AMANDA BOWDEN, CURRICULUM DIRECTOR
amandab@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hi! I am Amanda. I joined the Roots and Wings community in January of 2019. Before Roots and Wings, I worked as a nanny. The children I have worked with have taught me the importance of being a researcher. Just like the children, it is my job to explore new things and learn new skills. I have my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and am working on my bachelor’s in Early Childhood Studies. In my free time, I enjoy making jewelry and reading. I also enjoy camping and hiking with my dogs and family.
GISSELLE ACEVEDO GARCIA, PROGRAM OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
gisselleg@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hello, my name is Gisselle, I am from Southern California and moved to Oregon when I was about seven years old. I am the oldest of three girls and the first to continue higher education in my family. Life in the Rogue Valley has been suitable and filled with many wonderful experiences. I graduated from Rogue Community College in 2021 with my associates in Early Childhood Development and my bachelors of science in Early Childhood Development from SOU in 2023. I have been at Roots and Wings Community Preschool since 2020. My journey at Roots and Wings has always been a surprise right from the start. I believe this school is filled with many amazing and skilled staff whom I learn from every day. The approach in which children are free to express themselves through many ways in the environment really inspires me to ensure students are always welcomed and cared for along with their family and community. Roots and Wings motivates me to become a better version of myself each day as I spend my time with young children creating new meaningful learning experiences.
MARJORIE, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
info@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hello, my name is Teacher Marjorie and I am the Administrative Assistant here at Roots and Wings Community Preschool. My husband Josh and I have been married for 21 years. Together we have two beautiful children Aria, who is 15, and Max, who is 9. We have two pets, a golden retriever named Lucky and a tuxedo cat named Harry. We have lived here in the Rogue Valley for over 18 years. We love the natural beauty and community of this place. In my free time I like to sing, read and cook for special occasions. I started working for Roots and Wings as a practicum student. I loved the school so much that I stayed after I graduated from Rogue Community College in June of 2012. I enjoy working with young children and their families in our community. I am happy to serve the people of Jackson County. I look forward to getting to know you and your children as they attend Roots and Wings Community Preschool.
HEAD TEACHER ANGELA angelam@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hello! My name is Angela. I am a life-long resident of the Rogue Valley where I have loved raising my 3 boys. I have my AAS in Early Childhood Education from Rogue Community College and have previously worked with children as a pediatric dental assistant. I am delighted to have the opportunity to share in the lives of the children who come to Roots and Wings.
TEACHER JANET janeth@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hello, I’m Teacher Janet
I grew up in a small mountain town in Montana (Boulder). I am #9 of 12 children. I have lived in Oregon since I married my husband 33 years ago. We moved to Medford 6 years ago from a small farming town in northeastern Oregon (Ione, population 300) where we lived for 20 years and raised our 3 children. I love to spend time anywhere along the Oregon coast, hike, garden, and generally spend time outdoors.
I enjoyed working with preschool aged children for 12 years as an Assistant Teacher in Ione before moving to Medford. I attended ECE classes at RCC and received my Early Childhood Education Certificate and am currently a Step 8.5 of the Oregon Registry. I am continuing my education and training as I work toward my next goal as a Step 9 of the Oregon Registry. When I started working at Roots and Wings Preschool, I immediately felt that I was where I was meant to be. I love coming to work every day.
TEACHER KRISTY kristys@rootsandwingspreschool.org
Hello, my name is Teacher Kristy. I am so excited to be joining the Roots and Wings team. I was born and raised in Texas and moved to Oregon in 2020. I am currently a full-time student at Rogue Community College, working towards my AAS in Early Childhood Education. I am a mom to two amazing boys (5 and 8). I am a Marine Corps Veteran, and eight years later, I decided to take a different path in life. One of my favorite things to do is lift weights and spend time with my family. I am really looking forward to being here and working with all of you.