Favorite Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Dr. Pallas has been the Director of Baby Gator since 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Masters of Science degree in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education. In her 25 years in the early childhood field she has been a teacher, early interventionist, inclusion specialist, director, college professor and author. Her research has focused on the process of change in the school setting and the implementation of inclusion. As the Director, she addresses daily challenges and the delights of helping children and teachers grow, learn and achieve their dreams and desires.

Favorite Book: Tikki Tikki Tembo by Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent

Lisa has been with Baby Gator since 2004. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Community Services, with a concentration in Child Development and Special Education from East Carolina University. Her role in the field of early childhood education has evolved from a classroom teacher to a family educator to an instructor on the community college level, to her current role as an administrator.

Lisa brings to Baby Gator her knowledge of working with children with special needs, developing and maintaining strong home/school relationships and supporting children in their growth and development. Her interests include supporting children and families with regard to their diversity and assisting teachers in professional growth and development. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, and cooking.

Favorite Book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Jazmin joined Baby Gator in the summer of 2003. She has her Associate of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Santa Fe College and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family, Youth, and Community Science. She has worked with young children for over 10 years. She also volunteers with the children’s program in her church. She is a positive and enthusiastic person and enjoys singing, dancing and having fun. In her spare time, Jazmin enjoys camping and fishing with her husband, and attending Gator sports events.

Favorite Book: The Secret River by Marjorie K. Rawlings

Stacy rejoined Baby Gator in the summer of 2008 after completing her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida. Stacy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Development and Master of Science degree in Family and Child Development all from the University of Florida.

Some of her past experiences working with young children include team teaching in the Little Gator classroom and working a variety of preschools in the area. Stacy has also taught social development, early childhood curriculum, math and science, and creativity to pre-service teachers in the Early Childhood department at the College of Education at the University of Florida.

Stacy brings creativity and imagination to her teaching by challenging the children she works with. In addition to enjoying her days with the children in Future Gators, she enjoys reading fiction novels, playing golf, and cooking.

Favorite Book: James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl

Melinda has been with Baby Gator since January 2006. She was a team teacher in the Little Gators and in February of 2007 she moved into an administrative role. She has 10 years experience working in early childhood. She graduated from the University of Akron ( Ohio) with a Bachelor of Arts in Child and Family Development. She oversees the Baby Gator waiting list and enrollment procedures.

In her spare time she enjoys using her kitchen gadgets to cook and bake and spending time with her family.

Favorite Book: Anything by Shel Silverstein

Philip has been the Senior Accountant/ Business Manager since 2007. Philip is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelor in Arts degree in English and a Masters degree in Accounting. He is also a certified public accountant. When not at Baby Gator, Philip enjoys cooking, fishing and photography.

Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird 
by: Harper Lee

Carol joined Baby Gator in November of 2008.  She comes to us with over 20 years of administrative experience in broadcasting, interior design, staffing and real estate development.  Carol is working on her Bachelors Degree in Business Management.  For the past 5 years she has served on the board of directors with the domestic violence shelter and CASA. In her spare time Carol enjoys reading, music, fishing, cooking and needlework.

Favorite Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Jennifer has worked in the office at Baby Gator since 2005. Her experience includes both classroom teaching and administrative roles. She oversees the business operation of Baby Gator. She enjoys being able to help all of the families as well as being able to visit the children everyday. When not at work she enjoys spending time with my husband and daughter, relaxing in the pool, reading and shopping.

Favorite Book: Charlotte's Web by E.B. White

Courtney joined Baby Gator in November of 2008.  She recently graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences.  While in college she volunteered with the Girls Club of Alachua County and Westside Recreation and Park Center. Courtney likes to bring a positive outlook, warmth, and determination to her job.  In her spare time she loves family gatherings and road trips with her friends.

Favorite Book: The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

Leslie joined Baby Gator in February of 2009.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida.  She recently moved back to the Gainesville area from Tampa, where she was freelance Art Director.  She has also worked in the Elementary school setting as a Health Assistant.
In her spare time, Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, putting her creativity to use, reading, and walking her old dog “Sunshine”.

