OUR TEAM
Where collaboration and inspiration work together
Subha Vajja
Owner On-site
I am Subha, the onsite owner of Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy, where childcare isn't just a job—it's my passion. My commitment to providing a safe, secure, healthy, and educational environment for children is steadfast. When you walk into our school, you'll immediately notice our stringent security measures, ensuring your child's safety is our top priority.
We take pride in our top-notch STEAM-based curriculum, enhanced with integrated ABCmouse.com®, making learning both engaging and fun. Our onsite chef prepares nutritious meals, incorporating whole foods to ensure children in our care receive a balanced diet.
But it's more than just a daycare—it's a nurturing environment where we prioritize 'hug first then teach' philosophy. What truly sets us apart is our culture, which encourages creativity among our teachers through supportive leadership.
I'm genuinely excited to welcome you to Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy, where we're dedicated to the holistic development of every child in our care. Can't wait to meet you all soon!
Amy Seibert
Director
Welcome to Kids ‘R’ Kids of Olentangy! I'm Amy Seibert, the Center Director at our Olentangy location. My husband and I reside in Westerville with our three wonderful sons. As parents, we've witnessed our boys grow into outstanding young adults, and we're thrilled to announce that our family will be welcoming grandchildren in early 2024.
With over 30 years of experience in childcare, I have dedicated the majority of my career to serving as a Center Director. Over the past 25 years, I've successfully managed corporate childcare centers and, more recently, a smaller family-owned center. My educational background includes studies at The Ohio State University with a focus on Early Childhood Education. I also hold a CDA credential in child development, specializing in Infant and toddlers.
My passion lies in creating a nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive. I believe that learning should take place in a loving setting, and it's crucial to me that everyone in our learning community feels comfortable and embraced as part of our Kids ‘R’ Kids family.
I am thrilled to be part of the team alongside Subha, Lenin, and Kids ‘R’ Kids as we embark on the journey of opening our Olentangy location. Your trust and partnership mean a lot to us, and I look forward to fostering a positive and enriching experience for all the children in our care.
Leigh Hall
Assistant Director
I am Leigh Hall, the Assistant Director at Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy! I graduated from West Virginia University in May 2020 with my bachelor's degree in Child Development/Family Studies and Special Education. Since then, I’ve become an approved Ohio instructor for toddlers and preschool-age children, with a special focus on children with special needs and fostering inclusion in the classroom.
I’ve always had a deep passion for working with young children of all abilities, and nothing brings me more joy than seeing them thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. I’m so proud to be part of a team that values every child’s potential and uniqueness!
Brooke Palmer
Chef
My name is Brooke Palmer, I am currently putting my Bachelor's degree in Human Nutrition at The Ohio State University on hold to pursue a career in cooking. Growing up when I stayed home from school because I was “sick,” I would watch cooking shows all day and even recreate Chopped challenges for my parents to judge. I graduated from High School in 2018 and when I went to college I worked as a Student Chef at OSU Newark. In this position I worked under a full-time chef helping prepare daily meals for the line and prep for future catering events. When I transferred from Newark to the Main Columbus campus I worked as a Barista. After working on campus, I sought out other jobs through a temporary work service in various college kitchens where I prepared dinner with a head and sous chef for the students. I currently live with my best friend (whom I met in Newark before the semester even started) Gina. We have an apartment in the University District in Columbus where she and I have two cats, Rigatoni (Toni for short) and Salem (nicknamed: beans). Gina also has a variety of arachnids, isopods, and aquatic pets! I have a passion for nature and hiking, reading, painting, and obviously cooking. This will be my first year cooking for the younger crowd and I cannot wait to see their smiling face’s each and every morning!
Alissa Holbein
Office Manager
I'm Alissa Holbein. I'm a proud mother of six children. With such a large family, I've learned that organization is key to keeping everything running smoothly. They definitely keep me busy around the clock.
Over the past eight years, I've been involved in childcare intermittently and also pursued a Medical Assistant degree, which has proven invaluable in my childcare career. Working in childcare is incredibly fulfilling for me. I find joy in witnessing children socialize and make friends at daycare, and I take pride in helping the timid ones break out of their shells. Observing their growth and development over time brings me immense satisfaction.
