The People of PLĀ
Renée McGhee - Academic Director
Renée has loved teaching for as long as she can remember. Since becoming an Early Childhood Educator in 1979 Renée’s love of education is as strong as it ever was. Beginning as a preschool teacher's assistant at Kinder Haus, at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church with her own toddler in tow Renée went from teachers Asst. to Teacher to School Director over the course of 13 years. Renée has educated over 200 children including her own but left Early Childhood Education to pursue ministry within her Church. In 2017 the call to Early Childhood Education came and Renée began substitute teaching in an education based preschool. Feeling she couldn't connect in an impactful way with the limited time she had the wheels began turning. Her thoughts lead her to accept a new challenge: to create a child care program based on educating the whole child. In 2019, Renée converted her living space into the Panoramic Learning Academy. Renée’s goal is to create the best educational programs while providing space for practical learning and emotional wellness. Combining elements of both the Montessori and Reggio philosophies, PLĀ’s curriculum guides the child through their own learning process, while recognizing that children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing; and that they must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves. Renee believes that when a child says, “I can do it myself" it's true. Renée's goal is to guide them through that process.
Phillip Hall, Jr. - Executive Director
A lover of science and all that crawls, and still a curious boy at heart, Philip is a co-founder of Panoramic Learning Academy and a co-developer of the PLĀ model and curriculum. He is a strong believer in the benefits of early education, and is pleased to bring his passionate leadership to this outstanding program. With the goal of empowering and encouraging the growth and development of every child in the PLĀ program, he constantly strives to design a curriculum that utilizes music and movement, authentic Black History, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), community involvement, and more. In addition to curriculum development, Phillip’s responsibilities include accounting, marketing, and PLĀ’s day-to-day operations. He brings a wealth of business experience coupled with a science background, having earned degrees in both Biological Sciences and Business Marketing.
Brooklyn Varize - Teaching Assistant
Brooklyn joins PLĀ as a teacher assistant. She is a graduate of Berkeley High School, and will be pursuing a college major in photography and film. She has a background in gymnastics, and competed at the national level for seven years. Brooklyn is new to the Early Childhood field, but she comes with experience as a babysitter with two of our PLĀ families. The children and staff members are extremely fond of her, and her arrival has been a tremendous asset to the PLĀ family.
Professor Snook - PLĀ Ambassador
Tricycle enthusiast, Professor Snook, is a welcome addition to the PLĀ staff. His zany socks, outlandish suspenders, and wacky hair bring a warm smile to all. Bringing a unique and eclectic perspective to early childhood learning, his undying love for science is a treat for the kids. From time to time, you can find Professor Snook with the students observing the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly, digging for worms, teaching the little ones the art of the jungle gym, conducting carbonated bottle experiments, or just joining the kids during outdoor playtime.