Executive Board

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Florida Association for the Education of Young Children Executive Board

President: Gege Kreischer, B.S. (h) 813-961-4247 (w) 813-969-3315 E-mail: AKreisc@aol.com
As an early childhood professional for the past 38 years, I have had the pleasure of teaching children, directing programs, coaching teachers and directors, building and managing programs and consulting on variety of early childhood projects that improved the quality of life for young children and their families. It has been my privilege to serve on my local affiliate’s board of directors, FLAEYC committees and Executive Board, and two NAEYC committees. As president of our association I have a profound respect for members who volunteer their leadership to further the mission of our association. The work we support, your work with young children and their families, is the foundation of our society. Our association, along with NAEYC and SECA, strives to make your membership in our organizations a valuable asset to you professionally. Thank you for affording me the honor of serving our association. I assure you the intangible rewards I enjoy are priceless. I would appreciate hearing from you and learning new ways to improve our service to you, our members. Your perspective is a valuable factor in our decision making process.
Vice President/Professional Development: Doris Patterson, B.A (h) 251-962-9530 (w) 251-233-9706 Fax: 251-962-9530 kitkat1214@gmail.com
I am a Professional Development Consultant for Kaplan Early Learning Company in North Carolina, Early Childhood Directions in Mobile, AL, and Sand Castle Consulting in Lillian, AL. Working with Kaplan gives me the opportunity to travel and meet early childhood educators across the country. I find it refreshing to visit preschools in other states and bring back ideas to share. Before becoming a Professional Development Consultant, I worked as a preschool teacher, an assistant director and a center director. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from the University of Alabama. I have been actively involved with NAEYC since 1994. I served on the Executive Board of the Alabama Association for Young Children and currently serve as president of the Northwest Florida Association for the Education of Young Children in Pensacola. Even though I live in Alabama, I have chosen to affiliate with FLAEYC because of the energy, enthusiasm and professionalism in this organization. In my spare time, I provide workshops at the local, state and national level, I am a CDA Advisor, an adjunct at Pensacola Junior College, and I will complete my Master’s Degree in August. I guess you could say my hobbies are working and studying. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your V.P. for Professional Development and look forward to many exciting adventures working with the members of this great organization.
Vice President/Organizational Development: Sandy Crawford, M.A. (h) 727-521-4119 E-mail: sandyprinecrawford@verizon.net
I am Sandra Crawford and serve as the Vice President of Organizational Development. The position works specifically with Membership and Financial Commission. I have been involved with FLAEYC for the past twelve years as conference consultant specifically for hospitality. I believe we must be committed to our professional association in order be agents of change and improvement in our field. I served nine years as the director of the Laboratory preschool at Pinellas Technical Education Center as well as training adults to work in preschool settings. The majority of my teaching experience was spent dedicated to the improvement and education of early care and education through assisting teachers and administrators to earn the necessary credentials required by the state with the goal of improving our industry. I served our local affiliate as membership chair, president –elect, president and past-president. I continue to serve the board in an advisory capacity. I retired from the Pinellas County School System in February 2006. I spend much of my time working out at Gold’s Gym and one of my favorite hobbies is gardening. I have a large pond (over 31 feet long) that gives me much pleasure and relaxation. I have two sons, one is an attorney in Atlanta and is single and the other lives in Northern England and has two children. I enjoy visiting the grandchildren in England and I am able to see them at least twice a year. Vice President/Public Policy: Mary Harper, Ph.D. (h) (813) 758-3018 (w) (727) 712-5415 harper.mary@spcollege.edu Dr. Mary Harper is an Associate Professor in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at St. Petersburg College’s College of Education. She has been a classroom teacher in Pre-Kindergarten through Third Grade in Hillsborough County. Later, she was a Curriculum Specialist in the Early Childhood Learning Programs for the School District of Hillsborough County in which she used her expertise to assist Early Childhood programs in developing, designing, and implementing quality learning programs in both the public and private sectors. Additionally, Dr. Harper has served as an administrator for the Early Childhood Learning Programs evaluating legislation, program parameters and requirements to develop and review comprehensive, quality programs. Dr. Harper has a history of collegial and community collaboration focused at promoting quality early childhood education and superior outcomes for children. Collaborations include but are not limited to University of South Florida’s Florida Mental Health Institute, Center for Social and Emotional Foundations in Early Learning, Early Learning Coalitions in both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, Children’s Campaign, Hillsborough Community College, and the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children. Additionally, Dr. Harper maintains many bi-partisan relationships with legislators to consult on various bills and initiatives. She provides grounded expertise and guidance on critical issues related to Florida’s children and families. Dr. Harper is a lifetime Alumnus of the University of South Florida, having earned her Bachelor’s. Master’s, and Doctoral degrees from this research one university. Currently, she resides in Temple Terrace. Furthermore, she is also engaged in research opportunities in Pasco, Hillsborough, and Pinellas County to promote quality instruction in Early Childhood Classrooms.
