Our Teachers
EMILY PROVOST
Director and Lead Teacher
I graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts from Bennington College. I learned at Bennington that art and children have a symbiotic relationship, so instead of pursuing my own arts career, I followed my passion for understanding children by helping them to develop their unique identities through the arts. I enjoy scaffolding large-scale, long-term projects, but always improvise according to children’s needs and interests.
Early childhood provides a foundation for life. I seek to help young children develop self-awareness and awareness of others in their community through all kinds of expression—verbal, physical, artistic, metaphorical, sensorial, emotional, scientific.
Over the last ten years, I have worked alongside children as young as birth through to adolescence in a variety of social, residential, and academic settings—from early childhood classrooms to in-home educational training for special needs children. Part of my purpose at WPCS is to share in the celebration of your children, their expression, our interdependence, and being part of a conscious community.
I enjoy reading, writing, running, cycling, the outdoors, attempting to develop a green thumb, and spending time with my son.
Director and Lead Teacher
I graduated with a B.A. in Visual Arts from Bennington College. I learned at Bennington that art and children have a symbiotic relationship, so instead of pursuing my own arts career, I followed my passion for understanding children by helping them to develop their unique identities through the arts. I enjoy scaffolding large-scale, long-term projects, but always improvise according to children’s needs and interests.
Early childhood provides a foundation for life. I seek to help young children develop self-awareness and awareness of others in their community through all kinds of expression—verbal, physical, artistic, metaphorical, sensorial, emotional, scientific.
Over the last ten years, I have worked alongside children as young as birth through to adolescence in a variety of social, residential, and academic settings—from early childhood classrooms to in-home educational training for special needs children. Part of my purpose at WPCS is to share in the celebration of your children, their expression, our interdependence, and being part of a conscious community.
I enjoy reading, writing, running, cycling, the outdoors, attempting to develop a green thumb, and spending time with my son.
MARIAMA O'BRIEN
Lead Teacher
I was drawn to WPCS because I love the co-op philosophy of the school that includes parents and teachers working together. Most of my time teaching over the last twenty years was in co-op schools like this. I bring whatever knowledge and experience I may have to help nurture this community now and in the future.
I am a Liberian immigrant. I lived in West Philadelphia during my childhood, but now I reside in Mount Airy. I have one daughter who is turning ten. I love animals. We have one dog and two cats. I also love music and dancing. Over my career, I have played percussion professionally and currently I play music for children in a band called “Music with Gina.” My favorite food is rice. My favorite color is earthy red.
Lead Teacher
I was drawn to WPCS because I love the co-op philosophy of the school that includes parents and teachers working together. Most of my time teaching over the last twenty years was in co-op schools like this. I bring whatever knowledge and experience I may have to help nurture this community now and in the future.
I am a Liberian immigrant. I lived in West Philadelphia during my childhood, but now I reside in Mount Airy. I have one daughter who is turning ten. I love animals. We have one dog and two cats. I also love music and dancing. Over my career, I have played percussion professionally and currently I play music for children in a band called “Music with Gina.” My favorite food is rice. My favorite color is earthy red.
HENNESY SANCHEZ
Aftercare Teacher
Hennesy Sanchez is a Dominican-American visual artist, who studied studio art at Hunter College. A Harlem native and recent West Philly resident, she has spent over 5 years working with children as an art specialist at a non-profit based in Brooklyn. In her spare time she reads tarot and plays chess.
Aftercare Teacher
Hennesy Sanchez is a Dominican-American visual artist, who studied studio art at Hunter College. A Harlem native and recent West Philly resident, she has spent over 5 years working with children as an art specialist at a non-profit based in Brooklyn. In her spare time she reads tarot and plays chess.
CHRISTIAN WEBER
Aftercare Teacher
I grew up in the Philadelphia area and received my undergraduate degree in Psychology at the College of William and Mary in Virginia. I began working with kids as an ESL instructor in Ecuador, and more recently, I served as a Youth Specialist in a group home for unaccompanied refugee minors. I particularly enjoy doing music, art, and nature-based activities with young people. I also love books, film, and sports. Later this year, I plan to go back to school for social work, but I look forward to making the most of my time with WPCS until then!