In my administrative role within childcare, I get excited about the relationships I build with families and not only the children. Despite having experience in other fields such as doctor's offices, warehouses, and customer service, I've found that childcare is my true calling.
Meredith Marczika
Infant Teacher
Meet Ms. Meredith, our dedicated infant teacher at Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy. Since 2014, she has worked with infants in both educational and medical settings. Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a BA in psychology, specializing in child and adolescent development, she is now training to become a certified Ohio Infant Mental Health Specialist. Ms. Meredith understands the critical role social-emotional development plays in lifelong success and is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment for her students. She is passionate about combining her love for babies and mental health advocacy, and her door is always open!
Karina Cuevas
Infant Teacher
My name is Karina, and I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education with six years of experience in childcare. Born and raised in Detroit (Go Blue!), I recently moved to Ohio to continue my passion for working with children. I am dedicated to providing high-quality care and creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and reach important developmental milestones. I look forward to supporting and engaging with your little ones on their educational journey.
Purnima Parikh
Infant teacher
With 35 years of teaching experience, I’ve developed a deep love for working with children. I’m an emotional person who believes in hard work and always giving my best. I take pride in calmly handling situations and fostering a positive and nurturing environment for children’s development. I’m passionate about maintaining open and transparent communication with parents to ensure we work together for the children’s growth. In my free time, I enjoy reading, singing, and constantly learning new things!
Ms. Jenna
Infant Teacher
Hi, I’m Ms. Jenna! I’ve been working in early childhood education for 9 years, and caring for infants has always been my passion. There’s something so special about nurturing babies during their earliest stages of development — I love helping them grow, feel safe, and meet new milestones every day. I’m a compassionate and patient teacher, and I treat every child in my care with love and attention as if they were my own.
When I’m not in the classroom, you’ll find me outdoors — gardening, mushroom hunting, and fishing are some of my favorite ways to relax and connect with nature. I’m so grateful to be part of this amazing team and look forward to helping your little ones thrive!
Haley Holdren
Toddler Teacher
Hello, my name is Haley Holdren. Growing up with nine siblings, I developed a deep passion for caring for children early on. Over the past six years, I’ve gained experience as a babysitter, nanny, and daycare teacher, working with children from Infants to preschoolers. I believe that every child is unique, and creating a safe, comfortable, and loving environment allows them to thrive and reach their full potential. I’m excited to get to know your child and to watch them learn, play, and grow.
Abigail Brown
Toddler Teacher
I’m Abigail Brown. I have six years of experience working with children, and I absolutely love watching them learn and discover new things every day. As a mom to a 2-year-old, I believe being a mother gives me an added perspective and connection in what I do.
Each day, I look forward to coming to school, seeing the children’s faces light up with curiosity, and being part of their learning and growth journey. It’s an honor to contribute to such an important stage of their lives, and I strive to create a nurturing and engaging environment where they can thrive.
Maleah Grace
Toddler Teacher
Hello, my name is Maleah. I am a dedicated and compassionate childcare professional with three years of experience in early childhood education. I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education and Development at Columbus State Community College. My passion lies in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive.
Ms.Hawa
Toddler Teacher
Hi, I’m Ms. Hawa! I absolutely love working with toddlers — their energy, curiosity, and big personalities make every day exciting and rewarding. I look forward to coming in each morning to teach, explore, and grow alongside the children in my care. There’s nothing better than watching them discover new things, reach milestones, and just have fun being themselves. I truly enjoy playing, learning, and building strong connections with every child in my classroom. Being a part of their early journey is something I cherish every single day!
Radha Koppella
Toddler Teacher
Hi, I’m Radha! I am an Infant Teacher with 10 years of experience working with children. Caring for little ones is my passion, and I find so much joy in watching them grow and develop new skills each day.
As a proud mom of two daughters, including one with special needs, I bring a unique perspective and deep understanding to my role. I have specialized training in working with children with special needs, and I’m committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
Shania Wright
Toddler Teacher
As a devoted toddler teacher and proud mom of a 3-year-old, I bring both professional expertise and personal experience to my classroom. My greatest joy at work is building meaningful connections with my students, fostering a nurturing environment where each child feels valued and supported.
With a strong focus on early childhood development, my approach is rooted in empathy, treating each child as if they were my own.
