Meet the Bumblebees

 The Bumblebees are our two's class. This room has space for 10 toddlers. Many of these children were the first infants to be enrolled at JHIP - it has been simply amazing to see the depth of the connections between the children and their caregivers. This room demonstrates the importance of continuity of care in early childhood. These children love to giggle and run - they are on the go! Meet the Bumblebees teachers!

Take an inside look at this classroom and our playgrounds: Bumblebees Classroom, Playgrounds

Lead Teaching Staff

Jennifer Stephens

TBE

Jessica Mackie

Staff Member since 2018

Hi families! My name is Jessica Mackie and I am one of the lead teachers in the Bumblebees room! 

I have been teaching Early Childhood Education for the last 18 years, but here at JHIP for the last 3 I have spent time with ages from 2-6 and love them all! 

I love messy play, risky play, being silly, watching kids sense of pride grow when they master something new, and creating a fun loving school family within our class. 

I am married with a 12 year old and we have 1 dog.  I love spending time outside, music, sports, and flowers/plants. 

I’m really looking forward to getting to know your child and your family! 

Assistant Teaching Staff

Avery Covey

Staff member since 2019

Hi everyone, My name is Avery. I have been working at JHIP for around a year and a half.
I love working at JHIP, it's the most fun job I have ever had!! This is my 2nd job in child care besides the many years of babysitting I have done. I previously interned then worked at The Nest in Bloomington in the infant/toddler classrom.

I am currently attending Ivy Tech Community College but I plan to transfer to IU in the fall to attend the School of Social Work. I love to hike, camp, bake and draw! I really love working with the kiddos and I am really excited (but also a little sad) to watch them grow even more!! 

Kelsey Loya

Staff member since June 2020

TBE

Jona Branam

Staff member since 2019

After finishing college in Chicago, I moved to Sapporo, Japan, and worked as a private tutor for two years. Then, in 2012 I began teaching English at a Montessori kindergarten in Kita-Hiroshima. When my one-year contract was up I was asked to continue teaching English as well as work as an Assistant Teacher for the main student population. For the next four years I assisted Leads as well as sat in with all 205 students, ages 2-6, in all classes until 2017. It was fantastic! We learned much from each other as we worked, played, and participated together. That kind of unity was special but I feel just as fortunate to be here at Jill's House. Since my start over a year ago have felt the same sense of community and staff that is essential in education. I also believe learning can be fun and look forward to more exciting future adventures with all my Jill's House friends.