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  • About Us
    • The Willow Team
    • Tour Schedule
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    • Resources
    • Contact
  • Philosophy
    • Mission and Vision
    • Values
    • Curriculum
    • Reggio Emilia
  • Enrollment
    • Admissions
    • Tuition and Fees
    • Scholarship Opportunities
  • Programs
    • Infants
    • Toddlers / Twos
    • Preschool
    • Georgia Lottery Pre-K
    • After School Program
    • Camps
  • Nutrition
    • Food Program
    • Weekly Menus
    • Farm to Table
  • Parents
    • Calendar
    • Family Handbook & Emergency Procedures
    • Pay Online
  • Willow At Home
  • Willow Music
    • Meet Our Teachers
    • Rates and Options
    • Studio Policy
    • Take a Self-Guided Course
  • Blog
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The Willow Team

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

Teresa Cole

Teresa Cole

Founder / Director

Teresa Cole
Teresa Cole
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.

Keli Jackson

Keli Jackson

Assistant Director

Keli Jackson
Keli Jackson
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.

Melissa Godbee

Melissa Godbee

Administrative Assistant

Melissa Godbee
Melissa Godbee
Administrative Assistant
 

Melissa Godbee is the Administrative Assistant for the Willow School. 

Adam Cole

Adam Cole

Administrative Support

Adam Cole
Adam Cole
Administrative Support
 

Adam provides administrative support to teachers and staff.  He is also the Director of Willow Music.

Educators

Amanda Espinosa

Amanda Espinosa

Forest Class

Amanda Espinosa
Amanda Espinosa
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. 

Andreia Thompson

Andreia Thompson

Preschool 1 Class

Andreia Thompson
Andreia Thompson
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.

Gillian Napier-Wright

Gillian Napier-Wright

Willow At Home Class

Gillian Napier-Wright
Gillian Napier-Wright
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.

Jordan Newnam

Jordan Newnam

Two's 2 Class

Jordan Newnam
Jordan Newnam
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.

Lenoir Stallings

Lenoir Stallings

Pre-K 1 Class

Lenoir Stallings
Lenoir Stallings
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.

Nancy Guarnieri

Nancy Guarnieri

Ones

Nancy Guarnieri
Nancy Guarnieri
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.

Shannon Knighton

Shannon Knighton

Preschool 2 Class

Shannon Knighton
Shannon Knighton
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.”

Tiffany Defee

Tiffany Defee

Pre-K 1 Class

Tiffany Defee
Tiffany Defee
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!

Alicia Alexander

Alicia Alexander

Infant 1 Class

Alicia Alexander
Alicia Alexander
Infant 1 Class
 
Samia Moore

Samia Moore

Toddler 2 Class

Samia Moore
Samia Moore
Toddler 2 Class
 
Courdney Epps

Courdney Epps

Two's 1 Class

Courdney Epps
Courdney Epps
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.

C.J. Yancy

C.J. Yancy

After-School Coordinator

C.J. Yancy
C.J. Yancy
After-School Coordinator
 
Kayla Evans

Kayla Evans

Chef

Kayla Evans
Kayla Evans
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. 

Brittney Ross

Brittney Ross

Willow At Home Class

Brittney Ross
Brittney Ross
Willow At Home Class
 
Chiketa McCray

Chiketa McCray

Infant 2 Class

Chiketa McCray
Chiketa McCray
Infant 2 Class
 

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