Barbara Twachtman
Center Director
I am blessed to have been married to the most wonderful man for 44 years.
We have 2 children and 2 adorable grandchildren. I've been working here at Park Lake since July 2019, but served as director for 19 years at Aloma ECLC. And before that I was a Music and Movement teacher at Aloma for 5 years.
I have a BS in Sociology from Asbury University. And my Child Development Associate's degree from South Seminole College.
I like to say that I'm the "Grandma" of the school because I get to go play with the children, rile them up and then give them back and return to my "quiet" office (which sits right next to the infant room, so not quiet at all!). Being in childcare has been such a wonderful experience for me and I truly enjoy it!!
Renea Riley
Curriculum Director
I remember it like it was yesterday, I walked into Park Lake to see if they were hiring. Little did I know, from that point on Park Lake would be the place I call my second home. In the twenty-two years I have been here. I had two beautiful daughters that are now Park Lake alumni. I received my directors credential, which I've had for 7 years now. I finished my associate's degree and now I am currently working on my bachelor's degree in early childhood leadership. I love my job and making a difference in the lives of the children that attend Park Lake is my true passion.
Infant Teachers
Monica Cardenas Lugo
My name is Monica. I was born in Columbia. I used to work with premature babies in my home country and I really love it. I had just moved here to the United States when I found the school and felt that it was my calling to work with kids again. I am the mother of two kids and grandmother of two sweet children. I consider myself a patient, good listener, friendly and generous person. My hobbies are going to the movies, learning new things, going to museums and on nature walks. My favorite holiday is Christmas and I love to watch birds and the sky.
Carmen LeGrand
.Everyone calls me Mimi and the most important thing for me is to transmit love and provide the feeling of security when mom and dad are not there. I have two years degree in social work and four years of experience working with children.
Courtney Smith
My name is Courtney, and I am excited to be a part of the team! I have been in childcare for seven years. My goal is to continue taking training courses and be a lead teacher in the future. I am also a mother of two. I love God and enjoy being a part of a Christian based center.
Maria Lennox
I'm a retired Army wife widow. I have my C.D.A. as well as many hours of early childhood training classes that have spanned over 20 years.​ My early childhood training started with the U.S. Army.​ I love to read, go to the movies, watch sports, enjoy a latte now and then. I like dark chocolate and
my favorite color is blue.​ I'm blessed to be at Park Lake working with young children. They are my passion!!
Toddler Teachers
Davi Eden
I have been working in childcare since 2005 and at Park Lake since 2008. I have a national CDA for infants and toddlers.​ I enjoy working with children and watching them grow and change. I enjoy the toddler room the most because you get to watch them grow from needing lots of help to becoming little independent people.​I am married and have 3 boys of my own.
Lisa Austin
I have been working as a childcare teacher for over 20 years and enjoy teaching all ages. I have two sons who are now adults and have grown and left the nest! I have worked here at Park Lake for five years and work part time at First Church downtown. I teach Sunday school there and work in the nursery when needed.
Sierra Grover
My name is Sierra. I worked with one-year-olds at my previous center before arriving at Park Lake. I’ve always loved being around kids because of their imagination and silliness. I have a creative imagination as well, which is why I believe I do well working with kids. Although I am working in daycare, I am not quite sure what I want to do but I do have an idea. I feel very passionate for the children who have suffered or are suffering in this world. I want to work with children who were or are victims of abuse, neglect, or trauma. I believe it is up to us to help them to be the best version of themselves that they can by being the best we can and giving them love.
Tiara Poleon
I have been teaching in early childhood education for ten plus years, working with children aged infancy to VPK. I have a variety of certifications including safety, trauma, and special needs. I have my CDA, and I am currently a degree in applied behavior therapy, with a minor focus on counseling. I have been married for over ten years and going strong. We have a beautiful little girl who is our heart and soul. Park Lake Presbyterian Childcare Center is where I started my early childhood profession. I am very happy to be back and to be given the opportunity to work with new families.
Two-Year-Old Teachers
Ronesha Lowman
My name is Ronesha. I am from Orlando. I am an auntie to thirteen, six nieces and seven nephews. I am the last child and my most current dream is to get my LPN license so I can work back in the healthcare field again, taking care of kids and occasionally elders. Working at Park Lake is helping me to reach my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
Maree Lennox
I started working in childcare when I was thirty-four. I had never worked with children before that. I fell in love with it and when I came to Park Lake, I stayed for seven years. I did venture out for about two years, but I made my way back because I missed what I used to do. I love to watch each, and every child grow into big boys and girls.
Sanova Mobley
I have worked in childcare for three years. At my previous job I worked in the toddler and three-year-old class. I graduated from UCF with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I would like to pursue that field in the future; however, I do have a passion for working with children and envision myself eventually working in child advocacy. I enjoy painting, crafting, and spending time with my family.
