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!”

Courtney Young was born and raised in Columbus, now lives in Catawba with her family. Courtney graduated from Everest College in 2014 with her Diploma in Medical Assisting; after graduating she worked for Mount Carmel Medical Group for 3 years then Women’s Physician in OBGYN for 2 years. After having her third child in 2018, Courtney decided to become a stay-at-home mom and open her own in-home childcare. In 2019 Courtney began her journey in the childcare field, while working Courtney obtained her Child Development Associate (CDA) in infants and toddlers. 

“A room without books is like a body without a soul” -Marcus Tullius Cicero

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”

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!” 

Jennifer Gibson, was raised in West Liberty, Ohio. She went to high school at West Liberty-Salem schools and graduated in 2016. From there, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Akron in 2021.  Jenny started in childcare 4 years ago as a lead in the infants and toddlers programs. She recently moved to Marysville with her fiancé.

In her free time, she loves spending time with family and friends, going to events for family members, including volleyball games, and show choir performances.

“It is not what is poured into the student but what is planted that counts.” – E. P. Bertin 

Amanda Henderson, grew up in Canal Winchester and still lives there today. She loves the hometown feel and loves revisiting places she once loved with her husband and two boys. Amanda has always had a heart for young children and began babysitting at a very young age.

She attended college for a short period of time with the intention of becoming a preschool or kindergarten teacher. Amanda plans to get her CDA and eventually finish her bachelors degree in early childhood education. For the last three years, Amanda ran an in-home daycare.

She hopes to foster an environment where children feel safe, empowered and nurtured. In her free time, Amanda enjoys exploring play places with her family, watching Netflix and going to her husband’s football games with her two boys.

“Nine tenths of education is encouragement.” – Anatole France

Cammie Starkey was raised in Urbana with her three sister and one brother. In high school Cammie played volleyball and worked part time at a daycare. After high school she studied massage while working at Advantage Early Learning academy, where she found her love for teaching. Cammie is completing her CDA and learning everyday. In her free time she loves to spend time with her son and fiancé. She also loves to watch movies, drink coffee and go on spontaneous adventures.

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still” -Chinese proverb

Amanda Smith born and raised in Newark, Ohio. A graduate from Licking Valley High school. After selling shoes, she realized childcare was her passion in 2013, which led her to complete a fast-track CDA in Preschool that she was awarded in 2021! Amanda recently relocated to Marion to expand her family with her fiancé and is eager to grow with the Advantage team!

“Hope is being able to see the there is light despite all of the darkness.” -Desmond Tutu

Jasmine Pickens is an Assistant Director at our Marion Location. She has been a dedicated member of our daycare family for over three years. Her journey with the center began as a Preschool Teacher, where she discovered her passion for helping young children learn, grow, and build confidence. She later transitioned into the role of Center Coordinator, gaining valuable leadership and administrative experience before being promoted to Assistant Director.

Jasmine holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential and also brings more than five years of experience tutoring English to kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Her background in both classroom instruction and academic support has strengthened her commitment to creating engaging learning experiences and fostering each child’s individual growth.

As Assistant Director, Jasmine is passionate about supporting children, families, and teachers alike. She believes every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where they feel encouraged to explore, learn, and thrive. She is committed to building strong relationships with families and helping create a center where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her family and finding creative ways to make learning fun. She is grateful for the opportunity to continue growing within the center and is honored to be part of each child’s early learning journey.

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” -George Eliot

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!”

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

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