JESSE GRIFFIN - DIRECTOR & TEACHER

Jesse Griffin M.Ed. is a licensed school counselor with PreK-12 teaching experience. From a young age she has been passionate about mental health, her faith in Jesus Christ, and learning all she can about life! She began her education at Northern Arizona University, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a Vocal Performance minor. She eventually transferred to Brigham Young University where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. That next fall she began the Master's of Education program for School Counseling through Utah State University. She loved jumping into school counseling at the elementary school level after completing a practicum and internship at the junior high and high school levels respectively. While she misses school counseling, this big step to teach in her own program is one she's really excited about! She eventually plans to become a licensed chaplain to be able to more fully help bring spiritual order and comfort into others' lives.

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Jesse believes in teaching our children resilience and faith as early as possible, as well as preparing them academically for a confident transition to school. She saw a need for a faith-promoting, academically-thorough program in southeast Provo, including for her own children, and decided to open an educational enrichment program to others. It is a sacred responsibility to get to be a part of teaching children and Jesse looks forward to working on a more personal level with students and their families to strengthen their faith in themselves and Jesus Christ.

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SAMM MADSEN - TEAM TEACHER

Samm Madsen is a mother of five children and dramaturg with experience working with children at home, in the community classroom, and on stage. Her degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Dramaturgy from Brigham Young University has prepared for the many twists and turns of educating children.

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A Dramaturg is a blend between three roles:

1) A researcher who assists playwrights in developing their plays.

2) An audience-engagement specialist who helps invite the audience into the world

of the play, deepening their engagement with activities, program guides, and education packets.

3) A therapist who helps various passionate artists unite their visions for a final performance.

 

Having raised several preschoolers now, she can't help but notice how the three skills transfer quite easily. Preschoolers often have a vision, but need assistance to bring it to pass. They need skills, information, and reassurance to make their ideas come to life. They don't want someone to “do it for them” but they do need someone by their side to help them reach their goals.

 

Preschoolers are endlessly curious, they just need a small invitation into a subject before they want to take off. An art project, a sensory table or a simple story is often the beginning of a wonderful deep-dive. Preschoolers and passionate artists are almost identical. Their feelings are loud, their ideas are big and everything feels extremely urgent. A gentle friend nearby to help see the bigger picture and communicate often leads to wonderful finished products.

 

Underpinning all Samm does is a deep faith in Jesus Christ. She views Him as the ultimate Dramaturg, helping us to create beautiful lives-not as little islands, but as communities. To her, assisting in a preschool is a wonderful chance to practice being like Him, for teachers and students alike.

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Jesse and her team teachers have a passion for nurturing the creativity and intelligence of the next generation. Check back soon for more bios!