Our People

Jen Stein

Director

Jen is Caymanian and was educated in Cayman, Canada and the UK. She has a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Medical Microbiology and a Postgraduate degree in Law. Jen was a solicitor in London and moved back to the Cayman Islands in 2009 where she worked in law and the financial services industry for 13 years managing large teams and dealing with all aspects of fund and corporate services in Cayman. She left the financial services industry in July 2022 to pursue other interests and has joined the board of directors of Sprogs Garden Playschool alongside her sister Carrie. Jen handles the financial, legal, HR and administrative functions of Sprogs and is an owner and director of Kiddiewinks Garden Playschool in West Bay.
 

Emily Harris

Head of School

Emily is immensely proud to lead the team at our amazing and very special Garden Playschools. She comes to us from the United Kingdom and has a background in both the arts and education, with the theatre being her first true love. Emily’s career to date has been dedicated to developing early years excellence and inclusion, evolving her craft as both an educator and leader as well as expanding her professional pedagogy. She wholeheartedly believes in a child-centered play-based approach to teaching and learning.

Emily studied for her Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama Applied Theatre and Education at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London. During this time, she was involved in numerous educational projects including writing and performing an educational play and the development and facilitation of coinciding workshops that were delivered both across London schools and at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Soon after finishing her degree, Emily was delighted to have been chosen to undertake her teacher training with the Ark Network where she trained as a teacher primarily within schools with lower socioeconomics and high levels of special education needs or disabilities. Alongside her teacher training, Emily also completed her Postgraduate at Goldsmiths University alongside her teacher training specialising in the early years field.

Throughout her career in the UK, Emily was part of a select committee of Early Years Educators that worked with the Department of Education to rewrite the British National Early Years Curriculum as well as pilot and review its supporting documentation and her role within this was, not only to advocate for Early Years excellence, but to also consider how this is done in practice with a core focus on personal social and emotional development and communication and language development both pre and post-pandemic within the UK education system. Within her roles as an Early Years Lead, Emily took her settings from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ in Ofsted Inspections and became a Lead across the network supporting schools and training and coaching teachers within the field both across London and the Midlands.

Emily joined the amazing Sprogs Community in 2022 as Special Educational Needs Coordinator and is extremely passionate and dedicated to providing both excellent and inclusive provision and practice within both Sprogs, Kiddiewinks and the Cayman Islands. Thus far, she has enjoyed working closely with professionals within the field, supporting staff professional development and advocating for inclusion across the Cayman Islands.

Emily is actively involved in community projects and has been a part of the Prospect Playhouse production of The Gruffalo and the island favourite Prospect Playhouse Family Christmas Show. She is currently studying for her Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership at Harvard University, continuing her studies alongside her role as Head of School.

Dayna Scott

Lead Practitioner

As a dedicated toddler lead practitioner, Dayna comes to us from Trinidad and Tobago and has made Grand Cayman her home for the last five years. Dayna is honoured to be a part of the vibrant and nurturing learning community at Sprogs Garden Playschool. With a profound passion for early childhood education and over seven years of experience in the field, Dayna is committed to crafting a secure, engaging, and enriching environment for our toddlers.

Dayna holds a certificate in ECCE from Trinidad and Tobago and has also successfully completed the Certificate programme for Early Childcare and Family Development at the University of The West Indies here in Grand Cayman. Dayna firmly believes that the foundation laid during these crucial early years profoundly influences each child's future. Dayna is devoted to nurturing children’s development, sparking their curiosity, and celebrating their every milestone.

Dayna is enthusiastic about being a part of this remarkable educational journey and eagerly anticipates witnessing our toddlers flourish into self-assured, capable learners.

Isabelle Richardson

Lead Practitioner

Isabelle is a proud Caymanian and has been passionately dedicated to the field of early childhood education for the past eight years. She is currently studying at UCCI to get her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that all children are capable individuals who deserve the opportunity to flourish in an inclusive and nurturing environment. Isabelle is deeply committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and kindness in young children by encouraging exploration, play, and real-life experiences. She sees children not as passive recipients of knowledge but as active participants in their own learning journeys, driven by curiosity and imagination.

With a balance of empathy, structure, and support, Isabelle creates a safe and inspiring learning environment where every child is celebrated for their individuality, empowered to think critically, and equipped to thrive as innovative, compassionate members of society. She values strong collaboration with parents, ensuring open communication and a seamless connection between home and school.

Outside of work Isabelle enjoys free diving and snorkelling among Cayman’s beautiful reefs, which helps her find inspiration and appreciation for the importance of exploration and discovery, values she integrates into her daily teaching.

Nikki Brown-Blake

Lead Practitioner

Nicky comes to us from Jamaica and has been living in the Cayman Islands together with her family. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the institution and has been a pioneer since its inception in April 2018.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education and additional certificates in Early Childhood Education, including one from the prestigious Harvard University, which was sponsored by the school, Nicky has over nineteen years’ experience teaching and managing early years centres in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. These qualifications are a testament to her commitment to quality teaching.

What truly sets her apart; however, is her ability to shine in creating a nurturing relationship with students, colleagues and the school community alike. Her knack for fostering a stimulating and engaging learning environment has not only enriched the lives of the young minds she educates but has brought an aura of positivity and enthusiasm to the school community.

Nicky has been an integral part of the establishment of our school over the past several years and is appreciated by us and loved by all in our school community – especially the children! Her leadership skills combined with her expertise, positive energy, dedication to the children and outstanding work ethic continues to have an enormously positive influence on our school community.

