Meet The Team

Kadi Cook
MA – Upper School Director, Teacher/Researcher

Kadi joined Voyagers’ in 2008, coming from a rich background in the arts. She integrates many teaching styles and draws from various teaching philosophies, with a strong focus on the Reggio Emilia philosophy and Constructivism. She holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Integrated Teaching through the Arts from Lesley University. Kadi also holds a BA in English from Colorado College, with a focus on creative writing and poetry. In addition to teaching creative writing, Kadi supports teachers and collaborates with them in their daily work with children, families, and other stakeholders as our Pedagogista. She documents and analyzes the learning processes and experiences of children, and then draws implications that inspire teaching and learning. Currently, Kadi serves as the Co-Chair of the Middle State Association Accreditation Team.

Nicole Homer

MFA – Teacher/Researcher, Literacy

Nicole Homer Anderson​

Teaching Associate ~ Literacy & Humanities

Homer is a New Jersey based writer and educator. Her work can be found in the American Academy of Poets Poem-a-day, Muzzle, The Offing, Winter Tangerine, Rattle, The Collagist and elsewhere. A fellow of both The Watering Hole and Callaloo, Nicole serves as an Editor and regular contributor at BlackNerdProblems, writing critique of media and pop culture, and as faculty at the Pink Door Writing Retreat for Women and Gender Non-conforming Writers of Color. Their full-length collection, Pecking Order (Write Bloody), was an Eric Hoffer Poetry Award winner and Paterson Poetry Prize finalist. They serve as an Associate Professor of English at Mercer County Community College. As the 2018 Dartmouth Poet-in-Residence at The Frost Place, she lived in Robert Frost’s Franconia home, drank coffee, and worked on her next project, Fast Tail. Nicole Homer received a 2020 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. 

 

 

Alysson Keelen

MS – Education Consultant, Teacher/Researcher

Alysson Keelen joins Voyagers’ Community School with 29 years of experience in the field of Education. She is certified with the State of NJ as a K-12 Teacher of the Handicapped , K-8 Elementary School Teacher, Supervisor/Principal, and School Administrator.   Alysson worked in the Howell Township Public Schools as a teacher, vice principal, and principal for her entire career. She served on numerous committees to develop programs, enhance curriculum, and support school security measures. Professional highlights include her appointment as Principal to open two new schools in Howell Township: Adelphia School and Memorial Elementary School. 

Throughout her career, Alysson worked with incredible educators, on numerous award winning teams, that were recognized by professional organizations for outstanding work and innovative achievements: Learning Forward for Professional Learning Communities, NJ Department of Education’s Lab School Project for PLCs, NJ School Boards Innovations in Special Education Award 2018, Ocean First Bank’s  $10,000 Grant Award for a STEAM Think Tank/Lab, and Ocean First’s $10,000 Grant Award for an Inclusive Outdoor Classroom.  Her love of learning and teaching continued as she helped develop new teachers for several years as an Adjunct Professor at Monmouth University. Alysson enjoys volunteering with Yogi — her Bright and Beautiful Certified Therapy Dog.  She also enjoys archery, reading, writing, swimming, and spending time with her wonderful family and treasured friends.