Meet our Staff
Mandy Spohn, MA
Mandy Spohn earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a focus on deaf and hard of hearing education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to earn her Master's Degree in Special Education with endorsements in Early Childhood and Deaf and Hard of Hearing education. Mandy taught with Lincoln Public Schools for five years before opening Here We Grow Preschool in the fall of 2012. She lives in Lincoln with her husband and three, young children.
“Being an early childhood educator and joining each student on his or her learning journey has been such a privilege. I opened Here We Grow Preschool with an unwavering commitment to provide a quality option for all learners in our early childhood community, and what an amazing community it has become. I’m beyond honored to have the opportunity to serve our students and families.”
Jennie James, MA
Jennie James graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Early Childhood Special Education. Immediately after graduating, she went on to earn her Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jennie started her career in education at Norris, teaching in the preschool program there for 12 years. She moved to Lincoln Public Schools and taught in the Early Childhood program for 19 years before retiring in May, 2025.
“I believe the foundation for learning in early childhood begins with a positive, trusting connection between a child and their teacher. When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they are more willing to explore, take risks, and engage in new learning experiences. My “why” for teaching is the joy and satisfaction I experience from watching a child’s confidence grow when they realize they have accomplished something new–whether it’s zipping a coat, writing their name, or having a successful interaction with a friend. There is such a supportive community of teachers, families and learners at Here We Grow, and I’m so excited to be on the team!”
Jonelle Morris earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in music from Utah State University. She then went on to receive a different honor, and that is the title of mother. She received this honor four times and some of her best education and experience has come from this. She loves music and has been a piano teacher for many years to children of all ages. She met Miss Mandy while seeking a quality early education program for one of her children here in Lincoln. It was through this process that it became clear that Here We Grow Preschool was absolutely the right choice, and subsequently all the rest of her children have attended there. It was also through this process that her friendship with Mandy naturally developed into a working relationship, because she knew this was a great program to be part of.
“I love learning, I love creativity, and I love children. I fully believe that each child is wonderfully unique, and because of this, we all respond to and contribute to learning differently. It’s in this collaborative community where real, successful, life long learning takes place. It is truly a joy, honor and privilege to work with Miss Mandy, the children and the families at Here We Grow Preschool.”
