Hannah McKenzie (she/her)
I founded Back Porch Playgroup in 2022 to meet the need for a Reggio-inspired outdoor preschool in Southwest Raleigh. Connection and calm are my guiding principles. Helping children compromise, identify their emotions and finding healthy ways to express them. Conscious Discipline is a guiding force.
I am a mom of two great school-age kids who are secular homeschoolers. I have an architecture degree from North Carolina State University which informs my approach to fostering creativity, problem-solving and self-directed learning with children. In my free time, when my nose isn’t buried in a book, I am hiking, cooking or coordinating my children’s Navigators USA Alternative Scouting group.
Elham Zelickman (she/her)
In addition to the amazing experience of being mom to my two kids, I’ve taught children in a variety of settings. I love supporting the learning process for any age group, but preschool is my favorite!
I received my degree in biology from North Carolina State University, and have since continued to deepen my understanding of the growth and development of children.
As a teacher, I am guided by the principles of trust in children’s inherent capacities, and play as one of the best ways to nurture learning.
When I’m not in a school of one sort or another, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring area parks, and reading.
When four or more children are enrolled in Back Porch Playgroup, Hannah and I will work as a team caring for children.