Financial Officer: Marguerite Orban, B.A. (h) 321-636-9082 (Fax) 321-636-9082 E-mail: Margorba@yahoo.com
I live in Brevard County outside of Cocoa on an acre of undeveloped ground. I have four daughters that live around Florida. I also have three dogs and a cat that adopted us. I am retired after 35 years in Childcare. The last nine years I was the Director of an NAEYC accredited Center in Orlando. Since my retirement, I joined the League of Women Voters and served as the chairperson for the Children's/Education Committee. My daughters and I are active in the Pug Rescue Organization and have 10 pugs between us that we adopted. I am also a member of the Native Plant Society and spend my time gardening and redoing my acre in native plants. In my spare time I like to paint. I have served as president (2 terms), treasurer, historian and member-at-large for CFAEYC. When I retired I joined the Space Coast AEYC and am working with them to get their affiliate more active. I enjoy both groups and try to stay in touch with both to learn their concerns about childcare and education in their areas. I serve as Financial Officer which means that I am responsible for paying FLAEYC's bills and keeping track of spending. I fell my main duty is to keep the Executive Board aware of our financial picture. My job is also to make FLAEYC's money work for us and in that regard to earn the best return for our savings. I am always available to answer questions or to work with any other affiliate having money problems.
Southeast Regional Representative: Carol Montealegre M.S. (h) 305-461-4828 (w) 786-360-2000 E-mail: carmonte@bellsouth.net
Carol is the Director of the Quality Counts Career Center in Miami, Florida. The Career Center is an integral part of the QualityCounts initiative for improving the quality of programs serving children 0 to 5 in Miami-Dade County. She also represents the High/Scope Foundation for the State of Florida Carol serves as President of the local affiliate, South Florida Association for Young Children, and is currently the Southeast Representative for the state affiliate, Florida Association for the Education of Young Children. Carol strives to assist the local affiliates in Southeast Florida to carry out their endeavors in the field of early childhood. Carol serves as a member-at-large on the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA) Board of Directors. Carol is the proud grandmother of three boys, a mother of two, and wife for 39 years.
President-Elect: Charlene Gross (h) 904-634-0189 (w) 904-355-9300 Fax: (904) 355-3111 E-mail: charlener@comcast.net
I feel very fortunate to be your next President of one the largest state affiliates, the Florida Association for the Education of Young Children. As the current President- Elect, I assist the President and all Executive Board Members in planning and implementing the many projects and advocacy initiatives that our association offers – and I help facilitate the connections between our members, affiliates, and our “parent” organizations – NAEYC and SECA. My main role though, as President Elect is to listen and observe, and be “in training” for my oncoming position as President. I need to be in tune to the needs of our members and to maintain and establish collaborative relationships with our other state advocacy partners – so that we can all make a difference in improving the quality of early education in our state. As for my “paid job” I work for the Jacksonville Housing Authority as a Center Director of a NAEYC accredited program in a Public Housing Community. I enjoy my work at the Oaks Early Learning Academy very much, although it can be stressful at times. I have also worked in a variety of other early childhood capacities, but I truly feel that working directly with the families, children, and staff puts me in a place where I can make the most difference. I thrive on seeing the children and teachers grow and learn! On a personal note, I am married to my best friend Brian, have four children (ages 18 – 26) and one granddaughter. I am currently pursuing a Masters degree in Early Childhood at Capella University, so I don’t have much spare time – but when I do, I like to travel, work on restoring my Victorian-era home, and treasure hunting for antiques.
SECA Representative: Sister Roberta Bailey, M.A. (h) 352-588-8320 (w) 352-588-3041 Fax: 352-588-3142 sasadmin@tampabay.rr.com
I am a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida (in St. Leo) and Principal at St. Anthony School in San Antonio, FL. In 1959, I began my career as a classroom teacher for infants through college students and have been in educational leadership since 1970. I founded the Montessori schools in St. Leo, FL and at Blessed Trinity in Ocala, FL. I taught 2 summers in inner Chicago and in summer camps for a military school in VA. My association with SECA dates back to my college days in Louisville, Ky, and I was a founding member of the Pasco County Early Childhood Association which became an affiliate of FACUS. I am an elected Councilor and photo-archivist for the Benedictine Sisters Florida (in St. Leo), am a member of the advisory council for the Office of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, a board member (and on the Quality Committee) for the Pasco-Hernando Early Learning Coalition. I was pleased to serve as to be a governor appointee on the Florida’s Universal Pre-K commission. I am frequently called upon to lecture on a variety of topics such as parent education, early childhood development, stress management and humor. I was editor of the FLAEYC journal Children Our Concern, have served as FLAEYC Financial Officer and presently serve as a reviewer for the publications committee. I am former member of the Tampa Oratorio Society and St. Leo Chorus and play a tenor recorder with the Benedictine Sisters community ensemble. I am avid reader and enjoy cross-stitchery. As Florida’s Representative to the Board of the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA), I will work to support SECA and their mission as well as bring information back to the FLAEYC Board.

