We are blessed to have an amazing staff whom we also call family. All are thoroughly screened by the FL Department of Children & Families; FDLE; & the FBI as free of abuse or neglect charges and previous criminal record. All are DCF/OEL/CCEI trained, CPR/FA certified. We have a combination of teachers who hold a CDA, an AA, or BS in Early Childhood Education and Social Work. All are required to complete continuing education in-service hours yearly.
It is our policy that under no circumstances will a potential candidate or staff member be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, individual needs, socioeconomic status, appearance, religion, or cultural background. All employees are treated equally in the hiring process and throughout daily operations.
It is our policy that under no circumstances will a potential candidate or staff member be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, gender, individual needs, socioeconomic status, appearance, religion, or cultural background. All employees are treated equally in the hiring process and throughout daily operations.
OWNERS: Miss Lisa and Mister Craig
Lisa Gladwell was born in WV, but grew up in OH. Lisa has over 35 years experience as a Preschool Teacher; Head Start Teacher; Public School Teacher in OH (all grades); as a Daycare Director in both TN and MI; as a Regional Coordinator, Adult Instructor, and Instructor Assessor of the WV Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist program, a statewide training opportunity for early childhood teachers; as a FL Child Welfare Protective Investigator; and as a Family Services Counselor/Case Manager. Lisa completed an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education at Lorain County Community College (Elyria, OH); a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Cleveland State University); and a Masters License in Early Childhood Special Education (Cleveland State University), specializing in Autism. Lisa has served on several professional development advisory boards; university articulation agreement boards; on the WV ACDS Executive Council; and has co-chaired the WV ACDS Cabell County Local Council. Lisa has been published several times and has an avid interest in writing for children. Lisa has also lived in NY and MI. Native Michigander, Craig Gladwell, is retired from retail and restaurant chain management. Lisa and Craig enjoy traveling to South Lake Tahoe to spend time with daughter Lindsay and grandson Mason. Lisa and Craig also enjoy motorcycle riding, a friendly MS vs. OSU/Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns/Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians rivalry, and are the parents of 4 silly "fur" children: Beulah, Birdie, White Kitty, and Jesse.
Lisa Gladwell was born in WV, but grew up in OH. Lisa has over 35 years experience as a Preschool Teacher; Head Start Teacher; Public School Teacher in OH (all grades); as a Daycare Director in both TN and MI; as a Regional Coordinator, Adult Instructor, and Instructor Assessor of the WV Apprenticeship for Child Development Specialist program, a statewide training opportunity for early childhood teachers; as a FL Child Welfare Protective Investigator; and as a Family Services Counselor/Case Manager. Lisa completed an Associate of Arts in Elementary Education at Lorain County Community College (Elyria, OH); a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (Cleveland State University); and a Masters License in Early Childhood Special Education (Cleveland State University), specializing in Autism. Lisa has served on several professional development advisory boards; university articulation agreement boards; on the WV ACDS Executive Council; and has co-chaired the WV ACDS Cabell County Local Council. Lisa has been published several times and has an avid interest in writing for children. Lisa has also lived in NY and MI. Native Michigander, Craig Gladwell, is retired from retail and restaurant chain management. Lisa and Craig enjoy traveling to South Lake Tahoe to spend time with daughter Lindsay and grandson Mason. Lisa and Craig also enjoy motorcycle riding, a friendly MS vs. OSU/Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns/Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians rivalry, and are the parents of 4 silly "fur" children: Beulah, Birdie, White Kitty, and Jesse.
DIRECTOR: Miss Debbie
Debbie Lowery is an Air Force brat who was born in Washington, while her family is primarily from Boston. Debbie graduated 4th in a class of 12 at a High School in Labrador, Canada. As a military wife, Debbie has also lived in various other places, such as Africa and Spain, as well as nearly every US state . Debbie has 5 wonderful children: Danielle; Jeremy; Robert; Chris; and Hunter. She also has 7 grandchildren! Debbie's teaching experiences includes teaching both younger children and VPK. Debbie loves teaching; in particular she enjoys seeing the children's faces light up they learn something new. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys spending time with all of her children and grandchildren, crocheting, and she is a talented charcoal artist! She also has an avid interest in essential oils and spends a good deal of free time teaching others about the health benefits. Debbie's "fur babies" include a blue male Beta Fish named Violet and a pet rock named Clyde!
Debbie Lowery is an Air Force brat who was born in Washington, while her family is primarily from Boston. Debbie graduated 4th in a class of 12 at a High School in Labrador, Canada. As a military wife, Debbie has also lived in various other places, such as Africa and Spain, as well as nearly every US state . Debbie has 5 wonderful children: Danielle; Jeremy; Robert; Chris; and Hunter. She also has 7 grandchildren! Debbie's teaching experiences includes teaching both younger children and VPK. Debbie loves teaching; in particular she enjoys seeing the children's faces light up they learn something new. In her spare time, Debbie enjoys spending time with all of her children and grandchildren, crocheting, and she is a talented charcoal artist! She also has an avid interest in essential oils and spends a good deal of free time teaching others about the health benefits. Debbie's "fur babies" include a blue male Beta Fish named Violet and a pet rock named Clyde!
