After Graduating from University of Florida (GO GATORS!) with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, 2001. I taught Junior Kindergarten at Shorecrest Preparatory School for 6 years. My daughter was born in 2007 and I decided to be a stay at home mom for a couple of years.

And then…

The Wonder Studio is a small business I started in 2009.

Having researched and intensely studying the pre-primary schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy for many years…I longed for a place where my own children and I could visit together that would expose them to the 100 languages of children.

I wanted to create artistic and creative experiences that were high quality and put the child into the role of protagonist of his/her learning.

Thus began my starting up and leading a community of like-minded mothers, fathers, and caregivers who wanted to accompany their children on a journey together in Wonder and Joy.

The Wonder Studio, named for the environmentalist Rachel Carson and her beautiful book, The Sense of Wonder…is an arts and science studio for young children and the caregivers who love them.

My children were (and still are) the most inspiring people I had ever met. I wanted to learn all I could about them and who they were.

With an understanding of my favorite educational theorists, psychologists, and philosophers…I designed a unique program that would allow both the child and the caregiver to learn about themselves and others in a safe, caring, and creative “Studio” environment.

Studio spaces are designed for mess making. I have believed for many years now that learning is a messy process. I believe that children need to use “more” materials before they can learn the benefits of using “less”. At The Wonder Studio, we are paying close attention to the ways children are motivated to use materials. We believe in the social and cognitive learning that happens when children are in a group setting with other children and adults with different learning styles.

Every element of The Wonder Studio is designed so that the child can be independent in his/her exploration and/or use in collaboration with an experienced co-wonder’er.

A lifelong lover of stories and storytelling, I earned my BA in English Literature and began my journey in early childhood education through my work at a public library, where I developed children’s programming and supported the children’s and YA departments. Though I grew up in New York State, a passion for travel and exploration soon led me to London. Fortuitously, I discovered a love for teaching (and for being around teachers who love what they do!) while long-term substituting at a local elementary school as I awaited my UK visa.

Once in the UK, I earned an MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in EAL. I had the privilege to teach at both the middle and elementary level before settling into a beloved role as an early elementary librarian and co-teacher at The American School in London. There, I was introduced to the Reggio Emilia approach and the “100 languages of children.” Planning and teaching alongside Reggio-inspired educators opened my eyes to a new world of creativity and wonder.

After 9 years of teaching, I welcomed my son, Jonah, and took some time to stay home with him and experience a new adventure in learning! When he was one, our family had an opportunity to relocate to St. Petersburg in early 2024. Before committing to our move, I was determined to find a Reggio program that might feel like “home” -  and that’s when I discovered Shannon and the incredible community she has built. Jonah and I have now been WS students for over a year and I am thrilled to join this remarkable team of educators.

I did not develop a true love for learning until adulthood, when I realized that indeed we are all artists, scientists, storytellers, mathematicians, historians, teachers and change-makers (and mistake-makers!), and that learning is most joyful when we follow our own path. At Wonder Studio, I already see that love for learning in the eyes of my son, who dives in with exuberance to the diverse experiences available to him. WS is a place where the children can be, not only the “leader,” but also our teachers, and we can learn alongside them as they pursue their passions (for our family, sometimes that’s mostly just getting extremely messy - and that’s okay too!). 

I look forward to learning and growing alongside you and your little ones.

As an artist, I create work that sparks joy and invites connection, and I have a passion for facilitating others' exploration and creativity. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching art to all age groups—from the littlest learners to adults.  I hold a BFA from The School of the Museum of Fine Arts and a MAT in Art Education from Tufts University.

My journey with The Wonder Studio began years ago when I attended with my niece. I was instantly captivated by the studio’s spirit of play and discovery, and it became a space that truly felt like home. This year, I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter at Wonder Studio with my own daughter, Wiley!

My hopes and dreams for this term are to embrace the magic of play, curiosity, and exploration alongside our Wonder Studio community. 

Let’s create, discover, and grow together. I’m so excited for this adventure!