Meet Our Staff

A collage of photos including a young child reading a book in a leather chair, a crowd at an outdoor event with a person holding a sign that says "Break the Binary!", a woman with blue hair holding a small dog, a woman with sunglasses smiling and holding a colorful sign, and several other images of children and people at various events or activities.
A woman with pinkish blonde hair, glasses on her head, earrings, and a nose ring, smiling outdoors among trees.

Ms. Ashly (she/her)

Ms. Ashly is our PreK3 and PreK4 teacher who believes deeply in honoring childhood, following curiosity, and creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. With 8 years in the classroom, including 6 years in Pre-K and 2 years as a 5th grade Special Education co-teacher, she brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to early childhood education.

Before stepping into the classroom, Ms. Ashly spent 6 years as an early intervention specialist, supporting children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays and disabilities. This experience continues to shape her belief that every child is capable, worthy, and deserving of a learning environment that meets them exactly where they are.

Ms. Ashly is certified in General Education (EC–6), Special Education (EC–12), Montessori education, and Forest School, and she weaves these approaches together to create a classroom anchored in wonder, connection, and belonging. Her teaching is guided by the idea that children learn best when their interests lead the way and when learning is experienced through play and discovery.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Ashly loves spending time with her Tiger family: her husband, their son, and their brother who lives with them. Whether they’re playing board games, hiking, paddle boarding along the river, or making (many!) magical trips to Disney World, she treasures time spent together making memories.

A man with white hair and beard smiling outdoors in a crowd.

Mr. Jason (he/him)

Mr. Jason is our Kinder and 1st grade teacher with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, including 11 years in Head Start and more than two decades teaching preschool through first grade. He is certified in General Education (EC–6) and English as a Second Language, and, like his fellow teachers, holds a Forest School certification, bringing a deep respect for nature and child-led exploration into his work.

A master storyteller, Mr. Jason fills his classroom with imagination, creativity, and possibility. He has a gift for weaving stories with his students and empowering them to become storytellers themselves. Whether they are writing and performing their own plays, organizing elaborate games of pretend, or putting on full-scale concerts, his classroom is a place where children’s ideas are not only welcomed, they are brought to life.

Mr. Jason is passionate about hands-on, meaningful learning experiences. He encourages children to create “beautiful trash” by transforming discarded materials into imaginative creations, and often teaches through board and card games and other playful, engaging tools. By following his students’ interests, he creates a learning environment that feels alive and deeply connected to the children within it.

At the heart of his teaching is a belief that every child is unique and worthy of being seen. Mr. Jason works to build confidence in each student, helping them recognize their strengths and shine in their own way. His classroom is full of joy, curiosity, and what can best be described as a kind of intentional, joyful chaos: where meaningful learning and childhood wonder exist side by side.

Mr. Jason especially loves time spent at Forest School, where children can explore freely, connect with the natural world, and learn how to care for the environment and one another.

Outside of school, Mr. Jason is deeply connected to the local arts community. He hosts PuroSlam poetry events and occasionally takes the stage himself, sharing his own spoken word. He also enjoys playing disc golf with friends and attending live music shows, especially when discovering new or unexpected artists.

A smiling young woman with glasses and purple hair taking a selfie outdoors in a suburban neighborhood during sunset, with houses and a street in the background.

Ms. Angela (she/her)

Ms. Angela is our 2nd and 3rd grade teacher with over 10 years of experience in the classroom, working with children across ages, subjects, and learning styles. She brings a deep love of learning and a genuine respect for each child’s individuality into everything she does.

With a special passion for writing, grammar, and science, Ms. Angela encourages her students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and stay curious about the world around them. She holds an English as a Second Language Generalist (EC-6) certification and cares deeply about language development, inclusivity, and creating a space where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

Ms. Angela is known for cultivating a warm, welcoming classroom community where students feel safe to take risks, be themselves, and grow both academically and personally. She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning and takes great pride in her connections with students and their families.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Angela embraces her inner nerd with joy. She loves music of all genres and can often be found singing along, playing one of the 100+ board games in her collection, exploring nature, or spending time with her family watching shows or playing video games. She also has a love for minerals and gems, bringing a sense of wonder and discovery into both her personal life and her teaching.