TEACHER
Megan Angiulo, BA
“My favorite teacher: Mrs. Joyce Deen Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher. Mrs. Deen made my first experience in a classroom exceptional. I left her class feeling confident, capable, and loved!”
At a very young age, Megan learned firsthand the benefits and characteristics of great teaching. Her mother was an elementary teacher that poured her heart and soul into making learning meaningful and enjoyable for children. Witnessing her mom’s enthusiasm for teaching and the positive impact on her students was the beginning of Megan’s commitment to be an educator making a difference in the lives of children and families. Megan earned her B.A. from Piedmont College in early childhood education. She has taught for 5 years in both public and private elementary settings. Megan’s own passion for yoga led her to become a registered yoga teacher so that she could to share that passion with children. Additionally, Megan is committed to weaving nature into her students’ learning, all the while helping students understand their influence on the world and promoting sustainability for the future.
Daniel Bass, MA
“The most influential teacher in my life was Dr. Annette Parrott who taught me high school biology. She invited us to explore, question, and move through the world seeing it as more wondrous than we had previously realized. She made learning exciting and fun!”
Daniel Bass is an Atlanta native and a lifelong lover of learning! His undergraduate degree is in Spanish from Georgia State University. Daniel loves seeing boundaries between people traversed as linguistic and cultural connections are made. He has spent over a decade tutoring and teaching Spanish, English, and American Sign Language at the pre-k, elementary, and high school levels in the Greater Atlanta Area. After finishing his Master’s of Ministry degree from Richmont Graduate University in 2014, he began working as a youth pastor at a local church parish in Oakhurst. Continuing to pursue his love of helping light bulbs go off for students of all ages, Daniel has come to Hess Academy and is delighted by the collaborative, inclusive, and dynamic environment of the school! He is energized by encouraging young learners to explore their world and the world of others with wonder and compassion. When not at Hess Academy, Daniel reads voraciously (mostly theological nonfiction and fantasy novels), runs and practices yoga, and sings an alarming amount of the time.
TEACHER
Parent Testimonials
A private school for pre-k through 8th grade | Decatur, GA
In a time when children are spending less time outdoors and more time in front of a computer screen or phone, we are prioritizing physical movement, time outside and active exploration.
Specifically, starting in pre-K each class goes on an outdoor expedition once a month that includes, hiking, bouldering, rock climbing, or water exploration with a professional outdoor education company. Additionally, starting in 2nd grade each class goes on an overnight hiking trip in the mountains. Throughout the school day, we provide children with a variety of movement options including, dance, yoga, and play to encourage health, stress management, cognitive development, and emotional regulation.
Physical education classes capitalize on children’s natural sense of play and competition. Physical education and yoga instruction allow students to experience all locomotor movement patterns (e.g., hopping, jumping, walking, running and galloping) and non-locomotor skills, such as bending, twisting, and turning. Through play and games, students develop a sense of their body in space; their stamina, strength, balance and flexibility; and hand- eye coordination. Students learn to be part of a team, working towards a shared goal, as well as what it means to be a good teammate and good sport. Just as they must practice spelling, math and any other skill, young children need to learn that being part of a sports team requires practice, patience and persistence. Whether it’s showing up to practice, waiting your turn on the sidelines, or doing the same drill over and over again, team sports translate into important life lessons. Outdoor education plays a prominent role in our physical education program. When outdoors, students experiment in the natural world and develop skills as they have meaningful whole body adventures. These educational experiences connect students with the place they inhabit, their developing sense of self, and the larger community.
