Please welcome the two newest members of our team, Darlene Spano and Becca Mysels. Darlene will serve as the Education Director. She grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio when she was 16. Darlene and her husband moved to Naples in 1978, a week after her wedding and has lived here ever since. She has been married for 43 years and has 3 sons and four grandchildren. She has her Directors credential as well as a Bachelors degree in education and is certified in early childhood. She has worked for Collier County Public schools for 35 years and recently retired. Thirty of those years she taught Kindergarten in 4 schools. Darlene is a seasoned educator who understands the challenges early learners face and the knowledge of how to motivate children to achieve success. She is a passionate about the work she does and creates an educational environment where students love to learn and values a team approach to develop educational results. Darlene says, “I love children and look forward to getting to know all of you as we work together to make a difference for the children at Fun Time Academy.”

 

Becca Mysels is our new Parent Education and Special Projects Coordinator. She was born and raised here in Naples, Florida. She attended Shadowlawn Elementary, East Naples Middle School, and Lely High School. Becca has 8 years of experience in education. She earned her Bachelors degree in Special Education and a Masters degree in Early Childhood from the University of Florida. She formerly taught PK for 2 years and kindergarten for 5 years. She has written grants, led the family and community outreach team, and hosted SEEDS and the PK for violin in her classroom when she was a head start teacher. She was an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Inclusion teacher and provided accommodations to students with varying abilities and special needs. She is excited for this new opportunity and is looking forward to her new role. She is excited to start working with families and volunteers.