This is school reimagined.
Our mission.
With the deep belief in the remarkable capabilities of each child, we strive to build on their strengths whether they are academic, artistic, physical or social.
Play is where we learn to trust, and where we learn about the rules of the game.
We have found, and research supports, that children learn best through play. Our programs focus on guiding children, along with their families, to develop the social, emotional, physical and academic skills needed to succeed in elementary school and beyond.
At Three Little Birds, we look at education as more than academics. Our students experience the joy of real play-based, thematic education. We listen to our students, and nurture and encourage their play.
We are not only a school that families love but a school that teachers love as well. Our teachers follow the New Jersey State standards and curriculum, but have the freedom to be creative in their approach. This is not a one size fits all school. We strive to meet every child where they are and build on that.
We believe
All children are curious about the world and want to learn!
Children learn by having unique experiences with each other, with materials and with the environment.
When school is integrated with the rest of the child’s life,
it makes sense and becomes more meaningful.When children contribute to the group, and learn cooperatively they become peaceful, productive members of the classroom and school community.
All children are unique and have different learning styles.
Children engage in learning and demonstrate what they learn
in many ways.
Children should grow to become active citizens of the world. We help children to develop good habits of mind, to think creatively and analytically. We want our students to develop fully as individuals, and also as cooperative, responsible members of a group.
Who we are
Jenn O’Malley
Founder, Director
Originally from Philadelphia, Jenn has made Jersey City her home and has become a well-known Jersey City resident. Her involvement as an organizer of the JC Moms Meetup Group and her success in organizing several large family events for JC Moms, inspired her to find a career where she could be with her children and continue to work with families in Jersey City.
Founded in 2011, three little birds, was Jenn’s vision. A stylish and whimsical place where moms and their children could both enjoy fun, unique classes. Having experienced the craze of running around to various classes, at different locations for each of her three kids, her goal was to create a single space where parents and kids could come for it all; yoga, art, music, dance, parties and even a toddler drop off program. “I wanted to open a business that my family would love, since they would be spending a lot of time there,” Jenn explains. She goes on to say, “we offer special, creative programming with a great team of teachers in a clean and artful environment.” Her love of design and creative elements comes from her 18 years working for Banana Republic in Store Design/Visual Merchandising. This background is evident in the choice of location as well as her attention to detail in the design of the space. Everything exudes creativity.
With the opening of the three little birds West Side at the Lincoln Park location, Jenn expanded her vision of providing the highest quality, authentic and play based education and camp for children in their important early years. As three little birds grew, so did its students, and in 2020 the West Side location expanded to become Chilltown Elementary School as many of our preschool families were looking to stay in a program where their children flourished.
Jenn has 3 daughters: Mia (16 years) Keira (14 years) and Sophia (12 years). She lives in the Hamilton Park neighborhood. She is a mom on the go – she is a lacrosse coach for the JC Girls Lacrosse team, she spends her weekends with her daughters going to breakdancing battles or Irish Dance competitions, going to lacrosse practice and sneaking in some gardening when she can. At home, the family loves game night, Just Dance and baking. Her favorite movies are the Star Wars movies, and favorite books are Harry Potter!
“We do not need magic to transform the world. We carry all the power we need inside ourselves.” J.K. Rowling
Alexis Stefani
Training and Development and Enrollment Director, Kindergarten Teacher
Part of the tlb family since 2022
Ever since she was a child, Alexis knew she wanted to be a teacher. Alexis graduated from High Point University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. But after accepting a pre-k teaching position, she quickly realized how much she loved teaching early childhood. Alexis believes in creating a safe, caring community where children can blossom and grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. Every child is unique and as an educator she strives to develop each child’s skills, strengths, and interests to extend their learning.
Alexis is stepping into a leadership role as three little birds continues to grow. With her deep knowledge of early education and her inspiring experience with three little birds, she will be focusing on training and supporting new teachers, guiding their development so they feel confident and equipped to thrive in the classroom. In addition, Alexis will be managing enrollment to help ensure that every family feels welcomed and supported as they join the school community.
