Meet Our Staff

Get to know more about the Little Friends Preschool Staff
Jen Markel

Jen Markel

Teacher
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I attended the University of Maryland & Villa Julie College, where I majored

in Psychology & History. Afterward, I attended Baltimore International

Culinary College, where I studied the Culinary Arts. Lastly, I became certified

to teach at Florida State University, where I focused on Early Childhood

Education as well as language and Vocabulary.

A seasoned educator, my time in the classroom has been spent executing the

following philosophies throughout varied levels of development:

Montessori preprimary, Reggio pre and elementary, as well as special

education, where I taught at Kennedy Kreiger Institute, an extension of Johns

Hopkins, in my hometown of Baltimore, Md. Outside the classroom, I was a

tour guide for school children throughout the United States. I traveled with

each group whilst teaching them the historical relevant of landmarks along the

East Coast, from NYC to VA. Additionally, I guided STEM trips to the Outer

Banks and Costa Rica!

My teaching philosophy echos that of Piaget;

“Each time one prematurely teaches a child something

he could have discovered himself, that child is kept from

inventing it and consequently from understanding it completely.”

I have two older brothers and two younger sisters. I’m number 3 of 5.

Furthermore, I have one adult child, Lexy, a dog, Sophie, Breakfast at

Tiffany's is my favorite movie, breakfast is my favorite meal, peanut butter

and banana is my go-to sandwich,

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy family time, shopping, art museums, lacrosse,

tennis, golf, pickle ball, trying new restaurants, the beach, traveling to

historical landmarks, the theater, and concerts.

What Parents are Saying...

There are many things we really like about Little Friends, but let me tell you what we LOVE -  We love the teachers!  The teachers go above and beyond to teach, care for, and nurture my children while at school. They are quick to respond to messages, have always checked in on my kids if they miss a day, and are genuinely happy to see them in the mornings when we arrive. The heart of Little Friends is in their teachers. I am grateful for them every day and I cannot imagine sending my children anywhere else.

Jennifer Saar

Now Accepting Applications

Little Friends would love to have your son or daughter join us for the upcoming school year. Space is limited, so please apply.

Preschool girl clapping and singing