MEET THE TEAM
Marni Fuente
813-259-6415
Marni Fuente has over 16 years of experience in grants development and management, early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice and assessment, teacher education and training as well as lecturing and consulting. During her tenure at Hillsborough Community College, Marni has secured and managed over $5M in grant funding to help cultivate innovative childhood education programs that provide targeted early literacy intervention, multi-generational literacy approaches, materials to strengthen the home-school connection and professional development to child care providers and families in Hillsborough County. In addition, she teaches college level courses in the early childhood departments at both HCC and Nova Southeastern University and is a certified trainer in multiple assessment tools. Her graduate degrees include an M.S. in Child Development and Education and an Ed. S. in Early Childhood Development with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. Marni has also consulted and collaborated on many state and local initiatives including the United Way’s Early Learning Campaign, Helios Early Childhood Education Theory of Change, Early Learning Community Conversation – 2K – Get in the Race and she is affiliated with several early childhood professional organizations (NAEYC, AACC, Zero to Three, NEA).
Denise Pullano
813-259-6474
Denise Pullano has over fifteen years of experience in early childhood education. Denise has a B.A. in Marketing from Florida State University and a permanent staff credential (C.D.A.) from Hillsborough Community College. She has worked for the Children’s Board as a consultant, conducting early learning assessments such as the Kaufman Survey of Early Academic and Language Skills (K-SEALS) and the Early Literacy Skills Assessment (ELSA). Denise also served as a monitor for the VPK Program in Hillsborough County. For the past 13 years, Denise has been working for HCC as an Early Childhood Specialist and Trainer. She provides on-site support and county-wide training to early childhood teachers in developmentally appropriate practices with a focus on early literacy and social-emotional strategies. Denise has also taught early childhood classes for the Early Childhood Professional Certification Program at HCC.
Laura Villalobos
813-259-6555
Laura Villalobos is a dynamic communication professional with a passion for community engagement. She earned her B.A. in Communication from The University of Tampa in 2014, where she first honed her skills in social media management while working with a local small business. During this time, she also expanded her creative portfolio as a photographer with Lifetouch Preschool Portraits. Laura’s career trajectory took a pivotal turn when she joined myON, where she led efforts to promote a countywide literacy campaign in partnership with multiple community organizations in Hillsborough County. This experience sharpened her expertise in public relations, community outreach, and digital marketing strategies. In 2016, Laura furthered her education with an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University. She thrives on immersing herself in projects that align with her passions and is driven by a deep commitment to overcoming challenges. Her determination is rooted in her family’s immigrant experience, which instilled in her a profound respect for hard work and perseverance. Currently, Laura contributes her skills and dedication to the Early Childhood Department at Hillsborough Community College, where she works across several programs, including CALM, ELM, and QEES, to foster growth and development in the early childhood community.
Kellie Hales
813-259-6456
Kellie Hales has been a literacy coach with Early Literacy Matters (ELM) for eight years. She has worked in early childhood education over 30 years as a teacher and administrator. She obtained 20 credits in Human Services from Elon College in North Carolina and obtained her C.D.A. and Director’s Credential from Hillsborough Community College in 2009. Kellie has an A.S. in Early Childhood from Hillsborough Community College and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the State College of Florida. Kellie served as the Director of the Lowry Park Zoo Preschool for six years. During that period, she wrote and received a grant for a nature playground, developed a science-based curriculum and hosted the Hillsborough Community College Early Childhood Professional Credential (ECPC) program. Prior to her move to Florida, Kellie created the “Planet Earth Science Club,” a private program for preschoolers that brought animals into the classroom to enrich children’s knowledge about earth and our co-existence with its animals. Kellie’s passion remains teaching children to value our earth, our environment and its animals through literacy activities.
Natasha Williams
813-259-6595
Natasha Williams has over 16 years of experience in the early childhood education field. She began her studies in business and marketing at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada and finished with an A.S. degree in Early Childhood Education from Hillsborough Community College in 2015. She holds a staff credential (C.D.A.) from Nova Southeastern University. The transition from business to early education occurred in 2001 when Natasha, who had worked in retail, was offered a preschool teacher position in a private school in Brandon, FL. She realized immediately that her true passion is working closely with children and families, building strong relationships and home-school connections to ensure optimal child development and learning. In successive years, she became a lead VPK teacher and ultimately a Preschool Specialist—overseeing curriculum and activities center-wide while teaching a VPK class of her own—at a private preschool in South Tampa. Natasha has been working as a Literacy Specialist for Early Literacy Matters (ELM) where she has provided on-site support to early childhood teachers and has delivered weekly small group literacy intervention to “at risk” three and four year-old children.