Adair Keener
Sparrow Room Head Teacher, Creative Movement and Ballet Teacher
Part of the tlb family since 2025
Originally from Mechanicsville, Virginia, Adair holds dual B.A. degrees in Dance and Communication Studies from West Virginia University and recently completed her M.A. in Dance Education at NYU. She teaches in the Sparrows Pre-K classroom and brings a dynamic blend of creativity, movement, and joy to her teaching.
Adair has a lifelong passion for working with children and creating imaginative, thematic, play-based experiences that blend learning with hands-on fun. She’s also a trained dancer and dance instructor, with a deep love for ballet, tap, jazz, and more, with a dream of becoming a Radio City Rockette!
Outside of school, you’ll find Adair thrifting, collecting vinyl records, watching movies, taking a dance class, or spending time with her boyfriend Carson and their families. She’s excited to bring her energy, warmth, and creativity to three little birds, and can't wait to share a joyful year of learning with her students.
Adair teaches our school movement classes and ballet classes afterschool on Wednesdays!
Carolina Lamiell
Sparrow Room and Hummingbird Room Assistant Teacher, Music Teacher, Spanish Teacher.
Part of the tlb family since 2025
Carolina is the Assistant Teacher in the Sparrows and Hummingbirds classrooms and also leads Music and Spanish instruction across the school. Originally from Chile, she earned her bachelor's degrees in Education and History from Universidad de Playa Ancha in Valparaíso. Carolina brings a vibrant energy to the classroom, blending her love of music, bilingual education, and outdoor exploration into engaging learning experiences for children.
She lives in the Bergen Lafayette neighborhood with her husband, Kevin, and their daughter, Magnolia. When she’s not at school, Carolina enjoys thrifting, biking, collecting vinyl records, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors with her family. A certified Music Together and Canta y Baila Conmigo instructor, she’s passionate about making music and language accessible to all. Fun fact: she won her first singing contest at age 9 after secretly signing herself up!
April Loren Saavedra
Sparrow Room Assistant Teacher
Part of the tlb family since 2025
April brings a deep love of community, creativity, and connection to her work in the classroom. Born in California and raised in Jersey City, she’s proud to be teaching in the neighborhood that helped shape her. April attended Jersey City Public Schools and continued her studies at NJCU.
Her blended Mexican-American and Italian upbringing has instilled in her a strong sense of family and cultural pride, which shines through in her relationships with students. She shares her home with two beloved tuxedo cats, Kitty and Domino, and in her free time, she enjoys yoga, running with Grind Society, and spotlighting local small businesses through social media.
April is passionate about creating a joyful and supportive learning environment, and she’s especially excited to learn alongside her students because she believes children have just as much to teach us as we do them.
Karen Rodriguez
Aftercare Teacher, Summer Camp Counselor
Part of the tlb family since 2022
If there’s one thing Karen knows, it’s how to turn an ordinary day into an adventure! Whether she’s bringing storybook characters to life with her animated voices, rocking one of her signature themed headbands, or leading little ones through exciting activities, she’s all about making childhood magical.
With 20 years of experience teaching tiny humans (from toddlers to Pre-K), Karen has helped kiddos grow, learn, and laugh across Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, and beyond. When she’s not at three little birds, you might find her taking a Lyra (aerial hoop) class — or crafting up something special for family and friends.
As a proud mom of three (plus her pup Rocky), she brings warmth, creativity, and a sprinkle of fun to everything she does. So don’t be surprised if you see her sporting some silly glasses or leading the next dress-up day with enthusiasm — Karen believes learning should always come with a side of joy!
Keira Barth
AKA "Bgirl Krazy"
Breakdancing Teacher. Summer Camp Counselor
Part of the tlb family since 2025
Keira Barth, also known as B-Girl Krazy, is a high school senior from Jersey City, NJ. She started breaking at age 4 under coach Kid Glyde and eventually joined the legendary Dynamic Rockers crew. Krazy has won titles like “Queen of the East” and “Get Fresh: Bonnie and Clyde”, and has battled coast to coast. She’s also performed at venues like Lincoln Center and NJPAC with her crew. She is also a part of the Youth Olympic Breaking team and trained at the Olympic Training Facility in Colorado Springs. Krazy’s fiery and fun b-girl spirit is evident in her movements, tricks, and strong freezes.
Rossana Villaflor
Art Teacher. Summer Camp Counselor
Part of the tlb family since 2018