Meet Our Team

Ms. Jenn is in her 3rd year as Director and her 9th year at Good Shepherd. Before becoming director she spent 16 years in the classroom. She holds her Director's Credential, an Associate's and Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education, and is excited to break ground on the new building this year.

Katy has spent 20+ years in early childhood education and three years at GSLS. She holds her Associate's, Director's Credential, and VPK Credential, and is working toward her Bachelor's in ECE. You'll most often find her in the infant and toddler rooms.

Jess has been part of the Good Shepherd family since she was 4 years old. She attended here from Pre-K through 8th grade. Now in her 13th year on staff, she leads the Chickadees VPK class and became Assistant Director in 2023. She holds her National CDA, Director's Credential, and First Aid/CPR/AED certification.

Starting her 23rd year as Office Manager, Marlene first came to GSLS as a parent in 1995. She and her husband Jerry are Navy veterans; both of their children graduated from GSLS. Her beloved mini-dachshund Daisy wins hearts in the office every day.

A beloved member of the Good Shepherd team.

A dedicated member of the Good Shepherd family.

Miss Amber has been teaching on and off for 11 years, working with ages 6 weeks through grade school. She is a GSLS alum and has worked at Good Shepherd a total of about five and a half years. 'I love seeing our littlest friends learn and develop new skills!'

Nicole joined GSLS in June 2022 and brings 8 years of childcare experience with ages 6 weeks to 4 years. A Sarasota local by way of New York, she has a huge passion for early childhood development and loves watching every baby grow.

New to Good Shepherd this year, Berkley brings 11 years of childcare experience with infants through middle schoolers. She believes every student has a different learning style and each deserves the chance to learn the way they need to.

Ms. Alexis has been part of the Good Shepherd family for almost three years. A new mom herself, she brings a whole new level of love to her teaching. 'My goal is to help each child feel safe, loved, and encouraged.'

In her 3rd year at Good Shepherd and 6th year of teaching overall, Ms. Adrianna holds her Florida Child Care Professional Credential. She comes from a big family and pours that love into her classroom every day.

Miss Patty is in her third year at Good Shepherd. What makes her school day even more special: her daughter Ms. Katy and oldest granddaughter Ms. Alexis are also teachers here. 'Good Shepherd truly feels like family.'

A caring member of the Good Shepherd infant and toddler team.

This is Ms. Shylah's 4th year teaching at Good Shepherd. Mom to four kids, she loves magnatiles, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, play doh, process art, and science experiments. 'In my classroom we love to explore and get creative.'

In her 7th year of teaching and 3rd at Good Shepherd, Ms. Ashley is all about making learning fun through play-based activities and sensory adventures. 'There's always something exciting going on in our classroom!'

Riley has been at Good Shepherd for about 4 years and serves as Ms. Ashley's aide while completing online classes at SCF. 'I'm so excited to be working here again this year.'

Kim has worked at Good Shepherd for about 9 years across every age group. Mom of three daughters and newly a grandmother (Mimi!), she is a devoted Tampa Bay sports fan and Disney devotee.

A Sarasota native, Amy brings nearly 8 years of childcare experience to GSLS. Her son Marcelo is also a student here. 'I feel my role is to create a nurturing, positive environment where children feel safe to explore and learn.'

Originally from New Jersey, Ms. Dee studied Early Childhood Education at Kean University. A proud mom of four. 'It's a joy to be part of their early learning journey.'

New to GSLS this year, Sara Beth brings a love for music, singing, and gaming. 'I love seeing the kids' personalities shine as they grow.'

A dedicated member of the Good Shepherd preschool team.

Ms. Heidi is in her 21st year teaching at Good Shepherd and has been part of the GSLS family since 1998. A passionate early literacy advocate, she loves letting children explore and discover through play.

Chelly holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from East Carolina University and has worked at GSLS since January 2019. This is her 6th year with Ms. Heidi.

Ms. Shannon is honored to start her 6th year as Ms. Jess's aide. Mom to a daughter Peyton and son Maddox (a 1st-degree black belt!), she volunteers with her daughter's prison ministry and loves college football and baking.

In her 3rd year of VPK and 6th year at GSLS, Ms. J is a 2nd-generation Sarasota native. She is big on play learning, sensory exploration, emotional and social skills, and personal responsibility. 'Our classroom is a family.'

A Sarasota native in her 4th year at GSLS and 5th year in VPK. Working toward her Bachelor's in Education, she believes children learn best through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences.