“I am committed to being a life-long learner, and my biggest hope is to inspire my preschoolers to do the same.”

Damaris Wright is a preschool educator at Future Academy Childcare and Learning Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has earned her Preschool CDA, is a Certified Playmaker graduate and mentor, and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Damaris is deeply committed to growth, leadership, and equity in the early childhood field.

Damaris loves having a front-row seat to children’s curiosity and developing personalities. She finds joy in their “ah-ha” moments and in helping lay the foundation for their future success. One recent experience that reaffirmed her purpose involved a neurodivergent student who took months to adjust to the classroom. Through consistency, relationship-building, and trust, the child began engaging more confidently—eventually tracing their own name independently for the first time. For Damaris, that moment represented exactly what she strives for: children feeling safe enough to take risks and celebrate their wins.

Passionate about justice and equity, Damaris actively seeks ways to address gaps in resources caused by systemic racism and disenfranchisement. She finds inspiration through TLC’s live professional development trainings and the Playmaker Project, a framework rooted in joy and play that has deeply influenced her teaching philosophy.

Her advice to new educators: keep an open mind, prioritize connection, and don’t be afraid to get creative—children will surprise you every day.