As a preschool teacher and a mother of two, Marlena believes strongly that children are competent and capable young learners. After more than five years of experience in the Early Childhood field, she found her home here at Olive Branch and brings a measured and thoughtful approach to our collaborative teaching team.

Marlena is uniquely skilled at connecting with children on an individualized and genuine basis. She takes particular pride in these connections, and explains that the values that drive her pedagogy are grounded in making sure that children are comfortable in their own skin. With this in mind, Marlena not only connects deeply with the children she cares for but also prioritizes allowing children to express their personal interests and helping to foster bonds between young peers.

Outside of her work with preschoolers, Marlena is active and nurturing! She loves yoga, cycling, and Pilates, and can otherwise be found cooking something yummy in the kitchen or spending quality time with her children.