We are proud to introduce the hardest working, most fabulous team of shining stars in the East Valley. Our family of passionate educators will quickly become a second family to you and your loved ones!
Look, it’s simple, if we support, train, provide tools & resources, and truly create a wonderful workplace, then our teachers can focus on bringing their teaching talents fully into the classroom every single day.
I was born into a family of teachers – my father, a Physics professor; my mother, a Math teacher; and my two sisters, who teach Language and Special Education. The passion for education filled our home, hence my dream of teaching since I was little! By age 21, I founded a successful tutoring agency in Toronto, Canada, which exposed me to teaching one-on-one early in my career. I pursued a Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Social Science and Literature. After giving birth to my first daughter, I returned to school to obtain a second degree in education. I taught in both elementary and middle schools in Ontario for five years, and later, I advanced to high school for another three years. Focusing on special education, Guidance, and behavioral issues was my expertise. I was happiest in the classroom, interacting with my students – forming wonderful bonds, changing lives, and then sad to see them go year after year. I am proud to be a parent at and owner of Premier Learning Academy – a second family my sister and I have always dreamt of.
Teaching for the past two decades in both private and public school districts in Ontario, Canada, has been a thrill. I learned that real education occurs when children are engaged and left to imagine the rest. My classroom is always filled with laughter, music, and fun as I live for the moment when a face lights up, and a pre-kindergartener says: “I get it now!” Through my many years as an educator, I realized the significant need to build self-esteem and discard all notions of predetermined expectations. No child is left behind under our care; therefore, with patience and determination, we teach to focus on students’ strengths rather than weaknesses. A mother of 3 vivacious young boys, I learned to insist on putting our children first. Being a parent is definitely the greatest challenge, and as you walk through our doors day after day, I identify with you in both wonderful and challenging times. Alongside my sister Elana, I can’t wait to change the world together, one child at a time!
Premier Learning Academy has played an enormous part in my life since 2010, as I have seen our amazing preschool grow into one of the best in our State! I have been so proud to be a part of its wonderful journey as a mother and volunteer from 2010 to 2012, a teacher from 2012 to 2014, and now director from 2014 to the current day. I am a mother to a very spirited 10-year-old boy named George, with whom I love hanging out with in my spare time! In addition to gaming, I am nuts about animals - my husband and I have fostered three rescue dogs! Though I have a degree in Art History, Early Education has been a passion of mine. Growing with our family of outstanding educators at Premier Learning Academy has never been work but a second home surrounded by little ones we inspire to make the world a better place!
Hi there! My name is Delihla, and I am the Director of PLA Chandler. I was born and raised in Arizona and am the second oldest of five. I have 3 nieces, 3 nephews, and 2 cute Shih Tzu puppies! When I am not at PLA, I hang out with family, binge-watch TV, read, or do puzzles! I started working with children about 6 years ago and have been in love with what I do ever since. I am also attending Grand Canyon University, continuing my studies in Early Childhood Education and Development. I have loved every moment of providing exceptional care to all your kiddos, and I am so thankful that I get to do what I love every day!
My name is Nicole, and I was born and raised in Arizona! I've wanted to be a teacher since I was eight years old! I started with PLA in 2021 at our Chandler location as an assistant teacher and then transitioned to the Queen Creek location to help open our second toddler classroom. Following that, I advanced to assistant director and now I proudly serve as the director! I have worn many hats throughout the years here at PLA and loved every single one. I've found a home at PLA, and I hope you will, too.
I was born in Arizona but raised in the beautiful PNW, Washington State, my whole life. In the fall of 2022, I moved back to Arizona and love the constant sunshine! In the past, I was actively involved with animals through rescue and foster work. Four years ago, I shifted my focus to working with young children, primarily toddlers, and I’ve loved it ever since! It’s incredible to play such a significant role in these young ones’ lives and watch them grow into amazing little humans!
Hello Parents & Friends! Growing up in Australia, I was always the little girl who wanted to become a teacher - and if that didn't work out, I daydreamed about being a farmer! I've been working with young children for about nine years, with five years teaching pre-k here at PLA. I now proudly serve as the Assistant Director at PLA! My time here has been a dream come true, thanks to all the wonderful students I've worked with over the years. On rare occasions when I have free time, I love exploring nature, writing, and reading!
I grew up in Utah and moved to Arizona in 2020. I’m a huge soccer fan, and I played for two years, from 16 to 18 years old. Now, you will find me watching soccer games on the weekends. I have a little shih tzu named Darby who is my baby and likes to think she’s an adult! One day, I hope to own my dream dog, a Standard Poodle. My favorite hobbies include reading and creating art with adult coloring books! I've always been around kids, and I started pursuing my passion for teaching them right after high school. I have loved working with children ever since! PLA has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and be the best teacher I can be for these children.
