After Graduating from University of Florida (GO GATORS!) with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, 2001. I taught Junior Kindergarten at Shorecrest Preparatory School for 6 years. My daughter was born in 2007 and I decided to be a stay at home mom for a couple of years.

And then…

The Wonder Studio is a small business I started in 2009.

Having researched and intensely studying the pre-primary schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy for many years…I longed for a place where my own children and I could visit together that would expose them to the 100 languages of children.

I wanted to create artistic and creative experiences that were high quality and put the child into the role of protagonist of his/her learning.

Thus began my starting up and leading a community of like-minded mothers, fathers, and caregivers who wanted to accompany their children on a journey together in Wonder and Joy.

The Wonder Studio, named for the environmentalist Rachel Carson and her beautiful book, The Sense of Wonder…is an arts and science studio for young children and the caregivers who love them.

My children were (and still are) the most inspiring people I had ever met. I wanted to learn all I could about them and who they were.

With an understanding of my favorite educational theorists, psychologists, and philosophers…I designed a unique program that would allow both the child and the caregiver to learn about themselves and others in a safe, caring, and creative “Studio” environment.

Studio spaces are designed for mess making. I have believed for many years now that learning is a messy process. I believe that children need to use “more” materials before they can learn the benefits of using “less”. At The Wonder Studio, we are paying close attention to the ways children are motivated to use materials. We believe in the social and cognitive learning that happens when children are in a group setting with other children and adults with different learning styles.

Every element of The Wonder Studio is designed so that the child can be independent in his/her exploration and/or use in collaboration with an experienced co-wonder’er.

Hi, I’m Allison (Hawley) Brown. I’m so thrilled to be teaching at Wonder Studio!

Born and raised in Kansas City, I graduated with a degree in English literature from University of Denver before teaching in the Teach For America program in New Orleans for two years. I spent the next five years in New York City, first getting my masters degree in Literacy Education at NYU and then teaching kindergarten and first grade in NYC public schools. I tried out middle school for a couple of years back in Denver before realizing I wanted to go back to teaching little ones. I moved to St. Pete in 2011 to teach first grade and kindergarten at Shorecrest. I taught at Shorecrest for nine years (having the privilege to teach both of Shannon’s children!) before I stopped to do my favorite work yet— being a mom to my two boys: Walden, 3 1/2 and August (Auggie), 2.

Watching my own children grow and explore the world has deepened my belief in the importance of giving children the freedom, space, and opportunity to explore and create. When we trust children enough to stand back, observe, and allow them to take the lead, they will show us all the creativity and wonder that lies inside them. This is the beauty of the Wonder Studio! I can’t wait to wonder with you all!!

My name is Dani Ocasio. I have always wanted to be an agent for change.

My background is in teaching creative art to students ranging from preschool to high school.  I am passionate about nurturing young minds and fostering artistic expression while also weaving kindness and service into every lesson. This has brought me from being a preschool teacher to a "Baby and Me" creator/leader to art specialist.  I have also had the opportunity to work for a decade in the non-profit sector, teaching leadership through service, kindness and the arts. 

In 2023, I moved to St. Petersburg with my husband Eric along with our pup Genevieve, and an exceptionally large cat Ollivander. 

I enjoy being with my family, traveling, and creating art.  I have a passion for plants and advocating for mental health awareness.  As an artist, color - has always brought me joy and allowed me to express myself. 

During my "tween" years, my colorful style and optimism were often the target of teasing, but as an adult, I aim to show kids that you can be a grown-up and still embrace your inner child. 

I am thrilled to share my passions here at The Wonder Studio.