ABOUT HOW WE REGGIO
How We Reggio (HWR) is a collaborative project developed and hosted by Tree Top Academy, a Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education center in Jupiter, Florida.
OUR VISION
Our vision is to create a worldwide community where educators feel empowered and connected through Reggio Emilia inspired practices.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to offer a community where educators can unite to cultivate and strengthen each other’s Reggio Emilia inspired practices.
MEET OUR TEAM
Executive Director
Jeff Turner is the founder and Executive Director of Tree Top Academy. Following the birth of his two children, Jeff took an interest in early childhood education. After conducting some research on the topic he quickly realized that there was a gap between well-researched best practices in early education and what was generally available in the community. That realization led to more research and to the creation of Tree Top Academy and its vision of providing a rich, child-centered learning environment. Jeff earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree at the University of Florida. He has been a board member of the Association for Independent Schools of Florida (AISF) since 2016. AISF is an accrediting organization for progressive independent schools in Florida. He is the past Vice-President of Early Childhood Accreditation Programs for AISF.
Cassandra Keller, EdD, Project Director
Dr. Keller has served as the Head of School and Teacher Development at Tree Top Academy since 2013. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). She has been studying effective teaching methods for over 30 years and has been inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia and Visible Thinking routines from the Harvard Graduate School of Education for over a decade. Dr. Keller holds earned degrees in teacher education and special education from the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University. In 2023, she earned a Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL), from The Zaentz Early Education Initiative at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has had nine publications and presented at over 30 state, national, and international education conferences.
Megan James, Creative Director
Megan James serves as the Creative Director of both Tree Top Academy and How We Reggio. She is responsible for designing our nature-inspired aesthetic, which is integral to our approach, and works closely with teachers to develop innovative courses and engaging Visible Thinking projects and displays. Additionally, she curates content for the website, manages our social media presence, oversees marketing efforts, and produces various materials such as course films, educational content, and conference resources.
Lori Elliot, Master Teacher
Lori Elliott is one of our Master Teacher’s and has inspired our school with her organic signature style of Reggio projects, scaffolded with Visible Thinking Routines. She started her journey at Tree Top Academy in 2005 and converted from Traditional teaching to Reggio Emilia inspired teaching 12 years ago, and never looked back! Lori is known for her elaborate projects that transform the environment of her entire classroom, from city-scapes to desert scenes, she believes in a full immersion experience for her students to deep dive in their interests.
Carmen Hurtado, Master Teacher
Ms Carmen has dedicated 25 years to the art of teaching preschool, and it's easy to see what keeps her in this profession. The moment that she interacts with her students, her passion comes through by way of her gentle disposition and intentional efforts to infuse her lessons with the magic of nature and art. Carmen has traveled to the birthplace of the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Reggio Emilia, Italy, several times. From her inspiration, she has created two inviting Atelier spaces to host creativity and collaboration at Tree Top Academy.
Sara Malvasia, Mindfulness Guide
Since Sara’s arrival to Tree Top Academy in 2021, she has woven the arts of mindfulness and meditation into the fabric of her daily teachings, earning her the title of a dynamic educator. She creates tales of wonder, inviting the children to become the masters of their own imagination. Through deep breathing and the graceful weaving of yoga poses, she kindles a peaceful ambiance that nurtures the children's minds and spirits. Sara recently presented her very own classroom mindfulness techniques to the Florida Education for Young Children state conference, with an overwhelming response.
Meghan Sheil, Contributing Writer
Miss Meghan's journey at Tree Top Academy began in 2021 when she joined as a VPK teacher, quickly becoming a cherished member of the educational community. Her experiences in Reggio Emilia, where she traveled twice, solidified her passion for the philosophy, inspiring her to embrace and embody its pillars in her teaching practice. As a contributing writer for How We Reggio, Meghan shares her insights and experiences, creating a bridge between the Reggio Emilia philosophy and early childhood educators. Her ability to seamlessly weave together literacy, visible thinking, and Reggio-inspired teaching strategies has proven invaluable in her lessons, promoting an engaging and enriching learning environment for her students. Her enthusiasm continues to inspire those around her, illuminating the powerful impact of embracing this educational philosophy.
OUR TREE TOP ACADEMY TEAM
