Bonnie Bowman - Owner and Director

Bonnie has been an educator for more than twenty years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida. She has a National Board Certification, and was Norton Elementary's Teacher of the Year in 2009. After teaching and working as an administrator in public schools, she decided to open a small school that focuses on learning through play and instilling a lifelong love of learning in all of our students. Her love for the children and their education is the heartbeat of our school!

Marissa Leslie - Preschool Director

Marissa has been an early childhood educator for 17 years both here in Gainesville and Miami, Florida. She started her career teaching VPK and later, inspired by a more child-led curriculum, fell in love with the Reggio Emilia approach. This will be her first year at Persimmon and her first year acting as Director of Early Childhood. She is a fierce advocate of the play based approach and is constantly working towards creating a more inclusive, diverse and empathetic school environment.

Mickey (they/them) - One’s Class

Mickey has been working in early ed since 2016, and joined the Persimmon family in summer of 2021. They love working with the youngest learners, and especially enjoy singing nursery rhymes, reading books, and organizing very messy art experiences! Before coming to Persimmon, they spent a season working on an organic vegetable farm in middle Tennessee, and then worked for a year studying the art of comics at the Sequential Artists Workshop here in Gainesville. When not teaching, they enjoy drawing, spending time in nature with their dog, and making sure their cat doesn't tear down the curtains.

Khalina Davis (she/her) - One’s Class

Ms. Khalina started teaching in March 2023, inspired by her own amazing childhood teachers - the fun, outgoing teachers who children never forget. There is nothing she loves more than being silly, having fun, and being a positive influence on the future of our world. In the classroom, she enjoys singing and dancing to the best Disney songs, coloring, and playing tag with the students on the playground. Ms. Khalina is originally from New York and has lived in Gainesville for about five years. The world is all bright colors in her eyes! She loves all things nature, singing and writing songs, and is a December child.

Mx. Dakota White (she/her/they) - Two’s Class

Mx. Dakota has been teaching since 2016 with experience in every preschool age classroom. She currently teaches in the two’s classroom (going on two years), and has worked here at Persimmon for four years. She’s completed hundreds of hours of childcare training and is currently working on her Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC). Mx. Dakota’s favorite activities in the classroom are dancing, art and science projects, reading, and pretend play. Outside of the classroom you might see her walking her dog (Oak), eating some yummy vegan food, collecting more tattoos, skateboarding, rollerblading, dancing, museum exploring, or enjoying the outdoors.

Kacey Spurlin (she/her) - Two’s Class

Kacey began her teaching career in 2021, teaching toddlers in Washington. She has loved it ever since! Her favorite thing to do with her students to read with them. Kacey has completed 45 hours of DCF training. Outside of school, Kacey enjoys playing with her cat (Sprout), reading, appreciating nature, and changing her hair to fun colors.

Cody Andrews - Three’s Class

Ms. Cody began teaching in 1998 in Sebastian, FL, and circled back to early education when Persimmon opened in 2013. Cody holds an A.S. in Early Childhood Education, the Florida Child Care Professional Credential, and a Director's Credential. She has earned certificates in Early Literacy, Behavioral Observation and Screening, and Special Needs practices. She likes to get messy in class with art projects and activities that build strong literacy skills. Outside of school, Cody loves music, books, and delicious food. She and her guy Mike like to spend time on the water with their two awesome kids, Evie and Tommy, and their dog, Lil' Ricky.

Summer Stone (she/her) - Three’s Class

Ms. Summer first began teaching in 2020 at a preschool in Colorado. She has known she wanted to be a teacher ever since she was seven years old, playing pretend school and making up worksheets with her two younger brothers. She is currently working on earning her bachelors in Early Childhood Education and all the mandatory Florida credentials. Her favorite things to do with her students are to sing, dance, read stories, and do art projects. When not in the classroom, Ms. Summer enjoys crafting, watching movies, singing at karaoke, shopping at thrift stores, playing board games, and traveling. She has lived in Oklahoma, Texas, California, Colorado, and now Florida - also visited 28 states (with plans to visit the other 22). Summer just got married to her husband, Chris, and lives on a lake where she loves to spend her time.

Bob Marshall - VPK

Mr. Bob is entering his sixth year teaching at Persimmon. Other than teaching VPK, Bob had taught in the three-, two-, and one-year-old classes. He also leads the K-3rd grade summer camp program. Mr. Bob has completed both parts I and II of DCF training which includes the mandatory 45 hours. He also has a Florida Child Care Professional Credential, a Child Care Director’s Credential, is a VPK certified teacher, and holds certificates in Early Literacy and Special Needs. He enjoys engaging his students in S.T.E.A.M. education, learning through play, and large group projects. Get ready for exploding volcanos, human heart replicas, and full scale models of the solar system! When not at school, Mr. Bob enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his wife of twenty years and their nine-year-old son.

