Meet Our Early Childhood Staff
Phyllis Steele - Director
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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. 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 Helpers and the Hospitality Committee. I also serve on the Board of Directors and participate in activities at the ARC Tampa Bay, an organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 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! |
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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
Ashley Chappel
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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. |
Diana Demes
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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. |
Kathya Quinde-Hidalgo
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Educational background and experience: I graduated from high school & studied two years in Business Administration College in Peru. I have completed the Child Care Training Courses & I am seeking a degree in Early Childhood at SPC.
Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome: Initially, my husband’s family brought me to become a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. As a parent, I came to St. Jerome ECC with my first child. We loved it! Spanish is my first language and everyone at St. Jerome ECC was so helpful to me as I was just learning the English language at that time. When my second child was ready to start his new adventure in the school, I was able to become more involved with volunteering, which then led to becoming a staff member at St. Jerome ECC and I love it. Length of time working here: I started as a volunteer in the 2017-18 school year. I became a staff member in 2018. Hobbies, interests: I love spending time with my family, going to the park, playing games, traveling to Peru, dancing at home, I enjoy reading and learning new things. But most importantly, we love spending time learning about God and His creation. Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe that every child is unique and has different ways to learn. I think the best the way children learn is through creative and active play. This young age is when a child loves to learn new things and, working together with families, ensures a positive school experience. |
Danijela Aslanovic
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Educational background and experience: I graduated from medical school in Serbia as a Physical Therapy assistant.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: Before I joined this excellent staff, I was a parent here. I have a son who attended at St. Jerome ECC. I began working at St. Jerome ECC in 2017. Hobbies, Interests: I like to spend time with my family and to travel. Philosophy of early childhood education: Early Childhood Education provides an enriched environment for young children, which benefits their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. During the preschool years, children develop characteristics which will affect their lifelong love of learning and my job is to help them with that! |
Kara Holland
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Kara joined our staff in August of 2021 and has been instrumental in the success of our EC2 Toddler program. She works alongside Kathya and together they provide a safe, loving environment rich in developmentally appropriate activities. Kara's background experience in childcare and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd makes her an invaluable part of our team.
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Ms. Kara at work helping her students.
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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
Christina Schumann
Christina is the mother of five precious children, all of whom attended our preschool. She joined our staff last year and has been a great blessing to our program. Mrs. Christina is the Assistant Teacher in Room 4 with our three year old students. She loves working with children to help them reach their potential. She
Christina is the mother of five precious children, all of whom attended our preschool. She joined our staff last year and has been a great blessing to our program. Mrs. Christina is the Assistant Teacher in Room 4 with our three year old students. She loves working with children to help them reach their potential. She
