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Jahidah Diaab
Founder & CEO
Jahidah's Journey: Nurturing Young Minds
Jahidah Diaab's passion for early childhood education spans 30 years, touching lives from severely autistic to gifted students. Her path began at the Herbert G. Birch School for Autism, followed by teaching arts at esteemed institutions like Hunter Elementary and The Dalton School.
As Curriculum Specialist at Barrow Street Nursery School in NYC, Jahidah's expertise shines. Her experience includes roles at Beginnings Nursery School, The Blue School, Chelsea Day School, and Brooklyn College, where she directed Creative Arts Curriculum and taught aspiring educators.
Jahidah's commitment extends beyond classrooms. She presents at conferences, including The Little Sprouts Conference, Teaching Beyond the Square, B.A.M. Workshops, and The Art of Play and Wonderment Conference, sharing insights on nature-based learning and diversity. Her creative spirit fuels writing, play production, and filmmaking.
With a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Fine Arts, Jahidah's dedication to nurturing young minds is evident. Her work inspires, and her impact is cherished.
Jahidah's Journey: Nurturing Young Minds
Jahidah Diaab's passion for early childhood education spans 30 years, touching lives from severely autistic to gifted students. Her path began at the Herbert G. Birch School for Autism, followed by teaching arts at esteemed institutions like Hunter Elementary and The Dalton School.
As Curriculum Specialist at Barrow Street Nursery School in NYC, Jahidah's expertise shines. Her experience includes roles at Beginnings Nursery School, The Blue School, Chelsea Day School, and Brooklyn College, where she directed Creative Arts Curriculum and taught aspiring educators.
Jahidah's commitment extends beyond classrooms. She presents at conferences, including The Little Sprouts Conference, Teaching Beyond the Square, B.A.M. Workshops, and The Art of Play and Wonderment Conference, sharing insights on nature-based learning and diversity. Her creative spirit fuels writing, play production, and filmmaking.
With a Master's in Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Fine Arts, Jahidah's dedication to nurturing young minds is evident. Her work inspires, and her impact is cherished.
Brenna Fisher
Board
Brenna Fisher uses art to inspire imaginative problem-solving and create compassionate communities. She is an alumna of the New York Arts Program and Atelierista (curriculum specialist) at Barrow Street Nursery School.
Brenna holds a Master's in Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.) from Hunter College and a B.A. in Studio Art from the College of Wooster. She mentors undergraduates in art and education and formerly established arts programming for Kingsley Pines Camp around the idea that “art changes lives.”
Brenna is a mother and sees parenthood as part of her artistic practice.
Brenna Fisher is an artistic visionary at Barrow Street Nursery School, blending art and early childhood education. Her media works focus on social justice, creating innovative learning spaces that encourage exploration. As a mentor, she guides undergraduates in art and education, while her passion for nature informs her art. Through her work, Brenna inspires imagination, empathy, and connection within her community.
Brenna Fisher uses art to inspire imaginative problem-solving and create compassionate communities. She is an alumna of the New York Arts Program and Atelierista (curriculum specialist) at Barrow Street Nursery School.
Brenna holds a Master's in Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.) from Hunter College and a B.A. in Studio Art from the College of Wooster. She mentors undergraduates in art and education and formerly established arts programming for Kingsley Pines Camp around the idea that “art changes lives.”
Brenna is a mother and sees parenthood as part of her artistic practice.
Brenna Fisher is an artistic visionary at Barrow Street Nursery School, blending art and early childhood education. Her media works focus on social justice, creating innovative learning spaces that encourage exploration. As a mentor, she guides undergraduates in art and education, while her passion for nature informs her art. Through her work, Brenna inspires imagination, empathy, and connection within her community.
Angela Yvonne Roman
Board Director
Angela Valentine: Advocate for Nature Angela Valentine finds peace in the great outdoors, where she passionately shares her love of nature. As both an educator and a mother, she conducts wood walks, participants on the joys of connecting with nature. With rocks, trees, and water as her teaching tools, she inspires learning and fosters meaningful connections. Angela’s love for nature cultivates friendships and deepens environmental appreciation. With over a decade of experience in year-round charitable programs for infants to pre-schoolers, she now serves as a lead pre-school teacher, teaching children about the wonders of nature in her classroom. Additionally, Angela has spent 20 years co-directing theater productions with Morning Glory Productions/LeftyLiterate Productions, and is now eager to create theatrical experiences centered around nature for young children under the Blended Garden umbrella.
