most recently she was the director and head teacher of the early childhood music program for CenterStage Stars in NYC. As a teaching artist and mezzo-soprano, Sara has been involved in opera outreach and education programs in schools and public libraries and has performed extensively in operas and concerts across the country. Sara holds a Master of Music degree in voice from Manhattan School of Music, a dual Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music, and has completed Orff Level 1 certification in music education. Outside of the music room, Sara can be found spending as much time as possible with her family, walking her dogs, planting native wildflowers, and watching birds.
Facilties Caretaker
Chef
Assistant Chef
Infant Educators
Infant Educator
Mr. Drew is a patient and fun loving teacher! He leads with joy and exuberance in all things. He is passionate about the work of teaching young minds and early learning as a whole. He has been with the Willow School for roughly 7 years and has worn many hats here. This will be his second year teaching in the Seedlings class.
In his free time, Mr. Drew can generally be found reading a good book or playing a video game on the couch to relax!
Infant Educator
Infant Educator
Infant Educator
I am so excited to welcome you and your little one to our classroom! I absolutely love working with infants & being a part of their first learning experience. I love to travel and explore new places, ride roller coasters, dance, and spend time being creative. I enjoy bringing that same sense of fun, curiosity, and creativity into our classroom.
Infant Educator
I am Waheeda Aman, a dedicated early childhood educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential with over 12 years of professional experience in management and education, including 6 years specializing in early childhood education. I am passionate about supporting children’s learning, development, and well being.
I believe that every child has unique potential and deserves a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where they can grow with confidence. As a compassionate and committed educator, I strive to foster children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. Through my experience and specialized training, I am committed to building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues, creating an inclusive and supportive classroom where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.
Infant Teacher
Kimberly is originally from Savannah, Ga. She moved to Atlanta, Ga in 2021. She has earned a Bachelors of Arts in English with an emphasis in Communicative Arts from Columbia College (SC), She also earned a Master’s degree in Instructional Design from American InterContinental University. She has served in education for fifteen years. Kimberly began working at the Willow School in 2022 as a support teacher.
Toddler Educators
Toddler Educator
Hi, I’m Shanteria. My journey in childcare began three years ago although i have been interacting with children my whole life. Growing up i use to babysit my younger siblings as well as kids around the neighborhood. I also have four beautiful babies of my own which inspired me to work in childcare . It is truly fulfilling for me to love on children and watch them grow everyday. My nurturing spirit and passion children is the reason i enjoy what i do so freely. I have worked with two year olds as well as infants, and even have done school aged kids in summer camps.
Toddler Educator
Toddler Educator
Toddler Educator
Twos Educators
Twos Educator
Alex was born and raised around the Atlanta area. He enjoys playing games, movies and spending time with family/friends.He grew up with his mom working in a daycare, then in an elementary school and he even worked in the after school program at the elementary school while in high school. His first real start in childcare was with The Willow school in 2023 and has worked as a support staff member since.
Twos Educator
My name is Ms Ashley & I’m excited to be a part of this wonderful journey with our little dragonflies ! As a former Flight Attendant in corporate aviation , I’ve worked closely with parents and their families for 6 years. I am passionate about creating a safe, loving, and engaging environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore. I believe young children learn best through play, hands-on experiences, and meaningful relationships. My goal is to help each child build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning while partnering with families to support every child’s growth and development.
Twos Educator
Twos Educator
My name is Ms. Iyana. I am sweet, kind, compassionate and a big kid at heart. I’m the oldest of 5, and have 4 years of childcare experience. I believe that each child is individually unique, and needs patience, love and understanding. I’m here as a tool, helping your child grow and develop into their own person. I’m excited to get the school year started!
Preschool Educators
Preschool Educator
Hello! My name is Vinccetta and I love working with children. I’ve been working in childcare for 12+ years. I am super excited to be a part of your child’s journey, and providing them with a safe fun environment to learn, play and grow. There are a lot of milestones that happen in our classroom which I love to see. I have three beautiful children whom I love and adore I have two boys and one girl from ages 9 ,14 and 16.
