Our Story
Every child deserves access to excellence, regardless of zip code or household income.
The WAO Legacy
Founded in 2016 by Tori Brown and Kathy Rivera, the Woodlyn Academy Organization (WAO) was built on a bold belief: high-quality early education should not be a luxury. Tori, an educator and mother, experienced the inaccessibility of quality childcare firsthand. Kathy, coming from generations of Philadelphia educators, understood the community's deep need for better options.
2016 — The Beginning
Woodlyn Academy opens its doors, establishing the foundation of our child-centered approach.
Achieving STAR 4
WAO earns Pennsylvania's highest quality rating, validating our commitment to excellence.
Penrose Academy Opens
Expanding our reach into Philadelphia to serve more families with premium education.
Fall 2026 — Graduate Montessori
Our newest campus opens, bringing authentic Montessori education to the community.
Winter 2027 — Acana Academy
Continuing our mission to close the educational inequality gap.
Leadership Team
Visionaries dedicated to transforming early childhood education.
Tori Brown
Visionary / Co founder
Kathy Rivera
Integrator / Co founder
Ebony White
Director of Revenue
Kashmere Matos
Director of Education & Montessori Fidelity
Tara Ghee
Director of Compliance
