I knew from an early age that childcare was my passion. I grew up with many siblings and I loved taking care of them! I began my childcare career as a private nanny in 2021, serving numerous clients. Since 2023, I have been employed with Harris ELC while maintaining my nannying business. As I work toward my Associate Degree in Childhood Development, I am eager to learn as much as I can about how best to support our youngest students!
In 2020, I received a bachelor's degree from Miles College in Child Development. I have been working in the infant room since November 2021. I enjoy being in the classroom and working with the babies and watching them grow and develop through the learning experience here at the H.E.L.C.
In 2020, I received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama. I love being in the classroom engaging and encouraging children as they learn, create, and grow into their unique self. I joined HELC in August of 2021.
I am a graduate of Booker T. Washington Business College. I have an Infant and Toddler CDA. I have been working in childcare since 1986 and have worked with children of all ages.
Hello, my name is Katelyn Nix. I am 21 years old. I graduated from Wallace State community college with my degree in Early Childhood Development, and I’m looking to further my degree. I absolutely love doing any kind of art and crafts, as well as spending time with my family and friends. I’m so excited to start working at HELC, and can’t wait to meet everyone.
I have been employed at the Harris Early Learning Center since June 2021. I have an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Currently, I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in early childhood education at the University of West Alabama. Working with children has been a significant part of my life for over 20 years, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to witness their growth and development. My time spent with my students has been some of the most rewarding and enjoyable days of my life, as there is never a dull moment, and I genuinely have a fun time working with children! “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life” - Confucius
I have been employed with Harris Early Learning Center since 1995. I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education with a double minor in Psychology from Auburn University. Teaching young children is extremely rewarding. I absolutely love seeing and being a part of all the many changes that take place in the early years. I treasure the relationships I form with each and every child and their parents over the years! I truly enjoy what I do each and every day!
My name is Brooke Wells. I received my Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Wallace State Community College this summer and I’m currently working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education at UAB. I spent two amazing years as a teaching assistant at Mitchell’s Place, where I enjoyed creating fun and engaging learning experiences for kids. I’m excited to bring my enthusiasm and creativity into HELC!
I was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama as an only child. I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2002. I have been teaching for over 19 years and really enjoy what I do. I love to see the little ones grasp and learn new things daily, as well as watch them explore the environment with their classmates.
I am originally from Pasadena, CA. I graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Alabama in 2000. I have been working at Harris Early Learning Center as a teacher since 2003.
Hi, I'm Lauren Martin! I've been working with children since 2011 and I am pursuing my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. I love working with young children because I love watching little learners experience new things and build self-confidence. I truly believe that early childhood education sets the stage for a child's future learning and emotional development. I'm grateful for the chance to be a part of this journey at HELC.
I am a proud double graduate of Auburn University with a Master of Science in Child Life and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies. I have had a passion for working with children since the beginning of my educational and professional journey. Much of this passion was cultivated by my college internship with the Early Learning Center in Auburn. Throughout my experience working in the 3-year-old classroom I saw firsthand how compassionate and intentional teachers can help children build social, emotional, and cognitive skills that will build strong foundations for their futures. I am so excited to start my journey with HELC!
With ten years of experience in childcare, I have dedicated my career to nurturing young minds and watching them grow. I graduated in 2020 with a B.S. degree in Biology from UAB, bringing a love for science and discovery into my teaching. My passion lies in creating a supportive and engaging environment where children can thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning.
I am a 2005 graduate of Judson College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I have worked with children since 2007 and enjoy being part of their learning journey. I joined Harris in May 2022 and look forward to continuing my education as a teacher.
I have an Associate’s degree in Child Development Education. I previously worked in the Jefferson County and Birmingham Public School Systems. My dream is to continue my profession in Early Childhood Education, which I truly love.
I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Auburn University. I have been at HELC since 2019. I enjoy teaching and being a part of seeing a change in children's lives as well as watching the joy and excitement as children grow and develop through learning experiences.
