Our Staff
We are dedicated to working with
children in the spirit of partnership and creative participation to give
consistent, reliable support to each child’s growth, development, and
curiosity for lifelong learning.
Anja she/her
Executive Director
Anja came to Willow Blossom as a parent in 2021, and her youngest graduated from our preschool in 2024. Anja joined the staff in 2023, bringing a background in management, and music education. Anja held rolls as teacher in both classrooms, the Lead Teacher in Preschool, and office manager before accepting the Director position in April 2025 . Anja is Director/Lead Teacher certified in Infant/toddler and Preschool Care.
Rachael she/her
Director Emeritus, Program Advisor, Substitute teacher
After 24 years as the director of this program, Rachael has transitioned to a new role at Willow Blossom Learning Center. Rachael has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Wheelock College, and both a Master of Education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Education from the University of Massachusetts. Rachael was the director at Willow Blossom from 2001-2025, and has over 45 years of experience in education, providing high quality care for a wide variety of clients in Washington, California, and Massachusetts
Abby she/her
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Abby is a graduate of UMass Amherst, with a BA in Communications. She has been part of the Willow Blossom community since she was young, having graduated from our preschool and returning as a teacher 10 years ago. Abby loves implementing music in work and play as well as getting messy with art projects and sensory activities. Abby is EEC Teacher Certified in Infant/Toddler and Preschool Care.
.png)
Hannah she/her
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Hannah has been working with children for eight and a half years, six of those in Early Childhood Settings. She has a passion for the toddler years. Hannah joined the Infant/Toddler team in August of 2025, and is EEC Teacher Certified in Infant/Toddler and Preschool Care.
Julia she/her
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Julia grew up on a farm in southern MA that fostered her love for all things growing. Since graduating her vocational high school with her certification in Early Education and Care, Julia has continued to work in early learning centers merging her love of nature and young children. In the school setting you can find Julia singing, playing in the mud, or collaborating on process based artwork with her students. She is EEC Teacher Certified in Infant/Toddler and Preschool Care.
Anne she/her
Preschool Teacher
Anne comes to Willow Blossom with many years in Early Childhood Education. Anne has a Masters in Early Childhood Education as well as a Waldorf certificate. Anne loves bringing nature into the classroom, and learning through exploring the world around us.
Anyata They/Them
Preschool Teacher
Anyata joined the Preschool team Summer of 2026. They have a BA in French, and an MA in Teaching, and came to Early Childhood after two years of teaching Middle School Language Arts. They have a passion for Environmental and outdoor learning. In addition to Anyatas teaching licence, they are also hold an EEC Teacher Preschool teacher certification.
.png)
Phoebe They/Them
Preschool Teacher
Phoebe joins the Willow Blossom Teaching Team as a member of both classrooms!
Full Bio coming Soon!
Ava She/Her
Preschool Teacher
Ava is a Senior at UMass Amherst studying Psychology. She earned her EEC Teacher Certification while in High School, and has been with Willow Blossom since Winter 2025.
Kiera she/her
Preschool Assistant
Kiera is a graduate of UMASS Amherst earning a degree in Sociology, in addition to an associates degree in Liberal Arts from GCC. Having grown up helping in her grandmothers Speech Language center on Cape Cod, she has an appreciation for how children learn in different ways. She enjoys playing with the kids, especially outside. Kiera plans to pursue a doctorate in Indigenous Studies in the next few years.
Remi she/her
Program Assistant
Remi is a graduate student at Umass and has been at Willow Blossom since Fall 2025. Remi helps keep the center running and organized!