Meet Our Staff
Gail Aznar
Director/Owner
Background:
- Utah State University Graduate
- Graduated with a B.S. in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
- Minor: Spanish
Credentials: Level 6 - First Aid/CPR Certification
Philosophy: We believe that a child is only a child for a very short time in their life. That in this day and age many children have been forced to grow-up before their time. We would like to preserve and create some of those precious moments of childhood by giving each and every child a chance to be just that. We believe each child has the right to laugh, to sing, to dance, and to be a child.
Rachel Adkins
Substitute Teacher/Staff Member
Hi!
My name is Rachel Adkins. I have been educating children for the past eleven years. I graduated in December 2014 from Miami University in Ohio with my Associates of Applied Science in Pre-Kindergarten Education degree. I am currently enrolled in Liberty University's on-line program, working toward my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Interdisciplinary Studies.
My husband and I had a small hobby farm in Virginia. Due to my husband making a career change, we have moved to Maryland. I have a lot of family in the area, so we are extremely happy about being here. I am thrilled to be working at Rhymes and Reasons, and I am thankful you have given me the privilege to work with your child. I look forward to getting to know you and your family.
Jennifer Wilhelm
Pre-K Teacher
My name is Jen Wilhelm and I am very excited to be your child’s Pre-K Teacher at Rhymes & Reasons. I am looking forward to a year of learning, fun and adventures with your child.
I was born and raised in Carroll County where I grew up on a farm with my parents and four siblings (three brothers and one sister). I graduated from high school in 1991 and then attended Carroll Community College for Early Childhood Education.
Teaching has always been my passion. I worked in the two-year-old classroom at Stepping Stones Daycare and three years at Emory Childcare Center, where I taught the Pre-K Class. I have been a substitute K-5 teacher for elementary schools for seven years. I worked in the Special Education Department at Freedom Elementary as a one-on-one for two years.
I live in Eldersburg with my husband, two children and two dogs (Daisy and Bailey). I love to travel and spend time with my family attending church where I teach Sunday school. I love to go hiking and camping, to the beach, and Disney.
I am very excited to get started teaching your child! It is going to be a fun year!!
Rena Rhodes
Administrative Assistant
Rena is our full-time Administrative Assistant, who started at Rhymes & Reasons in February 2016. Her primary responsibilities include: making sure staff and children's records conform to state regulations; handling tuition; payroll; updating the website; assisting in accreditation; parent tours; advertising; and recruiting. Rena has also received her First Aid/CPR certification and she is qualified to give prescription medication to our children, if necessary. Her background includes experience in human resources and eldercare.
Danielle Martin
Assistant
Taylor Rose
Two's Teacher & Before and After Care
My name is Taylor Rose and I am so excited to be your new teacher! This is my first time teaching at Rhymes & Reasons and I cannot wait to meet all of you. I am very excited to learn more about your child and family.
I grew up in Eldersburg and I currently still live here! I come from a large blended family. I am one of five children. I have two nephews and a niece. My family is very important to me. I have three dogs; Harper, Tucker, and Rex, who I love spending time with.
I received my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Carroll Community College, and I am currently working on my Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Maryland University College.
Nadia Tognocchi
Assistant
Judy Parrish
Substitute Teacher
Amber Somers
Administrative Assistant
Amber is our part-time Administrative Assistant, who started at Rhymes & Reasons in August of 2019. Her primary responsibilities include: ordering supplies; handling tuition; payroll; updating the website; marketing; advertising; and recruiting. Amber's background includes experience in human resources, accounting, billing and coding, and customer service.
Madison Lester
Assistant
Juan Aznar
Group Leader - Summer Camp
Background: Graduated from Frostburg University in 2005, with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. Teacher at Laytonsville Elementary School (Montgomery County Public Schools) since 2006. Summer Camp Group Leader since 2008 at Rhymes & Reasons..
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education
Philosophy: I believe that all children deserve a learning environment that is safe, exciting and promotes individual growth through adventure and exploration.
