Teachers and Staff at The Astor

Discover a world of wonder and learning at The Astor Academy in the heart of Chelsea, Michigan. We believe that every child’s early learning journey should be guided by passionate educators who blend knowledge with compassion. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff is committed to creating a joyful, engaging, and safe environment where children ages 6 weeks to 5 years can thrive and develop a lifelong love for learning!

Meet the Heart and Soul of The Astor Academy — Our Chelsea Educators

Nestled in the vibrant community of Chelsea, our team is composed of experienced educators who understand the unique needs of young learners. With a deep understanding of early childhood development, our teachers craft personalized learning experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. From the moment your child enters our classrooms, they’ll be met with a warm, nurturing embrace that sets the foundation for a strong educational journey.

Passion Meets Expertise: Enriching Full-Day Educational Childcare

Each member of our staff brings a wealth of expertise to our preschool community. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and sharing a dedication to early childhood education, our teachers collaborate to create an enriching curriculum that sparks imagination and encourages exploration. From the enchanting world of art to the wonders of science, the beauty of language to the magic of mathematics, our educators seamlessly weave essential skills into captivating lessons, fostering well-rounded development.

At The Astor Academy, we understand that childhood is a time for creative exploration, and our curriculum reflects that belief. We provide more than just education; we offer a space where young minds can flourish, question, and explore in a supportive and engaging environment.

Learn more about our teaching artists program!

Meet Our Teachers and Staff!

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Stephanie Templin – Center Director 

Stephanie is thrilled to assume the role of Center Director, bringing her experience and passion for early childhood education to the Astor community.  With over twenty years of dedicated service in the field, she has honed her expertise through various roles and accomplishments. As a CLASS Trainer and Observer, she has guided educators in creating nurturing and stimulating classroom environments focusing on teacher-child interactions. Stephanie’s commitment to quality extends beyond the classroom. As a Quality Coach, she has mentored educators in person and online, while also serving as a content creator for the BELA Academy at the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County. Stephanie’s dedication to professional development is evident through her role as an Early Learning Conference Speaker at multiple ECC Conferences in South Florida. Her leadership as a Quality Program Manager at the ELC of Florida further solidifies her dedication to raising the standard of early childhood education statewide. She played a pivotal role in achieving NAEYC Accreditation for over ten preschools during her tenure in NYC, showcasing her ability to uphold the highest standards of excellence. Her success as an RFP writer resulted in securing funding for NYC’s inaugural year of PreK for All, providing free high-quality preschool education to over 100 students within her organization. Recognized as an emergent literacy specialist, Stephanie has received training from reputable organizations such as the Reading Corps of America and Bank Street College’s continuing education program. In her pursuit of ongoing professional growth, Stephanie is currently finalizing her Master’s degree in Educational and Instructional Design, as she continues to stay up-to-date on the latest pedagogical trends and methodologies. Outside her professional life, Stephanie is a devoted mother to a fabulous six-year-old. Her personal experiences as a parent further inform and enrich her work, allowing her to connect with families on a deeper level and understand their needs and concerns.

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Amanda Bogrow – Assistant Center Director + Assistant Teacher

Amanda is so excited to get to know all Astor students, and their families — and be a part of their educational journey. She started her career in early childhood in high school when she began babysitting for local families. From there, she continued her journey into nannying, then later working at several early learning centers. Through her experiences, she has learned the impact she is able to have on children and their early learning. This lead Amanda to pursue education at Madonna University, where she studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education. After studying at Madonna, she was a lead toddler teacher before moving to the preschool classroom

At home, she is a newlywed to her husband, Justin, and fur mom to Daxter the cat and Willa the dog. In her free time, Amanda enjoys reading and also has a background as an equestrian.  She is looking forward to meeting the students and is grateful to be a part of each child’s early learning journey.

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Megan Bruske – Infant Lead Teacher

Megan, who proudly serves as the lead teacher for infants, is currently pursuing a degree in Pediatric Cardiac Sonography. Her passion for nurturing young minds propels her commitment to excellence in childcare. With three years of professional experience and a lifetime of caring for her siblings, she brings a wealth of knowledge and genuine enthusiasm to her role. Megan thrives on building meaningful connections with each child, fostering their growth and development with care and dedication. Outside of The Astor, she is often found immersed in a good book or exploring the great outdoors.

