Why I Teach (Introducing Our Staff)

Juhaina Albakhit | MOON

Grace Farnum | TOMATO
Assistant Teacher North
I love working with young children because helping them discover their potential and fostering their love for learning is truly fulfilling.

Breanna Fitzgerald | ORCA WHALE
Learning from children and tending to their social and emotional development is fulfilling, rewarding, fascinating and beautiful.

Laurie Ladr | TREBLE CLEF
I love to watch the developmental process unfold through my conversations with children. Every day brings new reasons to smile and be amazed as I look through the window of conversation at each child's understanding of their world.

Val McKee | SCARAB BEETLE
I teach because every child should have a space where they feel safe to be creative, curious, and unique—and they should be surrounded by encouraging adults that provide that space. 

Angel Panton-Lula | HONEYCOMB
I teach because no two days are ever the same. Each day is filled with new triumphs, love, and creativity. I strive to let every child know they are valued and important.

Nicole Price | SUNFLOWER
I teach because each day is new and exciting and the feeling that I get when I see a child’s eyes light up with excitement when they learn or try something new is unlike any other.

Kara Roxbee | CAMERA
I teach because I love being able to support the natural wonder of every child. I believe creating an environment where every child is free to explore their interests in a meaningful way, cultivates a lifelong love of learning. 

Kelly Russo | PUMPKIN
Teaching children has always been my passion. I love that I’m able to help them in all areas of development. Their smiles, joy and creativity warms my heart, every day. I am always learning something new from them.

Sue Sears | WAVE
I teach young children because I believe in the importance of children’s play- as it involves all areas of their development as well as helping them feel the joy in their creative spirit.

Amy Twiggs | OPEN BOOK
I teach because I love seeing how amazing the world can be through a child’s eyes. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a child as they master a challenge.

Ann Clifford | OLIVE WREATH
Working with children has always been a passion of mine because I was the youngest of seven children. I look forward to bringing my energy to working with the children at Leila Day.

Karlyn Donovan | PINE TREE
I love teaching at Leila Day because it’s a place where children’s curiosity and creativity are nurtured. The play-based, child-led approach allows me to see each child grow and explore the world in their own unique way. Every day is filled with moments of discovery, joy, and kindness, and I feel fortunate to be part of such a caring and supportive community.

Katie Finnegan | CAT

I teach because I love being able to spark the fire of curiosity that is inside each child and see their sense of wonder of the world around them grow throughout the year.

Betty Baisden | BIRD 
I love participating in the daily discoveries, curiosity, creativity, joy, and wonder that each child and teacher experience. It is both magical and meaningful for them, for me, for our community, and for our world.

Val McKee | SCARAB BEETLE
I teach because every child should have a space where they feel safe to be creative, curious, and unique—and they should be surrounded by encouraging adults that provide that space. 

Lisa Bickford | LEAF
Assistant Director
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I love to work with children because I feel that a better world starts with them. I believe a strong home-school connection is essential to the success of children’s educational experiences. Together we will set the stage for children to grow up with a love of learning and encourage discovery, social interaction and independence.

Sheila Crowley | SPIRAL
Director of Operations and Finance Manager
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I work at Leila Day because I love supporting its mission to help working families and welcome children from all backgrounds. It brings me joy to be part of a community that provides a safe, nurturing place for children to explore nature and discover themselves.

Charlie Malone, PhD. | OUROBORUS
Executive Director
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I seek to honor childhood and the children at Leila Day; respect teachers on their teaching and learning journey; and support families in the awesome task of educating and raising up your children right. Together we can build a beautiful school here at Leila Day, contribute to the creation of the beloved community, and change the world for the better.

Amber Morris | STAR
Office Manager
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I teach because I love helping children discover their own stories and learn to express them creatively.