Our Mission
We are here to support young learners and their caregivers in the process of early literacy development. We understand that as children grow, their personal experiences build a bridge between each stage of language development. When children's wonder is nurtured through nature, their innate curiosity shines. Our team is committed to connecting you with resources that promote joyful learning and outdoor exploration.
Susan Shea
Susan finds miniature versions of everyday objects on a regular basis, which she likes to incorporate into her programs and activities. Her favorite hobby is making and laminating vocabulary building materials covering every topic a child might ever be interested in. As an AMI certified Montessori guide at the Primary level (age 3-6,) Susan spent over twenty years working with young children in classrooms around the world. She is delighted to share inspiration and ideas with you through Phonetic Planet.
Deirdre Shea
Deirdre believes in exploring the world around us, and that learning should be the farthest thing from drudgery. Finding ways to provide supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environments is one of her favorite ways to spend her time. She feels so strongly about it that she designed her own college degree studying exactly that. Deirdre likes getting things done and helping people, which serves her well as she handles Phonetic Planet's development and outreach.
Everett Swanson
Given the choice, Everett's preferred location has always been anywhere outside. A four month thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail only reinforced this preference, while propelling him toward Forest School teacher training and place based education. He has explored forests and coastline in several countries, binoculars at the ready. Everett brings both his knowledge of the outdoors and his artistic skills to his work with Phonetic Planet.
Joshua Yardy
Josh enjoys sharing music with those around him, which should be evident in his work on Phonetic Planet’s Podcast: “Do you Know What?”. Educated in Composition and Creative Technology at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, he is now an apprentice baker at an artisan bakery in Cardiff, Wales. While living in Austria during 2020 and 2021, he has also obtained his AMI Montessori Assistant’s Qualification for children aged 3-6 and has joyfully worked with children in a bilingual classroom in Lower Austria.
When he is not making music, Josh can be found cooking up a storm and trying out new techniques and recipes in the kitchen!
Úna Shea
An avid music and early years educator, Úna takes great pleasure in the small details that help to create a beautiful learning environment. She contributes to Phonetic Planet's page on resources for children aged 0-3, and In her spare time, she designs and creates materials and toys for the youngest among us! Una also curates monthly playlists for family listening which can be found on Phonetic Planet's Spotify account!
Úna is a qualified AMI Montessori guide for the infant and toddler age grouping, and currently works as a classroom assistant at Cardiff Montessori School in Wales, U.K.. Having also earned a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from the Royal Welsh College Of Music And Drama, she is pursuing a masters degree in the psychology of music in performance, education and wellbeing from the University Of Sheffield.