Marissa Abbott grew up in Canal Winchester and now lives in Marysville with her family. She began babysitting at a young age and volunteered in Sunday school with all age groups which led her to find a passion in childcare. She currently has her CDA and has her bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University in Education Studies.

"Curiosity is the basis of education." -Arnold Edinborough

Rheanne "Annie" Schultz grew up in a small town just outside of Youngstown, Ohio.  She has been working with children since high school, where she coached the youth league at the local bowling alley.

After graduating from Youngstown State University with a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education, Annie went on to teach 2^nd and 3^rd grades in North Carolina. After that, she moved back to Ohio and began teaching in childcare centers around the greater Columbus area.  Currently, Annie is working to complete her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education.

In her spare time, Annie loves spending time with her two kiddos and just enjoying every little moment of life.

"A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark!"

Leo Green, a native of St. Catherine, Jamaica has been caring for the children  since 2012. Leo specializes in the infant curriculum and gross motor skills. Leo has worked with all age groups and has served as the Lead Teacher over all classrooms. As a Director of Advantage Early Learning Academy Leo is eager to build an excellent foundation of learning for our community through communication and positive educational principles.

In her free time, Leo enjoys cooking, spending time with family especially her three boys, and shopping.

"Early childhood education starts with a positive learning environment!"

Jordan Whitehead was born and raised in Columbus Ohio; and is a graduate of Marion Franklin High School. Knowing at a very young age that she wanted to work in Early Childcare; she completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  She is also working towards getting her degree in Early Childhood Education. 

Jordan has been in Early Childcare since 2013. She joined the AELA family in 2019 as a lead teacher and has worked in various other positions. She has a passion for children and curriculum development. What is most important to her is to set up each child to receive an amazing start in their academic career; to set them up for great success from Kindergarten to Adulthood. By teaching each child about self reliance, independence and to use their words correctly and how to share and maintain friendships. She is looking forward to collaborating with our families and community to help build an amazing future! 

"Why fit in when you were born to STAND OUT"

Ashley Puckett grew up in North Lewisburg and graduated from Mechanicsburg High School. She has always had a strong desire to work with children and is a dedicated person with a passion for childcare.

Ashley has four kids of her own, she loves to watch them barrel race, show in 4H, and spend quality time as a family.

In pursuit of her dream career, Ashley holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is currently working towards her degree in Early Childhood Education. She is commitmented to providing a nurturing and educational environment for children, and she strives to continue expanding her knowledge and skills in the field.

"Each one of us has a fire in our heart for something. It's our goal in life to find it and keep it lit." -Mary Lou Retton

Octavia Williams, gained her Associates of Science in Accounting and Bachelors of Science in Business Administration Management and Marketing from Everest University in Brandon, Florida. Originally from New York, Octavia began her professional career in childcare working for the out of school program ASPIRA at its South Bronx location. She later worked as a YMCA of Central Ohio Youth Development Director running youth programming for up to 200+ children.

Octavia’s crowning achievement is being a mom of four beautifully brilliant and talented children.

Her family has been living in the Columbus area since February of 2011, and considers moving here from New York to be the best decision they’ve ever made! During the summer she stays active with family and friends enjoying the many events and opportunities the city has to offer. Whether it be exploring local parks, joining an improv group or participating in a Caribbean carnival event, Octavia is known for jumping in for fun!

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle."  -Plato

Katie Paden grew up in Juneau, Alaska. She attended and graduated Thunder Mountain High School in 2011. Throughout high school, she worked several babysitting jobs. She is from a big family with a total of 9 brothers, so she knew from a young age that childcare was her dream career. She began working in the kindergarten readiness class at Glacier Valley Elementary In Juneau, AK in 2018, then moved to the Special Education K/1 class from 2019-2021.

"New adventures are always fun!" 

Selassie Adehe, a native of West Africa, Ghana ventured to the Bronx, NY (where her younger brother was born) when she was young and somehow ended up in Ohio. She is a lover of all things healing, nature, knowledge and understanding. In her spare time she enjoys being a mother to her son and working on her handmade Crochet business making beautiful, custom one a kind pieces for any member of the family. She also spends time reading, and learning how to better help communicate and understand each kid who she comes into contact. 

We hope you get a chance to meet her and learn more about her story.

"If you become a teacher, by your pupils you'll be taught."  -Oscar Hammerstein II

Patricia May was born and raised in Marion, Ohio, graduated from Pleasant High School with the class of 2016. She began working for Advantage Early Learning Academy in July 2023, where her love for early childhood education blossomed. Patricia currently serves as the Assistant Director at Advantage Early Learning Academy-Pleasant, where she focuses on implementing innovative programs that foster holistic development and learning. She believes that a strong foundation in early education sets the stage for lifelong success, and she is committed to empowering her team with the tools and support they need to thrive. She plans to pursue further education in Early Childhood Education!

In her spare time, she enjoys adventuring with her family, bowling, and fulfilling her love for photography!

"Delete the negative; accentuate the positive!" - Donna Karan

Megan Cunningham was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. As the oldest of nine, she has been helping kids her entire life. Beginning when her mom ran an in-home daycare to fostering and ultimately adopting her five youngest siblings. Megan went on to work in childcare herself for almost three years before having her first child with her high school sweetheart and fiance. After taking some time off to be home with her two girls, Megan came back to the childcare field. Both her girls attend Advantage and are always excited to see their teachers and friends.

Megan is currently working on obtaining her CDA and loves to work with kids, helping them to learn and grow. She is an avid reader and a fan of bright colors and sunshine. In her downtime, you can find her with her nose buried in her Kindle or at the park with her kids.

"The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn …and change." - Carl Rogers

Twila Fultz was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. She graduated from Linden McKinley High School in 1976.

Initially Ms. Twila worked at the Huntington National Bank as a foreign currency teller, then for the State of Ohio Department of Insurance. In 1990 she found that her true passion in fostering children.

Ms. Twila welcomed over 200 children, newborns to teenagers, into her home. Some were permanent placements and most were respite (temporary) placements; even adopting two of the placements. Foster care and adoption has enriched Twila’s life and helped her to be more a compassionate human being. She says, “Honestly, it feels good to help and know that you have forever touched the life of a child.”

Currently, Ms. Twila works as an Office Assistant at Advantage Early Learning Academy. When she is not working, she enjoys going to the movies, watching television, shopping on-line, listening to gospel music, playing games on her iPad, and spending time with her grandchildren.  She is also a member of the Sound Technion team at her church.

"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment!"