Debbie before working in childcare.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Miss Bri
Bri Girao is also a Cleveland and Detroit native, so she has this love/hate thing going on in regard to the Browns and the Lions.. She has over 12 years of childcare experience, primarily as a PreK/VPK teacher. Bri completed a national Child Development Associate Degree in October 2018. Bri and husband Gery have 2 sons, Gery and Alex. They are also the parents of fur baby Bolt, a 3-year-old Boxer, who is "the best dog ever." What Bri enjoys most about working with children is that they are innocent and honest. When she is not loving on our babies, Bri enjoys reading, crocheting, and "crushing that candy!" Her travels include Peru, and after attaining her longtime dream of "Candy Crush Queen" status, Bri would like to go on a month-long Mediterranean cruise!
Bri Girao is also a Cleveland and Detroit native, so she has this love/hate thing going on in regard to the Browns and the Lions.. She has over 12 years of childcare experience, primarily as a PreK/VPK teacher. Bri completed a national Child Development Associate Degree in October 2018. Bri and husband Gery have 2 sons, Gery and Alex. They are also the parents of fur baby Bolt, a 3-year-old Boxer, who is "the best dog ever." What Bri enjoys most about working with children is that they are innocent and honest. When she is not loving on our babies, Bri enjoys reading, crocheting, and "crushing that candy!" Her travels include Peru, and after attaining her longtime dream of "Candy Crush Queen" status, Bri would like to go on a month-long Mediterranean cruise!
EDUCATION COORDINATOR: Miss Joni
Joni Ortiz' native country is Guam. She has also lived in Dover, DE. Joni and husband Elfego, who is from Mexico, are the proud parents of Destiny, Giovanni, and Selena. Joni has 1 sister and an abundance of extended family. Joni has traveled to NJ, PA, MD, GA, and LA; someday she would love to take the children to Guam and Mexico to share with them the family roots and culture. Her family has 1 White Sucker Fish named Messi after the famous soccer player. Joni has earned an AA in General Education as well as a national Child Development Associate Degree. Joni is currently working on obtaining a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Directors Credential. Joni has over 13 years experience in childcare, but has also taught Religious Education since 1996. As her family is busy, Joni is very involved in their school programs, church youth programs, and the Tiger Point Sports Association. In the rare chance that she has free time, Joni enjoys relaxing at the beach, crafting with her kids, and cheering and celebrating them with sports, clubs, and church events. What Joni loves most about teaching is being able to love, nurture, and watch the children learn and develop. She is amazed that "there is so much that they learn within the 1st year of life" and she appreciates being able to be a part of those first experiences.
Joni Ortiz' native country is Guam. She has also lived in Dover, DE. Joni and husband Elfego, who is from Mexico, are the proud parents of Destiny, Giovanni, and Selena. Joni has 1 sister and an abundance of extended family. Joni has traveled to NJ, PA, MD, GA, and LA; someday she would love to take the children to Guam and Mexico to share with them the family roots and culture. Her family has 1 White Sucker Fish named Messi after the famous soccer player. Joni has earned an AA in General Education as well as a national Child Development Associate Degree. Joni is currently working on obtaining a Bachelors in Early Childhood Education and a Directors Credential. Joni has over 13 years experience in childcare, but has also taught Religious Education since 1996. As her family is busy, Joni is very involved in their school programs, church youth programs, and the Tiger Point Sports Association. In the rare chance that she has free time, Joni enjoys relaxing at the beach, crafting with her kids, and cheering and celebrating them with sports, clubs, and church events. What Joni loves most about teaching is being able to love, nurture, and watch the children learn and develop. She is amazed that "there is so much that they learn within the 1st year of life" and she appreciates being able to be a part of those first experiences.
Pre-K TEACHER:
Miss Julia
Julia Conover is a Navarre native and a 2018 graduate of NHS. She came to us from the High School's Teacher Education Prep Program. Julia has one older sister. She has also lived in New Jersey and has traveled to Georgia and North Carolina. She would like to visit Alaska and New York. Julia loves spending time with her 5 dogs: Hurricane, Flower, Destiny, Nala, and Kiara. Julia has a passion for photography and dreams of taking pictures while exploring nature all over the world someday. Julia is considering her options for college while gaining teaching experience. She loves working with children because she believes they have an interesting perception of the world.
