All staff at our center have been carefully selected for temperament and professional communication strengths. All staff have undergone extensive background checks, including having been screened by the FL Department of Children & Families, FDLE, and the FBI as free of abuse or neglect charges and prior criminal record. All staff have completed DCF childcare training requirements and are continually trained in CPR/First Aid; Child Abuse and Neglect; Safe Sleep for Infants; Emergent Literacy; and Positive Guidance,
among other concentrations.
among other concentrations.
OWNERS & DIRECTOR: Miss Lisa and Mr. Craig
Lisa Gladwell was born in WV, but grew up in OH. Lisa has over 25 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; and also as a FL Child Welfare Protective Investigator. 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 25 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; and also as a FL Child Welfare Protective Investigator. 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.
ASSISTANT 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 only current fur baby is 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 only current fur baby is a pet rock named Clyde!
TODDLER I TEACHER: Miss Rachael
Rachel Clayton is a native Pensacolian, but has also lived in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area, as well as in the Dothan/Atmore region of AL. Rachael is married to "the most wonderful husband and father ever," and they have 2 beautiful daughters, E.J. and Riley. Miss Riley rules our older toddler group. The family enjoys spending quality time together, especially going to the beach! Chris and Rachael are also the parents of 2 dogs, RueDawg and Jessie; 1 cat, Callie; and 1 turtle, Mikey. Rachael has been trained in all age groups and has over 2 years experience working exclusively with toddlers.Rachael is working on completing her CDA. Rachael's passion is that she loves to see children learn and grow. Rachael looks forward to the day that she can retire, play all day, and travel to Italy!
Rachel Clayton is a native Pensacolian, but has also lived in the Raleigh/Durham, NC area, as well as in the Dothan/Atmore region of AL. Rachael is married to "the most wonderful husband and father ever," and they have 2 beautiful daughters, E.J. and Riley. Miss Riley rules our older toddler group. The family enjoys spending quality time together, especially going to the beach! Chris and Rachael are also the parents of 2 dogs, RueDawg and Jessie; 1 cat, Callie; and 1 turtle, Mikey. Rachael has been trained in all age groups and has over 2 years experience working exclusively with toddlers.Rachael is working on completing her CDA. Rachael's passion is that she loves to see children learn and grow. Rachael looks forward to the day that she can retire, play all day, and travel to Italy!
INFANT TEACHER: Miss Joni
Joni Ortiz
Joni Ortiz
TODDLER I TEACHERS: 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 is currently working towards her CDA. 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 is currently working towards her CDA. 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!
TODDLER II TEACHERS: Miss Bettina
Bettina Dennison was born in Romania but spent most of her growing up years in Germany.
Bettina Dennison was born in Romania but spent most of her growing up years in Germany.
PreK TEACHERS: Miss Heather, and Miss Debbie
Heather Stewart
Heather Stewart