Sarah Refson
Executive Director
Hailing from New York, Sarah’s educational journey spans across continents. She obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts and teaching certificate from Baitchana Teaching school in Israel, and her Master’s degree from MJI. Sarah moved to Charleston, SC, where she co-directs the Center for Jewish Life alongside her husband Yossi, an endeavor supported by their four children. Over the past six years, Sarah has been instrumental as the Judaic Director at the Preschool of the Arts, contributing her expertise and vision to the educational landscape.
Maris Coleman
Curriculum Director
After taking a hiatus from her extensive career in preschool teaching and administration to devote time to nurturing her two young daughters, Maris returns to education bringing a wealth of experience and an invigorating spirit to our community. Maris holds a degree in Child Development from East Carolina University. Her educational journey has been richly diversified. Over five years, she played an integral role in a local independent school, serving as an administrator for two years and as an early education teacher for three years in a Reggio Emilia-inspired preschool. Maris’s expertise further flourished during a two-year tenure in a multi-age setting at a Reggio school nestled in the scenic locale of Vail, Colorado. Beyond her professional pursuits, Maris derives immense joy from tending to her garden alongside her daughters and savoring serene moments at the beach with cherished friends and family. Her ardor for education, coupled with her nurturing disposition, positions her as an invaluable asset to our team. Maris exemplifies the very essence of our commitment to delivering top-tier education and holistic growth. Maris can be reached at maris@potachs.com.
Shauna Decker
Explorers Teacher
Shauna is a passionate preschool teacher, who brings her expertise to our vibrant educational community. Hailing from the serene landscapes of rural Kentucky, Shauna holds a degree in teaching and education. With two grown children of her own, she understands the intricacies of child development and the importance of a nurturing learning environment. Over the past six years, she has dedicated herself to nurturing young minds within Southeast Asia’s International Schools. Shauna’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her belief in the transformative power it holds, shaping her students’ growth and maturation. Her unique ability to connect with students effortlessly extends to parents, engaging you in your children’s educational journey. Beyond the classroom, Shauna’s passion for outdoor learning and nature is infectious. She envisions an educational experience that extends beyond walls, fostering a connection between young learners and the natural world. Her dedication to cultivating an appreciation for the environment will undoubtedly inspire your children to explore and discover. With a strong belief in the collective responsibility of caregivers, partners, and mentors, Shauna envisions a collaborative community guiding each child’s educational path. Her teaching approach focuses on inquiry-based learning and play-centered experiences, fostering critical thinking, social skills, self-management, and effective communication. Shauna’s guidance will empower our students to become well-rounded global citizens, ready to navigate the evolving world ahead. Shauna can be reached at shauna@potachs.com.
Sarah Gowan
Explorers Teacher
Sarah is a dedicated and accomplished preschool teacher. Hailing from Connecticut, Sarah’s educational journey led her to the College of Charleston, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education with a rich background spanning 9 years in the field. Beyond her teaching journey, Sarah’s own story is a heartwarming one. She found her life partner while at the College of Charleston, and they have been happily married for 8 years. Their joy expanded with the arrival of their first child, Emma, last May. The family also includes a cherished fur baby named Oliver. Sarah’s teaching prowess extends to her passion for innovative pedagogies. Her proficiency in Reggio Emilia-inspired education and her dedication to project-based STEAM learning enrich the classroom experience. She firmly believes in fostering curiosity and creativity in her students, igniting a love for learning that will last a lifetime. With an infectious enthusiasm for education, Sarah embodies the spirit of our preschool’s mission. Her commitment to holistic growth, combined with her expertise in child-centered methodologies, promises an engaging and nurturing environment for your children. Sarah can be reached at sg@potachs.com.
Dana Schultz
Adventurers Teacher
Dana is a dedicated educator with a wealth of diverse experiences. Born in the vibrant city of Seattle, Washington, Dana’s journey led her to Charleston, SC at the age of fifteen. Dana’s passion for teaching ignited early, driving her to volunteer as an Education Guide at the South Carolina Aquarium during high school. Her commitment only grew stronger as she contributed her skills to The O’Quinn School of Mount Pleasant and Waddell Elementary School while pursuing her college education. Following the completion of her degree in education, Dana continued to expand her horizons by working at the Children’s Museum and the College of Charleston. With a remarkable background, Dana’s teaching path eventually led her to Ashley Hall, where she taught early childhood for three enriching years. Now, Dana is excited to bring her boundless creativity and deep love for project-based learning to POTA. Dana’s passion extends to creating documentation and crafting learning stories, as well as designing captivating provocations and investigations using hands-on materials. Beyond the classroom, Dana finds solace in the company of a good book and her two feline companions, or experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. Dana can be reached at dana@potachs.com.
A Message from Our Director
My experience has taught me that all children have an intrinsic desire to explore. Children are capable and competent learners. They thrive when given the tools and support to explore and discover as they learn.
I was thrilled to relocate to the Lowcountry this year and begin our Preschool of the Arts program based on the Reggio Emilia approach. We have built a school that provides a natural, organic, and art-filled environment where children learn through an enriching, multi-sensory approach.
When you visit us, you will hear open-ended discussions and see long-term projects at various stages of development. Projects, relevant to the child’s life experiences, are planned, yet responsive to individual needs and environmental happenings.
Our children’s ideas and questions are honored and valued as part of our learning process — a guided process of building meaningful understandings. We will share with you how we document children’s work in progress, which is an important tool for building these understandings.
It is both humbling and exciting to witness how children develop within the environment we provide at Preschool of the Arts. I welcome you to come visit us so you can see for yourself!
Executive Director
A Message from
Our Director
My experience has taught me that all children have an intrinsic desire to explore. Children are capable and competent learners. They thrive when given the tools and support to explore and discover as they learn.
I was thrilled to relocate to the lowcountry this year and begin our Preschool of the Arts program based on the Reggio Emilia Approach. We have built a school that provides a natural, organic, and art-filled environment where children learn through an enriching, multi-sensory approach.
When you visit us, you will hear open-ended discussions and see long-term projects at various stages of development. Projects are planned, yet responsive to individual needs and environmental happenings. Our projects are relevant to the child’s life experiences.
Our children’s ideas and questions are honored and valued as part of our learning process — a guided process of building meaningful understandings. We will show you how we document children’s work in progress, which is an important tool for building these understandings.
It is both humbling and exciting to witness how children develop within the environment we provide at Preschool of the Arts. I welcome you to come visit us so you can see for yourself!
Executive Director
“Our children’s ideas and questions are
honored and valued as part of our learning
process — a guided process of building
meaningful understandings. We will show
you how we document children’s work in
progress, which is an important tool
for building these understandings.”
“Our children’s ideas and questions are honored and valued as part of our learning process — a guided process of building meaningful understandings. We will show you how we document children’s work in progress, which is an important tool for building these understandings.”
PRESCHOOL OF THE ARTS
477 Mathis Ferry Road • Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 • 843-884-2323