Favorite Book: Matilda by Roald Dahl

Erica joined Baby Gator in November of 2008.  Erica attended high school in Brazil and moved to the Fort Lauderdale area after graduation.  Erica holds an Associates degree in Engineering from Broward Community College and she will be pursuing a Bachelors degree at the University of Florida this spring in Biological Engineering.  Erica speaks fluent Portuguese and is currently learning Spanish.  In her spare time she loves to cook and play volleyball.

Favorite Book: Me and My Dad

Martha has been the cook at Baby Gator since 2006. Martha has been involved in the field of early childhood as a teacher, director, and cook for the past 35 years. She has also served on several boards that support children and families over the course of her career. She enjoys reading to children. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and shopping.

Team Teachers

Favorite Book: Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells

Drew joined Baby Gator as a Future Gator teacher, and then transferred into the Little Gator Butterfly classroom. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Florida. Drew is a creative person and loves inspiring the children through art and music. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter.

Favorite Book: Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells

Favorite Books: Where the Wild Things Are by: Maurice Sendak and
The Wide Mouthed Frog by: Keith Faulkner and Jonathan Lambert

Pauline joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She has her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Fe Community College.  Pauline has many years of experience working with children from babysitting, working in her church nursery to working in a preschool.  She enjoys music and baking and believes that children learn best through music.  She also enjoys bringing cooking into her classroom.  In her spare time, she enjoys gardening and spends the majority of her time away from work in her yard. 

Favorite Book: There’s a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss

Emily joined Baby Gator in the summer of 2005. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Birmingham-Southern College in music. She has her Child Development Associate certificate and is working toward a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida. Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and her daughter Magnolia. Her hobbies are music, reading, and knitting. Emily is also the choir director at Kanapaha Presbyterian Church. She loves to bring music into the children’s lives both here at Baby Gator and at church.

Favorite Book: Zen Shorts by John J. Muth

Amanda joined Baby Gator in June 2009.  She holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from the University of Florida and has taught in educational settings since the year 2000.  Amanda loves to sing, dance, and explore a variety of types of music. She also loves to read and often finds herself lost in enchanting books with her own children.

Favorite Book: I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff

Ashley joined Baby Gator in June 2009 after completing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in reading and ESOL from St. Leo University. While earning her bachelor’s degree, she obtained two years of experience working with young children in elementary schools throughout Alachua County.  She also has experience teaching in the preschool setting. Ashley brings creativity to her classroom and likes to plan a variety of fun filled lessons for the children in her care. 

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys traveling, camping, and photography.  She also likes to  spend time with her friends and family, including her husband and her spunky dog, Turbo. 

Favorite Book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault

Abby joined Baby Gator in the spring of 2007. She has worked with young children for 12 years. She has her Child Development Associate Credential from St. Thomas University. Abby is very creative and loves to incorporate art in the classroom. She is our “animal and insect” expert. Abby enjoys reading and singing with the children and spending time with her 3 children.

Favorite Book: The Parrot Tico Tango by: Anne Witte

Carley joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She has her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Math Education from Florida State University.  She has worked at the Educational Research Center for Child Development for the past 4 years in Tallahassee Florida.  Carley loves reading and singing in her spare time, this is also a must for her classroom.

Favorite Book: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you See?  by: Bill Martin Jr.

Mandy joined Baby Gator in November of 2008.  She is currently attending Santa Fe Community College where she is pursuing an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.  She currently holds a National Child Development Associate Certificate.  Mandy has worked with young children in her church nursery, private childcare facilities and Head Start/ Early Head Start.  Mandy has a high energy level and likes to stay busy with her family and friends.

Favorite Book: Amazing Grace by: Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch

Ferlessia joined Baby Gator in March of 2008. She holds a National Child Development Associate credential and she is working towards an Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Ferlessia comes to us with over 20 years of experience in Head Start with children with special needs. When Ferlessia is not at Baby Gator, she loves to spend time with her husband and her three children, photography, and her church.

