Who is Ali? 

Alessandra (Ali) DeMaria, M.A.,
Executive Director, Winter Park Day Nursery, Inc.

Ali DeMaria grew up in Colorado where she attended the University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology.  After moving to Florida and working in the hospitality field, Ali sought a more meaningful work experience, bringing her to the Winter Park Day Nursery (WPDN).  She was hired in 2005 as a teacher assistant in the two – year old classroom and soon had earned her Florida Child Development Staff Credential through coursework at Seminole State College.  After taking on progressively more administrative duties at the day nursery, Ali was encouraged to further her education.  She graduated from Rollins College’s Master of Arts degree program in Mental Health Counseling, while also earning a Certificate in Relationship and Family Therapy.  While working on her counseling degree, Ali created the Family and Behavior Services position at WPDN.  She was promoted to Director of Education in 2010.  At this time, she began working toward her Advanced Level Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential, which she earned from the Florida Department of Children and Families.  In late 2011 Ali accepted a promotion to the chief executive role of the Winter Park Day Nursery and continues to serve in this capacity.  In 2013 she earned a certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Rollins College Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership Center. 

Ali has worked diligently to increase Winter Park Day Nursery’s profile in Central Florida as the source for high quality care and education and also for its commitment to empowering all children and families to work toward a stronger, safer, healthier community.  She is accomplishing this through her involvement in the Orange County League of Women Voters where she actively serves on the Education and Speakers Committees.  In 2014 she also became a member of the Rotary Club of Winter Park, where she actively serves on both the Club Service and Community Service Committees.  She also is a graduate of Leadership Winter Park (Class XXII), a program of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce that identifies and promotes potential leaders from the business community by offering a behind the scenes look at and study of the critical issues and challenges facing Winter Park.  She remains involved in the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce as an active Leadership Alumni.  She also has served as a member of the Florida Department of Children and Families Childcare Advisory Committee and the Orlando Tech Early Childhood Education Program Advisory Committee.   

Ali has been married to her husband, Geoff, since 2008.  Their son, Dillon, was born in April 2012.