Our Educators
Lauren Reeves
Owner/Director and Lead Teacher
Lauren brings over 20 years of preschool classroom experience to our program. After graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelors in Education, Lauren developed a passion for education during her time at the School in Rose Valley, a private progressive school located in Media. Lauren’s teaching philosophy embraces the concept that children learn best by being active and invested in the learning process. Having developed the Clubhouse program and curriculum with Amy around the progressive model of education, Lauren is passionate about helping children become confident individuals in all aspects of their life. Prior to joining the Creative Clubhouse she developed and ran the Little Explorers preschool program for the Haverford Recreation Department.
Lauren has three boys who keep her busy and help remind her everyday is different and learning happens all the time. When she is not in the classroom, you may find her walking the local trails with her boys and, of course, her dog Finn.
Email: lauren@creativeclubhouse.org
Amy McClements
Owner/Director and Lead Teacher
Amy brings a diverse resume of experience with her to the Clubhouse. Having worked in elementary school for years in the Philadelphia suburbs, Amy moved onto working in a private preschool in Manhattan. In NYC, Amy was awakened to the progressive play based way of education. Her employer guided and supported her in her graduate studies at Bank Street of Education, allowing her to finely tune the philosophy.
Ten years ago, Amy opened the Clubhouse looking for a venue where children could be free to explore, create and learn. The evolution of the business turned from a little space of play for children and parents to navigate together into the gem of what is now the Creative Clubhouse Play Based Enrichment Program.
When Amy is not at the Clubhouse she is directing a sleep away camp in WV. She will often be found exploring nature and traveling with her family.
Email: amy@creativeclubhouse.org
Jen Gambino
Associate Teacher
Jen is a married and proud mom of 2 children. Jen has been in the Clubhouse community for many years. First as a parent whilst her children attended preschool and clubhouse classes, then joining as a valued member of the Clubhouse team. She brings years of classroom experience to support all the children who attend.
Jen studied Elementary Education at Villanova University, later receiving her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Hofstra University.
Jen's experience includes teaching both elementary and special education grades preK -3.
These days she spend most of her time with her family, enjoy friends, traveling, skiing, reading and time at the beach.
Jen enjoys working with the children at the Clubhouse and watching them learn and grow as they play and explore the world around them.
Wendy Donnelly
Associate Teacher
Wendy raised 5 children while traveling around the United States with her husband who was in the US Navy for 28 years. They settled down in Newtown Square, where her husband retired as a Navy Commander.
She has worked for 13 years as a preschool teaching assistant. Wendy has several years experience working in a Montessori preschool. She loves to see the enjoyment in the students when they discover something new or when they have achieved a task they were having problems with.
On her down time her and her husband travel out to Denver/Boulder, CO where her children live. They enjoy watching their daughter play lacrosse for The University of CO, Boulder. Wendy has a little dog who is 16 and his name is Lax.
Wendy is very excited to be a part of the Clubhouse. She is looking forward to learning all about the children and to watch them grow with playing. We not only teach them, they teach us everyday.
Kristine Saddler
Associate Teacher
My name is Kristine and I am a college student majoring in Psychology. I have been working with children for a year now and I plan to make this a lifelong journey. I have a passion for connecting with children to support their development and shape future generations. I have a beautiful and smart, yet a strong willed 3 year old daughter that drives me even more to pursue my purpose. After I earn my degrees, I plan to become a child therapist, specifically in play therapy. Working at Creative Clubhouse can help create an avenue for me to achieve my goals.
Kate Vernau
Associate Teacher
Kate began her Creative Clubhouse journey as a parent first. The play based approach resonated with her, as it was similar to the Head Start program’s philosophy, which she had experience with while working in the program as a lead for ten years. When she was ready to get back to teaching after a short hiatus, she knew there was no better fit than Creative Clubhouse. Along with preschool experience, Kate studied Elementary Education at Millersville University.
Favorite activities include hiking with her husband and two children, dancing, being at a lake or beach, reading (alone!), and attending live music events.
Kate understands each child should be met where they are individually, and is eager to see them develop through all the opportunities offered through daily life at the Clubhouse.
Felica Acconciamessa
Felicia is just beginning her Creative Clubhouse journey and is eager to join the team. Since 2017, she has worked at play-based Overbrook Preschool and Kindergarten in Philadelphia. She is also working part-time as an environmental educator at Riverbend. Felicia has also worked as a leader with Tinkergarten, an outdoor play-based education program. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family camping, hiking and gardening. Felicia believes in nurturing the development of children and their senses through child-led play in natural environments. She is inspired by each child’s unique sense of wonderment and their innate quest for independence.
Aurora Dizel
Substitute Teacher
Aurora has supported our programs in various ways over the years - first as a parent, then as our resident nature enthusiast and long term substitute teacher. She believes play is essential to childhood, and loves supporting children in making self-motivated discoveries about themselves and the world around them. Aurora also has a passion for cultivating connection to nature and leads environmental education programs for several local organizations. She enjoys going on adventures with her family, playing and learning together, more than anything!