Safia Khan

Lead Practitioner

Safia is a dedicated and passionate Child and Youth Care Practitioner who plays a pivotal role in shaping the early learning experiences of young children. Safia graduated from the University of Toronto with her Bachelor of Arts degree and recently graduated from Durham College with her Advanced Child and Youth Care diploma. Her extensive knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and pedagogical techniques creates a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can flourish. Safia is dedicated to designing engaging activities and fostering social and emotional growth in the little ones under her care. As a mentor and role model, Safia sets the tone for a positive, inclusive, and joyful educational journey, instilling a love for learning in each child and laying a solid foundation for their future success.

Amber Boiteau

Senior Practitioner

Amber relocated to Grand Cayman from Canada in 2021 with her husband and son. She holds a bachelor's degree in Human Ecology from the University of Manitoba, specialising in child and adolescent development as well as conflict resolution. With over eight years of experience working with young children—including two years as the owner and operator of her own preschool—Amber is deeply committed to fostering a child-led approach to learning. She believes children flourish when given the freedom to explore their environment and pursue their interests and dreams.

Amber's extensive expertise in child development enables her to create an inclusive space where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. Her warm, friendly, and patient nature helps children and families feel welcomed, supported, and valued.

Phyllis Kuria

Senior Practitioner

Phyllis Kuria "Ms. Phyllis" comes all the way from Kenya, where world marathon champions are made! She holds a certificate in Early Childhood Development and Education from Othaya Teachers College in Kenya. Phyllis has over 7 years experience in nurseries and early childhood settings. She is passionate about teaching and nurturing young children's lives and is humbled to be part of their early development. As a mum she knows how important these stages are.

When her husband got a job transfer to the beautiful Cayman Islands in late 2022, Phyllis had the opportunity to continue her career and was grateful to become part of Sprogs Garden Playschool, as we are! She loves helping kids develop a love for learning and achieving their milestones.

She is a proud mum of one fantastic boy and cannot wait to see him grow and develop in this part of the world.

Elsie Bodden

Senior Practitioner

Meet one of our Caymanian staff, Elsie Bodden! Her passion for young children coupled with her caring nature make her so very loved and appreciated by the kids and parents alike. Elsie earned her Certificate in Early Childhood from the University of the West Indies and is currently pursuing the Associate Degree program in Early Childhood from the University College of the Cayman Islands.

Elsie has 10 + years experience in working with young children and has been with Sprogs Garden Playschool for 2 years and counting. With her caring nature and passion for teaching Elsie, is on a special journey to become an even more amazing teacher for all the children she'll meet!

Jackie Cohen

Senior Practitioner

Jackie, one of our Senior Practitioners, is originally from Jamaica but has made Grand Cayman her home. Jackie holds over three decades of experience in the early years field and brings a lot of knowledge to our wonderful community at Sprogs Garden Playschool.

Jackie holds numerous certificates in the areas of early childhood development and autism, to name just a few. More than any of her credentials, it's her deep love for children that makes her the best at what she does. Her passion for the well-being of children is unwavering. She is a trusted guardian for the children who are fortunate enough to be under her guidance.

Marianne Collado

Senior Practitioner

Miss Marianne hails from the Philippines and has now been a cherished member of our team for over four years. She is a remarkable individual with a diverse and impressive educational background. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and 3 years in nursing courses, reflecting her deep commitment to nurturing and educating young minds. With four years of invaluable experience in early years centers back in the Philippines, Marianne brings a wealth of knowledge to our playschool. Marianne’s gentle and compassionate nature serves as a heartwarming influence on the young children under her care. Trust and the well-being of our little ones are at the core of our mission and Marianne genuinely and naturally accomplishes this goal. She is also promoting music in educational settings.

Additionally, Miss Marianne is a loving mother to two beautiful daughters and has built a life here in the Cayman Islands with her Caymanian husband. Her dedication, love, and growth are an integral part of our Sprogs family.

Ana Tibbetts

Practitioner

Ana is thrilled to be working with the wonderful families at Sprogs Garden Playschool. She has lived in Grand Cayman for the past 25 years after moving here from Honduras and holds sixteen years of expertise working with young children. Ana also holds a certificate in the Introductory to The Early Years along with many other certificates. Ana possesses a strong passion for working with young children, so you can be assured that your little one will be cared for and supported in her hands. Since Spanish is Ana’s first language, she contributes to the group's cultural diversity. Ana can't wait to keep learning with these amazing children, their supportive families, and our dedicated staff.

Manju Kolpurath

Practitioner

With a background in healthcare and education, Miss Manju has followed a unique path shaped by her interests and experiences. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery from Kerala University of Health Sciences, India, and practiced as a Homoeopathic Doctor for two years. Her love for teaching and working with children inspired her to pursue a Professional Graduate Diploma in Montessori Methodology, followed by a year of experience as a Montessori teacher in India.

In 2023, she moved to the Cayman Islands to join her husband and embrace a new chapter in life filled with growth and discovery.

A lover of nature and a calm, peace-seeking individual, she believes that fostering inner harmony is just as important as academic learning. She is committed to creating a nurturing and peaceful environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive.

Shanice Reid

Practitioner

Shanice Reid, originally from Jamaica, is a passionate educator with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. For the past four years, she has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds, fostering their growth through play-based learning, and embracing the principles of the Cayman Early Years Curriculum. Her commitment to the profession continues to inspire her, which is why she is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education to further enhance her expertise.

In addition to her work in education, Shanice has a deep passion for arts and crafts. Creativity has always been an integral part of her life, and she loves incorporating it into her teaching practices to make learning fun, interactive, and engaging for all children.

Shanice’s career objective is to inspire and nurture the holistic development of young learners by creating a safe, engaging, and creative learning environment. She is dedicated to continually growing as an early childhood educator, seeking out professional development and innovative practices to enhance the educational experience for the children in her care.