"A Home... Away From Home"
Meet The Club House Director
Credentials and Certifications
Bachelor’s Degree
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Commonwealth of PA Private School Certification
Pennsylvania Director’s Credential
Awards and Recognition
Ebony Excellence Award Winner of 1998
All-American Collegiate Leadership Award Winner of 1998
Celebration of Excellence Award Recipient of 1999
Edinboro University Dean’s List 1999-2002
Delaware County Community College Dean's List
Edinboro University Programming Board 1999
National Collegiate Minority Leadership
Award Winner of 2000
Student Government Association Congress 1998-2002
Certificate of Recognition
The Edinboro Association of Faculty/Staff of Color 2002
Certificate of Recognition
Mount Pleasant Nursery School & Kindergarten
Founder & Director
The Kollective Talent Foundation, Inc.
Certificate of Recognition of Community Leadership
The Nia Center of Chester 2011
Recognition of Outstanding Leadership of Youth
State Representative Thaddeus Kirkland
Mayor John Linder ~ City of Chester
Letter of Recognition of Service To Our Youth
First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011
Ms. Karla N. Gray
Dear Club House Family & Friends,
Hello, and welcome to the exciting world of early learning!
My name is Ms. Karla N. Gray affectionately known as Kar-Kar, and I am so excited to serve as your School Owner and Director.
The next few months are sure to be busy as we work to rebuild, explore, and grow together. It is my true desire to assure that all students and staff are safe at all times, and treated with kindness, respect and compassion.
It is also my desire to present the best preschool program possible, in order to address the most appropriate level of development for each child, and to help assure the continuation of a positive happy experience here at The Children's Club House!
I have had a 25 years experience with a large amount of families and organizations throughout Philadelphia, Chester City, Delaware and the surrounding Tri-State area. Mount Pleasant CDC Nursery & Preschool, Chester Community Charter School (East & West Campus) as well as the Infamous Kollective Talent Foundation, Inc. just to name a few.
I am a proud native of Twin Oaks, PA, and I have 6 godchildren Shai (25), Giovanni (18), Lilliana (18) Giada (11), Giuliana (7), and Summayah (5) whom I love dearly, and spend a lot of time with.
I would like to encourage you to contact me whenever you have questions and/or concerns about your child or the program. Please be sure to make sure that all of your child’s emergency contact information is always kept current at all times!
Meet The Club House Team
Ms. Shakari Jackmon
Assistant Director
Infant/Toddler Teacher
Graduate of East High School located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and continuing my education in Early Childhood Development at Delaware County Community College.
I volunteered with the Kollective Talent Foundation with Ms. Karla for several years and worked for her at CCCS "TNT After School Program" as well as The Children's Club House. During my time with Kollective Talent and The Children's Club House, I have formed great relationships with the students, their parents, and staff.
Ms. Karla has been my biggest mentor and assisted with me opening The Cutie Pie Club!
Mrs. JoAnn Bannister
After Care Teacher Assistant
Retired from Riddle Hospital after 33 years of service. I have a loving passion for children. I am a dedicated member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church where I was a Teacher Assistant at Mt. Pleasant Nursery & Preschool as the before and aftercare aide. I am a motivating person teaching others to do their best and encouraging positive morals.
Teacher Assistant
Ms. Sharon Whitaker,
Certified Pediatric Registered Nurse
Born and raised in Twin Oaks. My education consists of 120 Hour Licensed Nursing Home Administration Course, Delaware Technical & Community College, Stanton Campus, ADN, RN program, The Practical Nursing Program of the Chester School District, Upper Chichester High School.
I have mentored children & students of The Kollective Foundation Inc. since 2005 and currently, worked with The Children's Club House & the Cutie Pie Club since opening. I was also the School Nurse at Downingtown Industrial and Agricultural School.
Mr. Jerry Gray
Van Driver
Associates Degree
Van driver for the Club House. I am originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am a veteran of the United States Army. I am very family-oriented, an honest person, and straightforward when it comes to my work.
I believe in giving an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, as well as getting all of our children to and from their destination safely!
I have been employed with The Kollective Talent Foundation, Inc., Mount Pleasant Nursery & Preschool, The Children's Club House, and The Cutie Pie Club. I have built great relationships with all of our students, parents, and staff.
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Lead Teacher
Ms. Kortni Taylor
Bachelors of Science
ECE + Special Education
Born in Chester, PA, now residing in Wilmington, DE. I am a recent graduate of Neumann University with a Dual Degree in Early Elementary & Special Education.
I am also a former member of Kollective Talent (2005-2006).
I feel that working with children is rewarding because they encourage you to use your imagination and see our world from their perspective. It is always a pleasure watching their developing minds grow!