Central Regional Representative:
Angela Loring, A.A.
(h) 727-455-6091
(w) 727-584-0934
(Fax) 727-584-0934
E-mail: angela_loring@hotmail.com

My name is Angela Loring. I reside in Pinellas County and am very active in my local affiliate, the Pinellas Early Childhood Association. I have been an active member since 1994. Over the years I have served in the following positions for my affiliate: Newsletter Editor, Vice President of Membership, Vice President of Programs, President Elect, President, Past President, and am currently serving as Treasurer.
I hope to serve you well as Central Regional Representative. Please feel free to contact me with your ideas, comments, and concerns. I cannot wait to hear about all of the exciting things going on in Central Florida!

I have had the opportunity to wear many hats in the Early Childhood field. For the past 17 years I have owned and operated a small preschool in Largo, FL. I was a Two-year-old teacher for six wonderful years. I have also had the opportunity to teach the 40-hour Introduction to Childcare classes, CDAE courses and CDA renewal courses. I have also presented at state and local conferences. Sharing ideas for working with children is very rewarding.

I am mom to Dylan, an amazing twenty-year-old. He has been my guinea pig for Early Childhood Ideas & techniques throughout the years and somehow lived through it all! He still lives at home (which I secretly love) and is completing a degree in Film Production. Look out Steven Speilberg!!

