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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.
Some of Trisha's Favorite things: Starbucks, Amazon, Reese's cups, and Sunflowers
Email: admin@redeemerwp.org
Phone: 4076788660
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.
Some of Mary's Favorite things: Coffee, Target, Reese's cups, and Disney
Email: cjp@redeemerwp.org
Phone: 4076788660
Carleigh Parson - Assistant Director
Hello! My name is Carleigh (She/Her). I grew up right here in Winter Park, 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!
Some of Carleigh's Favorite things: Plants, Chickfila, target, and sweet tea!
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!
Some of Heather's Favorite things: Panera, Walmart, Chipotle, and Cheesecake!
Jackie Morales- Infant 1 Assistant Teacher
A few of Jackie's favorite things: Chick-fil-a, TJ Maxx, chocolate, and sweet tea
Emily Petticord - Infant 1 Assistant
Hello, My name is Emily! I am from Kalamazoo Michigan and came to Florida to attend the disciple ship program at The Jesus School! I have a bachelors degree in sociology and find so much joy in working with people and children. I began my work in the early childhood field at another center working with infants and toddlers! I also had the privilege of being an in-home nanny for a year before moving to Florida! I love working with children because I see how God has carefully created them. I hope to be a part in helping them feel God's love and learn about the world. I think the most important part of our work is making children feel safe to make mistakes and try new things, knowing we will be there to support and encourage them.
Outside of work I enjoying cooking dinner for my friends and enjoying time together. Thank you for entrusting me with your little ones, I look forward to getting to know them and watch them grow!
Wendy Thompson - Infant 2 Lead Teacher
Some of Wendy's Favorite things: Zaxby's, Taco Bell, Walmart, and Mocha Iced coffee
Ansleigh Vaughn - Infant 2 Assistant Teacher
Some of Ans' favorite things: chick-fil-a, target, reese's cups, cold brew, and cookies
Rosario Hoyle- Toddler 1 Lead Teacher
Some of Rossie's favorite things: Red lobster, Ihop, Target, Chocolate, Potato chips
Tori Wiest - Toddler 1 Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name is Tori! I am from Minnesota and just moved to Florida with my husband! I attended Trinty Western University and furthered my knowledge of the gospel at Bodenseehof Bible School in Germany! I have lots of experience working in Church Childcare settings and love to incorporate Jesus and God's Love in my teaching. Working with children has always been a joy and big part of my life and I am excited to continue my work with children. It is most important to me to teach them safety, social manners, and how to have fun at school! Outside of work I love to draw, paint, read, and connect with family and friends. I look forward to getting to know each one of you!
Breanna Pichardo - Toddler 1 Assistant
Hello, my name s Breanna! I am originally from New Jersey but moved to Florida to earn my Bachelors of Science at UCF! I began working with children when I was younger through the Community Action Program where I assisted in Elementary school. Since them I spent time raising my own three children, 2 of which have been CJP students! Seeing them explore and settle into school encouraged me to get back into childcare and share in this learning experience. I love watching children develop their own unique interests and personalities. I want to assist them in the process and encourage them to feel confident and brave as they try new things. I think the most important part of these years is social and emotional development, which I hope to foster and model these skills. Outside of work I enjoy crafting, sailing, and exploring our community. I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know your little ones.
Renata Hammond - Toddler 2 Lead Teacher
Hello, my name is Renata (She/Her)! I am from Baltimore, Maryland, and moved to Florida for the warm seasons! I have worked in several childcare facilities with all ages of children and did in-home nannying as well. I have found working with toddlers to be one of my passions and I enjoy the milestones we cross together. I love working with children because they are so genuine and eager to understand the world. My goal is to make children feel seen and heard and give them chances to get messy and learn through experiences. Outside of work I enjoy crafts, singing, and video games! I look forward to getting to know your children and your family!
Meagan West - Toddler 2 Assistant Teacher
Outside of work and studying for school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
I look forward to working with all of the students and making sure they enjoy coming to school. I hope that they are learning and constantly having fun. Thank you!
Some of Meagan's Favorite things: Chilis, Chick Fil A, Target, M&M's, and Dr. Pepper
Jasmine Brownell - Toddler 2 Assistant
Hello! My name is Jasmine (She/Her)! I am originally from New Haven, CT! I graduated from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut and I am now studying at Southern New Hampshire University. I have worked as a nanny for nearly 10 years and also had experience working in my home church's nursery school. I love working with children and watching their personalities evolve. I hope to inspire them to learn, grow, and uncover their potential. I believe the most important part of our work is fostering the love for exploration and learning. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my pets, watching tv, and going on walks. I look forward to watching and helping your children grow!
