ASHLEY TALVE SHENFELD

CEO | EarlyBird Consulting

EarlyBird Consulting was developed from Ashley’s unyielding passion for education and belief that all children can succeed when provided with meaningful exposure, high expectations, and confidence in oneself at a young age. Ashley studied early childhood psychology at the University of Michigan, where her desire to work with children and families flourished. At her time at the University of Michigan, she earned the Michigan Mentor Leadership Award for her exceptional mentorship efforts with underserved families in the Detroit Metro Area.

Ashley holds a Master’s degree in General/Special Education, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy from New York University. Ashley was the Director of Early Learning at Preminente Counseling, a globally recognized educational consultancy, where she honed her skills in the consulting space. As a former teacher, education specialist, consultant and child advocate, Ashley is deeply committed to partnering with families and children as they embark on their educational journey.

MELISSA KEMPNER JONES

President | EarlyBird Consulting

Melissa is a passionate early childhood educator who holds a Master’s in Early Childhood General & Special Education from the Bank Street College of Education. After spending years in the classroom, Melissa discovered that her real passion was rooted in forming individual relationships with students and families by working 1:1 with children and families.

While teaching at a prestigious Upper East Side preschool, Melissa gained exposure to both the admissions and exmissions process. She participated in screening children for preschool entry, writing school reports for children applying to ISAAGNY schools, and preparing her students for Kindergarten. Melissa's background allows her to support families and children with extensive Kindergarten readiness, ranging from the admissions process to important classroom skills. She's eager to bring her experience to helping families on this exciting voyage.