Meet the Owner

The owner, Gina, posing with her hands crossed in a teal and gray shirt
The owner, Gina, posing with her hands crossed in a teal and gray shirt
Abstract illustration of two stylized human figures, one larger and purple and one smaller and blue, with flowing shapes and a colorful background.
Text reads 'Gina Spears' in purple script font.
Text reads 'Gina Spears' in purple script font.

Gina Spears is the owner of Little Joyful Journeys, LLC and a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood and special education. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Syracuse University. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Elementary Education and Special Education, and her Master’s degree is in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She is also a certified ESL teacher.

Gina taught kindergarten for nine years and spent two years teaching a Learning and Language Disabilities class. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to collaboration and a team-centered approach, believing that the strongest outcomes for students occur when educators and families work together to support learning and growth.

In 2025, Gina decided to take a break from teaching to focus on spending meaningful time with her daughter. During this time, her passion for education and desire to continue making an impact in young children’s lives remained strong. Inspired by this, Little Joyful Journeys was born; a space dedicated to supporting young learners and the adults who guide them through joyful, meaningful learning experiences.

Gina is passionate about supporting the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally — while also empowering the adults who guide them. She believes deeply in hands-on learning through authentic experiences, project based learning, and meaningful play integrated into the school day. As a strong believer in student-centered learning, Gina fosters independence and confidence in every classroom she leads.

Gina lives in Warren County with her husband Marty and their four-year-old daughter, Aubrey. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys dancing, baking, spending time in Walt Disney World, and visiting local playgrounds with her daughter.

Trainings/ Areas of Interest:

  • Comprehensive IMSE Orton- Gillingham Training

  • FUNdations Level K/1

  • Sheltered Instruction Observational Protocol

  • Project Based Learning

  • Responsive Classroom

  • Number Talks

  • Counting Collections

Programs/Technology Proficiencies:

  • Seesaw

  • Kahoot

  • Flipgrid

  • Nearpod

  • Class Dojo

  • Google Suite: Docs, Slides, Sheets, Classroom, Forms

  • Cleartouch, Chromebooks, iPad

Curriculum Experience:

  • Orton-Gillingham

  • FUNdations

  • School-wide Writing Fundamentals

  • Writer’s Workshop

  • Bridges in Mathematics