My name is Ms. Gina Wells. 16 years ago I started my teaching journey in the public school system. I taught grades Pre-K through 2nd, spending several years teaching multi-age reading. After 9 years of teaching I switched my focus from educating others to raising my three children.

During that time we explored several educational options. I homeschooled my own littles for a while, we also tried a few of the public and charter schools, but I still desired something more for them.

Several friends mentioned The Magnolia Schoolhouse, sharing all it had to offer.  Intrigued by the stories I heard of The Magnolia Schoolhouse, I decided to schedule a visit and see the magic with my own eyes.  While touring The Magnolia Schoolhouse I fell in love with the principles, the teaching philosophies, the idea of creating a child centered learning environment and felt the peace and tranquility that came with being in the learning environment and on the campus. I was not only eager to enroll my children in the enriching program but was excited to become one of the Lead Educators myself.

Working with the staff, learners and families at The Magnolia Schoolhouse has been such a rewarding experience. Each day our Learners run into school, smiling and giggling, excited to begin their day. Their love for school, learning and for their school family makes each day special and fulfilling. Together we garden, raise and care for animals, paint, create, play, read, chat, problem solve and learn. Learners are invited to “Grow Their Brains” using playful, hands-on activities that meet each child where they are academically, emotionally and socially. As a team, we focus on developing the whole child and through the children, the educators also grow.

As an Educational Guide, I am grateful to work with a team that is encouraging, supportive and understanding. The program focuses on the child and considers every facet of life. The energy is always positive and upbeat, which makes each of us feel excited to be part of her initiative. All of the Educational Guides are made to feel like an important part of The Magnolia Schoolhouse and vital members of the team. My children and I love the time we spend at The Magnolia Schoolhouse and are always looking forward to what each day will bring. 

Hi, I’m Ashley! I’m an enthusiastic holistic guide dedicated to nurturing children’s learning and well-being. As a certified yoga teacher and children’s mindfulness instructor, I bring gentleness, presence, and intentionality into each day—whether we’re moving through breathing techniques, exploring math and language through playful games, planting in the garden, or heading out on a nature walk. I guide with warmth and deep respect for each child’s unique path, always encouraging creativity, curiosity, and confidence.

The environment at The Magnolia Schoolhouse is free-flowing and rooted in exploration. Children have access to a wide variety of tools and resources that fuel their curiosity and nurture their skills—from making fresh-squeezed orange juice and baking banana bread, to researching animals, caring for our pet ferrets, and discovering addition through play. Each day, they engage in different workshops like cooking, Spanish, music, and art—building practical skills and expanding their minds in fun, hands-on ways. It’s a space that honors independence and invites children to learn in ways that feel joyful, grounded, and meaningful.

Working at The Magnolia Schoolhouse is like being part of something truly aligned. It’s collaborative, creative, and deeply supportive. We trust each other as a team, communicate openly, and co-create meaningful experiences based on what’s best for the children. There’s space here—for new ideas, for honest conversations, for growth as both educators and individuals. It’s a place where I feel valued, inspired, and constantly reminded why I love working with children.

My journey into education has been anything but conventional—and all the more rewarding for it. Long before stepping into a classroom, I was a systems analyst, working with IBM mainframe computers that were large enough to fill an entire room here at the Schoolhouse. It was a career built on precision and logic, but as life unfolded, I discovered an even deeper passion: nurturing young minds.

I spent many years homeschooling my four children—three daughters through eighth grade and my son all the way through high school. Our homeschooling journey was rich and varied, including AP classes, dual enrollment at a community college, homeschool co-ops, and extracurriculars like competitive sailing and debate. Today, my son is a mechanical engineer, and I’m proud to say the path we took truly prepared him for that success.

During those years, I also worked as a tutor with Classical Conversations, where I deepened my appreciation for education. Alongside math, I’ve always had a sincere interest in language and history, and I even taught myself Latin—more for the joy of it than anything else. I believe in the beauty of language, the power of words, and the value of connecting children to their roots through stories and cultural understanding.

Without realizing it at first, I began using a Montessori approach at home—creating my own math manipulatives and encouraging hands-on, child-led learning. That discovery led me to formal classroom teaching, where I taught Algebra I, Geometry, and middle school math. Most recently, I served as a tutor at Mathnasium, helping students build confidence and competence in mathematics.

I believe effective math instruction should always move from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract, ensuring that every child develops a conceptual understanding they can build on for life. To me, mathematics is more than numbers—it is true, useful, and beautiful—and I am passionate about helping learners discover its wonder and clarity.

