Team
Angie | Sustainability Coordinator
Very early on, Angie developed a love of the outdoors, particularly climbing trees in the backyard of her childhood home to get a bigger view of the world around her. Although she’s spent the majority of her career in a corporate environment, Angie carries many fond memories from the three years when she taught preschool and ran a home-based childcare herself. Inspired by the care and attention Sierra gives to every child she encounters, Angie couldn’t be more excited at the opportunity to join Sierra as Co-Founder and Sustainability Coordinator of Maple Playschool.
Emi | Teacher
Emi owes much of her sense of belonging in the Midwest to the moments of her childhood spent collecting blackberries and geodes, navigating forested creeks, and birdwatching. Her pedagogy is informed by her cherished previous experiences with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from various contexts in Bloomington. Inspired by teacher-educator Ann Pelo’s call for adult reception to children’s biophilia, she is passionate about preserving play as an opportunity for child-led engagement with the natural world. She is currently pursuing an M.S.Ed. in teaching, learning, and curriculum—with a concentration in early childhood care and education—from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Misha | Assistant Teacher
Growing up in rural Indiana, Misha recalls nature as a fundamental part of their upbringing. They spent time exploring the woods, building fairy houses, and admiring wildlife.Besides fond memories, these experiences continue to shape their perspective.
Today, they are a Bloomington-based creative, student, and Assistant Teacher. They’ve worked in various youth programs, such as IU’s STEM camp. Misha is inspired by their grandmother Tansy Wells, a caring grandparent, friend, and second-grade teacher. Tansy, among other role models like educator Sarah Krajewski, demonstrates core values Misha wishes to embody, particularly acceptance and encouragement.
Sierra | Learning Coordinator
As a child Sierra spent many afternoons swinging under the sturdy branch of a black walnut tree. Before co-founding Maple Playschool, she taught in various contexts, including an early childhood program for families who had experienced domestic violence. Inspired by education researcher Carla Shalaby, Sierra is passionate about co-creating a learning community where each child knows that they belong. She’s currently pursuing an M.S.Ed. in teaching, learning, and curriculum—with a concentration in early childhood care and education—from Indiana University, Bloomington.