I have 13 years of experience as an educator and program leader focused on social-emotional learning, STEM, and inclusive education. At Recess, I lead classroom experiences and community events that foster growth and connection. With a Master’s in STEM Education, I’m passionate about hands-on learning, equity, and building meaningful relationships with children and families.

With 16 years of proven experience and success in Early Childhood Education across NY, NJ, and PA, I am excited to be an advisor for Recess. I am passionate about child and family engagement, child development, and compliance.

My name is Hermelinda, and I’ve always loved expressing myself through art and spending time outdoors. Whether I’m painting or horseback riding, I enjoy the creativity, freedom, and peace both bring me.

I have had the privilege of supporting children in educational, arts-based, recreational and caregiving settings for 20 years and counting. With a focus on gentle, attachment-based care and non-coercive learning, I strive to connect with each child, building a relationship of trust and creative collaboration. I love snuggling babies, working out, reading nerdy books, and hanging out with my partner and our family in our West Philly home.

My name is Ananda. I was born and raised in New York City. With seven years of experience in childcare, my passion grew from being the oldest sibling and assisting my parents in caring for my younger siblings. I am also a new mother to a handsome and sweet boy. I value safety, communication and creating meaningful connections with children and their families. I’m grateful to be part of the Recess team and look forward to utilizing and developing new skills.

I have a master’s degree in social work, and I have spent the last 15 years working with children and families throughout the greater Philadelphia area, teaching child development and prenatal/postnatal classes, doing home visits, and helping families access resources. I am passionate about working with children and helping them to grow and learn in a safe, supportive environment, and Recess is the perfect place for that!

I’m a junior at Temple University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Business. With three years of childcare experience, I really enjoy supporting children as they learn, grow, and explore the world around them.

My name is Sage Torrisi and I am the assistant teacher at Recess. I recently graduated from George Washington University with degree in psychology and am planning to pursue a masters in Pediatric Occupational Therapy. I have always had a passion for working with children and I am so excited to have the opportunity to help cultivate a fun, creative, intellectually stimulating space for kids to learn and explore at Recess.