Shavonna Harris was inspired to become an educator by her third- and fifth-grade teachers, whose passion and encouragement sparked her own love for teaching. She spent 10 years as a Pre-K teacher before seeking new ways to make an impact while staying rooted in early childhood education. Shavonna earned her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2023, giving her a strong foundation to support children, families, and staff in her leadership role.
At Little Newtons, Shavonna is committed to creating a loving, nurturing environment where children can flourish and thrive. She builds meaningful partnerships with families by fostering a welcoming atmosphere, maintaining open and consistent communication, and encouraging two-way collaboration. Shavonna is proud of the diversity within her school community and finds joy in watching children explore, learn, and reach new milestones—moments she helps shape through supportive systems, thoughtful environments, and intentional guidance.
Shavonna’s favorite part of the day is Circle Time, where she gets to see children engaged, curious, and full of wonder. Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing, shopping, traveling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband share a blended family of six children, and she brings that same love and connection into her work every day. Shavonna’s passion for education drives her leadership, and her goal is for every family to feel welcomed, valued, and confident from the moment they walk through the doors of Little Newtons.
Aubrey Zierden has loved working with children for as long as she can remember and always knew she wanted to teach. She has over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, teaching infants through school-age children, and has steadily grown into leadership roles as office assistant, assistant director, and now director. Aubrey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Leadership, providing a strong foundation in both child development and program management.
At Little Newtons, Aubrey is committed to creating a nurturing, safe, and joyful environment where children are loved and encouraged to explore. She believes in setting a strong curriculum foundation to prepare children for kindergarten while fostering genuine connections with families through transparency, open communication, and daily interactions. Aubrey takes pride in leading a talented team of teachers and supporting them to succeed, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Aubrey finds joy in being present in classrooms, sharing laughs with children, and watching them engage in learning through play and activities. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her three children and their dog, Mika. Aubrey is passionate about providing high-quality early education and fostering a warm, family-centered culture where every child can thrive.
