About Us
From Seeds to Sprouts PEA is a Private Education Association located in Shelton, CT. We are open to members only and we serve children in grades Pre-K-5. Over the last several years, many parents have become disillusioned by the public school system, yet do not have the means to homeschool. Our association is the solution to your problem - let us do the homeschooling for you! We are more affordable than most private schools. We provide a traditional curriculum that incorporates wholesome values. Utilizing a one-room school house style while incorporating small groups, we provide individualized instruction to each child, encouraging them to become independent, self-thinking, caring individuals, capable of navigating the world we live in today.
The purpose of becoming a PEA is to provide your child a learning environment where they can attend in person without any unwanted and/or unnecessary interference. Given all that is going on in our world, and the state of our public, and even some private Schools, we have opted to become a PEA so that we remain free to make our own choices, choose our own curriculum, and maintain our vision for "Learning Done Differently".
Our Curriculum
We have carefully selected wholesome curriculum that will nurture both your child's mind and heart. Although the curriculum is based on a general Christian worldview, it is NOT focused on the doctrine of any particular Christian church. Rather, it emphasizes high moral character and basic Bible principles such as gratitude, honesty, prayer, and kindness. We feel strongly that the teaching of doctrinal beliefs is up to the parents.
Language Arts
Our language arts component will thoroughly cover phonics, reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, geography, and art appreciation/instruction. Through our curriculum, we integrate and encourage a love of poetry, nature, and high moral values through wholesome, powerful literature. Lessons will be small group format, with students grouped based on their strengths and areas of needs.
Math
Math will be taught in small groups. The math curriculum we have chosen offers a balanced, traditional approach that incorporates various learning styles and helps children intentionally see the beauty of the world that God created. The curriculum is very thorough and rigorous, closely following the pacing of common core standards, but in a traditional way.​
Social Studies/History
History will be taught twice a week, whole group, one-room school house style, with older students completing lesson extensions as appropriate. The lessons are interactive and varied, including dramatizations, literature readings, and games. The course is designed to maintain student interest, moving from ancient history to modern history while stopping to explore certain time periods and places more in depth.
Science
Science will be taught twice a week, whole group, one-room school house style as well, with engaging lesson covering Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. Experiments and STEM activities will be added during our Flourish Fridays.
Our Team
Shawnee Scaniffe - Owner/Director
I am the owner and director of From Seeds to Sprouts PEA. For me, teaching is not just a vocation, but a calling. I have taught students of all ages and abilities, including 2 of my own children. I am certified to teach Elementary Education grades Kindergarten - 6th grades, as well as Special Education grades Kindergarten - 12. With a nurturing personality and hands-on approach towards learning, I am committed to helping children explore, learn, and become their best self. I look for these same qualities in my staff to ensure your children are in the best hands while at our PEA.
Christy Vazquez - Assistant Director
I am proud to be one of the founding members of From Seeds to Sprouts. I have a BS in Psychology and Human Services from Clayton State University. As the mother of a child on the spectrum, I have plenty of personal experience working with special needs children. Public school was never a good fit for my son. He struggled through his Kindergarten and First Grade years. The school shutdowns made me realize that it was time to try something new. While looking into different options, such as homeschooling and private schools, I met Shawnee and she told me about her vision for From Seeds to Sprouts PEA. I knew immediately that it was exactly what my son needed. He has thrived and excelled here at From Seeds to Sprouts. I began running the Aftercare program during the PEA’s first year and it was the best decision of my life! I found my calling working with the children here. Assisting Shawnee has truly been an honor and a blessing, and I look forward to helping her grow From Seeds to Sprouts PEA even more in the years to come.
Alexa Dias - Pre- K Teacher
TBD
Heather Woitowitz - Assistant Pre- K Teacher
TBD
Ariana Soper - Kindergarten Teacher
I have 5 years of well-rounded experience working in elementary school systems. I studied Childhood Education and Special Education at NYU, where I began my teaching career as a student-teacher. I spent two years as a paraprofessional, and nannied for a cumulative of five years. Being an educator, and nurturer of children, has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I love to exercise, and prioritize mind-body health. I have found that my students learn best when given the opportunity to learn through play and movement. I also find fulfillment in traveling and exploring the world. I believe that the world’s cultures can be some of our greatest teachers.
Catia Iosifides- Kindergarten / First Grade Teacher
TBD
Bradleigh Tsironis -
First Grade/Second Grade Teacher
A little about me: After homeschooling four American families in China, I came home to teach and supervise for several years in a collaborative k-12 learning center. When my daughter was born, I chose to stay home with her. We homeschooled for preschool through the first half of 2nd grade, until we found From Seeds to Sprouts in 2022.
My overarching goal as a teacher is to instill in my students a curiosity and love for learning that will carry them through their school years, while instilling a solid foundation of math, language arts and critical thinking on which they can build.
TBA - Upper Elementary Teacher
TBD
Cate Succow - Tutoring Support (Upper Grades)
TBD
Kristen Berggren - Spanish / Tutoring Support
I graduated from Central CT State University with a BS-ED in Spanish in 2008. I taught English at a special language school in Ferrol, Spain for a year before returning to CT where I spent the next 11 years teaching Spanish and general education in a variety of elementary and secondary education settings, as well assisting in a self-contained program for children with ASD spectrum disorders. Over the past two years, I worked as a private tutor serving children and families at home and in co-ops.I also have an interest in history, especially as it relates to the amusement industry, and I have a part time job as a tour guide at the Carousel Museum in Bristol.