Behind the Scenes
Taylor Thomas is an entrepreneur, investor, and co-owner of A Special Place and ASP2, where she brings a refined blend of educational leadership, business insight, and a deep commitment to excellence in early childhood care.
With a Master’s in Human Resources and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Studies, Taylor offers a thoughtful, people-centered approach to leadership, staff development, and family engagement.
Her vision is rooted in creating exceptional learning environments where children feel supported, families feel confident, and every detail reflects quality, care, and purpose.
Sharri Thomas is an investor, website developer, and strategic contributor to A Special Place and ASP2, where she works remotely to oversee the website, marketing, and digital presence of the brand.
With her Master’s in Engineering, Sharri brings a thoughtful blend of analytical expertise, innovation, and brand-focused vision to her role. Her work supports the continued growth of the organization by helping ensure that each digital touchpoint reflects professionalism, quality, and the elevated experience families can expect from A Special Place and ASP2.
Mona Jackson is a warm and experienced teacher at A Special Place & ASP2 STEAM Academy, where she has been part of the classroom family for ten years.
Born and raised in the Metro East, Mona graduated from Lincoln High School in East St. Louis before earning her degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville—a meaningful milestone, as it is the same university her mother graduated from as a Special Education Teacher.
Before beginning her teaching journey, Mona served as a manager and trainer at AT&T until her retirement in 2016, bringing strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills into the classroom.
Today, she supports students with care, structure, and enthusiasm, helping create a learning environment where children feel encouraged and excited to grow. Outside the classroom, Mona enjoys reading, attending live theater, and spending time with her two dogs, Dillon and Holten. To Mona, the culture at ASP2 STEAM Academy feels more like family than school, with everyone supporting one another and bringing out the best in each other. She looks forward to a fun and exciting year of learning!