Our Team
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Sally Dean · Director
Sally has been part of UU World of Children for over 10 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and enjoys bringing her love of technology and problem-solving into her leadership role as Director. Outside of school, Sally and her husband stay busy with their three boys. Her favorite books to share with children are the playful poetry collections of Shel Silverstein.
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Jaquetta Stevens · Lead Teacher
Jaquetta has been working in childcare for 13 years, and this is her second year with UU World of Children. She received her AMI certification through Greenville Montessori Institute and she enjoys bringing her Montessori training into the classroom. Outside of school, Jaquetta loves spending time with her puppy, Luna, as well as skating, writing poetry, and being with friends and family. Her favorite children’s book is Because I Had a Teacher.
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Ariella Alfieri · Lead Teacher
Ariella has over 10 years of experience working with children and has been part of UU World of Children for the past 5 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree from USC and is currently pursuing a master’s in Montessori Education at Lander University. A lifelong Montessori learner herself, Ariella attended Montessori school from age 2 through 14. Outside the classroom, she enjoys time with her dog, Sydney. Her favorite children’s book to share is Drop: An Adventure through the Water Cycle.
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Genevieve Diaz-App · Lead Teacher
Genevieve has been a teacher for over 20 years and has been part of UU World of Children since 2021. Originally from New York, she brings a wealth of classroom experience and a love of learning to her work with children. Outside of school, Genevieve enjoys reading, gardening, and caring for her lively household of pets, which includes 3 cats, 2 dogs, a green cheek conure, and a few fish. She and her husband have two grown children. Her favorite children’s books are those by Eric Carle.
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Ja'Novesse Orange · Assistant Teacher
Ja’Novesse has been working with children for 5 years and celebrated 3 years at UU World of Children this past January. She brings creativity and energy to the classroom and enjoys helping children learn and grow each day. Outside of school, Ja’Novesse loves attending Zumba classes both online and in person, visiting museums, drawing, and participating in church services. Her favorite children’s book is Pete the Cat.
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Courtney Shannon · Assistant Teacher
Courtney joined UU World of Children in 2021 and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from USC Upstate. She brings warmth and creativity to the classroom, inspired by her love of nature—especially snails! Outside of school, Courtney enjoys spending time with her son, Hudson, as well as her cat, Percy, and dog, Scooby. Her favorite children’s book to share is Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival.
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Mary Solis Salazar · Assistant Teacher
Mary has been part of UU World of Children since August 2022 and has a special connection to the school, having attended UU World of Children as a student herself. She is currently studying nursing and enjoys bringing her caring and compassionate nature to her work with children. Her favorite children’s book is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
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Grace Adams · Assistant Teacher
Grace joined UU World of Children in February 2025 and has been working with children ever since. She enjoys bringing creativity and kindness into the classroom and especially loves connecting with children through art and stories. In her free time, Grace enjoys sketching and listening to music. Her favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree.
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Jeniah Dukes · Assistant Teacher
Jeniah has experience working as a nanny and joined UU World of Children in January 2026. She enjoys working with children and helping create a caring, welcoming classroom environment. Her favorite children’s book is Miss Nelson Is Missing!, a fun classic that she loves to share with children.
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Beth Burns · Office Administrator
Beth joined UU World of Children in 2024 as Office Administrator and has over 15 years of experience working with children and families. She enjoys supporting teachers by creating classroom materials and keeping the school organized. Her favorite children’s book to share is Rosie Revere, Engineer.
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Jackie Weddington · Montessori Mentor
Jackie has been part of UU World of Children since the early days of the school. She began as an assistant teacher before becoming a lead teacher, and continues to support our community with her wealth of Montessori knowledge and quick wit. Jackie is a valued part of the UU World of Children community and brings years of experience and insight to everything she does.