Michelle brings over 32 years of hands-on experience in childcare and early learning, along with a proven track record in program management, curriculum planning, and staff leadership. Throughout her career, she has served as a lead teacher, infant/toddler classroom head, and childcare center manager, overseeing everything from daily curriculum to staff scheduling to building the kind of warm, structured environment where children thrive. She has spent time in nearly every stage of early childhood, from infants to preschoolers, giving her a rare, well-rounded perspective on what each age group needs to grow and succeed. She has continued building on that foundation over the years with additional early childhood coursework, including classes through Penn State.

As a mom of four, Michelle knows firsthand what parents are looking for, and she brings that same warmth and understanding to her role every day. She also has a special love for beauty and self-care, and holds a cosmetology license she still puts to use, occasionally treating the kids to a fun "beauty day" complete with nail polish and pampering. In her free time, she loves spending time with her own children.

"I am so excited to bring my experience and passion to Beanstalk HQ as Program Director!"

With nearly a decade of hands-on childcare experience, nurturing children from just three months old through age ten, Juliet brings both deep expertise and genuine warmth to every day at Beanstalk HQ. She also brings 5 years of in-classroom teaching experience, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how children learn, grow, and thrive both in and out of a structured classroom setting. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and a Master's degree in TESOL, both earned at Slippery Rock University, and is certified by the state of Pennsylvania to teach English Literature for grades 7 through 12. That strong academic foundation, paired with real classroom and childcare experience, gives her a rare depth of understanding when it comes to child development, structured learning, and supporting kids of all backgrounds and needs.

Juliet brings that same thoughtful, hands-on approach to Beanstalk HQ, leading phonics and early language activities, hands-on science exploration, and toddler classes designed to spark curiosity at every stage. Juliet is not only highly educated, but genuinely invested in every child's growth.

Outside of Beanstalk HQ, Juliet spends her time with her two cats, Kimi and Senna, enjoying long walks and getting lost in a good book.

"I love building long lasting connections with my kids."

Ashley is one of our awesome assistant teachers and birthday party hosts at Beanstalk HQ! As a parent herself, she knows the importance of happy, healthy play. Ashley loves using the building blocks with the kids to inspire creativity, and teach physical object relation. She is also a photographer! Find her at Beanstalk HQ on Fridays or during a weekend birthday party.

Carly brings a strong foundation in early childhood education paired with specialized experience as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Her background includes supporting children's developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs across a range of settings, from preschool classrooms to one-on-one support for children with individualized goals. She has experience creating age-appropriate lesson plans, managing classroom dynamics, and collaborating closely with families and support teams to help each child thrive.

As a mom herself, Carly understands firsthand what it means to nurture a child's development, and she brings that same warmth and attentiveness to every classroom she's part of.

Outside of Beanstalk HQ, Carly is a devoted mother and small business owner, and enjoys spending time with her family. Caring for children isn't just her profession, it's where her heart is.

Paula is a student at Slippery Rock University and is studying Graphic Design and Professional Japanese. She has been studying the intricacies of coffee brewing for several years, and is excited to bring that expertise to our Beanstalk family. She values family more than anything and has lots of experience working with children. She is thrilled to be a part of the Beanstalk team, making day to day life easier and more enjoyable for local families! Find Paula here during holiday breaks from college!

Elizabeth is a student at Slippery Rock University, studying Psychology with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She will be doing an internship here at Beanstalk HQ over the next semester. She has experience working with children of all ages.  Elizabeth values family more than anything else. She is excited to spend her days with the Beanstalk HQ Team, supporting families in their struggle with work/life balance in an enriching and educational environment. 

Hannah is one of our amazing staff in the playspace and cafe. Hannah is a current student at Slippery Rock University, studying Early Childhood Education. She has a passion for enriching young minds and helping them on their journey to a happy and successful future. Hannah values her time at Beanstalk, as she works towards becoming an elementary school teacher! Find Hannah at Beanstalk during Holiday breaks from college.

Brandi Cox is a private educator with nine years of experience supporting young learners from preschool through early middle school. She began her career in Chicago and now brings her expertise and passion for child-centered learning to families across Pennsylvania.

Brandi studied Elementary Education and Dance Performance at Point Park University and earned her Master of Education specializing in Literacy and Dyslexia through the International Dyslexia Association–accredited program at the University of Central Arkansas. She is also a CERI Certified Dyslexia Interventionist.

Brandi is thrilled to partner with Beanstalk HQ to bring engaging, research-based educational programs to the community-combining literacy, creativity, and social-emotional learning in joyful, meaningful ways that help every child thrive! 

Hello! Since starting to facilitate groups for new moms in 2016 after working with children and families in a variety of mental and behavioral health settings, I found my calling. I created Empowering Moms in 2019 as a way to normalize the challenging transitions of motherhood and increase community support for new moms. With the founding of Connected Nest, I seek opportunities for increased parenting support. I love to make community connections and collaborations. THAT is what Connected Nest is working to leverage for greater impact for those entering and moving through parenthood. As a mom of a teen, tween and toddler, I know that the journey is always changing, and support is always needed. Connect with us to help support those in the community or to find support in the community.

Laura Baker is a Wexford native, wife, and mom to three daughters. A former collegiate cheerleader, Laura discovered yoga as a way to heal and rehabilitate from various sports-related injuries. Her passion for mindful & therapeutic movement led her to become a certified yoga teacher in 2015, specializing in vinyasa flow.

Following the birth of her eldest daughter in 2016, Laura completed advanced training in prenatal yoga and became a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She teaches weekly prenatal yoga classes and workshops at Stray Dog Yoga Studio in Wexford, as well as Lamaze childbirth education, breastfeeding, and infant care classes at BeanStalk HQ in Wexford.  Laura also enjoys sharing yoga with little ones through children’s yoga storytime sessions throughout the Pittsburgh area.

Before starting her family, Laura worked in Pittsburgh’s tech industry as a German language expert. After embracing family life, she transitioned from the corporate world to focus on motherhood, teaching, and community engagement.

In her free time, Laura loves cooking and enjoying great food, dancing, singing, swimming, and traveling. She and her daughters are proud members of the Alpenschühplattler German Folk Dancing Group at the Teutonia Männerchor in Pittsburgh’s Northside. Laura has lived and worked in Washington, D.C., Prague (Czech Republic), and Salzburg (Austria). She is passionate about supporting families in their journey through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Lisa is a pediatric physical therapist with over 20 years of experience in Early Intervention. She’s a co-founder of Baby Connections, alongside Christie Watson, OT. They created Baby Connections to bring their hands-on expertise from clinic and community-based projects into a welcoming setting for families. Their goal is to support busy moms through the first year with their babies through playgroups and one-on-one sessions that are practical, evidence-based, and deeply focused on connection.

Lisa is passionate about showing you how purposeful play aligned with developmental milestones can enrich your baby’s play, deepen bonding, and increase confidence as a parent. In addition to her PT work, she’s infant massage certified and a pre- and post-natal exercise coach, helping both you and your baby thrive during the transformative first year.