Nathaniel Gray: Campus Technician & Room 1-School Age

Hello, my name is Mr. Nate. I am the new kid on the block. I began my journey as a school age councilor this past February 2009. Although I currently am completing my school age appropriate practices while on the job, I come with parental skills. My wife and I have a son 10 years of age and a daughter 16 months old. In fact our son attended in his pre-k year at Oakhurst. I have completed the bus license and drive the Oakhurst Learning center school bus. When not in the classroom with my wonderful second graders I am doing the maintenance for the center.

Ms. Diane Conklin: Room 2-VPK

How ya doing, the children call me Ms. Diane. I am a seasoned early childhood educator for the past 6 years. I am a proud mother and grandmother. I prefer the grandmother part. Many of you already know I a from the fine garden state of New Jersey. During my 4 years at Oakhurst I have been in many positions. Currently I am with Ms. Jessica in the VPK only classroom during the school year and assist in transporting the school age children to and from elementary schools. During the summers I am either with school age or cooking in the kitchen. I have an Associates Degree Restaurant Management and I have my CDA in Early Childhood Development.

Ms. Shelly Ruchlewicz: Office

My name is Ms. Shelly. I am a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 3 and one on the way.
I have been working with young children for the past 36 years. I have done everything from infants to school age, from cleaning up to directing, from cooking to purchasing. I currently have my Early Childhood CDA and my Directors CDA. At this moment I help out everywhere, especially at the front desk, and close the center when the Director leaves. The only thing I have not done is drive the bus. During the summers I get to enjoy the school age in the camp program at Oakhurst Learning Center. I have been a staff member at Oakhurst for 4 years.

Ms. Sabrina Cloud: Room 2-School Age-School Age Coordinator

Hello, my name is Ms. Cloud. I have been at Oakhurst for the past 14 years. I enjoy working with the school age children I am the school age coordinator at Oakhurst Learning Center. My job is to design summer camp, breaks and all that goes on with all the groups of school age children at our center. In the morning I assist the other classrooms with what ever they need or sub for an absent staff member. Most of my time is working with the school age children. I have my CDA, CPR and First Aide certificates. I have always been a resident of this area and I am very family oriented with my parents, siblings, nieces and nephew. I like to read and right poetry.

Ms. Serina Belzel: Room 6

The children call me Ms. Serina. I am a mother of two terrific kids. I have been teaching since 1988 and the majority has been with the 2 to 3 year olds. It has been 13 long, long years at Oakhurst Learning Center. My CDA is in Early Childhood Development. I have a current First aid and Infant & Child CPR. Over the years I have taken many classes in working with young children and brain development. I do enjoy attending the ECA annual conference on young children in the fall every year. I like to fish. I like to hike. Sometimes with my kids and their dad in my spare time.

Ms. Donna Massena: Room 1 & 6

I am known as Ms. Donna at Oakhurst. In the morning I am with Mrs. Santos in the VPK full day program. I enjoy this. In the afternoon I take over for Ms. Serina in the older 2 year old room. I love this as well. I have been teaching for 7 years and I have my CDA. I am a mother and grandmother. My granddaughter may be 19 but she is still a baby to me! It has been 7 years since I left Indiana and came to the Sunshine State. My hobbies are reading, walking and working at Marshalls.

Mrs. Lisa Hall: Administrator

Welcome, I am currently the caretaker of Oakhurst Learning Center.

Originally from Ijamsville, Maryland. Yes, a farmer. For the past 18 years I have lived and raised my 3 children in Seminole. My husband and I purchased Oakhurst Learning Center 13 years ago. Rick and I have been married 27 long, long, long years. My son is in Iraq working as an Air force Firefighter, my oldest is a Communications graduate from Palm Beach Atlantic and is currently working on a Yacht off the coast of New England. Our youngest is in college. We have 2 beautiful grandsons age 2 1/2 and 2 months. I began my journey down the early childhood education path 17 years ago.

My education consists of a B.A. from California State University, Fullerton, in Art and Illustration, an A.S. from St. Petersburg College in Early Childhood Education, a CDA in Early Childhood and Directorship, current cards in First Aide and Infant and child CPR.