Sue Dye
813-253-7379
Sue Dye is a passionate educator and advocate for early learning. Sue has an A.A. from the University of Florida and a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. With her previous teaching experience as a kindergarten and first grade teacher, she understands all of the duties associated with administration and management of the classroom; preparation of lesson plans, securing resources, motivation of students, evaluation and monitoring of progress, interaction with administrators and working with other teachers. At ELM, Sue holds the Early Literacy Trainer & Special Projects position in which she teaches preschool aged children in under-served communities early literacy strategies (print concepts, alphabetic principal, phonological awareness and comprehension). She enjoys creating and implementing tools or books to enhance and support each child care center’s curriculum as well as the use of songs, poems and finger play to support a literacy rich environment in each classroom.
Rachel Kummelman
813-253-7071
Rachel Kummelman has over 10 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education. She graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2018 with her B.S in Child and Youth Studies. She has always had a passion for working with young children as she started her career working for the YMCA in their summer camp program for at risk youth. Throughout college, she taught VPK full time as well as supervised the curriculum for her childcare center. She is dedicated to enriching the lives of children, families and educators through her advocacy of diversity and inclusion. Currently, she serves as a Literacy Coach for Early Literacy Matters (ELM) where she prepares young children for Kindergarten in under-served communities throughout Hillsborough County. Additionally, she trains early childhood educators in our county-wide trainings and coordinates community outreach events for our organization.
Jourdain Cole
813-253-7389
Jourdain is a recent graduate from the University of Florida’s (UF) College of Agriculture and Life Science with a B.S. in Family, Youth, and Community Science. She also obtained a specialization in Nonprofit Management and a Minor in Communication Studies. Throughout her time at UF Jourdain developed a passion for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and began to apply her knowledge to all other areas of involvement. She participated in an organization at the UF where she worked directly with children and family ambassadors from the local children’s hospital. Jourdain also worked for an afterschool program in Gainesville that focused on character development and early literacy skills. Although quite different, interacting with children and families from both areas taught Jourdain lessons in compassion, effective listening, and kindness. Jourdain comes back to the CALM and ELM team after an earlier summer internship and is eager to continue to learn and grow. Her passion for early childhood development and the principles of Conscious Discipline® makes this position with QEES a dream job!
Naomi Rivera
813-253-7443
Naomi Rivera joins the Quality Early Education System (QEES) team as a Grants Communication Specialist and Early Childhood Trainer. She has over 20 years of experience in the field of early childhood education and because of this she places a high value on quality early education. As a former lead preschool teacher, Naomi has extensive experience in planning and implementing various activities that promote the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth in children using interactive teaching and play based learning methods. Her passion for educating young children led her to complete an Associate of Science in Early Childhood Management through Hillsborough Community College (HCC). She has also served as an intern at HCC for Early Literacy Matters (ELM), Conscious Awareness Learning Model (CALM), and Quality Early Education System (QEES) programs where she worked closely with the coaches and saw the positive impact they were making in the lives of preschool teachers and childcare centers in the community. As part of the QEES family Naomi is able to share her experience and passion with others, working towards a common goal of improving the quality of early education and childcare programs.
Paige Gibbs
813-259-6432
Paige received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Georgia Southern University and has over 13 years experience as a classroom teacher. She earned a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tampa where Social Emotional Learning (SEL) was the theme of the graduate program including collaborative research. Most recently, Paige taught Early Education classes at UT, preparing teachers for their future classrooms. In addition, she has instructed and supported numerous elementary students throughout the last five years and found that creating relationships with children allows learning to become a more relaxed and positive experience. Paige is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the CALM and ELM programs.
Yaritza Serrano
813-253-6458
Yaritza Serrano has over 4 years of experience working in the education field. She began her studies at Hillsborough Community College where she got her associate degree in Liberal Arts and continued her education at the University of South Florida receiving a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in educational foundations. Throughout college, Yaritza worked for the Hillsborough County Public Schools after care program, HOST, and served as a teacher intern at Cimino Elementary School. She also interned at Hillsborough Community College with the Quality Early Education System (QEES), Early Literacy Matters (ELM) and the Conscious Awareness Learning Model (CALM). These experiences of assisting teachers and children throughout the county developed her passion for early childhood and the education field. Yaritza found her home with HCC and QEES as an Early Childhood Trainer & Special Projects where she gets to fulfill her passion of helping teachers throughout Hillsborough County grow as instructors.
