Tashya Adamcik – Director
Tashya loves what she does and views her work as a labor of love. She is honored that so many families have entrusted their children to her care. Tashya has a deep commitment to nurturing every student at Inspire Me and coordinates with parents to develop a plan for each child.
Each year Tashya personally designs Inspire Me’s annual music recital and preschool graduation ceremony.
Tashya started Inspire Me Learning Academy in 2018 and has steadily gained more and more students every year since. Tashya has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Temple University and has continued her studies in Child & Adolescent Development. Previously, she worked as the assistant director of Learning, Inc. music and tutoring school. She was a teacher at the Lansdowne Presbyterian Preschool Academy and has also coordinated many youth development programs in Philadelphia since 2008. She has been a franchise owner for 18 years at CleanNet USA and is an accomplished entrepreneur.
Tashya loves spending her free time with her family, especially her two sons John and Takai, and her grandmother. She also enjoys traveling, reading, and sharing her passion for teaching and is dedicated to making a difference.
Jack Zaferes
Music Teacher
Jack attended Temple University in Philadelphia with a focus on Jazz Performance. Since then, he’s heavily toured the United States and Europe as a touring bassist for multiple groups throughout the past decade. In addition to performance, Jack has a revolving ensemble of musicians that he performs his original work with. He composes, produces and engineers all aspects of the project. His most recent release “Ghosts” can be found on all streaming services. Jack has an extensive background in production and performance and he is excited to teach the Inspire Me students a curriculum that is not only fun but academic as well. Jack teaches lessons on guitar, bass, drums, and piano.
Milton Taylor
Music Teacher
Milton Taylor was born in 1968 in Kingston Jamaica. He became interested in music as a young boy after playing the piano while attending St Jude’s Primary School. From the first time he played the song “When the Saints Go Marching In”, he was hooked! He wasted no time in joining the school band. He later studied music at the Edna Manley School of the Visual and Performing Arts where jazz pianist Jill Gibson taught him. Milton has been a concert pianist/accompanist for several years and holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz and popular music studies.
Some of the schools he taught at after Merl Grove High School were Ascot High School, Glengoffe High School, Eltham High school, Hillel Academy and Edith Dalton James High school. Each school choir and band entered the Jamaica school festival competition and copped several gold, silver and bronze medals. Students were also successful after sitting the ABRSM piano exams throughout his 24 years of service. Milton Taylor is now residing in Philadelphia, and is currently one of the piano instructors at the Guitar Center in Ardmore.
Milton truly enjoys his job, however, he will be upfront with you by letting you know that it doesn’t come without challenges. Milton Taylor believes that “failure is inevitable but giving up is unforgivable.”
Lydia Boatemaa
My name is Ms.Lydia and it is a pleasure to be here! I am originally from Ghana and I have two wonderful older children. I have an extensive background in Nursing and Midwifery. It brings me great fulfillment to take care of others. I believe that children are the light of the world and I am very excited to be part of each child’s growth and development!
Trudy Henry-Simpson
My name is Ms.Trudy and I am very delighted to be part of the Inspire Me Team! I am from Jamaica but I recently came here with my husband and 22 year old daughter. My background is in Early Childhood Development. I have worked mostly with older toddlers during my teaching career. My belief is that every child learns differently. My goal is to provide individual support to help each child reach their full potential.
Pamela Rauch
Art Teacher
We invited Ms. Pam to join Inspire Me Academy in 2019 to fill our open position for an art teacher. With an art degree from Sullivan County College in upstate New York, we determined she was a perfect for our kids. Prior to joining us, Ms. Pam enjoyed a successful career in the insurance industry in addition to volunteering at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Ms. Pam is also an accomplished writer, has published two children’s books and recently published her first gothic fiction novel.
Throughout her career, she has also been actively involved with charitable organizations including The Salvation Army and Covenant House. Ms. Pam explains her devotion to helping those less fortunate as a “driving force” in her daily life, something she was taught at a very young age. Now that she has the opportunity to spend quality time with our kids, Ms. Pam admits her life has never been more fulfilling. Children see magic in everyday things and Ms. Pam is quite determined to keep that magic alive!
Cassidy Carrera
Teacher
Hi! My name is Cassidy Carrera, I have been with Inspire Me Learning Academy since 2019. I’m currently a Sophomore at West Chester University, studying Speech Language Pathology! My love for teaching and working with kids stems from being a part of the children’s inspire growth and development at Inspire Me. My time with them truly made me want to start a career with working with children! In my free time I enjoy painting, being outdoors, and spending time with my family! I’m excited to share the experiences of growth and success with you and your children and I look forward to working with you all!
Machelle Scott
Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Machelle and I have been teaching for five years. I am currently a student at Delaware County Community College majoring in Early Childhood Education. For the past two years I have had the joy of teaching in the toddler classroom at Inspire Me Preschool Academy! Teaching has a profound meaning for me; I want to make a difference in our youth’s education by creating a positive and nurturing environment that inspires them to learn and grow, and letting them know they can be whatever they want to be! In my free time, I love to explore new places with my daughter, go on hikes, and learn about astrology. I look forward to another awesome year with you!
Marina Olokuni
Teacher
Medical Qi Gong Teacher, Certified Natural Health Consultant, Certified Pangu Yoga Instructor, Massage Therapist, Energy & Bodywork specialist. Currently under the tutelage of Sehu Khepera Ankh studying Ancient Egyptian Medicine. Marina has studied natural healing, various forms of sound healing, mediation, pain medicine and food science. She has recently received the transmission of Pangu Yoga in which only 3 teachers in the world hold this designation to date. She teaches Kemetic Yoga in Fort Lauderdale, Philadelphia and tri state area. Marina enjoys organic farming, Capoeira Angola, Afro-Cuban Orisha dancing, and teaching various forms of meditation and Yoga to all!
Adeline Bien-Aime
Teacher
My name is Adeline Bien-Aime. I’m from the country of Haiti. For the past 3 years I’ve been living in Lansdowne. I have 4 birds that live with me at home. I have over 20 years of experience in childcare. Taking care of others brings me joy.
Sarah Guydon
Teacher
Hello! I’m Ms. Sarah, and I have over 12 years of experience working with children from infancy to school age. Currently, I am a student at Delaware County Community College, pursuing further education in early childhood. For nearly three years, I’ve been proud to be part of the Inspire Me family. Teaching is my passion, and I find immense joy in supporting each child’s growth and development. In my free time, I love traveling and creating memories with my sons, Kodi and Kasai. I’m excited to be part of such an amazing team and look forward to another great year!
Gifty Wilson
Teacher
My name is Gifty Wilson, I ‘m from the west African country of Ghana. I’ve been living in Lansdowne for 8 years now. I am the mother of 7 children ranging from the ages of 33 to 5 years old. In the evenings I work at Crozer Hospital where I enjoy helping others.
Leni Verghese
Teacher
My name is Leni Verghese and I was born and raised in Delaware County. I’m currently a student at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School. I have been working as an assistant at Inspire Me for 2 years. I enjoy playing the piano and I love volunteering and helping out especially with kids. I’m excited for another year at Inspire Me summer camp!
Sheila Young
Teacher
My name is Ms. Sheila and I have lived in Lansdowne for the last 21 years. I have over 50 years of experience in the healthcare sector and bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to our community. I have 4 remarkable grandsons whom I enjoy connecting with and spending time together. I have been retired for the last 5 years but my passion for suporting and inspiring young minds continue!
