Meet The Teachers

Driven by dreams of a sweet, local preschool we opened Imagine in the fall of 2005. Over the last 16 years I have had the pleasure to work with countless children and families and even watch my own two children move through the classrooms of this magical place. In my personal, lifelong pursuit of knowledge, I most recently received my PhD from the College of Education at UF in May 2020 (after a decade of studies!). 

I have been an Early Childhood Educator in both Miami, FL and Gainesville, FL for the past 15 years. I began my career teaching Voluntary Pre Kindergarten, and later, inspired by more child lead curricula, discovered the Reggio Emilia approach and Imagine Learning Center. This will be my 6th year working at Imagine and I consider it my second home. I am a fierce advocate of play and am always working towards a more inclusive, diverse and empathetic classroom and community. 

My name is Stef and I am so excited to be a part of the team. I am currently an Early Childhood Education Major at Santa Fe College. I am thrilled to learn more about my field from the awesome staff at Imagine. When I’m not at work, I enjoy collecting vinyls, writing, and baking!

This will be my fourth year as a Two’s teacher at Imagine Learning Center and my first year in the office. I graduated from Santa Fe College with a bachelor’s in early childhood education and I plan to continue my studies with a special focus on the Reggio Emilia approach. I have lived in Gainesville for 7 years now with my fiancé, two children, dog, cat, and bearded dragon. We have loved the community and nature that Gainesville offers. Getting outdoors to explore the many trails and springs is something we do regularly. 

This will be my fourth year at Imagine Learning Center and I am so glad I get to teach here at this wonderful school. I studied art and musical theatre for my undergrad in Houston. Storytelling and art-making make up the core foundation of my teaching process as well as dance, singing, and lots of laughter. In addition to being a teacher, I make comics and sketch.

I’m an Imagine alumn and an aspiring artist! I’m planning to go to art school in a few years and I absolutely love being creative in every aspect of my daily life. I truly enjoy teaching and spending time with young children and assisting in their growth. I’m so excited to be back with my Imagine family.

I’m an elementary education major at Santa Fe College. I’ve always wanted to work with children and be as creative as I can. In my free time I draw, cook or make jewelry. 

I'm an elementary education major pursuing an AA at Santa Fe College. I've always felt called to work with children and I love not only guiding them through learning, but learning alongside them as well. Outside of Imagine, I enjoy going to concerts, playing the Sims, and loving my cat, Jacey.

I'm a Digital Arts major at the University of Florida. I love encouraging children to explore their creative sides, and planning fun crafts for them! When I'm not at work or class, I enjoy going to concerts, playing video games, and singing. 

I am currently an early childhood education major working towards my bachelors degree. I hope to work with special needs children in the future once I graduate. If I find time outside of work and school, I enjoy reading, baking, and drinking coffee. 

Hello! My name is Nina and I love all things creative! Especially sketching, painting, and cooking new recipes!