Hello everyone! It is so wonderful to join the HELC! I graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2023 with a degree in chemistry! I have lived in Alabama all of my life, but just spent a year in California completing a fellowship in community health. My fellowship made me realize how interested I was in education, and I found myself applying for a position at HELC. I am super close to my family and enjoy spending time outdoors and with my puppy! I am eager to get started and work with the families and children of the learning center and for everyone to get to know me.
I have worked at HELC/Auburn for 16 years. I have taught Pre-K in Rooms 107 and 108. I taught in Room 111 for 2 years while I was working on my Bachelors. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Early Childhood Education from The University of Alabama, Roll Tide!! I retired from teaching in the classroom in 2017. I came back as a part-time sub. I started back full-time in 2020. I love what I do as a teacher. I love listening, interacting, nurturing, coaching, and watching children grow. I look forward to this coming school year!
I love the fact that I have the opportunity to make a difference in my students' lives. Each child is different, and I love watching them grow, learn, and develop their own personalities. I not only teach, but I also get an opportunity to interact with so many different children, their families and touch many lives. Years from now my students may not remember me but my hope is that they remember something positive that I have said or done that they will carry on their journey.
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My name is Shadai Jolly, and I am from Birmingham, AL. I have been working in childcare for 17 years now and love every moment of it. I have my Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a mother of 3 and a dog. My favorite color is red and black. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family and exploring nature. My favorite sport is basketball. I am very excited to meet your kids and get to know your families throughout the school year.
I graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Development. I did my internship at Harris with 3-year-olds. I have worked in childcare since 2005. I began working at Harris in 2018. I believe when given the opportunity and environment, along with encouragement, children can grow and change in amazing ways.
I am from Warrior, AL. I am currently attending Wallace State Community College and will receive my Associates Degree in Child Development in May 2023. I plan to further my education after this degree. I have worked at an accredited Head Start program for the last three years as an assistant teacher. I am in a family of educators and look forward to continuing our teaching legacy. I am so excited to start working at HELC!
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University in 2006. I have been employed with HELC since 2008. I enjoy teaching because I love being able to watch the joy and excitement children show for new learning experiences.
I have been at HELC for 17 years. I love working with children. My extended Harris Family makes the journey worthwhile. I am the proud mother of my beautiful daughter, Clarrisa.
Hello, my name is Cherika Watford. My husband and I have been married for 21 years. We have a son (12) and a daughter (6) who are both graduates of HELC PreK. I began teaching at Harris in 2017 in the toddler age group. I was also chosen to represent AU/HELC as the PBS Kids Early Learning Champion in the 2019 cohort and still work with PBS station reps nationally to advocate for early childcare. I received my associate's degree from Jefferson State Community College in Child Development and bachelor's degree from the University of Alabama in Early Childhood Education. Teaching young children is definitely my passion and I am so excited to step into the role of PreK teacher at Harris.
Hi, my name is Breonna Nicole Graham. I am currently a graduate Student at UAB pursuing a master's in Marriage and Family Counseling. I obtained a bachelor's degree in human environmental sciences from the University of Alabama in 2022. My major was in Human Development & Family Studies wherein I took an interest in early childhood education and child development. I love cooking, crafting, reading, traveling, playing with my dog, and spending time with family & friends, especially my niece and nephew. In addition, I enjoy serving within the community and within youth ministry on the kids' team at my church. I have no children of my own yet, so I am honored to pour into yours. I have always had a great passion for children and a strong encourager of their proper growth and development. I enjoy watching them learn and grow, and I strive to be an impact in their young lives. Furthermore, I am excited to rejoin HELC's amazing team of early educators.
I am a UAB graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Psychology. I am a certified teacher with the State of Alabama. I have been employed at Harris Early Learning Center since November 1995. My current teaching position is a Pre-K teacher in Room 108.
Hello, my name is Heather Shaw! I am from Trussville, AL. I have been working with children for almost 20 years. I taught 3k at my previous job and also worked in preschool. I have a passion for teaching and love to watch children grow and prosper. I have been married for 26 years to my husband and we have one daughter Taylor. I plan to finish my education while here at HELC. I look forward to working with your children and getting to know you.
I grew up in Auburn and graduated from Auburn University in 1984. I have been a part of the Harris Early Learning Center family since 1995.
