Jenna Hull has worked in early childhood education, as both a teacher and director, for the last 12 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Lesley University and a master’s degree in educational psychology and early literacy with a specialization in the Reggio Emilia approach from the University of Colorado, Denver. Jenna has experience teaching all ages within the early childhood sphere, from infancy through second grade, and appreciates the many wonders of each age group. Her particular passions in teaching lie in the co-construction of curriculum with children and families – discovering children’s interests and facilitating their research is the major reason she has made teaching her career. She focuses on parental engagement and involvement within the classroom structure and is passionate about advocating for children’s capabilities and rights as citizens. Most recently she has focused on developing educator professional developments and had opened a small preschool and after-school program in Bedford, MA. In her time outside the classroom, Jenna enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her two-year-old son, husband, and their rescue pup.
Erika Miles has taught young children for more than twenty years. A graduate of Lesley University, she holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education as well as extensive professional development – including advanced training in assessment and documentation, and in programs such as Handwriting without Tears and Lively Letters. She has focused on multiple approaches to literacy, stemming from her work in the Ortin-Gillingham method. While working at Charlestown Nursery School, Erika was both a classroom and mentor teacher as well as helped to start their afternoon and summer art and science programs. Inspired by her trip to Boulder Journey School, her current research includes using storytelling to develop collaboration and strengthen relationships, as well as using music to encourage self-regulation, socialization, and cognitive skills. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, baking, exploring in nature with her young children, and reading.
Emma Boettcher has worked in education for the past 15 years. She holds a bachelor's degree in general art and a master’s degree in teaching from Northeastern University. She spent much of her career at Charlestown Nursery School, where she taught in toddler and preschool classrooms, as the studio arts teacher, new-teacher support coach, college student mentor, and where she pioneered their after-school arts program. She worked in the Brookline Public Schools, Boston Public Schools, and as an art educator at the Museum of Fine Arts. She has led professional development workshops for the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance and The Teacher Collaborative, as well as consulted in designing classrooms and optimal learning environments for young children. Emma has been studying the Reggio Emilia approach since 2008 through coursework and trainings, including study tours to Reggio Emilia, Italy, and Boulder Journey School. She has extensive training in early literacy and math and brings her great interest in painting and the outdoors to her work. In addition to those interests, Emma enjoys traveling and hiking with her family, reading, and trying her hand at gardening and DIY home projects.