Our Teachers

Kangaroo Pouch, Younger Infants

Bird’s Nest, Younger Infants

Co-Lead Teacher, Irma Williams

Hello!

My name is Irma Williams, and I am honored to be the Lead Teacher of the Kangaroo Pouch! I have acquired over 10 years of Early Childhood Education which includes a Master Level Teacher Certification awarded by Pathway Credentialing. In addition, I am a Certified Master-level Social Worker. I simply love working with babies because the interaction between caretaker and baby is so rewarding.

In “The Pouch,” our goal is to incorporate lots of opportunity for “tummy time “ on our play mats, which offers a safe surface for both a new born and baby to lie on, making them perfect for early play and discovery. It also helps stimulate your baby’s senses and encourages their development.

Co-Lead Teacher, Katie Jones (she/they)

Part-Time Assistant Teacher, Laurie Dooley (she/her)

I grew up in California, then spent time in the Southwest before finally moving to the beautiful South! I have a daughter (who is the love of my life)! And four dogs! My relaxation go-to is a long walk; by the bayou, the beach, or City Park! I’ve spent several years in Early Childhood, the last three have been in the baby room. How exciting to be with them at the start!

Lion’s Den, Older Infants

Lead Teacher, Chaon Gaudin

Hello there Lions Den parents, my name is Chaon (pronounced as Shay-on). I was given the name “child whisperer” because I can turn any frown upside down. I chose this assignment of life because I love to teach early childhood development while being a part of the foundation to set up a great future. I am excited to be the lead teacher in the 2025-26 school year for our baby Cubs. Most importantly, I am ecstatic to provide you all with the best childcare experience.

Briefly, I have about 10 years of experience working with early childhood. I am passionate about this particular age group because I am driven by the desire to nurture young minds. More specifically, I love creativity that we can use to explore the whole world. I feel that it’s my calling to be an advocate for our future scholars. It gives me the greatest joy being a part of the early years because our Cubs are little sponges and we can teach them so many different things with learning though the Reggio Emilia concept.

This year I hope to bring new adventures while building a great relationship with my lions and lionesses’ parents. Of course my first mission is to navigate exceptional relationships with all of our babies while attending to every need of each child. Secondly, partnering with you all about specific skill sets that you would like my team and I to focus on with each cub. Naturally my interest is to safely return a happy, joyful baby back to you with a smile on your face at the end of the term.

Please, should you ever need me, I will provide my contact information. I am always a phone call away.

Full-Time Associate Teacher, Isabella “Bella” Delgado

Part-Time Assistant Teacher, Shawna Sylvester

Lead Teacher, Shannon Connolly (they/them)

My name is Shannon (they/them). This is my second year at Abeona House and my first year as a lead teacher in the Bear Cave, and I absolutely love it! I had always wanted to be a teacher as I always found myself taking on that caregiving role naturally. I love watching children discover the world, and I love being a part of their early years as they grow into the people they are going to be. When I’m not at school running around with the kids I’m either home relaxing and talking to my plants, or out with my friends.

Beehive, Older One Year Olds

Lead Teacher, Elizabeth Callaway (she/her)

Hello all! I’m Elizabeth Callaway! I’m 30 years young, born and raised in St. Rose, Louisiana. I’ve moved a lot throughout my years to other areas in Louisiana, to Ohio (after Katrina), and Iowa, and attended school in Nebraska. I moved back home to Louisiana about 8 years ago. I have a BA in elementary education, minor in athletic training, and an endorsement in coaching! I am a mother of three beautiful babies: Emory 7, Jaxson 4, and Harper 1. They are the light of my world and I love them so. I’m so happy to be a part of this community and so very blessed to find a workplace that I can call home. I am so in love with the teachings and the way that Abeona House goes about teaching our young souls. I stay very busy, if not working out then I’m taking care of my babies, working here at this wonderful place, or cutting grass for my side job. Though I may be busy 90% of the time, I am always down to help families in need of a babysitter because I know we adults love our time as well. But all in all I am an adventurous Virgo, who loves the outdoors and saving the planet! On top of organic way of life!!

Full-Time Associate Teacher, Jocelyn Duncan

Part-Time Assistant Teacher, Cateleen Sylvas (she/her)

My name is Ms. Cateleen Sylvas , and I’m a dedicated and enthusiastic daycare teacher with 5 years of experience in early childhood education. I believe in creating a warm and welcoming space where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. I’m looking forward to getting to know your child and helping them blossom!

Lily Pad, Younger Two Year Olds

Lead Teacher, Dana Christmas (she/her)

Full-Time Associate Teacher, Michele DeSpenza (she/her)

Part-Time Assistant Teacher, Bria “BrioniClaire” Armstrong (she/her)

Bria “BrioniClaire” Armstrong is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her primary practices are drawing, cultivating crops and educating the community. Bria’s work represents a voyage of memories and experiences shared through generations. She has experience as the lead workshop facilitator at Studio Be and participated as Spring Artist In Residence at Louisiana Children’s Museum. Her goal is to help grow and nurture little one’s spark/imagination because it’s so important. Bria is elated to begin her journey at Abeona House this year!

Rabbit Burrow, Older Two Year Olds

Lead Teacher, Sheneka Johnson (she/her)

Hello there! My name is Sheneka Johnson, and I’m the new Lead Teacher in the Rabbit Burrow, which is the 2-3 year old class. I am from New Orleans, LA, where I was honored to work in childhood education and other areas of childhood development, which allowed me the opportunity to develop a passion for assisting in shaping young lives and fostering a love for the profession of learning during their most formative years. I love watching old movies and fishing in my free time. I have primarily worked as a two-year-old teacher with some experience teaching the younger ones. I have two children of my own; they are 4 and 14, so I have experience from both the teacher and parent perspective. I’ve been with Abeona House since August 2022.

Full-Time Associate Teacher, Anthony Herring

Fish Cove, Three Year Olds

Lead Teacher, Aisha Williams (she/they)

Full-Time Associate Teacher, Kennesha Satcher

Hi my name is Kennesha and this will be my second year at Abeona House. So far the experience has been great and I’m excited to see what’s in store for the new year. Since being here I’ve learned so much and greatly appreciate the opportunity to be part of such an amazing team. As a teacher, I want to inspire the kids to be the best versions of themselves all while exploring and learning new things. I’m currently in school for esthetician and manicuring. I am committed to providing a fun and safe environment for all students.

Butterfly Garden Room, Three and Four Year Olds

Lead Teacher, Emily Schumacher (she/they)

Emily Schumacher is a lifelong New Orleanian and studied Early Childhood Education at the University of New Orleans. Growing up as the oldest of five and the child of a teacher and a librarian, she has loved teaching for as long as she can remember. She’s taught in local preschools for the past 8 years and is constantly impressed and inspired by the natural curiosity and learning capabilities of young children. In her spare time she enjoys nature walks (she is training as a Louisiana Master Naturalist), creating art and costumes, and collecting and selling rare used books. Emily is excited to begin her time at Abeona House this year and very pleased to be a part of this inclusive community!

Associate Teacher, Millie Jones

Part-Time Assistant Teacher, Shannon Connolly (they/them)