Favorite Book: The Day the Teacher Went Bananas by James Howe

Kelly has been a Baby Gator teacher since 2005. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Science. She is currently working on her Masters degree at the University of Florida in Health Education. She has been working with children of all ages for over 10 years. She developed the P.H.I.T kids program, which brings lessons of healthy living into all of the classrooms.

Outside of the classroom she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, reading, cooking, and enjoying life.

Favorite Book:  Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by: Mem Fox

Meggie joined Baby Gator in September of 2008.  She is originally from Illinois, where she graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education.  Prior to joining Baby Gator, Meggie taught swimming lessons to young children and also taught third grade.  Meggie brings her love of reading to the classroom each day.  In her spare time, she loves to spend it at the gym or running.

Favorite Book: The Napping House by: Audrey Wood

Jennifer joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She holds her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University.  She has taught second grade and has also worked as a tutor for all age groups.  She enjoys singing and incorporating  music in all forms into her classroom.  In her spare time, she likes  scrapbooking, exercising and loves to take long walks with her dogs and husband. 

Favorite Book: Curious George by H.A. Rey

Febi has been a teacher at Baby Gator for 6 ½ years and has been working in childcare for 16 years. She has her Child Development Associate Credential in early childhood from Santa Fe College. Febi brings the gift of music into the classroom through singing and writing songs. She enjoys learning new things and spending time with her family.

Favorite Book: Oh, The Thinks You Can Think!  By: Dr. Seuss

Kristie joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She has her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida.  She has over 4 years of experience in early child care working at the YMCA.  Kristie is very open to new ideas and likes to encourage creativity in the classroom.  In her spare time Kristie enjoys playing Scrabble and other board games.

Favorite Book:  Homeless Bird by: Gloria Klhelan

Lorain joined Baby Gator in September of 2008 as a substitute teacher and moved into a full time teaching position in December of 2008, upon completion of her degree at the University of Florida.  Lorain holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family, Youth, and Community Science with a minor in Education. 
While at UF, Lorain was a member of the track and field team and tried out for the Jamaican Olympic team.  She was also a part of the Goodwill Gators Student Athlete Community Services Outreach Program.  She spent a large portion of her college career volunteering in schools and organization which serve children in Alachua County.  In her spare time, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking and talking to her family on the phone.

Favorite Book: Where the Wild Things Are by: Maurice Sendak

Jessica joined Baby Gator in October of 2008.  She has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.  Before coming to Baby Gator she worked as a Developmental Specialist at the Early Intervention Program in Massachusetts.  In her spare time Jessica enjoys being outdoors, traveling and reading which she incorporates into the classroom.

Favorite Book:  If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, a Pig a Party, and a Mouse a Cookie by: Laura Numeroff

Sherrie joined Baby Gator in December of 2008 from Michigan.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Oakland University.  Prior to joining Baby Gator, she was a technical writer and trainer but is very happy to return to the classroom where her heart has always been.  Sherrie loves animals, baking, cooking, collecting cookbooks, antiquing, dancing, painting, gardening and nature.  Her philosophy is to incorporate all of these loves into the classroom to help develop children in a positive way and enjoy their learning environment.

Favorite Book: The Very Stubborn Centipede by Susan Snyder

Surbhi became a Baby Gator teacher in May of 2007. She graduated from the University of Husmania College in Hyderabad, India, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Surbhi has a Child Development Associate credential. Surbhi loves to bring her culture into the classroom through dance and music and promote learning about different cultures. She favors learning through hands-on experiences. When Surbhi is not at Baby Gator she enjoys spending time with her family, collecting stamps and cards, dancing, and music.

Favorite Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Heather has been a Baby Gator teacher since the summer of 2007. Heather brings a sense of happiness and energy to the classroom. She is currently working on a degree from Central Florida Community College in psychology. She enjoys sailing, scuba diving, and spending time with her family.

Favorite Book: Go, Dog Go!
by P.D. Eastman

Amber joined Baby Gator in January of 2009.  She graduated from Shorter College in Rome, GA with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.  Prior to working at Baby Gator, Amber was an Au Pair in North America and Germany.  Amber loves to work with young children and see their bright smiling faces when they learn something new.  In her spare time, she loves to read, swim, and be outdoors.

