Meet Our Dedicated Staff | Highland Playschool

Our Staff

Meet the Caring Hearts Who Guide Young Minds

Our dedicated and passionate staff are the foundation of our nurturing learning environment. From experienced teachers and specialists to our caring assistants, each member of our team is committed to fostering your child’s social, emotional, and academic growth in a safe and stimulating space.

Activity-based learning with colors at Best preschool in Highland MD

our Staff

Meet With Our Expert Teachers

Ben Costa

Director

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Mrs. Kelly

Director

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Kattya

Lead Infant

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Emily

Infant Assistant

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Ben Costa

Executive Director

Ben Costa

Executive Director

I'm a strategic thinker and a compelling facilitator. I'm highly analytical and emotionally intelligent, able to explain ideas and complex problems in clear, concise, and engaging ways. I motivate individuals and teams toward positive results by building trusting relationships and providing credible and useful partnerships. With nearly 20 years of experience in all aspects of educational administration and supervision, I bring a growth mindset informed by cultural competence and equitable practices. My goal is to cultivate practices within schools that provide high academic outcomes for all students.

I offer organizational leadership, change management, strategic planning, and personal, professional, and executive coaching. In 2018, I founded and became the CEO of One World Learning Group (OWL). Our family of schools includes:

2018: One World Learning (OWL) Playschool - Westchester, NY
2020: World of Children Montessori - NYC, NY
2021: Explore + Discover Early Learning Center - NYC, NY
2022: Bay Country Learning Center - Annapolis, MD
2022: One World Learns - MD-DC-VA
2024: Highland Playschool - Highland, MD

I'm always enthusiastically seeking my next great challenge.

Phone:(301) 778 1020
Email:admin@highlandplayschool.com

Mrs. Kelly

Director

Mrs. Kelly

Director

I have been at Highland Playschool since the start! Being in the childcare field for 16 plus years, 8 of those running my own in home childcare. After closing my doors, I began as a lead teacher at a Goddard school in my community of Crofton, MD. After 8 years, 4 of those in management, I took a co Director position at our sister school Bay Country Learning center. I never imagined taking that opportunity would lead me to being here at Highland and helping to create this amazing school. I am currently finishing up my associates degree and have many certifications in the field. I can not wait to meet your little ones and provide a safe and loving environment for your family.

In my free time you can find me at home with my husband and our two pups or enjoying time with friends and family

Phone:(301) 778 1020
Email:admin@highlandplayschool.com

Kattya

Infants

Kattya

Infants

Hi my name is Mrs, Kattya. I’ve worked in childcare for 9 1/2 years, 4 1/2 of those leading an infant classroom and a toddler classroom. The last 5 years I have been a Nanny, helping the family raise 3 children. I have always loved working with kids and watching them grow. I am thrilled to be at highland play school and care for your little ones.

During my free time I enjoy adventures with my husband, quality time with friends and family and to cuddle with my two dogs.

Phone:(301) 778 1020
Email:admin@highlandplayschool.com

McKenna

Infants

McKenna

Infants

Ms. Mckenna has been with Highland Playschool since September 2024. She worked with children during her high school days and took a break when starting college. Ms. Mckenna is passionate about making an impact on their learning and development, helping them grow into confident, curious and capable individuals. Children have such pure hearts, and their excitement for discovering the world around them inspires her every day. She is currently pursuing her master’s in clinical professional counseling at Loyola University in Maryland. She will utilize her degree working in a private practice seeing children through adults. In her free time, you can find Ms. Mckenna spending time with her boyfriend, family and friends along with her dog Bentley.

Jade

Infants

Jade

Infants

Ms. Jade has been with Highland Playschool since January 2025. After years of babysitting and having her own child, she wanted to get into the childcare field. She loves building connections with each baby. Working with children brings her joy and happiness and she looks forward to teaching them new methods and helping them learn and discover. Ms. Jade aspires to pursue her education into early childhood education. In her free time, you can find Ms. Jade spending time with her little boy Dominic, teaching him new things and spending snowy days playing in the snow and spring and summer days at the parks.

Janae

Infants

Janae

Infants

Ms. Janae has been in early childhood education for 15 years. Her journey with Highland Playschool began in November2024. She loves the relationships and trust she builds with her students. The day to day is never the same. She loves that they do and say the funniest things. Ms. Janae’s future goal is to become a director. In her free time you can find her spending time with her children, watching documentaries, playing games with her kids and patiently waiting for summer to arrive so they can go to amusement parks.

Grace

Preschool

Grace

Preschool

Ms. Grace has been with Highland since December 2024. She has always wanted to work with children, Highland has been that steppingstone for her. Ms. Grace loves working with the children here because of the opportunities to make a direct impact on their young lives, witnessing their development and experiencing the joy of growing with them. Her future goal is to further her education in early childhood education and work towards leadership. When not at Highland, you can find Ms. Grace doing crafts at home such as painting, crocheting and building Legos.

Shamaela

Preschool

Shamaela

Preschool

Ms. Shamaela joined Highland Playschool in September 2024. She loves being a positive influence in the early stages of their lives, teaching kindness and seeing them grow. Mrs. Shamaela plans to keep teaching and aims to transition into kindergarten or elementary school education. In her free time, you can find Mrs. Shamaela spending time with her family. Traveling, singing, cooking, charity work and teaching English.