The VPK Staff

---

I'm Ms. Donna and I have lived in the Venice/Engelwood area for over 45 years.  I am originally from Buffalo, NY.

My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and we have two children; Daniel and Nick.  Both of our sons live locally.  I have three grandchildren who are my world.

I love boating, the beach, going to the movies and reading.

I started working here in 1992.  I have worked with every age group but have been with VPK since 2005.  VPK is my favorite age to teach.  The children learn so much and it is very exciting to see them grow as they prepare for Kindergarten.  Thank you for sharing your children with us.  Let the learning begin!

 Hello! My name is Mrs. Mitzi Mejia and I can’t wait to be your child’s VPK teacher! So let me tell you a little about myself! 

I was born on August 29, 1993 in San Juan Tepecoculco, Mexico and raised in Florida. While in High School I also attended SCTI and I got my C.C in Culinary. I was a chef for 8 years. Although I still love cooking, I had a change of heart in my career choice. After closing the door on my cooking career and wondering what the next step was, I came across an ad for a teacher’s aide. To be honest the first day was so tough it made me reconsider everything, but by the evening I was looking up information about child care. I researched the latest tips and positive ways to help children with different challenges and unique personalities. By the end of the week I was really liking this new career choice. As a teacher’s aide, I got my 45hrs and started working with a preschool center. By the year 2020 I started my tuition at Suncoast Technical College and received my CDA in 2021. These courses helped me become a better teacher and I look forward to continuing my career in child education.  

Hi! My name is Miss Kelly. I am super excited to work with your children this year. A quick background of me. I was born and raised in upstate New York. I lived there for 42 years where I finally decided to move here to Florida to be closer to my parents in 2021. I have 4 children Nick (19), Jacob (17), Haylee (8), and Elena (5). They sure keep me busy. I have a background in physical therapy assistant as well as an Early Childhood Education degree. I have worked with children up to geriatric when I was practicing. I have special education background with an emphasis on autism and spectrum disorders. I sing with the praise team for our contemporary service here at Englewood United Methodist Church. I enjoy music and art. I look forward to an exciting year learning and growing with your children. 

  Hello, My Name is Mrs. Beth. I'm so excited to be working with your children this year! I'm Miss Beth and I've been working in childcare for 6 years. I worked with 2 year old the majority of the time and have subbed in vpk throughout the years. I have two daughters Kylie who is 13 and in the 7th grade, and Kaitlyn who is 9 and in the 4th grade. I also have two stepsons Josh who is 20 and Nick who is 18. We love going camping and spending time with family. I am also a girl scout leader of two multi level troops ranging from 4th grade to 10th grade. I am looking forward to the adventure we are going to have this year and watching your children grow and learn as they prepare for kindergarten.

Ms. Mikayla- Assistant 

Ms. Mikayla returns to us after a short leave, and goes right back to where she was. She has a love for VPK and does a wonderful job with the kids and teachers. Mikayla has a daughter and a soon to be husband! We are so excited to have her back with us and we can not wait to see her blossom again with our VPK classes!