About the Staff
Sharonda - Owner and Program Director
I knew education was my passion when I first stepped into a kindergarten classroom and saw all of those curious eyes shinning up at me almost 17 years ago. I was a freshmen in college working as a classroom aide in Lansing Elementary Schools. Since that time I have worked with children in various capacities like tutoring, after school programs, and summer camps. I greatly enjoyed those experiences, however, my passion lies with early childhood education. I have about 17 years of experience in early education, including three years as a teacher's assist and fours years as a Preschool Teacher. I received my associates degree in Child Development from Grand Rapids Community College. I went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Public and Non-profit Administration with a focus in community development at Grand Valley State University.
I started this program because I wanted to create a space where children are free to learn and explore without being pressured to "get ready" for the next stage of life. I believe childhood should be celebrated and children should be encouraged to enjoy each moment as it happens. My program is built to provide children with a nurturing literacy rich environment where they can build a foundation of emotional and intellectual strength. I support children's social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive developmental needs and provide them with the opportunity to become independent critical thinkers.
Program Director's Statement on the Environment (and the meatless menu 🌍)
Our relationship with the Earth should be one of respect and gratitude. The Earth provides humanity with soil to grow our food, resources to build our homes, and water to sustain our lives. At Curiosity First we know that reducing our carbon footprint is one way to show gratitude to the earth for all it continuously gives. Curiosity First is committed to reducing the amount of plastic materials we purchase, recycling and reusing materials, and purchasing sustainable, recycled, organic products when possible. We are also committed to providing a meatless menu to help reduce greenhouse gases. Sustainability looks different for everyone - this is what it looks like for us.
Ms. Avery - Infant/Toddler Teacher
Hello! My name is Avery Tafelsky and I am looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. I bring with me five years of early childhood education experience with a focus on the Reggio Emilia approach, which is child-focused, child-led, open ended materials kind of work, as well as being a parent myself of a four year old. I graduated with a degree in Psychology from Aquinas College and am currently working towards my CDA.
I began as an assistant, and with the more skills I picked up and from learning from my mentors, I was given the opportunity to move up to lead. As a lead I was able to learn more about classroom and team management. I am passionate and committed to setting my students and team up for success and supporting each individual physically, emotionally, and cognitively. My goal as a teacher is to ensure all families that their child is safe, listened to, loved, and given the best care. Together we will make sure your little one is set up for success.
Ms. Stephanie - Preschool Teacher
My interest in working with children started when I was working at the YWCA in the before and after school program for 2 years. Then I went to work at Head Start as a Teacher Assistant teaching ages 3-5 for over 15 years. Another position I held there was a Teacher Rover which consisted of being a mentor to the teachers.
As a result, being in this field I decided to continue my education, I have an Associate and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Early Childhood Education.
I enjoy seeing the children grow and develop because each one is unique and different in their own way. I make sure the classroom environment is a nurturing safe place where children can express themselves through exploring, discovering, and creating.
In the classroom I like setting children up for academic success as a goal by enhancing their learning ability, so they'll be ready for kindergarten.
Ms. Bailey - Preschool Childcare Aide
Hello, my name is Bailey Trout and I am a Childcare Aide at Curiosity First. I have a bachelor's degree and three years of experience working with children, one of those being in a Montessori classroom. There, I worked with children ages 3-6 in a variety of classrooms settings.
My approach to working with and caring for children is calming and reassuring, making sure they have everything they need while they make independent choices for themselves to contribute to their successful learning. I do this work because I think children have so much I can learn from them as I teach them life lessons in this world. I appreciate seeing their smiling faces; it makes my day brighter each day!
Ms. Jasmine - Center Childcare Aide
Hi, I am Ms. Jasmine. I am a caring and positive person with over 5 years of experience working with children from ages 2-12 years old. I'm a teacher who wants all children to be successful learners. I work to create a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating, encouraging, and adaptive to the varied needs of students.
Ms. Shamyla - Center Childcare Aide and Program Lead
Hi I am Ms. Shamyla. I have over 5 years experience when it comes to working with children. I enjoy teaching them and I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and helping each child based on their individual needs. I'm here to help your children learn and watch them grow.