Founders 
NEST is the brainchild of six close friends who grew up together in the suburbs of Philadelphia! Joining the growing influx of young professionals moving into Center City, the idea for Nest hatched once life with kids in tow added new perspective to city living. Finding themselves dragging weary kids all over the city through a decentralized maze of birthday parties, playdates, and music classes, the group decided that they needed one destination where parents and kids can do it all, and NEST was born.  
 

Staff
 

Amy Myers
Nest Director
Lead Instructor


Amy is a long-time resident of Philadelphia, having moved from Chicago to pursue a degree in Children's Theater from Rowan University and later a secondary degree from Temple University, specializing in pediatric behavioral psychology. Teaching in a variety of schools, Amy has been lucky to work with students from a diverse set of ages and backgrounds always focusing on the creative learning process and celebrating the joy of childhood wonder. Not only teaching, but choosing to raise her family here in Philadelphia has given her a unique understanding of the rewards and challenges of having children in the city and she is excited to be sharing what she's learned with the wonderful families here at NEST!
Amy loves to hear from families on how to make the most out of being a part of the NEST community - contact her anytime at amy@nestphilly.com

Ava Kepple
Lead Dance Instructor
Party Host


Ava is a graduate of University of the Arts with BFA in Directing, Playwriting, and Production. Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, she took dance and acting classes at The Dance Company for the Performing Arts, starting at the age of three. This is where she developed a passion for the arts and helped taught preschool classes during high school. She also assisted in other classes as needed and helped with the younger children's productions. Without the help and encouragement of her teachers, she would not have found a love for dance, movement, directing, and theater. She is delighted to teach at Nest to open a door to the arts like her teachers did for her. 
 

Genevieve Marie Chambers 
Lead Music Teachers


Genevieve has a degree in early childhood education and a big heart for young children! By trade, she is a musician, an artist, and a Holistic Nutritionist. Her favorite thing about bringing music into Nest is that it is a universal language that every one can understand and love, children and guardians alike! She loves that being at Nest gives her the unique ability to combine all of her passions to give back to the families at Nest. As a parent she has seen first hand the magic that Nest brings to small children and is so grateful to be a part of that experience!

Liz Morello
Hatchlings & Second Time Around Facilitator 

Liz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked as a therapist for the past ten years. She has training in birth education and mindfulness & meditation. She’s also a mom of 3(!), lives in Center City and knows the challenges and joys of raising city kids. She took the Hatchlings class when her first was born and it was a life saver and helped me build my village. Her kids have been coming to Nest ever since!  She’s been grateful to have been a facilitator at Nest for the past few years and loves being able to support parents and families on this parenthood adventure. 
 

Terrell Williams
Lead Playschool Instructor

Terrell Willams is a graduate of West Chester University where he not only completed his degree in psychology but experimented with several additional sciences to boot!  A classically trained musician and certified yogi it’s safe to say our Mr. Williams is a man of MANY talents!  Most recently, Terrell spent a year in the jungles of Costa Rica learning more about agriculture and teaching yoga classes to children of all ages!  He made his way back to Philadelphia and decided to set his sights on a new adventure - passing all the amazing things he’s learned and experienced onto our families at Nest!  Teaching and sharing time with children is incredibly important to Terrell.  He credits his early childhood classes and activities with helping him grow into the adventurous, hilarious, and incredible person he is today and now he can’t wait to inspire the next generation of learners and explorers!

 

 

 

Aliya Anderson
Lead Dance Instructor

Aliya Anderson has 18 years of dance experience under her belt and is a trained dancer in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, hip-hop, African and acro. She is a graduate of Temple University Boyer School of Music and Dance with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.

During her time at Temple, Aliya studied dance pedagogy and became interested in teaching dance to children and youth. Since then, she has been teaching dance classes to children and youth at various dance studios throughout Philadelphia. In addition, Aliya has 5 years of experience working in childcare and has one year of experience as a nanny. Aliya has recently opened her own dance school, Monarch Dance Academy, which services children ages 18 months to 18 years old. Aliya is so excited to bring her love and knowledge for dance and movement to the children and families at nest!

 

Michelle Mullins 
Lead Dance & Movement Instructor

Michelle Mullins is a graduate of Point Park University with a Bachelor of Arts with a Jazz Major. A professional dancer, aerialist, and a Nest Mom herself to two little boys, Miss Michelle loves to ignite the imagination of the youngest movers and shakers!

Lauren Glass
Enrichment Teacher and Speech Pathologist

Lauren Glass is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist, who is experienced in working with children of all ages and abilities. She graduated with a Bachelor's of Communication Sciences and Disorders from the The Pennsylvania State University, and received her Master's degree in Speech Language pathology from West Chester University. 
Lauren has spent her career working in early intervention and private practice. She specializes in pediatric language development, autism, speech sound disorders, and feeding. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in play and authentic connection. She is passionate and utilizing neurodiversity affirming and family-centered care, assuring that each child feels comfortable expressing their authentic selves.


Chelsea Gault
Lead Music Instructor 

Born and raised in Philly, Chelsea Gault has been working in children's education for over 7 years, entertaining learners of all ages through musical tomfoolery and storytelling. With a Bachelor's in Vocal Performance and Master's in Music Education from University of the Arts, Miss Chelsea brings the fun and a passion for teaching to all her classes!