Serving Lancaster County
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Owl Hill Learning Academy and our team. We consider it a privilege to play a role in the formative–and fleeting–years of your children. We are dedicated to nurturing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that will have far-reaching effects academically and in their life experiences.
We invite you to read on for a glimpse of who we are. We welcome the opportunity to meet you in person and provide you with a closer look at the special environment we’ve created at Owl Hill Learning Academy.
Owl Hill Learning Academy’s Mission
Our mission is to provide the best quality childcare by having our children feel safe, loved, nurtured, cared for and respected while they explore, learn, play, and experience life.
- We provide an environment that allows the children to reach their full potential in all development areas through play experiences as well as learning experiences.
- We believe that by providing high quality, developmentally appropriate child care for preschool children with the focus on the individual child’s age and ability to stimulate social, cognitive, physical and emotional growth.
- We believe that providing a stimulating and happy environment, children will develop the skills needed to be successful in school and into their adult years.
- We strive to create a solid foundation of respect, responsibility, and compassion throughout our program.
Owl Hill Learning Academy’s Philosophy
The Owl Hill Learning Academy strives to enhance each child’s early care and educational experience by providing an enriching environment in which to grow and learn and successfully complete the rest of his/her education. Enriched by the diversity and traditions our families bring to us, we strive to make a connection between children, staff and families.
Our staff is committed to teaching from the heart.
- We value the play and curiosity of our children.
- We work towards always respecting each other.
- We delight in the spontaneity of day to day interactions and the wonder of watching the development of our children.
- We teach patience and tolerance in dealing with others.
- We build our community with parents as active partners
- We work towards building the Owl Hill community into a strong neighborhood.
Our goal is for all parents to feel we are meeting the needs of their children and that they can feel comforted each day knowing they are leaving their children in good hands.
Meet Our Staff
Owl Hill Learning Academy is licensed for full service child care by the PA Department of Human Services and for preschool services by the PA Department of Education Bureau of Private Academic Schools. Our lead teachers hold PA Level 1 or PA level 2 Early Childhood certifications. The OHLA staff participate in ongoing professional development.
Mary Ann Garrett
Owner of Owl Hill Learning Academy
Mary Ann founded the original location of the Owl Hill Learning Center, recently renamed the Owl Hill Learning Academy, on Owl Hill Road in Lititz in 1984. In almost 40 years, she has owned and operated numerous other locations with six sites currently in operation licensed for over 250 children. Before starting Owl Hill, Mary Ann was a Language Arts major working for seven years in K-12 education as an English Teacher and Reading Specialist. With extensive training in music, she also taught voice and piano and has been singing professionally since 1970 performing in the classical, standard, and jazz genres with numerous orchestras and
bands. She is on the executive board of the Lititz Woman’s Club and the board of Directors of the Big Big Jazz Band of Lancaster. She is married with two adult sons and has six grandchildren ages 1-7. She loves attending live theater and concerts and is an avid Mah Jongg Player.
Ashley Garrett
Owner of Owl Hill Learning Academy
Team Member Since: 2022
“I strive to create a community of learners for staff and students that nurtures growth in a positive, fun environment.”
My name is Ashley Garrett, and I am proud to be part of the Owl Hill Learning Academy team. I was born and raised in Lititz, Pennsylvania, graduating from Warwick School District. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education K-6 from Kutztown University as well as an Early Childhood degree. I continued my education and received a Masters in Early Childhood from Wilkes University. I taught first grade for 13 years for Hempfield School District. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners. Wanting to help each child progress in all areas of their development–academic, social, language, and motor–inspired me to resign from my teaching career to take on the new path of owning a childcare center.
Personally, I have been married to my amazing husband, Andrew for 8 glorious years and have three fantastic children who are 6, 4, and 2 years old. Our oldest daughter attended Owl Hill before entering Kindergarten and our youngest two, still attend Owl Hill. I love to spend time with my family. You will find us at local parks and community events. We love to spend time at the beach. I enjoy working out, reading, swimming, and going out to dinner.
- Fun facts about me: I was awarded Female Athlete of the year in 2008 at Kutztown University and named Kutztown’s Hall of Fame for swimming in 2019.
Michelle Ziegler
Director of Owl Hill Learning Academy Child Care Center in Lititz
Team Member since: 2007
“I love working and building strong and lasting relationships with the children, families and staff at the center! We are a family/team at Owl Hill and I’m excited to continue to grow this “Owl Hill Family” for many years to come!”
Owl Hill Learning Academy, formerly Owl Hill Learning Center, has been my second home since 2007. I began working part time at the center and then transitioned to a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher from 2008-2016, and then became the Center Director in 2014. I graduated from Millersville University in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, received my Early Childhood Certification in 2011 and have maintained my PA Director’s Credential since 2012.
When I am not at Owl Hill, I love to spend time with my husband, Seth, and our sweet cat, Bella. I also enjoy working outside in my flowerbeds, taking walks, playing tennis, reading and flea marketing! I am also a Philadelphia Flyers fan!
- Fun fact about me: If I had the time, I would love to create a cat sanctuary!
Julie Mathers
Pre K Counts Coordinator Owl Hill Learning Academy for Hempfield, Lampeter- Strasburg, Conestoga Valley and Manheim Township School Districts
Team Member since: 2007
“I love my job with Owl Hill and the interactions with the staff, families and early learners. Coming to work is a joy!”
I started with Owl Hill Learning in 2007 in their first ever Pre K Counts program at Reidenbaugh Elementary School in the Manheim Township School District . After teaching as the lead in the classroom I moved into the Educational Director role. Since Fall 2009 Owl Hill’s Pre-K Counts classrooms have expanded to four school districts in Lancaster county! I graduated from Millersville University with a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007. Outside of work I enjoy teaching and practicing yoga and spending time with my three children. I love anything pink and hot summer weather.
- Fun fact about me: I love anything pink and I have twins (a girl and boy).