As our main circle leader and program manager, Ms. Shanna understands the importance of cultural awareness in teaching and uses her extensive experience traveling the world to teach in a culturally responsive way. Her training as an international Montessori classroom liaison has helped her develop a baseline understanding of cultural elements outside of her own. Her circle time lesson plans are carefully curated to ensure that less widely known cultural differences are taken into consideration and properly presented to help students adapt to the class environment and feel safe and comfortable. She is an expert in creating an atmosphere of inclusivity. 

She believes that it is her responsibility as the "Lead Learner" to model cultural awareness and sensitivity. Early learners are curiosity-driven and are designed to wonder about the people around them. Ms. Shanna does not expect early learners to always ask their questions in a sensitive way. Therefore, she is readily prepared to answer these questions in a way that: validates all cultural differences, explains differences in an academic, unbiased way, and show students how to ask questions and discuss cultural differences with sensitivity.

Ms. Shanna is currently enrolled in an online degree program for teachers who specialize in teaching cross-culturally.

Primary Class Sources Include: 
- https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/ 
- National Geographic Kids Magazine
- National Geographic Little Kids Magazine
- National Geographic Education Magazine
- National Geographic Family Magazine

Secondary Class Sources Include:
- JEOGRAPHY Songs: Video portraits of the countries using original songs - featured on Youtube. Each song includes instrumentation, melodies, and rhythms that reflect the musical traditions of the host country. Songs currently on the channel includes musical tributes to the USA, China, Canada, Spain, Russia, and Indonesia, among others.

- Kids-world-travel-guide.com is owned and managed by Regina Graeff and a team of young writers, student travellers, curious explorers and students. Kids World Travel Guide is based in Cape Town/South Africa. https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/