Ms. Tiana, WPDN Alumna

This month, we are excited to highlight WPDN alumna, Tiana Moody, who attended Winter Park Day Nursery as a preschooler in Ms. Ali’s 2005–2006 Pre-K class. Today, Tiana has come full circle as a first-grade teacher in South Georgia, after attending Thomas University on a softball scholarship and earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her story is a wonderful reminder of the lasting impact of early childhood education and how the children who once learned, grew, and were encouraged in our classrooms can go on to do the same for the next generation.

1. Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do? “My name is Tiana Moody, and I am a first-grade teacher in South Georgia. Education and helping children have always been close to my heart, and I truly believe that my journey in education began with my experience at Winter Park Day Nursery. I attended Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia, where I received a softball scholarship and completed my undergraduate degree while pursuing my goal of becoming a certified teacher. I later earned my graduate degree in Curriculum and Instruction. During my graduate studies, I served as a graduate assistant for the Education program and had the opportunity to serve as president of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). I also started a clothing drive to support local schools and families in the community. Throughout my educational journey, I have remained passionate about supporting students and families. I understand how important it is for children to have people who believe in them, encourage them, and provide them with a strong foundation from an early age.”

2. What do you remember about your time spent at WPDN? “When I think about my time at Winter Park Day Nursery, I remember making friends, learning new things, and simply enjoying being a child. I remember feeling successful, supported, and proud of myself. One of my favorite memories was dancing with everyone. We would dance to songs like the Macarena, the Cha Cha Slide, and the Electric Slide. Those may seem like simple moments, but they are memories that have stayed with me over the years. They remind me that learning can be joyful and that some of the most meaningful experiences we have as children come from feeling connected, included, and cared for. I may not remember every lesson I learned while I was there, but I remember how I felt. I remember being surrounded by people who cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. Looking back, I realize how meaningful that was and how much those early experiences helped shape my relationship with education.”

3. How do you think your care and education you received at WPDN affects you now? “My experience at Winter Park Day Nursery has had a greater impact on my life than I probably understood as a child. It taught me the importance of early education and showed me how much a child’s early experiences can influence their confidence, development, and future success. What I especially appreciate about WPDN is that the support extended beyond the child. WPDN gave my mom tools and resources that helped her not only raise me, but also support me throughout my educational journey. It allowed her to understand what I was learning, celebrate my progress, and set goals that would help me succeed. That support played an important role in shaping the path I eventually took. Now, as a first-grade teacher, I see the importance of early education every day. I see how much parents want the best for their children, and I understand how valuable it is for families to have the support and resources they need. When parents are equipped to understand and support their child’s education, it creates a stronger foundation for the entire family. When I look at where I am today, I believe Winter Park Day Nursery was one of the first places that helped develop my love for learning and my desire to help others. The foundation I received there became part of the person and educator I am today. Now, I have the privilege of giving my students some of what I received. I can help students feel encouraged, supported, and confident that they can achieve great things. I also have the opportunity to support families and help them recognize the important role they play in their child’s education. Without my experience at Winter Park Day Nursery, I don’t know if I would have discovered the same passion for working with students and families like my own. I am incredibly grateful for the care, education, and foundation WPDN provided me and my mom. In many ways, my journey as an educator began there, and I am proud to carry that experience with me into the classroom today.”