About Us

Meet the Founders

Lauren and Italia met in 2015 in the College of Education at Georgia State University. They became fast friends, further bonding over deep concern for the state of humanity after the 2016 presidential election cycle. After a year together in the Early Childhood Education department, Lauren and Italia joined CREATE, a residency program designed to prepare novice teachers for successful careers in education. Through CREATE, Lauren and Italia were able to student teach alongside each other while intently focusing on identity and social justice work. After graduating, Italia and Lauren were paired together and began their 1st year teaching as partner teachers of the most wonderful group of first graders to ever exist! :) Through trial and error, constant work, and partnership, Lauren and Italia made it through their first year before splitting apart to teach in separate classrooms as part of the CREATE program design. In her fifth year of teaching, Italia now teaches art in her neighborhood public school. Lauren spends her days writing curriculum for a daycare. Through the nine years they’ve been close friends, Italia and Lauren have held each other accountable to keep equity front of mind both in the classroom and out. 

Meet the Team

  • Italia Kostrinsky

    FOUNDER

  • Lauren Miles

    FOUNDER

Learn More
 

I was SO excited when I learned Lauren and Italia were starting a summer camp! I just know it will be the most loving, fun, and exciting environment. They are truly two of the most favorite teachers among kids and adults at Parkside. I am constantly in awe of these two lovely ladies!

— Emily Butcher, parent