Meet Our Early Childhood Staff
Phyllis Steele - Director
|
Educational Background and experience in Early Childhood: I have current Florida teaching certificates in Exceptional Student Education and Deaf Education, an Autism Specialist certificate, Director Credential, VPK Director Credential, 15 years teaching experience in diverse settings including Early Childhood, a Bachelors Degree in International Affairs and a Masters Degree in Education.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: My four children attended SJECC and I fell in love with the school, its program and philosophy of education. When my youngest went to Kindergarten, I went back to teaching and I chose to do it at St. Jerome ECC. Eventually I returned to full-time teaching in a Special Needs classroom but God called me back to St. Jerome in 2019 to work as the Director. Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and participating in the life of the church through involvement in different ministries such as the Marian Spirituality group.. I have served on the Board of Directors and participated in activities at the ARC Tampa Bay, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently I devote my free time to Water4Mercy, a nonprofit organization that brings water and agriculture to remote villages in Africa. Philosophy of early childhood education: Children learn through discovery. We are charged with giving them the opportunities to explore our world in ways that are interesting and fun! |
|
Michelle Sherman - Office ManagerEducational Background and experience in Early Childhood:
When my son began VPK in 2015, I knew I did not want to return to the corporate world. I loved working with children and wanted to find a career that was more fulfilling. I became a VPK Teacher and completed my A.A. Degree at St. Petersburg College. My degree included 24 Early Childhood credit hours which helped me realize how important the foundation of our children's education is. The preschool years are the building blocks of their educational path. I taught VPK for several years and loved every minute of it. Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy reading, antiquing with my daughter, kayaking, and just spending time with my family whenever possible. Philosophy of early childhood education: Early childhood education is the building block of learning. As early childhood educators, we help meet not only the cognitive and physical needs of the child but the social and emotional needs as well. As early childhood educators, we provide children with strategies that help them develop skills needed to become lifelong learners. |
TEACHING STAFF
Kayleigh Sloman - EC2 Lead Teacher; Extended Care Teacher
Educational Background and Experience in Early Childhood Education::
My interest in early childhood education and development came about after my son was born. I have an AA degree from USF and am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership through SPC.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
As a parent, I knew I desired a program that nurtured the whole child. St. Jerome ECC provided a safe and loving environment, and after my son began the program, I felt a calling to get more involved with the school and began assisting the teachers a few days a week. I fell in love with SJECC and decided to come on board as a full time teacher!
Hobbies and Interests:
I find great joy in nature and begin outside. I practice yoga, run, and find fun ways to stay physically fit. My family and I enjoy boating, paddle boarding, and taking trips to Disney. We have several animal family members including a dog named pretzel and a one-eyed tortoise name Penelope. During my quiet time, I like to listen to music, read and write.
Philosophy of Early Education:
I believe that children thrive when they feel supported, understood, and loved and that nature can be one of the very best places to engage a child intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Providing an environment that is rich with many different experiences with opportunities for young children to explore, play and express themselves is of upmost importance to me as a teacher and educator. My hope is to nurture each child as a special, precious human being so that they may develop a sense of confidence, resiliency, and a solid foundation for future learning.
My interest in early childhood education and development came about after my son was born. I have an AA degree from USF and am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership through SPC.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
As a parent, I knew I desired a program that nurtured the whole child. St. Jerome ECC provided a safe and loving environment, and after my son began the program, I felt a calling to get more involved with the school and began assisting the teachers a few days a week. I fell in love with SJECC and decided to come on board as a full time teacher!
Hobbies and Interests:
I find great joy in nature and begin outside. I practice yoga, run, and find fun ways to stay physically fit. My family and I enjoy boating, paddle boarding, and taking trips to Disney. We have several animal family members including a dog named pretzel and a one-eyed tortoise name Penelope. During my quiet time, I like to listen to music, read and write.
Philosophy of Early Education:
I believe that children thrive when they feel supported, understood, and loved and that nature can be one of the very best places to engage a child intellectually, spiritually, and physically. Providing an environment that is rich with many different experiences with opportunities for young children to explore, play and express themselves is of upmost importance to me as a teacher and educator. My hope is to nurture each child as a special, precious human being so that they may develop a sense of confidence, resiliency, and a solid foundation for future learning.
Melissa Bittenbender - EC2 Assistant Teacher
Ashley Chappel - EC3 Lead Teacher, Extended Care Teacher
|
Educational background and experience: I have my AA degree and I am almost finished with my Bachelors in Educational Studies and Community Leadership. This is my second year working with early childhood children. In the past I worked with primary aged children at my old elementary school. I also am an ESL teacher, teaching students in China how to speak English.
Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome: I actually once went to St. Jerome ECC when I was 3 and 4 years old. Years later I cam back to work here as a teacher after my aunt (Mrs. Martin) told me a position became available. Hobbies, interests: Disney is one of my favorite places in the whole world, and I try to go as often as I can. I also love going out on the boat with my friends and family. Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe that children learn best through their own creativity, exploration, and play. Each child is unique, and each child has their own special gifts. As an educator I want to help develop each child's strengths, interests, knowledge and abilities in a play-based setting. |
Milenka Jokanovic
Milenka joined our staff in the Fall of 2020 and has been a vital part of our team since day one. During the morning hours, Milenka assists all the classrooms and the office staff. In the afternoons, she is the Assistant Teacher in Room 4 with the four year olds. Milenka is from Bosnia and Herzegovina and she has three children of her own. She has a degree and many years experience in Cosmetology. Recently, Milenka has begun studying early childhood education. She is a natural teacher and a wonderful addition to our staff. You can find Ms. Milenka kicking a ball on the playground, reading a story in the classroom or bulding something creative on the floor with the children! She has a ready smile for all she meets!
