The adults in your child's life are important, and we've got the best!
Our team is highly educated, gifted teachers who love teaching and playing with your children almost as much as you do! 

 Mariah Bankemper
​Captain of Creativity

Hi! I'm Mariah, the founder and director of The Philly Pad. Thank you for visiting. I created The Philly Pad in the summer of 2018 to be a place where kids could have fun and express themselves. I strive to show children how to be compassionate and empathetic friends, courageous explorers, and uninhibited dancers. I love introducing children to STEM concepts, leading experiments, teaching kids yoga, and most importantly talking about our "feelings." I have a Bachelor's of Arts in Chemistry from Temple University and am working towards a teaching certiicate at West Chester University. When I am not at The Philly Pad I am on my yoga mat, eating veggies or walking my adorable puppy, Bogey. 

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Olivia Matinas
​First Mate of Freckles & Fun

Hi parents! My name is Olivia, and I am a proud team member of the Philly Pad. After having graduated with my bachelors in Early Childhood Education in 2018, I joined my friend Mariah at the Pad—and what a blast it has been! I absolutely love observing and encouraging the children’s social-emotional development, curiosity, imagination, and love of all things silly. I hope to always instill a love for reading and making connections, no matter how small. Besides turning the playground into a lunar landing site, I enjoy exploring the grocery store, taking ballet classes, and sipping a cappuccino from any number of Philadelphia cafes. During the school year you can find Miss Matinas doing her thing at The City School rocking out in the sunniest and happiest Kindergarten classroom! 

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Miss Brittany
World Traveler & Math Enthusiast

Hi! I’m Brittany and I am so excited to be joining the Philly Pad for the third time this summer! I am a math specialist at Bache-Martin during the school year and live in the neighborhood. I have been teaching for the past 8 years after graduating with my Master’s in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University.  I love working with children and letting them explore their own interests. I especially like incorporating math concepts into everyday fun!  When I’m not working with children, I love spending time with Ellie, my golden retriever puppy, running on Kelly Drive, and reading for my monthly book club.​

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Want to join our team?
We are currently looking for one more teammate for Summer 2021. This is a part-time working opportunity. Experience with children is preferred. 
​Send a resume, a note of interest and a fun fact to ThePhillyPad@gmail.com