Our AMAZING STAFF
Our Lead Teachers and Teacher Assistants understand that it is paramount to create relationships with our students and their families. We work hard to make those necessary connections in order to foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Our staff is exceptional. Our highly qualified teachers bring lots of experience, knowledge, and creativity to each of their classrooms. Every teacher strives to bring learning to life as they are truly dedicated to their students.
We all believe that PLAY should be at the forefront of our curriculum. Children will be offered endless opportunities to explore and experience our sensory driven, hands on classrooms.
Amy Wonner
Owner - Director
Lead Teacher - 4/Y5's
Welcome! My name is Amy Wonner. I am the Owner/Director and a Lead Teacher for our 4/Y5's at NOT JUST PLAY. I received my BA in Education from Michigan State University and taught elementary (4th, 3rd, 1st grades) all over the country, including: Las Vegas, NV, San Diego, CA, and Clayton, NC (outside of Raleigh). Although I started my career in elementary, I switchedI to Early Childhood Education over 16 years ago. I worked a couple of years in corporate childcare chains and then became the teacher/director of a local Co-Op preschool. The knowledge and experience that I gained during those 6 years, helped motivate me to open my own school. I consider NOT JUST PLAY a labor of love and I am extremely proud of the reputaion we have built within our community. I am thankful for our wonderful staff and all of the amazing families that have become part of the NJP story. I have always believed that children learn best through PLAY. We understand the importance of focusing on the WHOLE child. Early Childhood Education is menat to develop a child's social, emotional, and physical growth. When the foundation is set, we can incorporate academics which ultimatley prepares them for "big kid" school. I consider it an absolute WIN if our kids don't even realize they are "learning". My goal is to provide lots of hands on, sensory driven opportunities that peak a child's natural curiosity to learn. "Academics" can be taught in a FUN way!
Tatum Brooks
Lead Teacher - 3's
I'm Tatum Brooks. I have always loved spending time with children and watching their minds grow and imagine. I've worked with kids in many environments from teaching and coaching basketball, to being a leader at summer and church camps. My favorite thing about working with young minds is seeing the different ways that each child interprets and understands certain things.
Karen Sullivan
Teacher Assistant - 3's & 4/Y5's
I'm Ms. Karen and I am one of the Assistant Teachers for the 3's and 4-5's age group. I started working in toddler child care in 2013 and then moved on to assistant pre-school teacher in 2014. I was hired by Ms. Amy at Not Just Play in 2017 when NOT JUST PLAY opened. I love teaching at Not Just Play because every day brings new learning experiences for the kiddos and it is so exciting and rewarding to watch them grow. I love working with this dedicated staff who are committed to the development of young minds.
Doreen Dwyer
Teacher Assistant - 3's & 4/Y5's
Hi, I'm Ms. Doreen. I have over 20 years of experience working with children. My personal life includes two grown daughters and hobbies such as: beach trips, sewing, hiking, home projects, and cycling. I am eager to start this new chapter with NOT JUST PLAY and am excited to see the kids grow and learn.