Favorite Book: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Anne has been a Baby Gator teacher since 2000 and has over 25 years experience with children. She has her Associate of Arts degree in Music from Miami-Dade College, an Associate of Science degree in Child Development from Santa Fe College, a national Child Development Associate Certificate, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Charter Oak State College in Conneticut. Anne brings musical activities into the classroom with her guitar and piano. She has 2 children and she enjoys reading and watching movies for relaxation.

Favorite Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Rene joined the Baby Gator teaching staff in 2005. She has been working with children for 14 years. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Deanza College in California and a Child Development Associate credential. She enjoys animals, cooking, doing artwork, reading, and playing with her two dogs.

Favorite Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Jessica came to Baby Gator in June 2009.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida and is also a certified teacher, grades Kindergarten through sixth. Jessica has worked with children as a cheerleading coach, an after school teacher, and has babysat young children of all ages for several years. 

Jessica’s hobbies include dancing and cheerleading. She loves to develop activities that promote exercise with children. Jessica’s future goals include pursuing a Master’s degree in Child Psychology or Science Education.

Favorite Book: My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss

Karen has been part of the Baby Gator team since 2002. She worked with the 3-5 year olds and now works with the infants. She has developed an American Sign Language program that is now used in all of the Baby Gator classrooms. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Child Development & Education and an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Fe College. She also is currently attending UF in the Communication Sciences and Disorders program and has a National Child Development Associate Certificate. Her spare time is occupied with reading and watching DVDs.

Favorite Book: Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by: Mo Willems

Danielle joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She has her Child Development Associate Certificate from Santa Fe Community College.  Danielle has over 3 years of experience teaching preschool in the Gainesville area.  She is fluent in American Sign Language and loves to incorporate it into her classroom.  Danielle also enjoys sharing her fondness for  music and singing with the children.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and making arts and crafts.

Favorite Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Pat comes to Baby Gator from Maine, but has embraced the lovely area of Gainesville for the last three years. She has been with Baby Gator since 2006, but comes with 15 years of pre-school experience. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine, and also earned a degree from the Washington Montessori Institute. Her nickname among friends is “mother earth,” perhaps this stems for her passion for gardening. She enjoys tennis, hiking, swimming, and being with her family.

Favorite Book: All the Colors of the Earth by Sheila Hamanaka

Robin has been a Baby Gator teacher since 2005. She started in the 2-year-old class and moved into the infant room. She has worked with children from birth to 14 years old for over nine years. She has her Child Development Associate Certificate from Santa Fe College. She loves watching the children grow and reach milestones. She enjoys the outdoors and playing with her dog, Lady.

Favorite Book: The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Don Wood

Keri came to Baby Gator in 2007 from the Head Start Program of Alachua County. She is currently working toward her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at Santa Fe College. Keri’s talents include teaching sign language, singing, and drama. She enjoys books, horseback riding, and being outdoors. She loves to make learning fun through laughing and having fun.

Favorite Book: If You Give A Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Felicia Bond

Susan came to Baby Gator from Orlando in 2007, bringing three years of experience as an assistant in VPK. Prior to coming to Baby Gator, she taught 7th grade Science in Orlando and 7th and 8th grade Math and Science in Ohio. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from SUNY Buffalo. Susan enjoys making cookies, cakes, and food. Cooking and reading cookbooks are her #1 hobby. Her philosophy is that she can teach the world through its food.

Favorite Book: Corduroy by: Don Freeman

Liza joined Baby Gator in December of 2008.  She is currently working on her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Fe Community College.  Liza incorporates music and arts and crafts into her classroom every chance she gets.  She also volunteers in her church nursery and preschool program.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family and singing in her church choir.

Favorite Book: Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess

Jessica has worked with children for the past 10 years in child care settings and as a nanny during her college career. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from West Virginia University and hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree at the University of Florida. She is a very creative, patient, artistic person and is passionate about educating young children. She is excited to be a part of the Baby Gator teaching team.