Hi! My name is Sarah Embree, and I have been a mom for 17 years and have 4 kiddos! I love nurturing, caring for, and teaching all children, especially toddlers! I’ve worked with children since 2006 when I started my children’s photography business. I wanted to work more with children and not just behind a lens. Being able to interact more was huge for me, so I decided to become a preschool teacher in 2023, and it has been my absolute passion ever since! I always aim to provide a safe and loving environment for kiddos because I know it can be hard for them to be away from their parents. I want to make sure that each child feels seen, heard, and loved!
Hello, my name is Ms. Tatum, and I am a preschool teacher here at Premier Learning Academy. I was born and raised in Niles, Michigan, and moved here with my parents when I was 12. As the oldest of four girls, I often babysat my younger sisters, which fueled my passion for working with children. At home, I have a Red Heeler named Gunner, who is my fur baby! I love all animals, my favorite color is blue, and I enjoy watching football and baseball. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends!
Hello! My name is Anastasia, and I’m thrilled to be working at PLA! I grew up in California and spent a few years in Oregon but recently moved to Arizona with my fiancé to be closer to family. I have a passion for working with kids and a background primarily in special education and behavioral therapy. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, photography, and hiking/exploring with my dogs and fiancé!
Hi, my name is Camryn! I have always had a passion for working with children and watching them grow into amazing humans. I am beyond excited to be a preschool teacher at Premier Learning Academy, teach you kiddos, and watch them grow into pre-kindergartners! I am currently enrolled in Central Arizona College and working towards my degree. I was originally born in New Mexico but moved to Arizona when I was one year old. My hobbies include spending time with family and friends and traveling. I am excited to be a part of the PLA family!
I moved to Chandler from Pennsylvania 20 years ago with my husband. I have three wonderful children who are my everything! I have been working in the preschool world for over 15 years and have an Associate degree in Technology, which is my passion! My favorite thing to do is hike the great state of Arizona and watch my kids play soccer!
I was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona, growing up with five siblings, me being the second youngest. Soccer was a huge part of my life, starting at age 4, and I went on to play college soccer for all four years at Ottawa University, where I also earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology. My hobbies include shopping, traveling, outdoor activities, and being a full-time dog mom to my English Bulldog, Tobee. I began working with kids a little over three years ago—being able to teach them new things and watch them grow is a true blessing!
I grew up down the street from Premier Learning Academy and now live in South Tempe with my husband. I graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications. Since I was a teenager, I have always loved caring for children. I have experience in special education and nannying as well. In my free time, I love to spend time with my six nieces and nephews, read, and spend time outside. I’m so excited to be a part of the PLA family!
I was born and raised in Iowa and attended the University of Iowa (GO HAWKEYES), where I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a focus on child development. I moved to Gilbert four years ago to be closer to my best friend and to explore new opportunities. In my spare time, I love hiking, swimming, participating in trivia nights, and going to the movies. I have always felt it was my passion to work with kids, so I am extremely excited to be a part of the PLA family!
My name is Tawny, and this is my first time working in childcare! I am so happy to be here at PLA; I absolutely love the environment here! In my free time, my favorite things to do are spend time with my friends, crochet, and thrift shop! I am also a huge Taylor Swift Fan. I can't wait to spend many years here with my PLA family!
I have been at PLA for just about six years, and it has been amazing. I've worked with so many different age groups, and each age group brings me so much joy. My hobbies include drawing, painting, and photography! I spend most of my free time with my family; family always comes first. Working at PLA all these years has helped me grow so much as a person and a teacher. I am so excited to continue working with these wonderful kiddos!
I'm from San Diego, CA! Fun fact: I was born in a car! I was also born hard of hearing. It has been quite a journey to get where I am today, and three years ago, I experienced a life-changing event—I received a cochlear implant, which has helped tremendously. I graduated with a Bachelor's in English and have been working in childcare for about eight years now, and I love it. I look forward to working with your wonderful kiddos this year and in the years to come!
I am a California Native! I moved to AZ in 2019 with my husband (to whom I've been married for five years), and I absolutely love Arizona! I have been teaching in preschools since 1997, working with children from toddlers to pre-k, and I've found that preschool and pre-k are my favorite ages to teach. For the past four years, I have had the pleasure of working at PLA, which has been my best career experience. PLA has a true family atmosphere, and I am so proud to call it my home.
I am so excited to have the privilege of being your child's teacher here at PLA! I have lived in the Gilbert area for 10 years and was the 100th graduating class at Gilbert High School in 2017! Prior to that, I lived in Mission Viejo, Las Vegas, and Tucson! I've been teaching for seven years and will continue teaching, growing, and learning along with your child! I have loved working with children for as long as I can remember. There is just something about helping to mold, educate, and bring new experiences to a child's eager mind that I find so rewarding!
Grow Your Center 