Preschool Educator
Preschool Educator
Grace is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, driven by a passion for fostering young minds. She is a mama to one beautiful four-year-old girl,Santana. Born in Orlando, Florida and raised in Athens,Georgia, she moved to the Decatur area in 2024 to further her career. With three years of experience in childcare, Grace has developed a strong foundation in working with young children and is committed to creating positive, supportive learning environments. She is grateful to have found a welcoming community at The Willow School, where she loves working and feels truly embraced by both the staff and the children. Grace looks forward to continuing her professional growth while making a lasting impact on her students.
Preschool Educator
They have over 10 years of professional childcare experience and a deep passion for early childhood education, with a special focus on supporting children’s social-emotional development. They believe every child deserves to be understood, respected, and supported as they navigate the world through their own unique perspectives and experiences. Bri considers it a privilege to be part of these meaningful early years and values creating a classroom community where children have an active voice and feel a true sense of belonging. They approach each child with kindness, empathy, curiosity—and, whenever possible, a song.
Outside the classroom, Bri enjoys making and producing music, learning to DJ, attending concerts, cooking from scratch, and sharing good meals with loved ones. They also love spending time outdoors, reading, watching documentaries, and enjoying quiet moments of rest. Bri and their partner, Sam, are excitedly preparing to welcome their first child together in November.
Preschool Educator
Preschool Educator
Georgia Lottery Pre-K Educators
Pre-K Educator/ Director of Willow Music
Mr. Adam has been a teacher for over 20 years! He started as a music teacher, then taught math for a little while, and now he works with Pre-K. Mr. Adam loves to write and play music, and he teaches piano lessons when he is not at the Willow School. Mr. Adam also likes to draw, loves the beach, and enjoys spending time with his 5 kids, 2 grandchildren, and dogs.
Pre-K Educator
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.
Pre-K Educator
Hello! My name is Ms. Cadesha Harrison-Howell, and I am so excited to be your child’s Pre-K teacher this year!I was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States with my family over 12 years ago. I am married and the proud mom of a wonderful toddler son. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends and traveling to new places.I have over 10 years of experience in early childhood education. I have been with the Willow school for over 9 years.
I am passionate about creating a fun, safe, and nurturing classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged, and excited to learn.
I believe children learn best through hands-on experiences, play, and meaningful relationships. My goal is to help every child build confidence, develop a love of learning, and reach their fullest potential.
I look forward to partnering with you to make this a wonderful and successful school year!
Pre-K Educator
Rona Farhang: born in the warm land of Afghanistan and now living in the United States. But the most important role in my life is being a mother to two sweet and lovely children. This experience of motherhood has completely changed my perspective on the classroom. When I look into each of your faces, it is just like when I gaze into the eyes of my own children; full of hope, full of excitement to see you grow, and full of patience to accompany you.
My view of this class is a completely positive and infinitely optimistic one. I look at you as human beings who are going to build the tomorrow of this world. I deeply believe in your hidden talents, in your sparks of genius, and in that extraordinary energy that is within you. And I always try to see your infinite strengths instead of your weaknesses.
Living in two different cultures – one with the authenticity and warmth of Afghanistan and the other with the endless opportunities of America – has taught me that differences are not an obstacle, but a great asset. I would like to bring this diversity to the classroom and teach you to look with pride at your roots, boldly at your future, and accept no limits to your dreams.
Consider this classroom your second home. A place to ask questions, to experiment, and even to make mistakes, because mistakes are the best teachers on the path to growth. I promise to always support and encourage you, and I believe in your bright future with all my heart. I am proud to be by your side with all my heart. Let’s make this year the best year of our lives together!
Forest Class Educators
Forest Class Educator
My name is Ms. Alexis, and I am the teacher of the Forest Classroom. I am a mother of three, a passionate educator, and a lifelong nature enthusiast. I believe children learn best through curiosity, meaningful relationships, and hands-on exploration.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, I strive to create a classroom where every child feels seen, respected, and encouraged to discover the world around them. Whether we’re exploring the forest, creating with natural materials, or asking big questions, my goal is to nurture confident, compassionate, and curious learners.
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking, gardening, exploring local parks and trails, and connecting with my community. I look forward to partnering with your family as we learn, grow, and explore together this school year!
Classroom Support Staff
Support Teacher
Support Teacher
Support Teacher