Hi! My name is Trisha Vigo, and I am from Casselberry, Florida. I received my Child Development Associate credential, Director's credential, and Early Childhood Education Degree from Seminole State. I’m continuing my education now with the goal of obtaining my Master’s Degree in this field in the future.

I have been with Children’s Journey Preschool since January of 2012. I started here as an assistant in the infant room before I moved to a lead teacher position in our toddler class in late 2012. In the summer of 2012, I was also promoted to supervising teacher. I held both positions until June of 2014 when I was promoted to Assistant Director. I have worked and helped with all of the age groups at CJP from infant through VPK. In 2017, I was promoted to Preschool Director. I have known since I was a small child that I wanted to work with children. I truly believe that their education starts with us. I feel great knowing that what I do makes a difference and paves the way for their future development and education. I want all the children in my care to succeed in everything they do, to feel loved, safe, and excited about coming to school. In October of 2020, I began my new role as Facility Administrator for CJP and Redeemer.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my son and a wonderful husband. I also love being in the water whether it’s at the beach or a pool. I love to do DIY projects, take photographs, and spend time with the rest of my family and friends.

I look forward to getting to know your child and family and want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s development.

Hello, my name is Reba Shinn and I was born in Clearwater, Florida. My family moved out of state until 2014 when we returned to Florida. I graduated from Gulf High School in New Port Richey and I am currently attending St. Petersburg College working toward obtaining my Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. When I finish that, I plan to transfer to UCF to complete my Bachelor’s Degree. I previously worked in multiple customer service positions, but I gained my experience working with children through volunteer opportunities at Church nurseries and summer camps. I also spent time as a nanny for 2 young children for 4 years. In September of 2019, I joined the Children’s Journey Preschool team and I am thrilled to be here. I love to watch children grow and discover new things. I hope that the children in my care are set up for success by the love, support, and encouragement I provide them on a daily basis. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my cat, Mei. I also enjoy swimming and working out. I look forward to getting to know your family and your child. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their development.

Hi everyone, my name is Mercedes Paredes. I moved to Florida from Chicago in 2017 to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren. I have my bachelor’s degree in government with a minor in social work, sociology, and liberal arts. I have worked with young children and their families in a variety of settings and entered the early childhood field in 2016. In July of 2017, I joined the CJP teaching team working with the infants. I love working with children because I love to watch them grow and develop different personalities, meet challenges, and achieve accomplishments from day to day. I hope that while the children are in my care, I can teach many things while providing them with love, safety, and security. The most important part of what we do is building a strong foundation for a child’s emotional, social, physical, and mental development, which will prepare them for a lifetime of learning. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and my family. I am a mother of two and a grandmother to two children as well. I look forward to getting to know your child and appreciate you putting your trust in us to care for your precious little ones.

Hi, My name is Wendy Thompson! I am originally from Missouri but moved to Florida with my family! I worked with children throughout my school experience and loved watching them grow and explore! I am a mom of 6 kids and 2 wonderful grandchildren! I want my students to have days filled with moments of learning, loving, and listening to each other! I think that this time in their lives shapes their minds to be our leaders of tomorrow! I look forward to getting to know you and your children!

Hello, my name is Joanna Mantilla and I am originally from New Jersey. I found myself in Florida when I decided I was ready for a change and I am so glad to be here. I am currently enrolled in college working toward my degree in Education at UCF. I have worked as a culinary teacher for children 3-years-old and up and in a childcare setting working with infants and toddlers. I come from a large family that has always believed it takes a village to raise a child, so it was always all hands on deck. I joined the CJP team in February of 2020 and I am very happy to be here. I love working with children because it is so much more than “earning a living”, it is a career that matters and a career that makes a difference in the lives of many. I hope to provide the children in my care with an environment that makes learning fun to really set the tone for their educational journey. I believe the most important part of early childhood education is showing love and letting children know that there is a community of people there for them. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, doing homework, and playing board games. I see my siblings almost every day and my mother a few times a week, so we are very close. I look forward and feel privileged to be a part of your child’s journey and being able to witness their personal growth.

