Our Pandas’ Teacher, Leandria Campbell(she/her), has been a part of AHCNS since 2022 when her daughter started in the Monkeys class. Mrs. C served on the board as Events Coordinator and Fundraising Chair, and was one of the school’s substitutes. In 2023, Mrs. C became the Pandas teacher.
Mrs. C has a degree in behavioral psychology and began her career as a PreK teacher at a school in Washington DC, but decided to explore other career options. During the Covid shutdowns, Mrs. C developed play-based lesson plans and learning activities for her 18-month-old daughter. This experience reignited her passion for teaching young children.
Our Monkeys’ teacher, Nancy Popson (she/her), has taught at Aspen Hill Cooperative Nursery School since 2011. In addition, Mrs. Popson has taught Lunch Bunch programs for the Monkey classes since 2009. She also worked as the Primary Caregiver in the PHP Program (Nursery) and as a substitute teacher for the Panda, Lion, and Tiger classes from 2008-2015. Mrs. Popson has a B.A. and M.A. in Russian Area Studies and was certified in 2008 as an early childhood education teacher. Her own children attended Aspen Hill Cooperative Nursery School from 2005-2010, and it was her experience as a co-oping parent that led her to teaching as a second career. Mrs. Popson is currently serving as our school director.
Our Tigers’ teacher, Amanda Tyman (she/her), has been a part of AHCNS since her oldest son started in the Pandas class. All three of her children are AHCNS alumni and while they attended the school, Mrs. Tyman worked as a primary caregiver in the nursery, served on the board, and was one of the school’s permanent substitutes. In 2018, Mrs. Tyman taught the Mini Movers (music and movement) class and became the Lions teacher in 2019. Before having kids, Mrs. Tyman worked at a preschool in California for over 10 years and also ran a business teaching dance classes at preschools and day care centers. She is a graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in English Literature.
Our Lions’ Teacher, Tamara Sahin (she/her), has been a part of AHCNS since 2024 when her daughter started in the Pandas class. Miss Tamara worked as the Primary Caregiver in the Parent Helper Program (Nursery) and as a substitute teacher for the Pandas class. Before having her daughter, Miss Tamara studied musical theatre, but it was her experience as a new mother that propelled her to change course. Miss Tamara now has an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a B.S. in Early Childhood Human Development.
Our Mini Movers teacher, Annie Abrams (she/her), is starting the 2025-2026 year at Aspen Hill Cooperative Nursery School. She was inspired to join the team after loving the experiences she had here the past four years co-oping in the classroom with her two boys, serving on the preschool board, and substitute teaching. Previously, Mrs. Abrams worked for seven years as a pediatric occupational therapist for students with special needs at the Ivymount School, as well as outpatient settings. She ran classes, small groups, and individual therapy sessions working on fine motor skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, social skills, strength, and movement. Her focus is on building skills through daily activities and student interests to make growth lasting and fun. Mrs. Abrams has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Boston University.