Angela Valentine: Advocate for Nature Angela Valentine finds peace in the great outdoors, where she passionately shares her love of nature. As both an educator and a mother, she conducts wood walks, participants on the joys of connecting with nature. With rocks, trees, and water as her teaching tools, she inspires learning and fosters meaningful connections. Angela’s love for nature cultivates friendships and deepens environmental appreciation. With over a decade of experience in year-round charitable programs for infants to pre-schoolers, she now serves as a lead pre-school teacher, teaching children about the wonders of nature in her classroom. Additionally, Angela has spent 20 years co-directing theater productions with Morning Glory Productions/LeftyLiterate Productions, and is now eager to create theatrical experiences centered around nature for young children under the Blended Garden umbrella.
Joi Annisa Jackson
Board DIrector
Joi A. Jackson: A Dance Legacy
Born in New York City, Joi A. Jackson's dance journey began with training at esteemed companies like Dance Theater of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her company experience spans notable groups, including Movement for the Urban Village and SKIN Dance Company.
As a respected choreographer, Joi has worked with prominent institutions like The Dalton School and Convent of the Sacred Heart. Her choreography debuted at the Brooklyn Nets' Barclays Center, showcasing her talent. With a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts, Joi continues to inspire through movement and art.
Joi A. Jackson: A Dance Legacy
Born in New York City, Joi A. Jackson's dance journey began with training at esteemed companies like Dance Theater of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her company experience spans notable groups, including Movement for the Urban Village and SKIN Dance Company.
As a respected choreographer, Joi has worked with prominent institutions like The Dalton School and Convent of the Sacred Heart. Her choreography debuted at the Brooklyn Nets' Barclays Center, showcasing her talent. With a BFA in Dance from The University of the Arts, Joi continues to inspire through movement and art.
Sophier Campbell
Advisory Board Member
Sophier Campbelll's Journey
A Life of Service and Celebration!
With 12 years of inspiring young minds as a 2nd-grade teacher in Harlem, NY, and 19 years of nurturing spirits as a Therapeutic Recreational Therapist/Director at Victoria Home (a royal favorite spot for Queen Elizabeth II!), Sophier has spent her career spreading joy and making memories. As an event planner extraordinaire, she's brought magic to weddings, baby showers, corporate events, and more - even gracing local news stations with her flair! 💫 With a heart full of passion and a spirit that's truly one-of-a-kind, Sophier's story is one of love, service, and celebration.”
Sophier Campbelll's Journey
A Life of Service and Celebration!
With 12 years of inspiring young minds as a 2nd-grade teacher in Harlem, NY, and 19 years of nurturing spirits as a Therapeutic Recreational Therapist/Director at Victoria Home (a royal favorite spot for Queen Elizabeth II!), Sophier has spent her career spreading joy and making memories. As an event planner extraordinaire, she's brought magic to weddings, baby showers, corporate events, and more - even gracing local news stations with her flair! 💫 With a heart full of passion and a spirit that's truly one-of-a-kind, Sophier's story is one of love, service, and celebration.”
Lashon Bernadette Sostres
Creative Art Director
At 42, LaShon Bernadette Sostres blooms as a mother, advocate, and artist. Her path ignited at just seven, standing up during a live "Mama, I Want to Sing" performance. This moment sparked a lifelong journey with dance and voice lessons, leading to roles in plays and pageants.
In high school, her talents fueled purposeful action—she became the youngest ambassador for GMHC, advocating for abstinence to combat HIV/AIDS. At F.H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she thrived under Inger Burton at the Harlem School of the Arts, merging passion with pedagogy.
Today, LaShon's evolution embodies her name's gentle strength ("LaShon" meaning "to speak" and "Bernadette" pure beauty). She teaches arts not just to train, but to transform young minds, using nature as a stage and healing through expression. Her work, a love song to resilience and growth, nurtures voices and souls.
At 42, LaShon Bernadette Sostres blooms as a mother, advocate, and artist. Her path ignited at just seven, standing up during a live "Mama, I Want to Sing" performance. This moment sparked a lifelong journey with dance and voice lessons, leading to roles in plays and pageants.
In high school, her talents fueled purposeful action—she became the youngest ambassador for GMHC, advocating for abstinence to combat HIV/AIDS. At F.H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, she thrived under Inger Burton at the Harlem School of the Arts, merging passion with pedagogy.
Today, LaShon's evolution embodies her name's gentle strength ("LaShon" meaning "to speak" and "Bernadette" pure beauty). She teaches arts not just to train, but to transform young minds, using nature as a stage and healing through expression. Her work, a love song to resilience and growth, nurtures voices and souls.
The Seed Sowers
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