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Ellie Peterson – Toddler Lead Teacher

Ellie is excited to meet everyone and begin fostering a bright future for the littlest ones. Her journey in childcare started as a Bible School Teacher in Ann Arbor. After a few years, Ellie decided to transition into nannying. She learned a love for helping little ones grow and learn through play. Ellie graduated Cume Laude with a BS in Rehabilitation Sciences from Concordia University. While preparing for grad school, she fell in love with pediatric rehabilitation. She is currently taking a gap year before heading to Chiropractic School in 2024. Ellie was a college athlete and passionate about physical movement at a young age. In her free time, you can find her at the gym or making new artwork for her apartment.

Amber Flores – Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher

Amber is thrilled to join the team at Astor and looks forward to getting to know all the students and their families. Her journey in childcare began during her teenage years when she started babysitting. This early experience ignited a passion for working with children, leading her to pursue a career in childcare a few years later.

In 2019, Amber officially entered the childcare field, bringing her dedication and enthusiasm to her role. She spent a year and a half as a paraprofessional at Chelsea Middle School, where she gained valuable experience working closely with students and supporting their educational needs. Amber’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her achievement of a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which underscores her expertise and dedication to the field.

Amber loves working with children, finding immense joy in teaching them new things and witnessing their growth and development. Her approach is marked by a genuine passion for fostering a positive and enriching environment for young learners.

Outside of her professional life, Amber is newly engaged to her fiancé, Kaden, and is a loving stepmother to her six-year-old stepdaughter. In her free time, she enjoys diving into a good thriller book, hitting the golf course, or relaxing on the boat. These activities provide her with a perfect balance of excitement and relaxation, allowing her to recharge and stay energized for her work with children.

Amber is eager to bring her experience, passion, and commitment to the Astor community and is excited about the opportunities ahead to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the students she will be working with.

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Nancy Maccagnone – 2’s Lead Teacher 

Nancy is a dedicated professional with over thirteen years of childcare experience She has a proven track record of working effectively with children, from infants to kindergarteners. Her greatest joy stems from witnessing the delight on the faces of her students and nurturing their budding dreams and ideas. Currently serving as a lead teacher at the Astor Academy, Nancy excels at creating a rich and diverse educational environment for children. She has a unique approach to her education that combines creativity, culinary arts, and a passion for music. She aims to make each day an exciting learning journey for her students. 

Holly Glazier – 2’s Lead Teacher 

Holly is a proud parent of five incredible children who bring her endless joy and inspiration. Being a parent has profoundly shaped her both personally and professionally. 

Holly began her journey in the United States Army, where she proudly served for eight years. During her time in the military, she developed a strong sense of teamwork and leadership. These skills have proven invaluable in every aspect of her life. While in the service, she decided to further her education, earning an Associate Degree in Business Management. Additionally, Holly has had the privilege of serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother. Guiding and mentoring young scouts through various activities was incredibly fulfilling, allowing her to foster a sense of community, teamwork, and personal growth in these young minds. 

Holly’s professional journey took a meaningful turn when she earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in child care. For the past four years, she has dedicated herself to working with older toddlers, particularly two-year-olds. This role has been both rewarding and challenging, as each day brings new opportunities to nurture, guide, and support the developmental growth of these young children. She is passionate about creating a safe, engaging, and loving environment where toddlers can thrive and reach their full potential.

Holly brings energy, creativity, and a deep commitment to everything she does. Whether crafting unique items, mentoring young scouts, or nurturing toddlers, she approaches each endeavor with enthusiasm and dedication. Her diverse background has equipped her with a unique blend of skills and experiences, which she strives to leverage to positively impact the lives of those around her. 

She looks forward to the opportunities and adventures ahead and is excited to continue growing both personally and professionally at the Astor Academy!

 

 Kaylee Jo Kessler – Assistant 2’s & Preschool Teacher

I am a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Creative Advertising. After obtaining my degree, I moved to Ann Arbor in the summer of 2022 to begin my journey in early childhood education. I enjoy channeling my creativity into quilting and embroidering artwork in my free time. Working with children brings me joy, and I want to inspire them as much as they inspire me.

 
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Angela Emond – Preschool Lead Teacher 

Angie is an experienced educator with a decade-long tenure in teaching. She has also served as a teacher for special needs students, providing her with a rich background in preschool education. Angie holds an associate’s degree and is nearing completion of her bachelor’s in early childhood education, specializing in special needs. Outside of her professional life, Angie is a dedicated mother to two wonderful children, who are nearing adulthood all too quickly. She values spending quality time with her family. When not engaged in family activities, Angie enjoys pursuing her hobbies: photography, crocheting, and taking leisurely walks.