I love to draw, take classes, hike and read.

Ms. Jessica Marinari: Room 2 VPK & Room 4 in the afternoon

I am known as Ms. Jessica or Ms. Jessida as the children say. I am from Washington, D.C. The last 10 years have been in Florida getting my CDA and Directors Credential. Currently I am completing my A.S. Degree from St. Petersburg College in Early Childhood Education. I have worked in childcare the past 9 years with infants to school age. At Oakhurst I am in the VPK program mostly. During the summers I sometimes cook or do school age. I have been here for almost 4 years. My dogs are my life. When I am not caring for them or working you can find me at the malls!!
Mrs. Donna Naples: Room 4

I love working with the VPK children they are my favorite age group. I have a CDA and have been working with children for 21 years. This is my second year at Oakhurst. I love to work out, dancing, and watching sports with my husband. I enjoy working with Ms. Jelena in room 4. The children also know I love turtles.

Mrs. Janny Stephan: Director

My Directorship at Oakhurst Learning Center began 17 years ago after 10 years in the two year old room. I have the Directors CDA, first aid and Infant and Child CPR. One of many perks to my job is enjoying the children and talking to their parents. The toughest part of my job is the paperwork.

I have two daughters, one son, one granddaughter and one grandson.
Originaly my self and my family came from Holland 27 years ago. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, going to the movies and dancing.

Mr. Jeff Coates: Room 8

Hello, the children call me Mr. C. Originally I am from Boston, MA, Go Red Sox!
I have been living in Florida for the past 8 years and have recently expanded my family. I have a lovely wife and hansom son. All my basic requirements for teaching young children have been met. In addition my CDA is complete along with my A.A. in Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching at Oakhurst for 8 years. On my free time I enjoy spending time with all my family, attending church activities and fishing.

Mrs. Lisa Ashley: Room 7

My name is Mrs. Ashley. I have been at Oakhurst Learning Center on and off for the past 16 years. I go, I come, I go, and I come again. Like on a rubber band. They always want me back. I love teaching and that is why I come back. Mrs. Hall and I co-taught a class one year together and it was the best. I have a Bachelors degree in English and recently I received my A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education. When not on duty I like to garden and spend time with my daughter who is attending a university.

Mrs. Shalini Roshan: Room 1 & 4

My name is Mrs. Roshan. I am originally from India and currently I live here in Florida with my Husband. I taught High School in India. The Pre-k keeps me busy. When I come to Oakhurst Learning Center I usually give a lunch break to a teacher and then spend most of my time with the 4 and 5 year olds in Room 1 and 4. This is my third year at Oakhurst Learning Center. I am fond of cooking and gardening. I love flowers. In my other spare time I do like television and reading.

Mr. Jason Manetos: Room 3, Cook and Bus Driver

Mr. M is my name,
School age is my game.
My duties are many,
But hair, I haven’t any.

On the 8 and at the 3,
I am not hard to see,
Navigating the big Yellow bus,
With Ms. Diane giving me a fuss.

In the middle of the day,
It’s easy for the kids to say,
Mr. M’s meatloaf is the best!
So I put it to the test.

My recipes are fine,
The children love to dine,
On Mac and cheese,
And more Swedish meatballs Please!

I end my day,
With homework and play.
It has been 13 great years so far,
And Mrs. Hall call’s me her Star!

Mrs. Jelena Djordjic: Room 4 and 5

The children call me Ms. Jelena. I have been at Oakhurst Learning Center for 7 years. Originally I and my family came from Sarajevo. I have a Language Degree from the University of Sarajevo and my husband is a talented Mechanical Engineer. All 3 of my children are attending universities. I am recently the proud grandma of a beautiful grandson. I love to do art with the children and help them with their language development. When not at school I love to cook, clean my house, read and walk. I also cook lots of fish my husband and son catch. No pizza is safe at Oakhurst!!!

Mrs. Santos: Room 1

My name is Kathy Santos. I’ve been teaching pre-k for 20 years. I’ve been employed by Oakhurst Learning Center since 1997. I have 3 daughters and in my spare time I enjoy the beach, photography and shopping. While at Oakhurst I was nominated 2 years as teacher of the year by parents and staff.