In addition to academics, I have a strong personal focus on health and nutrition, and I believe in teaching the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. At The Magnolia Schoolhouse, I’m thrilled to support a learning environment that honors curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery; and values wonder, wisdom, and wellness in equal measure.

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and I bring with me a deep appreciation for culture, creativity, and connection. With over seven years of teaching experience—including the past three here in the Sunshine State—I’ve had the privilege of working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade, across both general and special education settings.

I am a bilingual, state-certified Drama teacher with a passion for interdisciplinary learning. Throughout my career, I’ve taught a variety of subjects including Language Arts, Writing Workshops, History, Biology, and the Fine Arts—Theatre, Music, and Visual Arts. I love to design lessons that think outside the box, often incorporating creative thinking, play-based learning, Grotowski’s Poor Theatre, and environmentally conscious art.

Outside of the classroom, I find joy in my artistic pursuits—singing, painting, and gardening—which often inspire and inform my work as an educator.

Working at The Magnolia Schoolhouse has been an incredibly enriching experience. It has allowed me to grow professionally while staying true to my educational philosophy: that learning should be rooted in meaningful, hands-on experiences that honor the whole child. I’m proud to be part of a nonprofit community that puts family first and fosters both academic challenge and personal growth.

I go by Mr. Gerald at The Magnolia Schoolhouse. I’m a lifelong educator with decades of experience teaching chemistry at both the high school and college levels. Over the course of my career, I’ve taught AP and college-level chemistry in a range of environments—from independent schools in Florida, California, and Texas to international classrooms in Switzerland, Greece, and England. My journey in education has been as expansive as it has been fulfilling, and I was honored to receive the Kenneth E. Behring Teacher of the Year Award—an accolade given by students, peers, and administrators.

At The Magnolia Schoolhouse, I now work with students who are ready for deeper academic exploration, guiding them through complex ideas in a way that honors their natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. Though I’ve spent much of my life teaching older students, working with children in the elementary years has brought an unexpected joy and vibrancy to my life. There’s something incredibly meaningful about engaging young minds in hands-on learning and witnessing their growth in a nurturing, thoughtful environment.

Being part of The Magnolia Schoolhouse community is a joy. It’s a place where learning is alive, creativity is encouraged, and every day I am there feels like an opportunity to inspire and be inspired.

My academic journey took a pivotal turn during my sophomore year at Niagara
University. Initially enrolled in the School of Pre-Med, I immersed myself in the
challenging disciplines of chemistry, biology, and physics. However, the prospect of embarking on a career in medicine—facing years of further exams, residency, and practice—left me reconsidering my path. Despite my decision not to pursue medicine, I was determined not to let my scientific studies go to waste, leading me to the field of education.

I graduated from Niagara University in New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree and
later earned my Master of Science degree from the University of New York at Buffalo
State. My passion for teaching was ignited during my time at Buffalo State, where I
began teaching Biology in the Hamburg Central School District in New York.

Over the course of sixteen rewarding years, I honed my skills as an educator and found immense fulfillment in shaping the minds of young learners. Following my tenure as a teacher, I transitioned into educational leadership. I served as an Assistant Principal in the Lancaster School District in New York for four years, where I developed a deeper understanding of school administration and leadership.

This experience prepared me for my next role as Principal at Maple Grove in the Bemus Point School District, also in New York. Over thirteen impactful years in this position, I dedicated myself to fostering a supportive and thriving academic environment for students and staff alike.

Through these various roles, including my current role at The Magnolia Schoolhouse, my journey in education has been one of growth, challenge, and fulfillment; A testament to the profound influence of a career dedicated to learning and leadership.

Bio Coming Soon

For over two decades, I’ve had the joy and privilege of working as a chef, educator, television personality, consultant, and philanthropist. My journey with food began in my childhood on Long Island, where I was raised by an Italian mother and Puerto Rican father. I spent my early years learning to garden and cook alongside my grandparents, who taught me the value of fresh, seasonal ingredients and the joy of sharing a meal made with love.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, I trained in some of New York City’s most celebrated restaurants, including The “21” Club, La Grenouille, and Rocking Horse Café Mexicano. I also had the honor of studying with culinary icons like Diana Kennedy and Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, deepening my knowledge of traditional and haute Mexican cuisine. This hands-on experience—paired with my creative, outside-the-box approach to cooking—led me to open my own restaurant, Sueños, in New York City in 2003. Sueños received national acclaim, and I was deeply honored by the recognition from The New York Times, Vogue, and Food & Wine, among others.

