Flaeyc's Executive Director
Wendy Occhipinti
With extensive experience in Early Childhood Education in various roles, teacher, mentor, leader, trainer, and parent educator, Wendy has a passion for Early Childhood Education with the belief that it is the foundation for every child’s future educational success. Over the years, Wendy developed a passion for advocacy, particularly for policies and practices that support the well-being of young children and their families and the educators who are so vital to their education.
In her role as Executive Director, Wendy will be focused on building strong relationships and connections with our members, educators, policy makers and other stakeholders. We encourage you to reach out to Wendy. She is excited to hear your insights, ideas and hopes for the future of early childhood education.
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Professional Development Manager
Jennifer Latterell
Jennifer Latterell has dedicated 35 years to the field of Early Childhood Education. She earned her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Florida and continues to partner with the UCF Creative School for Children, where she mentors and coaches educators while providing classroom support to strengthen positive behavior and developmentally appropriate practices.
Jennifer is a Professional Development Trainer, Speaker, and Coach specializing in early childhood accreditation. She partners with programs and organizations to provide professional development, leadership coaching, mentoring, and consultation that enhances teaching practices and program quality.
Passionate about children, families, and the early childhood profession, Jennifer is committed to empowering educators, inspiring professional growth, and advancing excellence in early learning.
"Life’s too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it." -Dr. Seuss
Accounting & CEU's
Janice Browning Steibly
Janice Browning Steibly has an extensive background administering state and federal grant programs, governmental relations, and more recently project management and consulting. Janice has been working with FLAEYC since 2019 on various operational functions including, but not limited to financial operations, contractual agreements, policies, early learning stipend programs, and CEUs. Previously, Janice served as Assistant Secretary and Chief of Staff for the Florida Department of Community Affairs and was responsible for the Divisions of Housing and Community Development, Community Planning, and Emergency Management.
"Love the life you live. Live the life you love" - Bob Marley
Communications Manager
Gabrielle Ruiz
Gabrielle Ruiz discovered her passion for early childhood education in 2018 while working in a preschool serving children aged 2-5 years old. Her favorite role was as a lead teacher in a two-year-old classroom, where she loved fostering curiosity and creativity in her students. This experience shaped her deep commitment to supporting other educators and advocating for early learning.
As Administrative Assistant and Social Media Coordinator at FLAEYC, Gabrielle combines her administrative expertise and creative vision to connect with early childhood professionals across Florida. She is dedicated to highlighting the essential work of educators and strengthening the ECE community through impactful communication and engagement.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be?”
-Marianne Williamson