Hello, My name is Gabriela Velez. I was born in Syracuse, New York and moved to Florida when i was 2 years old! I'm currently a senior in high school and I am working towards my CDA in my Childhood Education Program! I have had the chance to work with kids in many ways through Little Hawks, Aloma Kids academy and VBS events! I joined the CJP team in 2020 and I'm so excited to build relationships with every child here! I think discovery through play and STEAM builds a strong foundation for learning! Outside of work I enjoy doing makeup, spending time with friends, and riding bikes! I look forward to getting to know your family and child!

Hello, my name is Stephanie Evans. I was born and raised in Florida. I have worked with children since I was 14 years old and I have completed my training through the department of children and families. I have worked in a few childcare settings since high school, babysat independently, and have 2 children of my own. I joined the Children’s Journey Preschool team in January of 2020. I love working with children of all ages because it is amazing to watch them learn and grow. I hope the children in my care learn to be kind to everyone they meet and feel loved and important while they’re with me. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children and husband. I look forward to getting to know your child and your family.

Hello, my name is Adalynn Minello. I was born and raised in Florida and have lived local my whole life. I graduated from Lyman High School in 2018 and immediately started taking classes at Seminole State College. I hope to obtain my degree to work in pediatrics in the future.

I have spent many summers volunteering at a soccer church camp with children from ages one through seven. I have also done regular babysitting throughout the years and have played a big role in helping care for my 5 year old nephew. I joined the CJP team in August of 2020 and I am so excited to be here working with the little ones. I love working with children because it’s so important at their age to have the most positive guidance. I hope I can be the one to inspire them and be their positive influence. I want to give all the children in my care a safe and loving place to come to. Somewhere that learning is fun! The most important thing we can do for children is to provide them with a loving and caring environment.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my family, swimming, and visiting the beach. I live with my parents and younger brother who is my greatest friend.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with your children. I hope to inspire, educate, and have so much fun with them!

Hello, my name is Ashlyn Cepeda. I was born and raised in Florida. I attend Lake Howell High School where I assist in our Little Hawks program. I have been working with these children for 3 years and I am working towards obtaining my CDA. I love the joy and love which comes from working with children. I think the most important part of teaching is creating a bond and connection with each child. Outside of work I volunteer with Give Kids the World Village and spend a lot of time with my family. I look forward to creating memories with your children!

Hi my name is Jazmine Montero. I was born in New York but have lived in Florida for most of my life. I started at CJP in 2021 with our EPS2 class. I come from a large family with 6 other siblings, which has created a great support system around me. I spend lots of time with my nephew Eli and have found a lot of love in taking care of him. I feel the most special part of working with kids is helping them understand and learn all we can show them while they are still in this stage of development. Outside of work I love watching movies and antiquing. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to learn and grow with your child.

Hello, my name is Amanda Nieves and I recently moved to Florida from Connecticut to be closer to family and enjoy the beautiful weather. I recently graduated from UCONN with my Bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in human development family sciences.

I have worked with children since I was about 14 years old by babysitting for various families and my most recent employment was as an assistant teacher with three-year-olds at a childcare facility in CT. I joined the CJP team as a co-teacher in the Preschool 3's classroom in June of 2021. I love working with children because it makes me happy. They encourage me to be more creative and make day to day work more exciting. I hope that the children in my care know that they are important, valued, and loved. I want them to know and believe that someone is always there for them to help them become smart and strong individuals. The most important part of what we're doing in early childhood is providing a safe environment where children feel free to express themselves and make connections with others.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, crocheting, makeup, and music. I also enjoy spending time with my parents, brother, sister in law, and niece as much as possible.

I look forward to getting to know everyone and their families and I hope you all enjoy getting to know me as well!

Hello, my name is Casandra Duncan! I was born in Bronx, New York but have spent most of my life in Florida and am currently enrolling in Seminole State College. I have worked as a director in afterschool programs for elementary age students and in VBS programs in the past. I have always wanted to work with children and find teaching to be so fulfilling. It is so important to me that I teach children to think positively and provide them a safe space to grow. Out side of work I spend time with my family and I love going to the park with my dog. Thank you for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to getting to know you and your child.

Hello, my name is Mariah Landron! I am from Fort Myers, Florida and recently graduated in 2021. I have been working with children since my freshman year of highschool through a program at my school. My favorite part about working with children is seeing the world through their eyes. I love seeing them light up when they learn something new or solve a problem! I always strive to provide a safe and positive environment for children to learn and grow in. Outside of work I love to read, dance, and skateboard. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your children!