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: Any sport or activity my children are involved in, reading Historical books, gardening, watching Antiques Roadshow, cooking, spending time outdoors, hanging out with my family, and listening to Christian music. 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! |
Terry Porter - Office Manager
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Educational background and experience in early childhood: I have a B.S. in Business Administration and have been the Office Manager since 1999.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: I was looking for a pre-school for my children and knew that it was the best school the minute I walked in the door. Hobbies or interests: I enjoy reading, sewing, and playing cards. Philosophy of early childhood education: The best thing we can do for children is to give them a good foundation to build on and let them enjoy being children while we do it. |
TEACHING STAFF
Ashley Chappel
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Julie Cunningham
Educational background and experience: I have worked at St. Jerome ECC since January 1996.
I received a CDA in 2001. I have attended numerous training sessions and classes throughout the years focusing on early childhood development and safety.
Hobbies, Interests: I enjoy sewing, reading and especially spending time with my children and grandchildren.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe each child has his or her own special gifts and, given the opportunity, will shine!
I received a CDA in 2001. I have attended numerous training sessions and classes throughout the years focusing on early childhood development and safety.
Hobbies, Interests: I enjoy sewing, reading and especially spending time with my children and grandchildren.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe each child has his or her own special gifts and, given the opportunity, will shine!
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. |
Sarah Munroe
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Educational Background and Experience: I am currently finishing out my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology online with the University of Florida. I have several years of experience in early childhood as a substitute teacher, a tutor, and most recently a classroom aide in a Montessori preschool. I am also trained as a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 catechist.
The Circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: I have been a parishioner at St. Jerome’s for about two years now and have been helping with Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the past year. My husband was born and raised here in Florida and attended St. Jerome ECC. I have always wanted to teach in a Catholic school, so when I heard that St. Jerome ECC had an opening I jumped at the chance to teach at such a wonderful Catholic school! Hobbies and Interests: When I am not teaching I enjoy reading, traveling with my husband, and hanging out with our family. I love the beach and anything related to marine biology. Philosophy of Early Childhood Education: I believe that every child has what Maria Montessori referred to as an “absorbent mind”, which refers to a young child’s sponge-like capacity to absorb important things from their environment. I believe it is the job of the early childhood educator to facilitate an environment that allows each individual child to grow their knowledge in the areas of math, language, science, interpersonal relationships, and most importantly in their relationship with God. |
Stephanie Martin
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Educational background and experience: I have been teaching in early education since 2009 when my youngest began kindergarten. I have my CDA (Child Development Associate) and certifications in preschool and toddler specialization. I have completed multiple trainings in the areas of brain development, Conscious Discipline, and the Florida State Standards. Additionally, I have completed 90 hour training in Catechesis of the Good Shephard (a Montessori an approach to Catholic education).
The circumstance that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: As a parishioner of St. Jerome Catholic Church, my husband and I valued the faith-filled lessons taught in the Early Childhood Center. As a parent volunteer during my daughter’s time here, I could tell that this was a special place. One focused on Christ, where family values where upheld, children’s safety was of the upmost importance, and education was about molding the individual child. Length of time working at St. Jerome ECC: I began working at St. Jerome ECC in 2012. Hobbies or interests: Much of my free time is spent with my German shepherd, Zeus, taking my son to football, or attending yoga classes with my daughter. We also enjoy hiking, running, working out, and kayaking as a family. Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe that God has created each child uniquely; therefore they all have unique needs. With a loving environment focused on respecting those varied gifts God has given each child, and through a strong partnership between school and families, each child will develop a life-long love of learning as well as a personal relationship with Christ. |
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. |
Tracy Brett
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Educational background and experience: I graduated from USF with a Bachelors degree in elementary education.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: Before joining the staff, I was a parent here. I have had 2 children that attended VPK here at St. Jerome. Length of time working here: I began working at St. Jerome's in 2016. Hobbies or interests: Mostly I spend time with my kids. We love to go to the beach or just spend time around the house. Philosophy of early childhood education: Early childhood education is a time for children to learn things that they will carry with them for a long time.Children have so many things to learn and so many ways to learn the, playing, being read to, making friends and new experiences, it really sets the foundation for all of the learning that will take place throughout their lives. |
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! |
Kelly Tibbett
Educational background and experience: I attended East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC and Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. I taught 1 - 3 year olds at St. Francis Episcopal School and was a Gymnastics Coach for 6 years and a Cheerleading Coach for 6 years. I also served as a Substitute Teacher K-12 for 15 years in Birmingham, Al.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: I moved back to Florida 1 1/2 years ago and an old-time friend and St. Jerome staff member, Cindy Travis, introduced me to this school.
