Meet Our Early Childhood Staff
Holly Andrade - Director
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Information coming soon!
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Michelle Sherman - Assistant DirectorEducational 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 several 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. I am currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies with a specialization in Preschool Education degree. In June of 2022, I transitioned into the administrative side of our program. I enjoy being able to support our SJECC staff, students, families and director in any way I can. The highlight of my workday is spending time with the students, whether it is in the sand, creating art, or building in the block center. Hobbies and Interests: I enjoy reading, antiquing, and 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. |
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 Saint 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 graduated high school in 2007 from Indian Rocks Christian School and I attended Saint 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.
Josephine Solar - EC2 Assistant Teacher
My name is Josephine Solar. As the youngest among my three siblings, I place great emphasis on family bonds and I am fortunate that my family lives in close proximity. As a 2018 graduate of Seminole High School, I am presently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Early Education at St. Petersburg College. Following a year of employment at Walt Disney World, I eagerly anticipate embarking on my teaching journey alongside the esteemed staff at St. Jerome Early Childhood Center, fostering the growth and development of your exceptional children.
Susan Hull - EC2 Lead 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 an EC2 Lead Teacher!
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 an EC2 Lead Teacher!
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.
Heather Mellinger - EC2 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 LifeTeen 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!
St. Jerome ECC gives a great foundation for future academics and providing a safe space for every child to excel in their own way.
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!
St. Jerome ECC gives a great foundation for future academics and providing a safe space for every child to excel in their own way.
Ashley Chappel - EC3 Lead Teacher
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Educational background and experience: I have my Bachelor's degree in Educational Studies and Community Leadership. I began working with early childhood children in 2019. In the past I worked with primary aged children at my old elementary school. I have also been 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 when 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 - 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 bulding something creative on the floor with the children! She has a ready smile for all she meets!
Educational background and experience:
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.
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:
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.
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
Diana Demes - EC4/VPK Lead Teacher
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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. |
Samantha Harris - EC4/VPK Assistant Teacher
Educational Background and Experience in Early Childhood Education:
I have experience with children of all ages in various environments. I worked at an elementary and middle school as aftercare staff and as a substitute teacher for a year prior to college, assisted in many Vacation Bible School programs, and was a Director or Religious Education/Youth Minister. During these events I assisted students from VPK-12th grade with their religious programs and sacraments. Although working specifically with Early Childhood Education is new to me, I’m thrilled to be a part of this team and learn together with our students!!
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
I have lived in Largo my whole life and attended St. Jerome ECC when I was a young girl. We came back to St. Jerome’s when I was in high school, and I became an active member in the youth group here. After college I began looking for a job in the Diocese, where I could serve the Church with my degree in Religion and experience with various ministries. I came across the ad for this job on facebook and instantly felt at-home during the hiring process!
Hobbies and Interests:
I love a good story; whether it be a book, tv show, or movie. I also love cooking and crafts. But most of all I love spending time with my family and friends. I also LOVE coffee and good food!! Taking a drive and trying a new coffee shop is one of my favorite things to do when I get some alone time.
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
The most important thing I teach, at all ages, is something I often forget even as an adult: “Jesus loves you.” If I can bring one child closer to heaven, and help them know that they are loved, then all my hard work as a teacher is worth it. It is truly a blessing to learn and grow with your little saints, and I can’t wait to see them shine His Light everywhere they go!!
I have experience with children of all ages in various environments. I worked at an elementary and middle school as aftercare staff and as a substitute teacher for a year prior to college, assisted in many Vacation Bible School programs, and was a Director or Religious Education/Youth Minister. During these events I assisted students from VPK-12th grade with their religious programs and sacraments. Although working specifically with Early Childhood Education is new to me, I’m thrilled to be a part of this team and learn together with our students!!
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC:
I have lived in Largo my whole life and attended St. Jerome ECC when I was a young girl. We came back to St. Jerome’s when I was in high school, and I became an active member in the youth group here. After college I began looking for a job in the Diocese, where I could serve the Church with my degree in Religion and experience with various ministries. I came across the ad for this job on facebook and instantly felt at-home during the hiring process!
Hobbies and Interests:
I love a good story; whether it be a book, tv show, or movie. I also love cooking and crafts. But most of all I love spending time with my family and friends. I also LOVE coffee and good food!! Taking a drive and trying a new coffee shop is one of my favorite things to do when I get some alone time.
Philosophy of Early Childhood Education:
The most important thing I teach, at all ages, is something I often forget even as an adult: “Jesus loves you.” If I can bring one child closer to heaven, and help them know that they are loved, then all my hard work as a teacher is worth it. It is truly a blessing to learn and grow with your little saints, and I can’t wait to see them shine His Light everywhere they go!!
Melissa Bittenbender - EC Floating Assistant Teacher & Outdoor Classroom Coordinator
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. It is a blessing that she will offer "camp" during our school breaks in order to give families the support they sometimes need when school is closed. 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.