Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to education, Scuola Creativa partners with children, families, and the community to provide an inquiry-based education for young learners. Scuola Creativa upholds an image of the child as a powerful, competent, capable, and integral member of the community. We envision each family as unique, deserving of respect, and the center of the child’s life. We acknowledge children’s ability to reflect upon and contribute to their own learning through their many languages of expression and communication. Our vision is to base decisions on the principles of Reggio Emilia, incorporating current research on learning and development.

Jenn (she/her)
Role: Assistant Teacher – Robins
Alma mater(s): University of Michigan (undergrad); University of Illinois Chicago for OT school
Research interests: Collaborative and Proactive Solutions Model; relationship between anxiety and sensory processing 
Something I love about Scuola: The thoughtfulness and observation skills of the staff
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: Caroline Polachek, TILT Parenting podcast
One thing you might not know about me: I ran a concert venue in the basement of my dorm in college.

Pauline
Role: Assistant Teacher – Robins
Alma mater(s):  University of Caen Normandie, France; Oakland Community College
Research interests: I have always loved cooking and baking. French and Italian cuisine are my favorites but I am also learning some Asian recipes. In connection to cooking, I like to grow my own aromatic herbs and vegetables. I really care about the environment and nature. I try to be as eco-friendly as I can. I like hiking and traveling around the world whenever I get the opportunity.
Something I love about Scuola: What I like about Scuola is the sense of community, the relationship between the children, the teachers and the parents based on communicating with others and social collaboration. I also like the freedom given to the children to let their creativity grow through exploration and discovery.
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now:  I really loved reading the “My Brilliant Friend” tetralogy by Elena Ferrante. The last movie I saw in the theater was “Oppenheimer.” I like to listen to music, different kinds…Some artists I like: jain, Asaf Aridan. Beirut, Michael Kiwanuka, Kings of Leon and many others
One thing you might not know about me :I speak French and Italian. I was born and raised in Rouen, city of Normandy, France. I lived in Turin, Italy for a year.

Zora (she/her)
Role: Assistant Teacher – Monarchs (The Meadow)
Alma mater(s): Currently a student at Wayne State University
Research interests: Art-making and long-term projects with children
Something I love about Scuola: One thing I love about Scuola is how we value and respect the children as capable people, with unique voices and perspectives.
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: Currently re-reading “The Hunger Games” series in preparation for the new movie.
One thing you might not know about me: One thing you might not know about me is that I’ve also worked with lower elementary-age children as well as infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Benny (they/them)
Role: Aftercare Coordinator
Alma mater(s): Ringling College of Art and Design (Computer Animation); Oakland University (Information Technology)
Research interests: neurodiversity/Autism; community outreach; how to teach art through all ages; combining technology with art in curriculum/STEM
Something I love about Scuola: Everyone is very accepting and kind to everyone else! There is a lot of empathy between teachers, children and parents. The community within the school is strong.
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: “What We Do in the Shadows” show
One thing you might not know about me: I have backpacked the Grand Canyon from the top to the Colorado River.

Spincer (he/him)
Role: Substitute teacher at Nest and Meadow
Alma mater(s): Oakland University (Broadcast Journalism)
Research interests: Dance and expression
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: At the moment I’m watching “Grey’s Anatomy”

Steffanie (she/her)
Role: Founder, Executive Director, Atelierista
Alma mater(s): Transylvania University (BA); Georgia Southern University (MEd, EdS); Savannah College of Art and Design (MFA); University of Georgia (PhD)
Research interests: Reggio-inspired curriculum design
Something I love about Scuola: Scuola is a real, live learning laboratory where we can explore and develop Reggio-inspired practices in an American setting.
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: Detective shows on Britbox; Lasciate Che Vi Parli di Foglie (Let Me Tell You About Leaves); Kate Nash

Jamie (she/her)
Role: Director
Alma mater(s): University of Michigan (BA in Psychology); San Francisco State University (MA in Early Childhood Education)
Research interests: Gender development in young children and the role teachers play; Anti-bias Education and decolonizing our teaching practices & learning spaces; Children’s need for big-body play and risk-taking; Children’s sensory needs and the connection to success in school settings
Something I love about Scuola: The community! The families and teachers who are attracted to Scuola tend to be very thoughtful and creative people who are looking for an alternative experience to most other school settings. I love that the children here spend time engaging with materials and one another in a deep and meaningful way. The approach to teaching and learning is forward-thinking and dynamic.  
What I’m reading/watching/listening to right now: Listening: Classy, Truth Be Told (podcasts); Music: Allison Russell, The Internet, Japanese Breakfast; Reading: Memoirs by female authors 
One thing you might not know about me: My husband and I like to plan trips to places people generally recommend skipping over. Before having kids, we enjoyed outdoor rock climbing around the world.