North Regional Representative:
Bill Ganza, M.S.
(h) 904-262-3685
(w) 904-632-3114
Fax: 904-262-3685
E-mail: wganza@fscj.edu

Bill Ganza is involved professionally in both early childhood education and higher education. Currently Bill is the Director of Professional Development for Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he oversees the professional development of the College's 2,000+ faculty and staff. He has over 20 years of teaching experience and extensive knowledge of and experience teaching, technology, and developing online courses. He is an expert presenter who has been invited to present regionally and nationally on a number of education-related topics. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Florida. Bill is a former early care and education center director, consultant, and trainer. Bill was and is very involved in early care accreditation. He was an NAEYC validator and was involved in pilot program during the transition to the current accreditation system. Bill later served as a Local Assessor in the current accreditation system. Bill has been very active in his local affiliate serving as accreditation chair for the North Florida AEYC.

Bill has been the FLAEYC accreditation Chair for Florida and helped to design the NAEYC Boot Camp Resource Seminars. Bill has been appointed at the Northern Regional Representative for this year. He is busy getting to know his Northern affiliates.

Northeast Regional Representative
Craig Jones, Ph.D.
(h) (850) 968-3634
(w)(850) 474-2863
Fax: (850) 474-2856
Email: kjones@uwf.edu

Craig is originally from Gainesville, Fl where he completed his bachelor’s degree. He received his PhD from the Pennsylvania State University in 1983 with a dual focus on early education and human development. He currently serves as the Program Coordinator in Early Childhood Education at the University of West Florida and is Public Policy Chair of the NWFAEYC. He also serves as Chair for the Educational Research Center for Child Development on the University of West Florida Campus and over the years has served as an officer in statewide early childhood associations the local Northwest Florida Association for the Education of Young Children and the United Faculty of Florida. His research interests include the development of resilience in young children, improving the quality of child care, teacher education and infant mental health through teaching and public policy advocacy. Craig began his teaching career as a classroom assistant and has filled roles as preschool teacher and director, kindergarten and first grade public school teacher, child development specialist, university professor and parent of two wonderful children, Rachel (18) and Keefe, (40). Pensacola has been his home since 1990 where he enjoys boating, fishing and many outdoor activities.

As Northwest regional representative I hope to offer my expertise to current and future local affiliates in organizing advocates for young children and their families. I see one of my major roles as a conduit of information from local groups to the AEYC board and sharing information with the local groups. In addition to communication I hope to support the process and guide locals to available resources to meet their needs.

Southwest Regional Representative:
Susan Jamrog. M.A.
837 Cordele Ave NW
Port Charlotte, FL 33948-6309
(h) (941) 625-6039
(w) (941) 255-7500 Ext.188
Fax: (941) 255-7509
E-mail: susan_jamrog@ccps.k12.fl.us

People in early childhood often say I love young children. I have loved working with young children in my career but my true joy has become working with those who work with children. There is wonderful energy in those who choose to work in this profession. It is that energy that keeps me wanting to stay in this field.

I am originally from Michigan. I moved to Florida twenty two years ago with my now grown son. Who is also the father of my most wonderful Grandson! My formal education includes an AS Teachers Aide from Mott. C.C., BA in Early Childhood Education from University of Michigan, MS in Early Childhood Education from NOVA SE University. Most of my teaching experience has been with children from two to five and adults. I am the Supervisor of Early Childhood Education Programs for Charlotte Technical Center in Port Charlotte, Florida. I have had this position for seventeen years. This position requires me to wear many hats. I teach both secondary and post secondary students. I am the center director of the Pumpkin Patch Laboratory Preschool. I supervise our night time programs. In addition I have taught as an adjunct at Edison State College. I have served on many Early Childhood Boards and Councils locally and around the State.

I became as NAEYC member while attending the University of Michigan. I am a founding member of the Charlotte AEYC and continue to serve on my local board. I have served on the FLAEYC Board for over ten years in the positions, of President, VP Organizational Development, and Regional Rep. Serving on this board has been one of the great experiences of my career in early childhood education. I am currently fulfilling a one year term of office of SW Regional Rep. It is again a joy to be reconnecting with what I consider my extended professional family in my SW region. My goal in this position is to serve my affiliates by using my experience and connections if needed, identify their strength and weaknesses, being their voice to the FLAEYC leadership.