Beyond the classroom, I cherish quality time with my family, finding inspiration in the joy and wonder of parenthood. My goal is to shape a positive foundation for my students, empowering them to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Ms. Scarlet
Early preschool teacher
Meet Ms. Scarlet, a dedicated mother of two with several years of experience in childcare. She is thrilled to provide quality care for the children in her classroom and contribute to their growth and development. In addition to her passion for early childhood education, Ms. Scarlet loves painting, reading, and creating customized art. She is also a professional singer and enjoys expressing her creativity through music. Her favorite animal is the dragon, reflecting her vibrant and imaginative spirit!
Makayla Grace
Early Preschool Teacher
Hello, my name is Makayla. I have six years of experience working with children and am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences and believe in letting my actions speak for themselves in the classroom. I also have a love for painting, a passion I enjoy sharing with the children I teach, fostering creativity and self-expression.
Indu Timmareddigari
Early Preschool Teacher
I am Indu, and I couldn't be more thrilled to become a part of the wonderful Kids 'R' Kids family here at Olentangy! Joining this community feels like a perfect fit for me because the values that Kids 'R' Kids stands for resonate deeply with my own.
One aspect that truly stands out to me is the commitment to providing fresh and nutritious food to children. I believe that a healthy diet is essential for both physical and cognitive development, and I'm excited to contribute to creating a caring environment where children can thrive.
Moreover, I am passionate about fostering creativity in children. I firmly believe that creativity is the key to unlocking a child's full potential, and I am eager to explore new ways to inspire imagination and innovation in the classroom.
Another value that I hold dear is the importance of teaching kindness and empathy. At Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to help children learn to communicate kindly with each other, fostering a culture of respect and understanding.
I am truly honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding your children's early learning journey, and I can't wait to embark on this exciting adventure together!
Bagyalakshmi Arunjunai
Preschool Teacher
Hello everyone! I'm Bhagya, and I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Kids 'R' Kids family as a preschool teacher. Working with children brings me immense joy, and I couldn't be more excited to embark on this journey of learning and growth together.
One of my greatest passions is creating new crafts and activities with the kids. There's something truly magical about watching their faces light up with excitement as they dive into a new project or discover something new. I believe that through creativity and play, we can unlock endless possibilities for learning and development.
But beyond just teaching, I see myself as a partner in shaping the minds of these young learners. Every day, I am inspired by the curiosity, energy, and boundless imagination of children, and I am committed to providing them with a nurturing and enriching environment where they can thrive.
I am truly honored to be a part of your child's journey, and I look forward to getting to know each and every one of them as we learn and grow together. Let's make some unforgettable memories!
Zalese Rushing
Preschool Teacher
My name is Zalese, and I have 11 years of experience working with children, along with 25 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. I am passionate about fostering a love for learning and helping children grow and develop each day. Nothing brings me more joy than walking into a room filled with excited children eager to learn. Their enthusiasm and progress inspire me every day.
Jenny Zamora
Pre Kindergarten teacher
Born and raised in East Palo Alto, CA I moved to Ohio in the Summer of 2016. My love for child care started in my teen years when I babysat after school and during summers, although I grew up to have a background in accounting my true passion always seemed to lead me back to Early Child Development. For the past 10 years I have worked full time in Childcare/Early Child Development. As a Preschool/Pre-K Teacher I get to create bonds with my students and see them reach everyday milestones and it warms my heart to be able to be a part of it. Thank you for entrusting me with your child’s education! I look forward to being part of your child’s learning journey!
Ms. Janell Spencer
Pre-Kindergarten teacher
I’m Ms. Janell Spencer, the Pre-K teacher here at Kids 'R' Kids! I bring a lot of patience and experience to the classroom, and I’m passionate about helping children grow into confident, curious learners. I focus on building a strong foundation that not only prepares them for kindergarten, but also sets them up for future success in school and beyond. It brings me so much joy to see them learn, explore, and shine every day!
Elana James
Float Teacher
Hi, I'm Elana! I love being around children and spending time with my own child, especially going to parks. Recently, I've started to get a little taste of hiking, which has been a fun new adventure. I'm also an artist and enjoy painting art on things like shoes and shirts—it’s a great way to express my creativity. I'm really excited to be part of the Kids 'R' Kids of Olentangy family and to help out wherever I’m needed!