Hobbies, Interests: These include my children, the beach, boating, baseball, fishing, drawing, painting my dogs, movies and I love all animals on land and in the sea.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe in helping children learn new things to help them do well in school. I want to teach them right from wrong and the difference between good and bad choices. I like to introduce them to the world that God has made through Jesus. I want to help kids to have a great day and make friends.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: I moved back to Florida 1 1/2 years ago and an old-time friend and St. Jerome staff member, Cindy Travis, introduced me to this school.
Hobbies, Interests: These include my children, the beach, boating, baseball, fishing, drawing, painting my dogs, movies and I love all animals on land and in the sea.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I believe in helping children learn new things to help them do well in school. I want to teach them right from wrong and the difference between good and bad choices. I like to introduce them to the world that God has made through Jesus. I want to help kids to have a great day and make friends.
Cindy Travis
Krystal George
Educational background and experience:
My love for children and knowing I wanted to be in a classroom stemmed very early in my life. My mother was an educator along with my uncle. All four year of high school I worked with the on-campus preschool and learned very important skills through the program they offered. After that, I attended St. Petersburg College and received my degree in Early childhood Education, and also received my CDA at the same time. I spent 6+ years working in the public school system. I worked specifically with children with special needs in grades K-5 and spent 2 years as the lead VPK teacher at Southern Oak Elementary School in Largo, In 2011, I took a leave of absence to be home and raise my children.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: both of my children went to school here at St. Jeromes ECC and my family and I are all parishioners at St. Jeromes. After my youngest went off to Kindergarten, I realized I didn't want to leave the amazing school and environment that the ECC truly is!
Hobbies, Interests: In my free time, my family and I love to take trips to Disney, be outdoors, swim, and play games together. I also spend my time doing crafts. In the evenings I am either at the baseball field with my son or at the studio with my daughter dancing.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I always wanted my students to get to love learning as much as I do. I truly believe that hands-on learning and teaching through play are such a vital aspect of a child's early education. Every child will have different personalities, learning styles, and specific needs. Knowing how to embrace the diversity of each child is most important in their success.
My love for children and knowing I wanted to be in a classroom stemmed very early in my life. My mother was an educator along with my uncle. All four year of high school I worked with the on-campus preschool and learned very important skills through the program they offered. After that, I attended St. Petersburg College and received my degree in Early childhood Education, and also received my CDA at the same time. I spent 6+ years working in the public school system. I worked specifically with children with special needs in grades K-5 and spent 2 years as the lead VPK teacher at Southern Oak Elementary School in Largo, In 2011, I took a leave of absence to be home and raise my children.
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: both of my children went to school here at St. Jeromes ECC and my family and I are all parishioners at St. Jeromes. After my youngest went off to Kindergarten, I realized I didn't want to leave the amazing school and environment that the ECC truly is!
Hobbies, Interests: In my free time, my family and I love to take trips to Disney, be outdoors, swim, and play games together. I also spend my time doing crafts. In the evenings I am either at the baseball field with my son or at the studio with my daughter dancing.
Philosophy of early childhood education: I always wanted my students to get to love learning as much as I do. I truly believe that hands-on learning and teaching through play are such a vital aspect of a child's early education. Every child will have different personalities, learning styles, and specific needs. Knowing how to embrace the diversity of each child is most important in their success.
Adrianna Gonzalez-Ruan
Educational background and experience: I completed my Bachelor's Degree in Colombia and moved to the United States in 2001. I began working as an assistant at St. Jerome ECC in 2013. I have had the pleasure of working in the two, three and four year old classrooms. With the center's support and TEACH, I received a scholarship and earned two Certificates in Preschool and Infant Toddler Specialization from St. Petersburg College. I have completed trainings in Language Development, Appropriate Curriculum, Classroom Management, and Behavior Support,
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: A parishioner and grandmother of some former students recommended this amazing place to me. I fell in love with the faith environment, the children and the Early Childhood Education.
Hobbies, Interests: I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading, going to the movies and the beach. During the summers, I look forward to spending time with my family in Colombia.
Philosophy of early childhood education: Our work as teachers is to be facilitators of the learning process and to provide children with a safe, fun and loving environment. A place where they can grow in God's love, wonder about the world and achieve their full potential
The circumstances that brought me to St. Jerome ECC: A parishioner and grandmother of some former students recommended this amazing place to me. I fell in love with the faith environment, the children and the Early Childhood Education.
Hobbies, Interests: I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading, going to the movies and the beach. During the summers, I look forward to spending time with my family in Colombia.
Philosophy of early childhood education: Our work as teachers is to be facilitators of the learning process and to provide children with a safe, fun and loving environment. A place where they can grow in God's love, wonder about the world and achieve their full potential