Educational background and experience:
In the last two years I finished all the required trainings for childcare through DCF (the Department of Children and Families). I particularly enjoyed the Early Literacy training course and recently completed a preschool language development class with the University of Florida's Lastinger program. I also have many years experience in Cosmetology.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
My friend Danijela brought me to SJECC and told me all great things about this school.
Hobbies, Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my kids, especially attending my son's soccer and basketball games. In my free time, I like to walk my dog, read books, run, or walk on the beach.
Philosophy of early childhood education:
Early Childhood is so important for kids because they develop social emotional skills, language and vocabulary and cognitive skills. Family, teachers, and environment play important roles in their early education
Educational background and experience:
In the last two years I finished all the required trainings for childcare through DCF (the Department of Children and Families). I particularly enjoyed the Early Literacy training course and recently completed a preschool language development class with the University of Florida's Lastinger program. I also have many years experience in Cosmetology.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
My friend Danijela brought me to SJECC and told me all great things about this school.
Hobbies, Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my kids, especially attending my son's soccer and basketball games. In my free time, I like to walk my dog, read books, run, or walk on the beach.
Philosophy of early childhood education:
Early Childhood is so important for kids because they develop social emotional skills, language and vocabulary and cognitive skills. Family, teachers, and environment play important roles in their early education
Carmen Pollock - EC3 Lead Teacher; Extended Care Teacher
Educational Background and Experience in Early Childhood Education:
I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Woman of the Sacred Heart. I have 29 years of experience working with students from pre-k to 8th grade.
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
I talked to Mrs. Steele at a Morning Star Reunion and we discussed SJECC. Shortly afterwards, I learned of an opening for the 2023-24 school year and I was eager to apply.
Hobbies and Interests:
I love to read, do arts and crafts, watch baseball games and attend baseball games. I love to have conversations with my family and friends on the phone. I also love to do anything outdoors!
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
Children learn better in a nurturing and caring environment where they are able to satisfy their curiosity for learning by touching, exploring, and manipulating materials that allow them to hold a constructivist view of learning, I believe in integrating child-directed and hands-on activities with teacher-led learning. Children develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally through play-based learning interactions.
I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Woman of the Sacred Heart. I have 29 years of experience working with students from pre-k to 8th grade.
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
I talked to Mrs. Steele at a Morning Star Reunion and we discussed SJECC. Shortly afterwards, I learned of an opening for the 2023-24 school year and I was eager to apply.
Hobbies and Interests:
I love to read, do arts and crafts, watch baseball games and attend baseball games. I love to have conversations with my family and friends on the phone. I also love to do anything outdoors!
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
Children learn better in a nurturing and caring environment where they are able to satisfy their curiosity for learning by touching, exploring, and manipulating materials that allow them to hold a constructivist view of learning, I believe in integrating child-directed and hands-on activities with teacher-led learning. Children develop physically, cognitively, socially and emotionally through play-based learning interactions.
Christina Miller - EC3 Assistant Teacher
Diana Demes - EC4/VPK Lead Teacher; Extended Care Teacher
|
Educational background and experience: I have been in the early childhood field for 15 years. I started when my son was born, in my family childcare home, and have worked in several centers since then. I have a CDA and a director’s credential. I’m from Hungary and that is where I attended college.
Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome: I found St. Jerome in 2016 during a quest to teach in a faith-filled environment, where coworkers share the same values, and kindness is very much appreciated. Hobbies, interests: My husband and I love spending time with our two children. Our favorite activity is soccer and running at the park. If time allows, I paint, read and write music. Philosophy of early childhood education: Children have a natural understanding of God and life. My greatest goal is to help them keep this intuition as they grow and help them see that they can be anything they want to be, with God on their side. |
Samantha Harris - EC4/VPK Assistant Teacher
Susan Hull - EC Floating Assistant Teacher
Educational Background and Experience in Early Childhood Education:
I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6). I previously worked at St. Jerome ECC as an Assistant Teacher in the 3-year-old classroom. I am happy to return as a part-time Floating Assistant!
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
My prior experience at St. Jerome ECC was joy-filled and rewarding. Then I took time to be fully present to raise my own boys through adolescence. Now that they are teens, my heart was tugged again to contribute to an early education environment to minister to young children of God.
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy reading, travel, decorating for the holidays, family time and prayer.
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
I believe every child was created in the image and likeness of God. Early childhood is a time to be cherished, to be kept safe, to be guided to learn through play and experiences as each child discovers they are loved.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Elementary Education (K-6). I previously worked at St. Jerome ECC as an Assistant Teacher in the 3-year-old classroom. I am happy to return as a part-time Floating Assistant!
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
My prior experience at St. Jerome ECC was joy-filled and rewarding. Then I took time to be fully present to raise my own boys through adolescence. Now that they are teens, my heart was tugged again to contribute to an early education environment to minister to young children of God.
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy reading, travel, decorating for the holidays, family time and prayer.
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
I believe every child was created in the image and likeness of God. Early childhood is a time to be cherished, to be kept safe, to be guided to learn through play and experiences as each child discovers they are loved.