While I’m proud of my restaurant career, becoming a mother reshaped my path. In 2014, I stepped away from the restaurant world to focus on family and start my own consulting and catering business. Since then, I’ve helped launch several successful restaurants in both New York and Florida, all while appearing on shows like Iron Chef America, Top Chef Masters, and Chopped, sharing my love for food and culture with a wider audience.

But the most rewarding part of my journey has been teaching—especially in community and school settings. I’ve always believed that meaningful food education begins with connection. That’s why I was honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for my role in the Chefs Move to Schools initiative. I’ve led cooking classes for children and adults, mentored aspiring chefs, and supported causes close to my heart, from childhood nutrition to breast cancer awareness.

At The Magnolia Schoolhouse, I bring my passion for holistic, hands-on learning into every lesson. Whether I’m teaching culinary arts, nutrition, or creative food workshops, I strive to help children explore their creativity, build confidence, and understand the powerful role food plays in our lives, families, and cultures. I truly believe that education should be full of rich, sensory experiences—and there’s no better classroom than the kitchen.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon

Throughout my life, I’ve worn many hats — ship captain, general contractor, landlord, bank manager, and owner of a central monitoring station. Yet through every chapter, music has remained my true and constant passion.

Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As children, my siblings and I formed our own band, encouraged every step of the way by our parents. I studied vocals at Carnegie Hall in New York City and toured the country singing backup for the legendary Sammy Kaye. I also sang in school choirs and played trumpet, guitar, and piano.

But some of my most cherished musical memories come from performing with my family band as an adult. Joined by my brothers, sister, cousins, and close friends, we became one of New York’s premier wedding bands, performing live every weekend for more than 20 years. Even as DJs rose in popularity, I continued to bring live music to venues and restaurants throughout New York City.

Over the years, I’ve also shared my love of music through teaching — giving voice, guitar, and piano lessons to children and adults, and offering music education in schools.

Today, it brings me great joy to share that lifelong love with the children of The Magnolia Schoolhouse. Whether watching the youngest students sing with uninhibited confidence or guiding older children as they learn to read music and play the wooden flute or guitar, I am continually inspired. And best of all, I still get to make music with my family, working with my daughter and teaching my grandson.

My name is Jazmin LeFevra. My journey as an educator began in Paraguay, where I taught reading and math in community centers supporting children who worked in the streets, an orphanage, and a daycare for underprivileged families. After moving to the United States as an au pair, I began volunteering at my host children’s Spanish immersion preschool in Seattle, WA. By the end of my au pair term, I was honored to be hired as their lead Spanish teacher.

I love learning about cultures and languages, I speak fluently in Spanish, Guarani, Portuguese and English, and I am on my way to speak italian fluently as well. While I’ve always had a passion for language education, I’m equally drawn to social causes. This led me to work as a home visitor and resource provider for a parent-child development program, where I had the privilege of guiding 21 low-income Latino families through a two-year journey of strengthening parent-child connections through interactive, nurturing practices.

Over time, I expanded my work to tutoring both Spanish and English as a second language for learners of all ages. I earned a degree in Human Services, which deepened my commitment to community work. I’ve been involved in projects like building raised garden beds at my local gym and at an IRSC campus, and I continue to host community-based Spanish and English language practice groups.

At The Magnolia Schoolhouse, where I’ve been teaching for two school years, I integrate imagination, play, and song into Spanish lessons. I love the learner-led environment, which encourages curiosity, exploration, and collaboration. It’s a joy to witness how this dynamic approach helps students not only acquire language skills but also apply them meaningfully in their everyday lives.

I’ve had the joy of guiding young children in the field of early childhood education for the past twenty-eight years. My journey began in the classroom as a kindergarten teacher, where I discovered my passion for helping children build strong foundations in reading and writing.

In 2009, I followed that passion and founded Vero Reading Garden. Since then, I’ve been privileged to serve as a reading and writing coach for children across Indian River County. Through private and small-group sessions, I help Learners develop essential literacy skills in a nurturing and engaging environment.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education, along with an Autism Endorsement and a Post Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia. This training, combined with years of hands-on experience, equips me to support learners of varying abilities and needs.

It’s an honor to walk alongside families and support their children’s growth as confident, joyful readers and writers.

Bio Coming Soon

Bio Coming Soon