My name is JoAnna Davis. I am a mom and wife. Our favorite thing to do is go on family hikes. I grew up in Oxford, AL but have been in Birmingham for about 10 years. I graduated from UAB with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. I have loved working with children since I was a teenager. I am excited to start my journey at the Harris Early Learning Center!
I received my associate’s degree in child development from Wallace State Community College in 2020. I am currently attending Auburn University to obtain my bachelor’s degree in human development and Family Studies. I am a mom of two, a little boy and a little girl. I joined Harris Early Learning Center in February 2023. I love teaching children and watching them grow into their own person.
Hello, I have been working in childcare around the Birmingham area for the past 5 years. I have always had a passion for teaching kids since I was a little girl! I am looking to get back into school to further my education and credibility. I enjoy working with kids to watch them grow and learn. I think it’s wonderful to be able to help them grow and develop into our future of the world! I look forward to starting my new journey at HELC!!!
I have been in the childcare field since 1992 and I have been employed at Harris Early Learning Center since 1997. I have an Associate's degree in Child Development; have attended the University of Alabama; and plan to continue my educational goals.
Hello my name is Kali Calloway. I am a 2022 high school graduate. I have always had a passion for children and a passion for fashion design, in addition to a fascination with psychology and seeing how the mind works. I am just a big kid at heart. I still enjoy doing things I used to as a child, such as going to the McWane Center, going to Homewood Park, attending classic and muscle car shows, and watching cartoons such as Teletubbies or SpongeBob. I love watching anime, historical, and paranormal shows in my free time. I am super excited to start my new journey at Harris Early Learning Center!
My name is Mukta, and I am thrilled to join the Harris Early Learning Center team. I was born and raised in India and hold a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electronics from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University. After coming to the United States, I discovered my passion for teaching and volunteering. I have had the privilege of teaching and volunteering at Hoover City Schools, Aloha Mind and Math, Hindi Pathshala Birmingham, and the International Association for Human Values. As a proud mother of three children, I understand the importance of providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for young minds. My hobbies include connecting with people, practicing yoga and meditation, drawing, and writing. I look forward to a rewarding teaching and learning experience at Harris Early Learning Center.
I have a bachelors degree in Family & Consumer Sciences with conecentrations in Child Development from Jacksonville State University. I have been working with children since 2012. I decided to become a teacher because I love to see how the kids grow and develop. It is a joy to be apart in making a change in kids lives.
My name is Valerie Jones, and I am a writer, crafter, and movie lover from Birmingham. I have two bachelor's degrees, one in Early Childhood Education from the University of Alabama and one in English from Ashford University. I was an intern turned teacher at HELC in 2002 and remained until 2007. I have worked with infants to K4, retiring in 2021. I am excited to return to teaching at HELC.
I’m Kenedi Jolly, I attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. From a very young age, I have harbored a deep passion for teaching. It has always been my dream career, and the desire to become a teacher has been a constant presence in my life. The idea of stepping into a classroom and guiding young minds excites me beyond measure. I believe that teaching is not just a profession, but a calling that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the world.
I have been teaching preschool since 2003 and I have been working at Harris since 2009. I have an Abbreviated Certificate in Child Development, Associate’s Degree in Early Education and Administration. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
My name is Hannah Daffin and I am a native of Mobile, Alabama. I recently graduated from Samford University in the spring of 2023, with a bachelor's in Human Development and Family Science. I have worked with children for over 5 years, and this is my second year here at Harris. I am looking forward to another exciting school year of learning and growing!
Hello! My name is Hannah Sanders. I am a senior at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville Alabama. I am working toward my applied associate's degree in child development. I have always had a passion for caring for and nurturing young children. As an aunt to five nieces and nephews, I have earned all my babysitting badges. I also worked as a private nanny for a large family of nine for several years. Since summer 2020, I have been seasonally employed at YMCA Camp Cosby. Located in Alpine, Cosby is my home away from home. I am belay certified and enjoy doing anything outdoorsy like climbing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and so much more. I am beyond excited to be at HELC serving quality care to you and your children!
