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.
Atelierista
Hello my name is LaTisha Flowers. I was born in New Haven, Connecticut and raised in Lithonia, Georgia. I am a wife and mother to three young boys. I have been working with children since 1998 in a preschool setting. I have my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Georgia Piedmont Technical College.
While working on my early childhood education degree, I started my journey at The Clifton School. During my time at Clifton I had several job titles: Assistant Teacher, Lead Teacher, Atelierista (Studio Teacher) and Mentor Teacher. I am inspired by the schools in Reggio Emilia, Itlay and Auckland, New Zealand.
My passion and interests are creating magical environments for children, exploring and using materials as thinking tools, reflective practices for young children, and building partnerships with families.
I love to travel and see other schools that are inspired by the Reggio Philosophy. I have visited several different school’s across the country and I had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand. Most of all I’m a proficient photographer and love taking photos of my family, children, and things in nature.
Infant Educator
Toddler Two Educator
Mentor/Multi Age Educator
Hi, my name is Jessica Horsley. I was born and raised in Lineville, Alabama. My husband, Derrick, and I have two children, two adorable grandchildren, and one spoiled dog. I have worked with young children and their families for over 24 years. After serving in the United States Army for 25 years, Derrick retired and we relocated back to Georgia. Prior to joining The Highlander School educators, I worked with the preschool program at Children’s World Learning Center in Fort Meade, Maryland. I also had the pleasure of working with LaTisha, Rukia, and Tracy at the Clifton School.
I earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Care Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management with a minor in Leadership. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, reading, shopping, traveling, and date nights with my husband. I am excited about the new school year and look forward to building relationships with you and your children as we explore and learn new things together in the Multi-age Room. My goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment for each child to explore and learn according to their interests.
Multi Age Educator
Hello to all, my name is Jameelah Lewis. I made it to the place where I need to be. I’m very excited and grateful to be at The Highlander School.
I am married to my best friend, Desmond Lewis and we have a daughter name Laylah Lewis. She is a student here at The Highlander School. I enjoy working with young children and watching them explore, learn, and grow. I believe children are confident and competent and recognize that they have voices, rights, and beliefs of their own and should be heard. Even though I have worked with young children for almost 14 years, I continue to learn more about early childhood education.
In my leisure time, I enjoy watching movies, shopping, skating, and bowling with my family. I love, love, love being around my family; we are very close-knit.
My hopes and dreams as a wife, a mother, and as an educator is to live in a world that is filled with love, compassion, empathy, and happiness.
Mentor/Toddler One 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 just recently 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.
Program Administrator/Toddler Educator
Greetings Highlander families. My name is Nicole Allsop, this is my third year at The Highlander School. 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 extremely excited for the opportunity to learn with some of the youngest citizens here at Highlander. 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, Nigel age 18, Willah-Sinclair age 10, and Sage age 8. 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.