Our team

100+ years of experience. Four deeply intentional educators.

These are the people your children would actually be with — every day. Educators who think about kids, not just curriculum.

The Grow Co-op team

Jessica, Cayla, Marissa & Rajeev — the people your kids would actually be with every day.

Jessica Murray — Co-Founder, Head of Education
25+ years in education
National Board Certified (ELA)
Master's in Elementary Education

Jessica Murray

Co-Founder, Head of Education

Jessica is an experienced and dynamic educator with over 25 years of teaching across middle and high school classrooms, homeschool programs, and enrichment co-ops. A National Board Certified Teacher in English Language Arts, Jessica holds a Master's in Elementary Education from PennWest California and began her career in Pittsburgh before moving to Florida, where she taught 8th–10th grade English, including Cambridge-level General Paper, and coached cross-country and track at West Boca High School. After stepping away from the traditional classroom to homeschool her three sons, Jessica deepened her commitment to experiential, community-based education through history clubs, film workshops, and local co-ops. As a co-founder of The GROW Cooperative, she brings a love for literature, history, and project-based learning to every classroom — and a heartfelt belief that education thrives when rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and joy.

Cayla Coco — Founding Educator, Environmental Education
25+ years in education
Nature education at Delray Beach Children's Garden
Arts & environmental integration

Cayla Coco

Founding Educator, Environmental Education

Cayla is a lifelong educator with over 25 years of experience fostering creativity and connection through the arts and environmental education. She led art and cooking classes for students from preschool to high school, and expanded her impact through programs with Abrakadoodle, where she brought creative learning into schools, homes, and community spaces. Cayla has led teacher workshops, student art shows, and public art installations, all while championing child-led, experiential learning. Today, she teaches Nature Education at the Delray Beach Children's Garden, where she hosts immersive field trips that emphasize cross-curricular exploration and environmental stewardship. Cayla brings her passion for hands-on, eco-centered education to inspire young learners through art, gardening, and nature discovery.

Marissa Manister — Founding Educator, Elementary
25+ years in education
Certified SEL Coach
Nature-based education specialist

Marissa Manister

Founding Educator, Elementary

Marissa brings over 25 years of experience in childcare and education supporting young learners through a blend of social-emotional learning, hands-on play, and nature-based education. A certified Early Childhood Educator and Social & Emotional Intelligence Coach, Marissa has served in a wide range of roles — from special education teacher in a New York City private school to nature play teacher at Sunflower Creative Arts. She also works at the Delray Beach Children's Garden, gaining deep experience in homeschooling models and experiential outdoor education. As an educator and a parent, Marissa is passionate about nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community in every child.

Rajeev Arora — Co-Founder, Head of Administration
30+ years in EdTech leadership
Nearpod, Parchment, Blackboard
STEM & financial literacy

Rajeev Arora

Co-Founder, Head of Administration

With over 30 years of experience leading high-growth education and technology companies — including key roles as GM, COO, CMO, and CPO — Rajeev brings a strategic, real-world perspective to financial literacy and STEM instruction. He has driven transformative growth at pioneering EdTech organizations like Nearpod, Parchment, and Blackboard, and now channels his expertise into empowering young learners with practical skills in mathematics, entrepreneurship, and responsible money management.

Join our team

Interested in teaching at GROW?

We’re always looking for educators who believe kids deserve to be truly known — not just managed. If this team and this community resonate with you, we’d love to hear from you.

See the role & apply →