Meet Our Early Childhood Staff
2024-25 School Year
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Michelle Sherman - DirectorI had the privilege of teaching VPK for several years and loved every moment of it. Today, I am honored to serve as the Director, continuing to support young learners, families, and educators. I enjoy reading, antiquing, and spending quality time with my family whenever possible.
Early childhood education forms the foundation of a child’s lifelong learning journey. As early childhood educators, we are entrusted with nurturing the whole child, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically. We guide children in developing essential skills, fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our role is to provide a safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive and grow. |
Christina Miller - EC2 Lead Teacher
My name is Christina Miller; I am from Pinellas County. I am married to my husband of 11 years, and we have a beautiful 5-year-old daughter. Her name is Hannah. I graduated high school in 2007 from Indian Rocks Christian School, and I attended St. Petersburg College for Elementary Education. I have been in the Education field for the last 15 years.
I believe that early childhood education sets the foundation for a child’s cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills. During my free time I enjoy going to CrossFit, spending quality time with my family, and taking my daughter to gymnastics. I am very happy to be working here at St. Jerome Early Childhood Center, with all your wonderful and amazing children.
I believe that early childhood education sets the foundation for a child’s cognitive, motor, social, and emotional skills. During my free time I enjoy going to CrossFit, spending quality time with my family, and taking my daughter to gymnastics. I am very happy to be working here at St. Jerome Early Childhood Center, with all your wonderful and amazing children.
Teresa Gates - EC2 Assistant Teacher
I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Baker College, MI. Marketing was always something that I was interested in, especially because I got to use my creative side, but I always felt that there was something missing. Ever since I was a little girl, everyone thought I was going to become a teacher, so it was a great shock when I chose a different path. While it took me a little longer to realize my calling, I’m very excited to start my journey of becoming a teacher. I will be returning to college to get my bachelor’s degree in education.
- I found St. Jerome in 2024. I was on a hunt to find a church that I connected with. I went there one Sunday and fell in love with the church. I’ve been returning every Sunday with my family to celebrate God's word. It worked out perfectly because I found out they were looking for an assistant teacher as well. I truly believe God led me to St. Jerome that one Sunday for a reason. I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I’m from Michigan so I do try to visit as much as I can. I design party artwork like invitations, seating charts, menus, etc. so I can still use my design skills. I have an unhealthy obsession with penguins and anything Harry Potter.
Susan Hull - EC2/3 Lead Teacher
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 an EC2 Lead Teacher! 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. I enjoy reading, travel, decorating for the holidays, family time and prayer.
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 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.
Heather Mellinger - EC2/3 Assistant Teacher
My name is Heather Mellinger. I moved to Florida from Pittsburgh in 2015. I have a Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology. I am excited to be back in a classroom after taking a few years off to stay home and raise my youngest daughter. My husband and I have 4 children. We are actively involved in St. Jerome church, particularly the Sunday night Life Teen mass and the youth group. I love when family comes to visit, going to the beach and amusement parks. I am blessed to partner with the amazing staff and families of SJECC in helping the students here continue to develop into the beloved children of God that they are!
Kara Holland- EC3 Lead Teacher
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After graduating from Seminole High School in 2009, I knew I wanted to work in Education. In 2010 I completed all of the required trainings for childcare through DCF and started working in my first Preschool as an Assistant EC2 teacher. I earned my CDA from Pinellas Technical School in 2013. In the past 15 years I have worked with children in the Preschool setting aged Newborn- 5 years. I am also a trained Catechist through Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. I completed the Toddler training for ages Newborn- 3 years of age in 2021 and am working to finish training in Level 1 for ages 3-6 years of age. St. Jerome Catholic Church is my home parish that I was raised in and received multiple Sacraments. As a child I attended St. Jerome ECC, and my children have since all attended St. Jerome ECC as well. I love reading, line dancing, and being with my family! I like to attend concerts, sporting events, and plays.
I believe a child’s early years of life are an important time to nurture their curiosity, encourage independence, and give them the tools to achieve their full potential. I believe children and God already have a relationship, and our job is to help them deepen that relationship. |
Milenka Jokanovic - EC3 Assistant Teacher
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 building something creative on the floor with the children! She has a ready smile for all she meets! I have completed all of 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 am currently working on my national CDA credential. In my former career, I spent many years in the Cosmetology industry. 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.
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
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
Diana Demes - EC4/VPK Lead Teacher
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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. 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. 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.
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. |
Melissa Bittenbender - EC4/VPK Assistant Teacher
Melissa comes to us from Holy Family Early Childhood Center where she had experience teaching all ages including one-year-olds. We are delighted that Melissa brings her positive outlook and warm smile to our students and staff every day. Melissa has a degree in Education and a diverse skill set that helps students to achieve their potential. She is a big Disney fan and really enjoys spending time with her family.
Amber Molvay - Extended Day Teacher
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My name is Amber. I grew up in Pinellas County. My mother was a preschool teacher, and I spent my childhood around a preschool setting. Once I became a parent, a passion awoken. I really enjoy being around children. My early childhood career started in 2016. I received my Early Childhood Teaching certificate CDA in 2017 from Pinellas Technical College. In 2023 we attended a funeral at St. Jerome Church. I felt a desire to join the church. St. Jerome felt like home. We started attending Mass on Sundays. I had my conformation in 2024. I'm very excited to join the St. Jerome Early Childhood Center. The first years of a child's educational journey is spent forming lifelong skills and the foundation of their academic future. I enjoy spending time with my family, animals and doing crafts. I look forward to teaching at a school where God is the center of our lives.
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