St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center Teaching Staff
Our teachers are degreed and certified in early childhood development, regularly receive intensive training from programs sponsored by state and county agencies, and are committed to providing our children with the necessary skills to succeed in their later academic careers and spiritual journeys.
Nancy M. Gorby - ECC Director
Miss Nancy
Miss Nancy came to St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center as Director in 1997. Her love for children is expressed daily as she hugs and laughs with the children. Miss Nancy and her husband, Bob, have been married for 38 years, and spend their spare time with their four grandchildren. The Gorby's have been active members of St. Ignatius Catholic Church since 1976 and have also been active with the religious education program and the choir. Miss Nancy received her teaching certificate from St. Petersburg Junior College and her administrator's credentials from Pinellas Technical Education Center. Miss Nancy also provides training at the ECA conference in Orlando, and is a trainer in Allergy Awareness throughout Pinellas County. After co-owning a private center for 21 years, Miss Nancy enjoys practicing her faith while working with the children where they are given every opportunity to pray, play, learn, and grow.
Miss Kristin - Receptionist/Administrative Assistant to the Director
Miss Kristin
Miss Kristin and her family have been residents of Tarpon Springs since 1989. She joined our staff in 2003, and all three of her children are graduates of our center. As administrative assistant, Miss Kristin is the front-line of the center and loves working with the staff, parents, and most of all the children who attend the center. Miss Kristin's training includes Pediatric CPR and First Aid, all required in-service training, as well as attending the annual Early Childhood Association Conference.
Miss Carol - Teacher
Blue Room
Miss Carol
Miss Carol received her Associate of Arts in Education from St. Petersburg Junior College, and has been teaching pre-kindergarten since 1986. Miss Carol has taken HRS Child Care Training Courses, Pediatric CPR and First Aid. In addition to this training, Miss Carol has also received NAEYC Training and taken additional classes including Positive Discipline That Works With Young Children and Building A Developmentally Appropriate Preschool Program. Miss Carol maintains and continues her education throughout the year attending in-service training sponsored by state and county agencies, and participates as a trainer at the annual Florida Early Childhood Association conference.
Miss Mary Ellen - Teacher
Blue Room
Miss Mary Ellen
Miss Mary Ellen joined our staff in 1996. During Miss Mary Ellen's time at our center, she has worked for nine years with pre-kindergarten, and one year with the toddlers. Miss Mary Ellen's training includes a Child Development Associate Certificate from Pinellas County Technical Education Center (PTEC), Pediatric CPR and First Aid, all required in-service training, as well as attending the annual Early Childhood Association Conference.
Miss Sharon - Teacher
Orange Room
Miss Sharon
Originally from Pennsylvania, Miss Sharon has been a Tarpon Springs resident for 18 years. Miss Sharon, along with her husband and two children, is a parishioner of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church. Miss Sharon received a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and is currently enrolled at Pinellas Technical Education Center to earn Child Development Associate Certification. Miss Sharon has also received 40 hours of training in child care, Pediatric CPR and First Aid.
Miss Jacqui - Assistant
Orange Room
Miss Jacqui
Miss Jacqui joined us 2007 as the Orange Room assistant. A native Floridian, her husband Eric and four children have been parishioners of St. Igntaius since 1993. Miss Jacqui's youngest child, Allie, is currently a student at ECC, while her other three children Jacob, Michaela, Cory are students at Guardian Angels. Miss Jacqui holds a degree in Elementary Education from FSU, and after teaching in grade school for sever years, she took time to spend with her children.
Miss Lisa - Teacher
Purple Room
Miss Lisa
Miss Lisabeth has an extensive career in education beginning with a degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of South Florida. Throughout college, Miss Lisabeth taught preschool at UPARC Preschool in Clearwater. After graduating college, Miss Lisabeth taught 1st grade at a Catholic school in Ohio and after a few years of staying at home with her own children, purchased the Gigglebytes franchise. Before joining our staff Miss Lisabeth taught Gigglebyte computer classes and 3 of her children are currently enrolled at our center.
Miss Jenni - Assistant
Purple Room
Miss Melissa - Teacher
Green Room
Miss Melissa
Miss Melissa joined our staff in 1999, but began in the preschool field when she was a junior at Tarpon Springs High School. She began working in the preschool at Tarpon High while enrolled in her regular high school courses and then continued her education at St. Petersburg Junior College. She received her Child Development Associate Certification from Pinellas Technical Education Center (PTEC) in 1996 and has continued her education at St. Petersburg College.
Miss Jenn - Assistant
Green Room
Miss Jenn
Originally from upstate New York, Miss Jenn is married and the mother of four children. An active member of St. Ignatius of Antioch Catholic Church, Miss Jennifer also works with the Altar Servers. Miss Jennifer learned of St. Ignatius Early Childhood Center when she enrolled her youngest son at the school. She has been a volunteer and substitute teacher since 2003. She has had training for Pediatric CPR and First Aid and is currently enrolled at Pinellas Technical Education Center (PTEC) to earn Child Development Associate Certification.
