Little Wonders Early Learning Center | Meet Our Teachers

Meet Our Team

Little Wonders was started by educators and community leaders who believed teachers deserve great care for their own children. Today, more than 70 teachers drop their little ones off with us every morning before heading to their own classrooms across Nashville, and many tell us they couldn't keep teaching full time without us. That's why we pour into our people: 92% of our budget goes to our educators, with pay in the top 10% of the state, and our teachers stay with us at rates well above the Davidson County average. When you choose Little Wonders, you're caring for the children of the people who teach Nashville's kids. We think that's pretty wonderful. Each of our three sites has its own personality, but they all share the same heart.

Leadership

Leadership Team
Colleen Melchiorre

Dr. Colleen (Coco) Melchiorre

Chief Executive Officer

Bio

Why do you love working with young children?
As the daughter of an early childhood educator I have witnessed the development and joy that exists in children of every age my whole life. They are remarkable beings that are growing and honest, funny and fascinating, and always full of wonder.

Education:
Ed.D, Leadership and Professional Practice, MS., Higher Education, BSW, Social Work. Certifications: Personalysis, Design Thinking, Instructional Design

Experience:
I have spent 20+ years in leadership roles working with companies and organizations of all sizes and types. I have been particularly drawn to cause based businesses and have been fortunate to help many people bring their beautiful visions to reality.

Hobbies:
I enjoy practicing yoga, teaching pilates and barre, hanging out with my big family and volunteering at church.

Little Wonders Early Learning Center - KatieSue Pillsbury

KatySue Pillsbury

Associate Network Director

Bio


Why do you love working with young children?I love getting the opportunity to help them discover the world and see them learn and grow.

Education:
Highschool, TECTA, Infant/Toddler Specialization

Experience:
10 years as nanny, 10 years as a preschool teacher

Hobbies:
Reading, cooking/baking, hand crafts, and finding all the best coffee shops!

Brandy Freeman

Brandy Freeman

Site Director - STEM Prep

Bio

Why do you love working with young children?
I love to see children discover new things and explore the world around them.

Education:
Preschool BS from MTSU in Child Development and Family Studies

Experience:
I have over 10 years of experience in an Early Childhood Education setting, including Pre-K teacher, Program Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Director.

Hobbies:
I love watching tv shows and movies. Some of my favorites are Grey’s Anatomy, Harry Potter, and Mean Girls. I also love to spend time with my dog, Nydia.

Little Wonders Early Education - Samuel Murray

Samuel Murray

Site Director - Nashville Prep

Bio

Why do you love working with young children?
It’s an incredible honor and a privilege to be a part of the learning process, to get to witness those “aha!” moments and first successes. There is such excitement involved in every part of early childhood, when everything is new, and it reminds me to find the joy in all I do as well.

Education:
BA in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University

Experience:
Over 19 years of professional experience in ECE. I started as a floater and have since worked as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, curriculum coordinator, assistant director, and director. This is the third center where I have been the director.

Hobbies:Reading, cooking, concerts, hiking with my dog.

Little Wonders Early Learning Center | Elizabeth Ayton

Elizabeth Ayton

Site Director - Aventura

Bio

Why do you love working with young children?
Children are the purest form of what is good in the world. They are inquisitive, loving, explorative, and so hilarious.

Education:
Bachelor’s in Music Education from Belmont University. Working on a Masters in Organizational Leadership at MTSU.

Experience:
8 years of teaching experience with children 6wks-5 years, 3 years of teaching experience in a Nashville middle school (charter), 5 years of Administrator/Director experience at Belmont Weekday School.

Hobbies:
Singing, Acting, Extreme Couponing

ZaraBeth Davis

ZB Davis

Founding Executive Director

Bio

Why do you love working with young children?
I love watching kids’ minds at work! They take in so much about the world around them and make sense of it in creative and brilliant ways.

Education:
BA, Muhlenberg College
PhD studies, Vanderbilt University (early childhood literacy)

Experience:
I have 9 years experience teaching in a classroom (PreK, K, 1st), 8 years as a teacher coach, curriculum designer, and in professional development, and 5 years doing doctoral studies and education research.

Hobbies:
I enjoy singing, puzzles, reading, and movies.

Our STEM Prep Team

Led by Site Director Brandy Freeman, STEM Prep is where Little Wonders began, and it still feels like home. This cozy, close-knit team is a little bit scrappy in the best way: they make magic out of whatever is on hand and always find a way to say yes to a child's big idea. Classrooms here are full of counting, building, and asking "why?" for the hundredth time, all wrapped in a whole lot of love. Many of our teachers have been here for years, so children and families get to grow up alongside familiar, caring faces.

STEM Prepatory Academy Team

Our Nashville Prep Team

Led by Site Director Samuel Murray, the Nashville Prep team brings big energy and even bigger imaginations to every day. This is a creative, playful crew that can turn a cardboard box into a rocket ship and has a silly song for just about everything. They're proud to be part of The Nations neighborhood and love being a hometown spot for the families who walk through their doors each morning. This team is also home to a Tennessee Early Educator Award winner, so you know the magic is real. Expect giggles, a little glitter, and a whole lot of heart.

Nashville Prep Leadership Team

Our Aventura Team

Aventura is our newest site, and it's already full of heart. Site Director Elizabeth Ayton brings many years of experience as both a teacher and a director, and she's built a team that feels like one big extended family. Our educators come from many cultures and backgrounds, and you'll hear Spanish and English throughout the day as children share songs, stories, and traditions from home. This team knows every family by name and shows up for each other in big ways and small ones. At Aventura, everyone belongs, and there's always room for one more at the table.

Aventura Leadership Team