About Us
Sam and Maria George
Owners
Sam and Maria George are the owners of Enchanted Treehouse Academy. Sam is a physician and Maria is the director of the center. The couple resides in Holmdel, NJ with their three young boys. Maria's diverse background includes earning 4 master degrees one of which is in childhood education and another is an MBA, among two more. Her favorite college years were while she attended Georgetown University and American University in the nation's capital of Washington D.C. Maria has a combined 20+ years as an educator ranging from early childhood learners all the way up to college students. She is also a NJ licensed CPA, which she puts to good use in her admin duties at Enchanted Treehouse Academy. However, when you ask her, she will tell you that she is partial to caring and teaching her preschoolers, as she finds them to be naturally curious and excited to learn. They are also great investigators and discoverers! Both Sam and Maria are ecstatic to own and run their very own childcare center and develop their own unique ways of teaching young children which is something that is constantly evolving. A variety of enrichment classes and summer camps are being added and more is in the works.
Sarrah Buker
curriculum and lesson plan developer
Sarrah Buker is the curriculum and lesson plan developer for Enchanted Treehouse Academy. She also trains new teachers and provides consulations for new educational strategies. Sarrah's diverse background includes being an education professional with over twenty years of experience in teaching and supervision. She is certified, by the state of New Jersey, in elementary education and social studies. Sarrah taught both elementary and high school students and supervised K-12 social studies teachers. She is passionate about student success both in and outside of the classroom. Her areas of interest are educational equity, diversity, and inclusion. Sarrah holds a BA in Economics and Middle Eastern Studies from Rutgers University and an EdM in Education Policy and Management from Harvard University. Sarrah has a recent renewed interest in poetry and in writing as spiritual practice. She lives in Holmdel, New Jersey with her two sons.
Tara Adesina
Primary infant caregiver
Tara Adesina is the primary infant caregiver for Enchanted Treehouse Academy. She also takes on the role as floater from time to time as she is comfortable with all aspects of early childhood education. Tara's background includes being an early childhood caregiver for more than 15 years. She holds a bachelors degree in architecture, however, her true calling is the education and care of the young population. She is passionate about children's success both in and outside of the classroom. Apart from the Enchanted Treehouse Academy, Tara is an active member of her church and participates in the youth groups. She enjoys being a youth leader and organizes the events, conferences, and activities of her congregation's youth. Besides that, she is an avid cook and reader, and lives in Holmdel with her husband and three boys.
Nikki Church
Enrichment teacher for chess
Nikki Church is the enrichment teacher for chess at the Enchanted Treehouse Academy. Her background includes teaching this sport for more than 20+ years. In addition, she was an active tournament player from 1999-2005 and was listed as one of the top 100 female players in the U.S.A. For now, Nikki teaches a monthly 2-hour chess workshop at the Enchanted Treehouse Academy as well as weekly summer camps and holiday themed chess events. Nikki's Prodigy Chess Camp was featured in the Asbury Park Press. She was also highlighted in an article for Child Magazine called, "The Brainy Benefits of Chess." Indeed, no one can deny the immense benefits of learning and playing chess! Among them include: the ability to increase problem-solving techniques, improvement of memory, enhancment of IQ, development of planning and foresight, and increases of creativity. Nikki has taught chess all around the country from Harlem, NYC to Honolulu Hawaii. She believes that chess is a fun way to teach children how to develop critical thinking skills. Outside of chess, Nikki enjoys living in the Atlantic Highlands and spending time with her dogs.