Miss Julia
Julia Conover is a Navarre native and a 2018 graduate of NHS. She came to us from the High School's Teacher Education Prep Program. Julia has one older sister. She has also lived in New Jersey and has traveled to Georgia and North Carolina. She would like to visit Alaska and New York. Julia loves spending time with her 5 dogs: Hurricane, Flower, Destiny, Nala, and Kiara. Julia has a passion for photography and dreams of taking pictures while exploring nature all over the world someday. Julia is considering her options for college while gaining teaching experience. She loves working with children because she believes they have an interesting perception of the world.
TODDLER LEAD TEACHER: Miss Brittany
ASSISTANT TODDLER TEACHER: Miss Destiny
INFANT TEACHER: Miss Tia
A Gulf Breeze native, Miss Tia and her girlfriend of 1 year, Chelsea have 2 awesome children: Kayden, 7 and Laiken, 5. Tia has traveled throughout the whole South East of the USA and even spent 2 years in Atlanta where she became a Certified Culinarian at Le Cordon Bleu. She has 7 years experience working with children including a gym daycare, working with children with behavioral disorders and preschool. Tia's favorite thing about working with children is that children are fun! She loves that you can tell that they are understanding what you're teaching. She also loves hugs! Being outside and watching movies are her favorite hobbies. She also dreams to be able to one day build her own home.
A Gulf Breeze native, Miss Tia and her girlfriend of 1 year, Chelsea have 2 awesome children: Kayden, 7 and Laiken, 5. Tia has traveled throughout the whole South East of the USA and even spent 2 years in Atlanta where she became a Certified Culinarian at Le Cordon Bleu. She has 7 years experience working with children including a gym daycare, working with children with behavioral disorders and preschool. Tia's favorite thing about working with children is that children are fun! She loves that you can tell that they are understanding what you're teaching. She also loves hugs! Being outside and watching movies are her favorite hobbies. She also dreams to be able to one day build her own home.
ASSISTANT & SUBSTITUITE TEACHERS
Cameron Walker is also a MI native and loves the Redwings! She is a 2018 graduate of NHS and also came to us from the Teacher Education Prep program. She is currently in school at Pensacola State in the Nursing Program. Miss Cam is a prankster and loves to scare the dickens out of everyone! Her sneezes also break the sound barrier! Cam enjoys working with little people because they are innocent and sweet. She has a special fondness for the babies!
Paolo Gutierrez-Cruz
AKA Miss Lola was born in Miami but now lives in Gulf Breeze. She is the middle child of native Honduran parents. She has traveled to Honduras but says her heart desires a trip to Brazil! She has been taking care of her younger brother and other children since she was 12 years old. She recently completed her AA in Physical Therapy and hopes to work in a PT institute and help rehabilitate people to their full potential. She doesn't have any pets but would love to have chickens one day. She enjoys playing & coaching soccer, spending time with her family and eating! She loves interacting with children, knowing that they are going to be our future leaders. She says that inspires her to give them a childhood full of love and caring.
AKA Miss Lola was born in Miami but now lives in Gulf Breeze. She is the middle child of native Honduran parents. She has traveled to Honduras but says her heart desires a trip to Brazil! She has been taking care of her younger brother and other children since she was 12 years old. She recently completed her AA in Physical Therapy and hopes to work in a PT institute and help rehabilitate people to their full potential. She doesn't have any pets but would love to have chickens one day. She enjoys playing & coaching soccer, spending time with her family and eating! She loves interacting with children, knowing that they are going to be our future leaders. She says that inspires her to give them a childhood full of love and caring.
Heather Stewart comes to us from Brookhaven, MS. The farthest she has traveled so far is to Canada in 2015. With Chad, Heather is devoted to helping to raise her 3 stepchildren, Caleb, Celtsie, and Chayse. Her family also includes 2 dogs, Baylor and Jack. She would love to take the fam and travel all over the world. Heather has completed a national Child Development Associate Degree and recently obtained a Directors Credential. She has over 13 years’ experience in this field. Heather wants to make a difference in the lives of children and believes that they all just need a little extra love. In her free time, Heather loves reading and "getting her tan on at the beach!"
Bettina Dennison was born in Romania but spent most of her growing up years in Heidelberg, Germany. She has also lived in England and San Antonio. She has traveled to Italy, Spain, Hungary, Sri Lanka, Holland, and Austria, and someday intends to tour Japan. Bettina and husband Kevin are very dedicated to family life and their 2 children, Erik and Isla. Their family is completed by 2 guinea pigs, Sushi and Butterscotch. Bettina did teach full time with us but has recently stepped back concentrate on her children's education. As one of our substitute teachers now, she is still a very valuable asset to our team! In addition to volunteer experience at a German daycare, Bettina's professional background includes Public Business Administration in Europe. Her hobbies include drawing, swimming, and board games. What she loves about working with children is that they are smarter than adults in many aspects. :)
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