Teachers other teachers trust
Every staff member has an extensive background in working with preschool and elementary school children. Our staff consists of fourteen teachers, an administrative assistant, and many parent volunteers. We are staffed with highly educated certified teachers, and Kindergarten Prep provides all staff members with regular training in the field of education.
Our teachers
Aksana Shamchonak
Teacher
Originally from Belarus, Ms. Aksana brings three years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Before moving to the United States, she taught art at a community center in Belarus, where she inspired young learners to express themselves through creativity. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is passionate about helping children build confidence as they explore, imagine, and create. Art has always been at the heart of Ms. Aksana's teaching. She loves guiding children through hands-on projects and dreams of creating a scrapbook filled with all the special crafts her students have made over the years. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family playing basketball, tennis, or riding bikes around the neighborhood. Above all, Ms. Aksana believes that children are the greatest joy in her life, and she is dedicated to creating a warm, encouraging environment where every child feels inspired to create.
Angie Jonathans
Elementary Teacher
Originally from California, Ms. Angie brings four years as a teacher in our elementary classrooms and more than 15 years of experience in postsecondary education, where she helped students ages 14-21 develop essential academic and life skills. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and is passionate about helping every child grow through patience, encouragement, and engaging learning experiences. As a proud mom of four, Ms. Angie understands the importance of creating a caring, supportive environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. When she's not in the classroom, she enjoys baking cookies and cakes for family and friends and cheering on her favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys.
Ariana Ippolito
VPK Teacher
Ms. Ariana has five years of experience teaching in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) classrooms and holds a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). Inspired by one of her own elementary school teachers, she chose a career in early childhood education to make the same lasting impact on young learners. She is dedicated to preparing children for kindergarten through engaging, hands-on experiences that foster confidence, curiosity, and creativity. Ms. Ariana has an artistic spirit and can almost always be found sketching or drawing in her free time.
Bryanna Davis
VPK & K-2 Math Teacher
Originally from Alaska, Ms. Bry brings thirteen years of dedicated experience in early childhood and elementary education to our team. As our VPK teacher and K-2 Math instructor, she combines strong leadership with engaging, hands-on instruction that helps students build confidence and develop a strong foundation in mathematics. She holds a college degree, a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC), and a Director's Credential. As a proud mom of four, Ms. Bry has a special connection to our school - three of her children have attended here, and her youngest will be joining our school family soon. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and supporting her two daughters as Top Gun cheerleaders.
Claire Edwards
Teacher
Originally from England, Ms. Claire Edwards brings more than 25 years of experience teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's degree in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. Her extensive background allows her to create engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and academic success. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Claire enjoys relaxing by the pool, reading, shopping, and taking nature walks. She is excited to share her enthusiasm for learning and her wealth of experience with the students and families in our school community.
Danielle Bryson
Pre-VPK Teacher
Originally from just outside Chicago, Ms. Danielle brings over 20 years of classroom experience and a deep understanding of child development to our team. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is passionate about nurturing young learners through purposeful, developmentally appropriate instruction. As our Pre-VPK teacher, she focuses on building the social-emotional and academic foundations that prepare children for a successful transition into VPK. Teaching has been Ms. Danielle's dream since childhood - she fondly remembers putting on her mom's high heels and pretending to be a teacher long before she had her own classroom. She is a proud mom of three, and can often be found cheering on her youngest from the sidelines as a dedicated football mom for the Port Charlotte Bandits.
Irene Teesdale
Teacher & ESE Specialist
Ms. Irene brings more than 30 years of experience in education as both a classroom teacher and guidance counselor. She holds a Master's degree in Education and has dedicated much of her career to supporting students with exceptional learning needs, specializing in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Her compassionate approach, combined with her extensive experience, helps every child feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Irene enjoys expressing her creativity through art, listening to music, and spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking for family and friends.
Julie Wessels
VPK Lead Teacher
Ms. Julie earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication from Western Kentucky University and brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. As the lead teacher for our VPK program, she creates a warm, engaging classroom where children develop the confidence, independence, and foundational skills needed for kindergarten success. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Julie enjoys spending time with her family, tending to her garden, and relaxing at the beach. Whether she's tending to her garden or guiding young learners, Ms. Julie believes that with patience, encouragement, and the right environment, every child can grow in their character and learn to thrive in the classroom.
Kara Wegrzynek
Teacher
Ms. Kara has five years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, blending a strong STEM background with inquiry-based learning. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry specializing in Biochemistry, a minor in Physics, and holds her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Ms. Kara is passionate about making math and science exciting, accessible, and meaningful for young learners.
Karen Hall
VPK Teacher
Ms. Karen has over 20 years of experience in childcare and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. As a VPK teacher at our program, she provides caring support that helps children feel confident, safe, and excited to learn each day. She is dedicated to creating a warm, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to grow. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Karen enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, crafting, and DIY projects. She loves spending quality time with family and friends and is the proud mother of two wonderful adult children. She also enjoys spending time with her energetic one-year-old granddaughter and her five cats, who certainly keep her on her toes.
Kelly Nevison
Teacher
Ms. Kelly has three years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. She considers working with children to be one of the most rewarding parts of her life. She loves watching each child learn, grow, and gain confidence as they discover new skills and reach important milestones. Originally from Ohio, Ms. Kelly spent 40 years enjoying snowy winters before making the move to sunny Florida. Ms. Kelly has two wonderful boys who keep her busy with their love of sports. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, as well as expressing her creativity through arts and crafts.
Marta Shea
ELA & ESOL Teacher
Originally from Cuba, Ms. Marta has an extraordinary 35 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She teaches elementary English Language Arts (ELA) and serves as our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) instructor for Spanish-speaking students. Ms. Marta is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds a degree in Psychology, a Director's Credential, and a Staff Credential. Ms. Marta combines her expertise in child development with her passion for literacy to inspire confident readers, writers, and lifelong learners. Outside the classroom, she enjoys getting lost in a good mystery novel and spending time with her three children and five grandchildren.
Michelle Moore
Teacher
Originally from Jamaica, Ms. Michelle brings 18 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). She is also a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), bringing an extra level of compassion and care to her work with young children. Ms. Michelle is passionate about creating a caring, structured environment where children feel supported as they develop the academic, social, and emotional skills needed for future success. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Michelle enjoys cooking traditional Jamaican dishes, especially chicken and rice, and sharing her culture through food. She also loves spending quality time with her grandson.
Yuliya Normand
ESOL & Elementary Teacher
Originally from Ukraine, Ms. Yuliya holds a Bachelor's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and French. As our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and elementary school teacher, she uses her background in language instruction and multicultural education to help students build strong communication skills, confidence, and a love of learning. She is passionate about creating an inclusive classroom where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Ms. Yuliya has a special connection to our school community, as her daughter attended our school and was an ESOL student. Having navigated the journey of raising a multilingual child, she understands both the opportunities and challenges that many ESOL families experience. This personal perspective allows her to build meaningful relationships with students and parents while creating a welcoming environment where children feel confident using and developing their language skills.
What our teachers focus on
Reading
We believe reading is one of the most important skills a child builds here.
Writing
We practice writing daily. The more children use it, the more prepared they are.
Mathematics
We introduce math to our youngest students.
Attitude
We make learning fun and teach a positive attitude, even when it gets hard.
Interaction
Children need to be social. Every day includes real collaboration.
Responsibility
Individual cubbies and tidy habits are essentials of growing maturity.
Board of directors
Kindergarten Prep is guided by a board of directors drawn from our school community.