Joanna Mantilla - EPS1 Lead Teacher
Some of Joanna's Favorite things: Sushi, Dunkin Donuts, Amazon, and sunflowers
Janette Seleman - EPS1 Assistant Teacher
Some of Janette's Favorite things: Golden Coral, Dunkin Donuts, JC Penny, and roses
Madison Buchanan- EPS1 assistant teacher
A few of Madison's Favorite things: panera, sour gummy worms, sushi, caramel iced coffee
Caroline Norman - EPS2 Lead Teacher
Some of Caroline's favorite things: Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Target, and skittles
Alyssa Gonzalez - EPS2 Assistant Teacher
Hi. My name Alyssa! I was born in Pennsylvania but earned my bachelor's in clinical psychology at the University of Central Florida! I began working with children at romp and roll with ages 3 -10 where I really enjoyed getting to work and play with the little ones. With my background in psychology, I believe it is really important to foster children's personal growth and allow them to be completely themselves. I want to create meaningful connections with every student in my class. I believe in meeting students where they are developing and helping them grow from where they are! Outside of work I enjoy visiting the theme parks and spending time with family. I look forward to getting to know your child and making a difference in their early years.
Some of Alyssa's Favorite things: Outback, Olive Garden, amazon, watermelon, pringles, and skittles
Elizabeth Ettinger - Preschool A assistant Teacher
Hello, My name is Elizabeth (She/her) and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan! I moved to Florida and graduated from Valencia college. I began working with children through babysitting when I was younger and then entered into Childcare! I began working primarily with Toddlers and moved up to a Toddler Lead Teacher. I joined the CJP team to begin working with Preschool 3's! I love working with children and hope to encourage independence and exploration. I want to empower them as they grow into their personalities and learn who they are! Outside of work, I spend time with family including my sons Logan and Oliver who attend CJP! I also like to visit theme parks and shop at target! I look forward to getting to know you children and working with you!
Amanda Nieves - Preschool B Lead 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!
Some of Amanda's Favorite things: Chilis, Chick Fil A, Shein, socks, starbursts, and iced coffee
Stephanie Perez - Preschool B Assistant
Hello, my name is Stephanie! I am from Clear Water, Florida and just recently entered the field of childcare! I found my enjoyment for working with children through my personal experiences with my family. My partner has three young children who have shown me the bond and excitement that comes with working with young children! I hope to make a difference in their lives by consistent support and showing them respect and empathy. I think in these early years it is most important to model and reinforce emotional skills like self confidence and self regulation. I want to guide them in problem solving with others and expressing themselves! Outside of work I enjoy spending time at the beach or pool and drawing! I look forward to making special memories with your students!
Jackie Quijada - VPK A Lead Teacher
Some of Jackie's Favorite things: Jimmy Hula's, Panera, Pretzel M&M's, chocolate lava cake, and orange roses
Noemi Otero - VPK A Assistant Teacher
Some of Noemi's favorite things: Chili's, Old Navy, Target, Red Velvet Cake, Coffee, Crunch, and Sunflowers
Heather Mathis - VPK B Lead Teacher
A few of Heather's favorite things: Outback, Starbucks, Target, Dark Chocolate
Amanda Calejo - Summer Camp B Assistant Teacher
Hello, my name is Amanda Calejo (She/Her). I was born in Miami and moved to central Florida as a young child. I graduated from Lake Howell Highschool and am currently attending Florida Atlantic University. I completed and early childhood program through high school and obtained my 45 hours and CDA! I love working with children because their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning is infectious. I aspire to make a difference by instilling confidence and providing them the tools needed to thrive! Outside of work I enjoy going to the beach and working out!
Bianca Castro - Support Staff
Some of Bianca's Favorite things: Chilis, Chick Fil A, Ross, Amazon, pretzels, hazelnut, and pink roses
Sofia Assent - Support Staff
Hello, my name is Sofia (she/her)! I was born and raised in Central Florida and recently graduated from UCF with my bachelors in science. I began working with children through Lake Howell's Little Hawks program, where i taught children aged 3-5. During that time I obtained my CDA and 45 hours through DCF. Since then I have been a tutor for children ages 3 - 18 and have gained experience working with varying levels of ability and creating lesson plans to fit their individual needs. I love working with children because every moment with them is a gift. I enjoy watching them explore the world around them and expand their view I hope to be a positive influence in their life as I help them navigate these early years. I want to teach them to love themselves and others so they may go forward with that attitude as they grow. Outside of work I enjoy cooking for friends and family, reading, and embordering. I also continue my studies through work at local research labs. I look forward to working with you and your wonderful children! Thank you for trusting me with your greatest gift!