Chloe Bogdajewicz
813-259-6412
Chloe has over 5 years of experience in the field of education. She graduated from Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master's in Curriculum and Design. With her previous experience as a first-grade teacher in Hillsborough County, Chloe understands the importance of a well-prepared lesson that incorporates social-emotional learning to set students up for success even after they leave the classroom. Throughout her time at FSU, Chloe interned at many schools in the Tallahassee area and worked as a social media content creator for the Florida State University Office of Faculty Development. Chloe has always been passionate about teaching and creating a positive learning environment for students and educators. She brings her valuable skills to the CALM and ELM team as an Early Childhood Specialist.
Haley Janeda
813-253-7139
Haley Janeda is a curious, energetic, and enthusiastic individual who is also a passionate advocate for children. This passion is demonstrated by her non-profit work at Champions for Children where she spent 5 years educating children about child abuse, bullying, personal safety, and racism. She also worked in Early Childhood Comprehensive services preparing children for Kindergarten and has volunteered at Boys & Girls Clubs to help at-risk youngsters. Haley is a graduate from the University of South Florida with a degree in Theatre Performance. She is a fast learner, with a keen sense of humor and an indomitable work ethic. She brings her considerable skills to the CALM and ELM team as an Early Childhood Specialist.
TreBora Morales
TreBora Morales is an 11-year Army veteran, educator, and community advocate. Born and raised in East Tampa, she dedicates her time to supporting inner-city neighborhoods, helping others overcome challenges like those she once faced. While still a senior at Brandon High School, TreBora joined the Army National Guard and went on to serve as a Non-Commissioned Officer. During her service, she began her post-secondary studies at Hillsborough Community College before transferring to the University of South Florida, where she earned a B.A. in Long-Term Care Administration, a B.S. in Health Sciences, and an M.A. in Sustainable Business. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Sustainability Education at Prescott College, focusing her research on helping Black Americans confront fears and traumas that hinder deeper connections with nature. An avid paddleboarder, fisher, hiker, and birdwatcher, TreBora has witnessed firsthand the disparities in outdoor recreation. As a lifelong learner of the natural world, she takes joy in guiding young learners to develop reverence for the environment. TreBora is also the proud parent of two elementary-aged boys, one of whom has an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Her parenting journey inspired her training in early literacy as a foundation for lifelong learning and development. Since 2021, she has worked at Hillsborough Community College, and in 2024 she joined the Early Childhood Department, where she integrates literacy and sustainability into early learning experiences with the Early Literacy Matters program.
Carmen Jones
Carmen Jones is a proud Double Gator and recent graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Her passion for working with children began in 2021 when she served as an ESE/ASD paraprofessional at a school for children with special needs. In this role, she collaborated closely with therapists to create supportive, individualized learning environments tailored to each child’s unique needs. She also developed and led engaging activities that fostered fine motor development and encouraged self-expression. Throughout her graduate studies, Carmen remained committed to inclusive education and community engagement, focusing her academic projects on promoting awareness and support for children with diverse needs. She is excited to continue giving back to the Tampa Bay area, the community where she was raised, by supporting early childhood programs and strengthening partnerships across the field. Currently, Carmen works directly with family child care homes throughout Hillsborough County, offering early language and literacy resources, coaching, and professional development to help providers create high-quality learning environments for young children.
Jennifer Rivera
Jennifer Rivera is a dedicated Speech-Language Therapist with broad experience supporting individuals across the lifespan in homes, schools, and clinical settings. Her path in human services began with internships in domestic violence agencies, childcare centers, and community programs, leading to an associate’s degree in counseling and human services from Hillsborough Community College (HCC). Inspired by her early work, she developed a passion for supporting children and families, especially those navigating developmental disabilities. She earned her bachelor’s in communication sciences and disorders from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in 2016, while also exploring her love for performance arts, circus arts, yoga, and gymnastics. Jennifer has served as a case manager, speech therapist, family resource specialist, and inclusion support specialist, and is certified as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist through University of South Florida’s (USF) Early Steps Program. A single mother and passionate advocate, Jennifer blends her clinical skills and creative interests to build holistic, engaging support systems for children and families. She currently serves on the board of the Purple Playas Foundation and contributes to the ELM program at HCC as an early childhood trainer and coach providing early literacy intervention at family child care homes countywide.
Melinda Adams
Melinda Adams brings over two decades of experience in education, working with learners ranging from preschoolers to college students. She earned her B.S. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Florida Southern College, followed by an M.S. in Educational Leadership. After teaching kindergarten and first grade, she went on to complete her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with a cognate in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Florida. Throughout her career, Melinda has taught in the School of Education at the University of South Florida, the University of Tampa, and Hillsborough Community College, where she prepared future educators with a strong foundation in child development and instructional practices. Her professional passions include early literacy, play-based learning, developmentally appropriate practices, and children’s literature. Melinda is excited to bring her knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of teaching to the QEES team, where she looks forward to supporting both educators and the young children they serve.