Hello to all my parents out there. As many of you know I have not always been in childcare. I have previously been in corporate management predominantly working with staff/employee development for many years before finding what I believe is my true calling. In 2003, I took a position working with Headstart and believe me it was rough and tough and everything else in between. But I found my niche. I found that I was naturally good at it.
I have three basic goals with Children’s Nest:

• To be able to give parents, the confidence and self-assurance that you are leaving your children with family.
• To ensure that your child has the self-esteem, resilience and knowledge to know that they can be whomever they choose to be and it is not predestined by society.
• To encourage professional and personal growth amongst my staff.

I am very grateful that you have entrusted your most precious treasures to Children’s Nest. Teaching is one of the most complicated jobs today. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, curriculum and standards. Our goal is to enthuse and fill every child with a lover for learning.

Hello! My name is Ms. Ashley and I love kids, I have 3 of my own so trust me when I say I will love and care for your children as if they were my own. I love orchids and all things purple. I’ve had the pleasure of working in a few classroom settings such as Pre-K, Second and 8th grade. I’m pretty strong willed. Cancer survivor, been in remission for 21 years now. I want to believe I survived so that I could help shape and educate all the kids I’ve taught and have yet to teach. It’s been a pleasure meeting the parents of my littles and to future parents, I can’t wait to meet you.

Hello, my name is Rosa, and I am a preschool teacher in the toddler classroom. I am from Peru and am also a physical therapist who has taken early stimulation courses. I am dedicated to improving my English skills to connect better with children and families. I am passionate about nurturing young minds and helping them grow. I believe every child is unique, with their own learning style and pace. I’m excited to be part of your child’s learning journey and to create a caring, stimulating environment where they can thrive.

Hello, I’m Samantha Freels, born on July 23, 1986, in Kissimmee, Florida. I moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area 18 years ago and have been with my husband for 20 years. We enjoy going on adventures and exploring what the world has to offer. I have 18 years of childcare experience, working with all age groups from newborns to 12 years old, with my greatest expertise in toddlers. I’ve also worked as a cook, driven the transportation bus, and held roles in the restaurant industry as a server, bartender, and Kitchen Manager. I look forward to teaching your child and creating a warm, engaging environment for them every day.

Hello! My name is Ms. Kayla, and I’ve been with Children’s Nest for almost 3 years, with a short break in between. I have worked with children for about 5 years, from infants to fifth grade. I am currently enrolled at SCF, working toward my goal of becoming an engineer while caring for your sweet children. I have one daughter, Naomi, who is my world. I am also starting a course to obtain my CDA to strengthen my classroom skills. I am grateful to be part of the Children’s Nest family and for the trust parents place in me.

Hello, I am Ms. Katalina and the toddler teacher. I am married and have one daughter here and my older son in my country. My daughter went to Children’s Nest and now I am a teacher here. I have been working on learning not just English but how to become the best toddler teacher there can be. I love working with the little ones. I become both their mommy as well their teacher. I have learned so much about working with your little ones in almost a year. I am always happy to help with any questions or suggestions. I cannot wait to have your little one in my class.

My name is Ms. Debbie. I have been with Children’s Nest since 2022. I moved to Florida in 1987 after living all over the country. I am married and have 1 son whom I am very proud of. Working with children is one of the most rewarding careers there is and working at Children’s Nest which is a learning center and not just a daycare is even better. Watching children grow both physically and mentally fills me with pride and joy. It is very difficult seeing them leave us but we know that we have done our best to prepare them for their future. And one day they might just bring their children to Children’s Nest of Manatee.

Hello! My name is Mr. Greg and I cook the food for the children. I was born in Los Angeles and served in the army for 4 years. I went to USF and received my bachelors in Psychology and masters in Linguistics. I substituted in Manatee County as well as taught over seas. Mrs. Johnston and I have been married for 26 years and counting. We have have 4 kids: Jereme, 25, our oldest, is a 1st LT in the army; Silas, 20, is working and currently enrolling at SCF; Halleigh, 16, is a junior in high school at SCFCS taking college classes and Zechariah, 15, is a freshman in high school at SCFCS. In my pastime I enjoy cooking, reading, and spending time with my kids.

I’m Halleigh Johnston. I’m the daughter of Mariela and Greg Johnston. I’ve grown up surrounded by the preschool, so it is only natural that I come by to help when needed. I have previously been a tutor for the pre-kindergartners and a floater throughout the classrooms. I’m always a phone call (or yell) away from my mom. I handled many of the administrative duties as well as many of the techie responsibilities. Currently, I am a sophomore at USF majoring in chemistry and public health. I hope through my education that I am able to work in the public health sector.

Hello, my name is Ms. Marisol. I have been teaching for 18 years. I took Early Childhood Education while in high school and fell in love with the children and the field. I am thrilled to be at Children’s Nest where I have been working now for 3 plus years. I have experience with all ages. I found that I love working with children and would not have it any other way!
I have a 20-year-old daughter that I love to the moon and back. She is now in her 2nd year in college. My favorite color is green and one of my favorite hobbies is art. It takes a big heart to shape little minds.

Hello parents, my name is Rosana Cress or Mrs. Cress! I have three beautiful children, two in high school and the oldest is about to graduate college as an elementary school teacher. I have been working in childcare for the last 15 years as a teacher and a director. I retired about 3 years ago and continue to go in and assist at Children’s Nest. Ms. Rosana Cress recently opened up her own preschool, Children’s Nest 2, at 600 7th Ave West, Palmetto, Florida. If you wish to contact her, her contact number is 941-479-7789. She accepts ages from infants to VPK. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in the Palmetto area!