Founder and Curriculum Director
Originally a native of Wisconsin, I have worked with young children and their families for over 20 years in a number of ways, including work as a preschool & toddler teacher, an atelierista or studio teacher and as a Curriculum Coordinator for The Clifton School. I have been inspired by the educators of Reggio Emilia, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and many others, who saw education as a fundamental right as well as a catalyst for social change.
I have credits towards my Master’s in Early Childhood Education at Pacific Oaks College. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia State University, which includes an endorsement in special education, as well as an Associate in Early Childhood Education from Chattahoochee Technical College with a specialization in Program Administration. I have helped to forge an on-going collaboration with Emory University and Georgia State University, researching the rights of young children and the cultural context of Development Appropriate Practices. I have a unique interest in reflective practices especially as it relates to curriculum planning for young children, the role of documentation in early child care centers, building partnerships with families, creating engaging learning environments and using materials as thinking tools. I’m deeply committed to improving the quality of education accessible to all children and creating a program that is innovative and cultivates a community full of inquiry.
Program Administrator
Greetings Highlander families. I am very excited to be a part of such a great group of dedicated Early Childhood Educators. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for almost 20 years. Since 1998, I’ve worked alongside young children studying a variety of different teaching styles from Head Start to Montessori. I really love children and their passion and energy, as well as their curiosity and wonder about the world. I am moved by their curiosity and wonder for EVERYTHING. The world is new and they are ready to explore. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
My life outside of school is busy being a mom and wife. I’m blessed to have a partner who is supportive and understands me in a way that allows me to do what I do. My family is very important to me. I am mother to three awesome kids! There is never a dull moment in my home. I often jokingly say, “I have the job that never quits.” I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring the Atlanta area with them. I believe that raising children is a community effort and it is important to be a part of a village of like minded individuals working towards the same goals. I look forward to all of the new relationships to be made and all the fun and excitement the new year will bring.
Naturalist Educator
My name is Meg and I have worked at the Highlander school since March 2024. I have worked with children from all ages since I was a teenager and grew up around babies and toddlers. As a teenager in Salt Lake City, Utah, I was involved in multiple activist efforts and organizations and quickly realized how incompetent teenagers and children are considered by many adults. It is my goal to remind our community how intelligent children are and to do everything in my power to amplify their voices.
Multi-Age Educator
Hello, my name is Akou Mawusi Apedo. I am originally from Togo, West Africa. I am married and a mother of two wonderful children. In Togo, I earned my Associate Degree in Business Management from the University of Lomé. In 2004, I moved to the United States. After living in New York for a year, I relocated to Georgia.
In the past, I’ve spent time working in a number of different areas. I worked as a cashier for a year, in Human Resources for over seven years and as a nurse’s assistant for almost three years. I believe that my diverse work experience has given me a unique set of skills which I can now translate into my work with children as well as my peers. Since being a working mother and spending long hours away from home, I decided to return to school and pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. I began working at The Highlander School as a student intern and completed my Associates Degree at Georgia Piedmont College. I believe these classes have helped me become a better parent and understanding of how young children learn and grow. I look forward to continuing my education and becoming the best mother and educator I can be.
Toddler Two Educator
My name is Alexandria Monique Lewis but everyone calls me Mo. I was born and raised in Decatur, Georgia, by two southern rooted African American parents. I am one of two children, with one sister. My parents raised us to be strong in our community and stay close to our family. I have a 5 year old Son who is the joy of my life. My passion is teaching, inspiring and challenging children to love learning. I am a life long learner myself. Im huge on teaching children how to be independent. Singing and creating music is one of my many hobbies and passions. I worked as a daycare provider for six years at the Clifton School owned by the CDC. I went on to be a nanny for two different families over the course of three years. After being a nanny for three years, I then returned to the classroom as a lead teacher at Turning Sun where I worked for 4 years. I decided to learn more about Montessori, so I became a lead assistant at Montessori InTown for 6 years.
I am certified as an infant and toddler specialist from Dekalb Technical College. I am also Reggio Emilia trained, and recognize that it is a way of life and not just a philosophy. I am a caring, patient, and creative teacher who works well with students of various backgrounds and learning capabilities. I am trained in positive discipline and teach these skills twice a year to parents who need support. I am dedicated to helping every child learn! My big personality is one of my best qualities and growth is always my goal.
Toddler Two Educator
My name is Julia Harmon. I have been in the field of childcare and education for about 8 years now. My favorite subject is Language Arts. Outside of work, I am a first time mom to a 1 y/o baby boy named Timothy. I have a huge sense of creativity. I love crafting and making things with my hands. I like to be outside & in nature. I also like hanging out with my friends & family in my free time.
Toddler One Educator
My name is Jordyn Williams, and I am more than happy to be joining the Highlander School this school year. I was raised in East Atlanta and am currently furthering my education at Georgia State University with a major in Early Elementary Education in the Birth through Five Program and am so excited to apply my curriculums into the classroom here. I always tell people I have been unofficially working in childcare my whole life, as I come from a large family. I have four years of experience professionally nannying, have worked in several daycare settings, and worked as a yoga instructor for children. I’m looking forward to fostering a connection with each and every one of the children and families, and can’t wait for us all to learn from one another.
Infant Educator
Hi, my name is Zhanise Jackson. I was born in Brunswick, Georgia, raised in Atlanta, Georgia right in this very neighborhood! I am currently in school obtaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I have a passion for learning and children, in hopes I can be a positive shift in their life. I’m so devoted to helping build the future and it starts here. The possibilities of what can be accomplished within the realm of a classroom are infinite I’m so excited to be here!
Infant Educator
My name is Bhupi, and I have been at the Highlander School since 2023. My background is in reproductive health and justice, which informs my work with young children. I am a trained childbirth and postpartum doula, and I have several years of experience working with newborn babies and toddlers. It is such a joy to work with these beautiful children and to share in their curiosity for the world around them. I can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and explore!