MEET THE GROH! TEAM

Not your average interior designers...

Get to Know Our Co-Founders

Anne holds a master’s degree in early childhood development and developed a play-based curriculum taught in 45 states. Jodi had a 13-year career as a school leader and teacher, specializing in elementary education and psychology. That is to say, you’ll be working with educational experts who cater to your child’s developmental and emotional needs.

Anne Gillyard

CO-FOUNDER, CEO AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR

ANNE’S BACKGROUND & RECOGNITION

Before becoming an innovative playroom designer, Anne developed a national curriculum for play-based learning that continues to be taught in 45 states. She earned a master’s degree in early childhood development and curriculum, and spent a decade teaching and training other educational professionals across the country, focusing on STEM learning, problem-based learning, Montessori-style classroom environments, social emotional skills, and 21st century learning. During this time, Anne identified a disconnect between how children play at home and the critical thinking skills needed for success in school and as members of society. The answer? Transform the home play environment!

Anne’s work and expertise has been featured in BuzzFeed, Washingtonian, and HuffPost; shared by brands like Crate & Kids; and led to partnerships with big-name children’s brands like Nugget and Wiwiurka.

BRINGING IT FULL CIRCLE THROUGH GROH!

Fueled by her passion for play and learning, Anne co-founded grOH! Playrooms in 2018. Anne and her co-founder, Jodi, developed a framework that includes eight types of play needed for playrooms. Their signature kid- and parent-approved system supports a child’s academic learning, emotional growth, and development of 21st century skills.

IN HER SPARE TIME...

When she’s not designing playrooms, Anne is enjoying time in her own play space with her two children, and hanging out with her husband and partner in all things, Chris. She loves cooking big meals and traveling to exciting places, which all serve as inspiration for the new features and elements her imagination dreams-up.

Jodi Arellano

CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

JODI’S BACKGROUND & RECOGNITION

Jodi’s education career spans 13 years, 3 states, 4 schools, and has touched thousands of students! In a variety of teaching and leadership positions, ranging from dual language reading to Advanced Placement Psychology, Jodi partnered closely with families to support students’ academic and social development. In particular, her outstanding dedication to students with intellectual disabilities or learning disabilities led to regular district-wide recognition for her advocacy and expertise.

During her years in elementary schools, Jodi served as a district specialist in early literacy and math. Later, as a founding teacher of a college preparatory high school, she re-discovered her passion for developmental psychology while teaching AP Psych. In classrooms and teacher coaching, Jodi always emphasized crafting learning opportunities that foster creativity, critical thinking, communication skills, and reasoning.

BRINGING IT FULL CIRCLE THROUGH GROH!

Jodi was quick to recognize the impact of room layout and systems on student learning for preschoolers through teenagers, becoming a go-to for colleagues trying to optimize their classrooms. When Jodi began her own family, she started connecting expansive knowledge with the design of her own children’s play spaces.

IN HER SPARE TIME...

Jodi lives in Washington, DC with her husband and three kiddos. She loves playing soccer and building cardboard box forts with her kids, reliving her rock climbing days from Las Vegas, and potentially winning the occasional "friendly" neighborhood mahjong game.