Hi, my name is Heather Ray and I am originally from Michigan. I moved to Florida with my family in 2004. I graduated with honors from Lincoln Consolidated High School and took some general education classes at the college level. Currently, I am pursuing my Early Childhood Education Credentials with Seminole State College.

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!

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.

Hi! My name is Hayley Davis. I was born and raised in Winter Park, FL, and graduated from Lake Howell High School in 2017. I am currently working towards getting my Bachelors Degree in Psychology with the goal of becoming a social worker for foster children. I started teaching at CJP in March of 2021 as an assistant in the Toddler 2 classroom. My love for working with children started at a young age. I come from a family of nine children. My parents are also foster parents, so we always have little ones around. I love working with children and watching them grow and succeed. I hope that the children in my class feel safe, loved, and valued. I believe that the most important parts of early childhood education are consistency, positive reinforcement, and hands on learning. Outside of work, I enjoy going to the beach, hanging out with friends, going to the dog park with my pup, and spending time with my family and fiance, Thomas. I look forward to building connections with the families in my class. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach your child and watch them grow!

Hello,

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!

Hello, my name is Nia and I'm from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I moved to Florida in July 2021 to attend school for New Media Communication and Sound and Music technology. I've been working in childcare for over 3 years teaching infants and two year old's as well as nannying and tutoring. Literacy is very important to me, and I love teaching children about communication, vocabulary, and reading. Outside of work and school, I enjoy playing piano, guitar, writing, and I also sell natural hair care products. I look forward to teaching your children and nurturing them with love, support, and respect.

Hello, my name is Janitzia Nunez. I was born and raised in Miami Florida and have been in central Florida for a while now. I am currently working toward completion of my training through the department of children and families for childcare. I have experience working with children from previous employment within kids clubs at local gyms, helping when I was younger in my parent’s childcare center, and lots of hands on experience with my own child. I joined the CJP teaching team in August of 2019 after being a parent at CJP since earlier in 2019. I love working with children because it is one of the most rewarding jobs I can imagine having. It gives me the opportunity to inspire children and educate them in new ways. I hope the children in my care always feel encouraged, confident, and successful. I look forward to working them and providing positive reinforcement and building up their self-esteem. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughter, Seliah, who attends CJP. I also like to work out, participate in indoor rock climbing, spending time outdoors, and tacos. I look forward to spending time with your child and getting to know your family. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their development.

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 Sharna Johnson! I am originally from Georgia, and moved to Florida with my family. I have 10 years of experience in the childcare field, and I am trained in Montessori teaching. I have been surrounded by children almost of my life and wanted to become a part of this field to continue this connection with young minds. I find watching them grow from one stage of life to another is the most rewarding gift and I aim to be a positive light in their lives. I have two siblings and three nephews! I also have a dog named Nora! I look forward to getting to know the children and families that make up our school!

Hello,

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!