Children's Journey Preschool
Staff Biographies
Trisha Vigo - Facility Administrator
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 children, a son named Karter and daughter named Kaylani, and wonderful husband. I also love being in the water and the beach is my happy place. I love to do DIY projects 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.
Mary Barrett - Preschool Director
I have been working at CJP since April of 2013, and I have taught in all of the classrooms from Infant - VPK. In 2017, I became the curriculum specialist at CJP until I was promoted to Assistant Director in the fall of 2018. I have always wanted a job where I felt I could help children and make a difference in their life. Working with children to me is such an important job, and I get to have fun at the same time. My favorite thing about teaching is that even I, as the adult, learn new things every day. I want to provide a warm and loving environment for children that helps them learn and grow. In October of 2020, I was promoted to Preschool Director.
Outside of work, I love trivia, arts and crafts, visiting Disney, and enjoying the occasional Starbucks. I married my best friend in 2017 and we have two wonderful children. I also have a dog-named Boggie that is a Maltese Shitzu mix and is like another child to me.
I look forward to getting to know your children and family.
Carleigh Parson - Assistant Director
Hello! My name is Carleigh Parson, and I grew up right here in Winter Park, FL. I became a member of Redeemer 16 years ago and have served as a youth representative on our council. I attended Children’s Journey Preschool as a child and this school holds such a special place in my heart! I’m thrilled to be a part of our team and see the growth of our campus.
I have my Child Development Associate credential and began working at CJP in 2018 with our VPK and school age classes and have moved through all of our classrooms since then! In 2021 I moved to Tallahassee FL to pursue getting my directors credential, but in 2022 I returned to Winter Park and quickly rejoined our school team as Assistant Director. I love creating safe spaces for children to spend their early years. I want to provide our children with all of the support and consistency they need to thrive in all areas of their development.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, going swimming, and mini golfing. I also love reading and taking care of my cat, Benny!
I look forward to getting to know your family and thank you for allowing me to be a part of their school journey!
Heather Ray - Infant 1 Lead Teacher and Infant/Toddler Supervisor
I have been teaching at Children’s Journey Preschool since August of 2016 and love the school family we have here. I have taken care of young children in various settings since I was a young adult. I have cared for children as young as one week all the way through 12 years old. I love to see kids laugh and play. It is amazing to watch them discover something new or figure out how something works. When I work with young children, I want to help them grow and learn new and exciting things. I believe that the most important part of early childhood education is providing children with a safe and loving environment to learn, grow, and be themselves. In August of 2020, I was promoted to Infant/toddler supervisor and I am loving sharing my experience and knowledge with other teachers.
Outside of work, I love to craft. I can make many things! I also enjoy painting, bowling, and spending time with my husband. We hope to have children of our own soon.
I look forward to getting to know you and watching your child grow at CJP!
Mercedes Paredes - Infant Assistant Teacher
Lisette Nieves - Infant 1 Assistant Teacher
Wendy Thompson - Infant 2 Lead Teacher
Irmarelis Fernandez -Infant 2 Assistant Teacher
Mackenzie Campbell - Infant 2 Support Staff
Outside of work, I enjoy cheerleading, going to the beach, and spending time with my family. I also have a twin brother!
Thank you for learning about me and I can't wait to meet and learn about you and your children!
Joanna Mantilla - Toddler 1 Lead Teacher
Janette Seleman - Toddler 1 Assistant Teacher
Marisol Santiago- Toddler 1 Assistant Teacher
Hayley Davis- Toddler 2 Lead Teacher
Haley Brown - Toddler 2 Assistant Teacher
Jackie Quijada - EPS1 Lead Teacher
My name is Mrs. Jackie and I am from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. I studied Communication at Rutgers University, and moved to Orlando in 2008, where I worked in marketing and studied Special education at UCF. I began working with young children about a year ago, and I have found a true passion for keeping children safe, helping them grow, and giving them the confidence and support that they need in order to learn. In my spare time, I enjoy biking, swimming, playing keyboard, and ukulele. Most of all I love playing with my own children, singing, reading, and spending time with family and friends. I am very excited to bring positivity, leadership, and exciting play opportunities to the classroom. I look forward to getting to know more about our preschool families and children!
Adalynn Minello - EPS1 Assistant Teacher
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!
Nia Haley - EPS 2 Co-Teacher
Abigail Calejo - EPS2 Assistant Teacher
Outside of work, I dance competitively, I am the Vice President of FCCLA, and I am in a level 5 leadership role in Early Childhood Development.
I look forward to teaching your children and helping them thrive in Preschool. Thank you for this amazing opportunity.
Janitzia Nunez - Preschool 3's Co-Teacher
Amanda Nieves - Preschool 3's Co-Teacher
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!
Sharna Johnson- VPK A lead teacher and CJP Closing Supervisor
Nina Jagler - VPK A Substitute Assistant Teacher
Outside of work, I enjoy doing crafts, making bows, and gardening. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, our daughter, and our family.
I look forward to getting to know all of your wonderful children.
Bethany Moore - VPK B Lead Teacher
My name is Beth and I was born and raised in Central Florida. I graduated from Oviedo Highschool, and obtained my Early Childhood Education degree from Seminole State. I have worked at Children's Journey in the infant classroom, and also as a support staff member, and now I am very excited to take on this new role for me in VPK. Growing up with 5 siblings, and also in a family that helped raise foster children, my passion for helping children grow, learn, and feel safe started at a very early age. I am excited to bring a lot of hands-on learning activities to the classroom, and I plan on helping children embrace their individuality. In my spare time I love crafting, DIY projects, and spending time with my husband and 2 children, who also attend at CJP! Thank you for trusting us with your most precious blessings!
Bianca Castro - VPK B Assistant Teacher
Lindsay Pavlick - VPK B Assistant Teacher
Outside of work, I love reading (especially books about magic), gardening, and baking. I also have a gnome collection as well as numerous pets. I also enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children.
I look forward to having a fantastic time and watching the students learn and grow!
Ashlyn Cepeda - VPK B Assistant Teacher
Sophia Ramos- Support Staff
Breonna Edmonds - Support Staff
Outside of work, I enjoy drawing, listening to music, and going to the beach.
I appreciate everyone letting me be a part of your child's life. Without these kids, I would not be the person I am today.