Brittany Hinman- Program Director Butterfly Classroom/Teacher/Art Specialist, joined Aspen Grove as an art teacher in 2011. Brittany has many years experience teaching preschool, kindergarten, and 2nd grade in San Francisco and Rome, Italy before moving to Ithaca, NY. She completed her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in early childhood at San Francisco State University in 2006 and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from SUNY New Paltz. Brittany is trained in The Responsive Classroom and The Project Approach and has a New York State Teaching Certificate in Art Education. Brittany enjoys nature, traveling, making art, and spending time with her family.
Alicia Aubin- Program Director Caterpillar Classroom/Teacher/Music Specialist, is originally from Rhode Island. ,Alicia’s dreams of being a teacher and trombonist brought her to Ithaca to achieve her Bachelors degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and Trombone Performance. Since graduating in Alicia has held various teaching positions in Colorado and New York City before coming back to Ithaca and landing at Aspen Grove Preschool. This year, Alicia expanded Aspen Grove by opening a new fully licensed classroom to serve families with children ages 18 months-3 years of age- our Caterpillar Classroom! When she isn’t working in preschools, Alicia enjoys traveling around the country with her band, cooking, and hiking. Alicia is passionate about bringing music and art to people of all ages. Particularly, she is a strong believer that music education is integral in human development and fosters a lifelong love for the arts.
Mikaila Barker- has dedicated her career to her passion of caring for vulnerable members of our society: Young Children and Adult with Disabilities. She has worked in many settings including schools and homes for the disabled. Mikaila grew up locally as the oldest sibling of 5 children. After graduation, she quickly realized her skills and gifts and set them into motion working in the fields of Care & Education. In her spare time Mikaila lends her hand at a local elementary school as well as caring for her beautiful daughter. Mikaila is on her journey to earn her BS in Early Childhood Education. Mikaila's son Ethan was born this past summer and is enjoying life fully!
Jessica Allison- Founder, opened Aspen Grove in 2005 after receiving her degree in Early Childhood Education. She dreamd of creating a nurturing environment for preschoolers in which each child was able to create wonderful memories of childhood in a setting full of natural materials, beauty, responsive teachers, and love. In 2011 she asked Brittany to join her at Aspen Grove while she pursued her passion for midwifery. Jessica is now a working midwife and consults for Aspen Grove from time to time. Jessica and Brittany remain good friends and continue to talk shop over cups of tea.
Alicia Aubin- Program Director Caterpillar Classroom/Teacher/Music Specialist, is originally from Rhode Island. ,Alicia’s dreams of being a teacher and trombonist brought her to Ithaca to achieve her Bachelors degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and Trombone Performance. Since graduating in Alicia has held various teaching positions in Colorado and New York City before coming back to Ithaca and landing at Aspen Grove Preschool. This year, Alicia expanded Aspen Grove by opening a new fully licensed classroom to serve families with children ages 18 months-3 years of age- our Caterpillar Classroom! When she isn’t working in preschools, Alicia enjoys traveling around the country with her band, cooking, and hiking. Alicia is passionate about bringing music and art to people of all ages. Particularly, she is a strong believer that music education is integral in human development and fosters a lifelong love for the arts.
Mikaila Barker- has dedicated her career to her passion of caring for vulnerable members of our society: Young Children and Adult with Disabilities. She has worked in many settings including schools and homes for the disabled. Mikaila grew up locally as the oldest sibling of 5 children. After graduation, she quickly realized her skills and gifts and set them into motion working in the fields of Care & Education. In her spare time Mikaila lends her hand at a local elementary school as well as caring for her beautiful daughter. Mikaila is on her journey to earn her BS in Early Childhood Education. Mikaila's son Ethan was born this past summer and is enjoying life fully!
Jessica Allison- Founder, opened Aspen Grove in 2005 after receiving her degree in Early Childhood Education. She dreamd of creating a nurturing environment for preschoolers in which each child was able to create wonderful memories of childhood in a setting full of natural materials, beauty, responsive teachers, and love. In 2011 she asked Brittany to join her at Aspen Grove while she pursued her passion for midwifery. Jessica is now a working midwife and consults for Aspen Grove from time to time. Jessica and Brittany remain good friends and continue to talk shop over cups of tea.
