At-Large Board Member

I am the Owner & Executive Director of Baby Fox Academy, which has two locations in Sarasota, Florida. I have been in the early childhood field for over 30 years, serving in many different capacities. When I started my early learning program in my home, my desire was to create high-quality environments that centered around play-based, developmentally appropriate, and hands-on learning.

My goal was to open a commercial preschool where you would find happy staff who love to come to work and enjoy what they do, as well as happy children who enjoy coming to school to engage with loose parts, tinker tubs, process art, and meaningful & purposeful play outside in our sensory garden. I have since achieved this with the opening of two high-quality centers in my community.

My intense passion for early learning and advocacy is driven by the joy of making a positive difference in the life of a child, a family, or an early learning educator. This passion is rooted in:

• Nurturing young minds: I am drawn to the vibrant energy and curiosity of young children, and I find joy in fostering their growth and guiding them on their educational journey. This passion extends to advocating for the resources and recognition that support early learning educators in their vital work.

• A belief in foundational development: High-quality early learning programs provide the essential foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional skills that are vital for future success in school and life.

• A desire to shape futures: Working with young children offers a unique opportunity to positively influence their development and help them reach their full potential.

• Supporting families: Access to affordable, quality care allows parents to participate in the workforce, which benefits their families and the economy as a whole. Advocating for these programs can help families achieve financial stability and provide a better quality of life for their children.

My strong passion for early learning and advocacy is deeply rooted in a desire to make a positive and lasting impact on children’s lives and build a stronger, more equitable future for everyone.

My vision for leadership extends beyond my community to lead the way in early learning systems, champion the value of high-quality early childhood education, and expand my impact to reach a wider audience. I believe that joining the FLAEYC Board will help me accomplish this. I feel that my diverse background and experience will be an asset to other early childhood professionals. I hope to continue gaining knowledge and experiences that will help me stand firm on my platform of leadership and advocacy for early learning, helping to strengthen families and our communities by stabilizing the workforce.

I was inspired to apply for the Board after being strongly encouraged to do so by other early learning advocates during this year’s Children’s Week. This was the first time in my 30 years as an Early Childhood professional that I had experienced such an inspiring, impactful, and meaningful event centered around the children of our fabulous state. It truly inspired me and amplified the fire I have inside to advocate for change.