Errickana Dorsey
I am happy to say that I have found great opportunities to work with the children and staff here at Park Lake. I'm so grateful to have a school family. I look forward every morning to come to work with the children. One of my goals is to finish up my credential and to become the best teacher I can be. I am also working towards my goal of getting my CDA and maybe a director's credential someday. Teaching is a never-ending experience and I'm happy to be a part of Park Lake.
Three-Year-Old Teachers
Quanesha White
I have been working with kids for more than a decade now. I love working with ages 3 - 5 years old. My favorite thing is to see all the individual personalities develop over the years.
I am the mother of two beautiful children. In my spare time, I love to play with her. I also love to read, cook, paint, dance and do arts & crafts.
Joanne Perez
Joanne Perez
I have 2 children and have been a preschool teacher for 22 years and handled Pre-Kinder and Kinder classes. I have dedicated myself to teaching children.​ in April 2017, my family and immigrated to the United States. I love sharing my talents and knowledge with the children in this country!
Four-Year-Old Teachers
Ana Ortez
I was born in Nicaragua and left my country due to civil war.
We moved to Costa Rica when I was 13, where I finished high school and got engaged to my childhood sweetheart. We were married in Canada, where I went to Community College and graduated as a licensed Practical Nurse.
My husband and I have 5 children, 4 girls and 1 boy.
Shannon Carlsward
I have been teaching children for almost 25 years. I started straight out of high school where I was a teacher's assistant at Magnolia School and worked with special needs students. I took a short break and went to cosmetology school and began hairdressing. After about 5 years of being a cosmetologist, I decided to go back to teaching. I have been married for 25 years and have 3 children.
Lydia Lopez
I have been teaching in childcare since 2012. I started out teaching
a Spanish class once a week
during an extended care
program at Aloma ECLC.
Over the course of my career,
I have developed a passion for working with early
2's, 3's and 4's. I am a proud single mother of 4 awesome kids, 3 girls and 1 boy.
I'm also a grandmother of
3 terrific grandsons and a beautiful granddaughter.
VPK Teachers
Annette Coley
I have worked at Park Lake for 32 years. I received my VPK credentials in 2011. I am hoping to earn my Director's credentials in
the future. I love working with the VPK age children. They absorb so much that we are teaching and are such a delight to be able to help shape their lives. I love being a part of this wonderful school.
.
Julie Roncallo
I have been a teacher at Park Lake since 1985 - for the last 20+ years, I've taught in the VPK class, guiding our school's "Seniors" as they prepare to leave the Park Lake nest and fly off to kindergarten! In addition to academics, we hope to instill our students with a greater sense of kindness and compassion toward the Earth and all who live here.
Outside of teaching, I own and operate a plant-based cottage bakery, I'm mom to a former Park Lake graduate, Olivia, and have rescued more than a few animals with my wonderful husband, Carlo.
Jennie Jones
.I have had the privilege of working in the Early Childhood profession since 1978. I have enjoyed working with infants - Kindergarten and have worked at Park Lake since 2015. My chosen profession is more than just a job to me. It is my calling, my ministry, my way of contributing to the well-being, growth and development of young children and providing love and security to children in my care and support to parents.
Additional Staff
Jasmina Terzic
Office Assistant
I met and married my high school sweetheart in the 80's. We have 2 sons who followed in their father's footsteps and graduated from Rollins College. I have an AA degree in Legal Studies, an AA in Child Development and had worked in a number of fields before I found my current career in Childcare. I have my Director's Credential and have now been working in Childcare for about 10 years now. I am very happy to be here at Park Lake.
Emanvelle Carvalho
Floater
.I am dedicated to my work and put 100% into what I am doing and although I have just started my professional training in childcare, I do have personal experience with the children of friends and family. I enjoy dancing, flying drones, time at the beach and spending time with friends and family.
Maryana Ortez
Floater
I am 22 years old and currently finishing my associate degree in botany at Valencia. I will pursue a bachelor’s degree at UCF and hopefully a master’s degree as well. In my free time I am a painter and love to encourage others’ creativity. I would love to combine my love of art and nature in some way. I am a great listener, open minded and willing to provide support to others. I love life and I try to make the world a better place.
Carla White
Social Media
I am the oldest of 4 children and have spent most of my life caring for children. First as a sibling, then as a nanny and now as a teacher.
I am in the process of renewing my National CDA and have worked at Park Lake since 1999. I love what I do and where I work and hope to continue for many years to come.
Michel'le Snell
Food Manager
If you would have asked me 8 1/2 years ago, I would have never thought I would be a part of such a great family. Through my years of being a part of Park Lake I have had the pleasure of not only being in the role of a kitchen manager but also teaching from time to time. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. I am a mother of 4 beautiful children: Michaela, Jaden, Kendall, and Donald.