741 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
Teacher
Mr. Yanni was born in Hartford, CT and move to Florida when he was 4 years old. After Highschool, Mr. Yanni worked in various industries before exploring his interest in teaching young children. Mr. Yanni is working as a float teacher while he continues his training in the field of Early Childhood Education.
“To all the dreamers out there on spaceship earth anything is possible.” – Tom Delonge
Teacher
Being one of the oldest siblings in a group of 7, Ashlynn developed a love for childcare and fostering a learning environment for children. Ashlynn previously worked for the Orlando Science Center in the Summer camp program as a counselor and then moved to being a facilitator for the 0-7 area known as Kidstown.
“The best part about working with children is seeing them so excited to share new information they are learning.”- Ashlynn
Teacher
Born and raised in Connecticut, Ms. Ke’Ana began her career working with children at 15 years old at her local Boys & Girls Club. She then pursued her dreams by graduating from Clark Atlanta University with her Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies. She loves working with children because not only do they keep you on your toes, but you learn from them as well.
“Children are not things to be molded, but are people to be unfolded.”
Teacher
Ms. Denisse graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development and Education. She was raised here in Orlando and enjoys going to the beach, parks, painting, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
“I enjoy creating bonds with children and watching them hit milestones while seeing their different personalities develop.”
It takes a big heart to teach little minds.
Teacher Support Coach
In 2020, Ms. Stephanie graduated from University of Central Florida with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked in Early Childhood since 2007. She has always been passionate about making a difference in a child’s life. During her formal education, it was confirmed how the early years are the most important in a child’s growth, and she loves that she gets to be a part of that. Ms. Stephanie wants her mark to count. It is a passion of hers to ensure that all children receive high quality early childhood education. She has worked with not only children from birth through 5 but have also coached and mentored early childhood educators within that time as well.
Ms. Stephanie is a mother of three adult children and a grandmother of 3 (almost 4) grandchildren.
“A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark. – unknown
Teacher
Ms. Annese was born and raised in Florida. As she finishes high school and prepares for college at Valencia, her goal is to major in Finance, but her passion for early education has always been there. Providing assistance to young children with disabilities has been a part of her life since becoming a teaching assistant in 5th grade. She also volunteered as an assistant camp counselor at the Winter Park Community Center with over 300 hours during the summer of 2022. Ms. Annese began volunteering at Winter Park Day Nursery in the same year and was given an internship shortly after, and now working here.
“As I begin my journey at Winter Park Day Nursery, I am excited for what this year will bring.”
“There are places in your heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” – Anne Lamott
Ms. Ali had the pleasure of participating in the K-Ready Community initiative (https://getkready.com/) since just prior to the global pandemic. In 2022, their group took on a research and planning project funded by Helios Education Foundation. This process resulted in some important key findings and recommendations just published in November 2023. The full report to Key Findings and recommendations can be found here.
This report shows the important findings we must work toward to keep early care and education options viable for all families. With the support of the Early Learning Coalition of Central Florida, funders like Helios Foundation and community advocates, we can help move the needle on increasing awareness in support of the early care and education industry which is the backbone to economic growth in our communities.
Sheets of construction paper receive a healthy dose of glue as chatter, laughs, and occasional shouts fill the classroom at Winter Park Day Nursery. While aspiring young artists create the morning’s art project, instructors and assistants continue a tradition that dates back to 1939. Winter Park Day Nursery was founded during a time when mothers, working at the local citrus packing plant, would need their elementary school-age children to miss classes in order to care for their preschool-age siblings. Elementary school principal, Dr. Nelson Glass, worked with a local church group to create the day school as a means of getting older children back to class and providing younger children with daycare and an educational foundation.
To read the rest, visit The Culture of Caring at WPDN by Jim Carchidi with the32789!
Teacher
Ms. Yaxi has always been extremely passionate and committed to advancing the growth and potential of children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has obtained certification in Play Therapy from the University of Central Florida. Ms. Yaxi is eager to be part of the WPDN family and is looking forward to incorporating her skillset to continue growing and changing lives.
“Having my students run over to squeeze me as soon as they walk through my door brightens my days. Knowing that I provide them with a safe place and comfort. Seeing their faces brighten up is the most rewarding feeling.”
Teacher
Ms. Gina was born and raised in upstate New York, but has lived in Florida for over 30 years. Nurturing children has been a life long career. She’s been honored to work with children and families as a professional nanny for both typical and special needs children, having her own daycare, and working as a Guardian ad Litem (6th circuit, FL) for 10 years.
“There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a child’s healthy and happy development.”
“The soul is healed by being with children.” -Fyodor Dostoyeusky