Sandra Mateo - VPK

Sandra is entering her 18th year of teaching and has been explicitly teaching VPK since 2012. She’s received all her credentials and requirements, including CPR and First To Teach, which she obtained from CDA, and all the other training requirements. When not enjoying teaching, Sandra is a soccer mom and loves traveling with my family. She has a passion for teaching; some of her favorite topics are the arts, science projects, and cooking.

Quillan D’Croz - Preschool Floater

Ms. Quillan first started teaching in 1997. She has her CDA, a certification in Children’s Literature and Storytelling, and an A.S. in Early Childhood Education. Her teaching experience includes preschool ages, VPK, and elementary school. She loves to read books with her students and sing songs. Ms. Quillan enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven, and their two beautiful daughters, Sasha and Lily. She also loves to read, shop, go on nature walks, and watch the sunset on the beach. Some of Ms. Qullian’s favorite things are sunflowers, chocolate, and butterflies.

Valerie Jones - Program Director

Ms. Valerie began teaching at Persimmon in 2014. She has experience with all preschool ages and primarily taught VPK until joining Ms. Amy in the budding elementary program in 2017. Ms. Valerie taught Kindergarten until accepting the role of Program Director in the Summer of 2024. She has a passion for supporting teachers and families, as well as curriculum and staff development that enables our elementary program to thrive. Ms. Valerie holds the Florida teacher certification in PreK3 – Primary (3rd Grade), the Florida Child Care Professional Credential, and DCF 45 hours. Outside of school, she loves reading, exploring nature, pilates, running, and dabbling in visual arts. She also enjoys adventures with her husband, Adam, and energetic son, Joshua.

Courtney Bonaccorso - Kindergarten

Courtney has dedicated her career to early childhood education, with experience spanning over nine years. Her diverse background includes roles such as lead 3-year-old teacher, full-time nanny, VPK teacher, and public school kindergarten teacher. In 2019, she taught VPK at Persimmon and later earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduating, she taught Kindergarten for Marion County Public Schools. Following the birth of her daughter Payton in July 2022, Courtney took a break to focus on motherhood. She is now thrilled to return to Persimmon, bringing her expertise and passion for hands-on, play-based learning. Outside of school, Courtney enjoys spending time with her family at their horse farm in Micanopy, taking carriage rides, and exploring the outdoors through activities like beach days, paddleboarding, and off-roading.

Jenna Sacket - 1st Grade

Jenna Sacket has degrees in Child Development and Elementary Education. She has a diverse background as a farmer, vegan cook, and small business owner. She is creative , artistic and passionate teacher.  Jenna taught in kindergarten in the Alachua County School District before coming to Persimmon. Jenna believes that all children can succeed given the opportunity. She believes in a Waldorf-Reggio-Montessori classroom. Where are children can be a guide in their education. When not teaching, Jenna likes to thrift, hike, decorate and travel.

Krista Kingsbury - 2nd Grade

While Ms. Krista is new to teaching in a classroom setting, she has spent many years caring for children as a nanny and babysitter. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botanical Research at UF, and worked at the Denver Botanic Gardens where she spent a lot of time in the herb garden and children’s garden. Krista has also been teaching yoga in Gainesville for the past six years and has studied a Trauma Conscious approach to teaching. She is excited to bring yoga, mindfulness, and gardening to Persimmon students! She loves helping kids connect to their breath, to their inner landscape, and to the world around them — it's amazing to see their faces light up when they realize how deeply intertwined everything is. Krista says she loves empowering them to make sense of their emotions and surroundings and find tools to help regulate themselves. Outside of school, Krista loves dancing, yoga, herbalism, hiking, going to the springs…and circus performing arts just for fun. She has an older sister who is her best friend, as well as a house and garden full of plants she treats like her children!

Amy Clay - 3rd-5th Grades

Ms. Amy began teaching in 1999. She holds a Bachelors in Elementary Education (Florida certified K-6th grade). She has experience teaching all grades K-6th. At her previous school of 14 years, Ms. Amy taught combined classes of all grades then settled in with 4th grade. She has been teaching in Persimmon’s K-2nd grade program for six years. She has a great appreciation for educational philosophies such as Waldorf, Reggio, and Montessori. Ms. Amy enjoys becoming anthropologists and archeologists with her students, and she also loves to enhance lessons with art. She lives with her husband, Jim, and daughter, Violet. When not at school, Ms. Amy is often at the beach searching for sharks’ teeth and shells.

Amanda Holmes (she/her) - 3rd-5th Grade Aid

Ms. Amanda started teaching at Persimmon in 2022 after the birth of her sweet daughter, Abigail. She has earned the DCF 45 hours and loves learning how kids see the world. Her favorite times in the classroom are when art, science, and nature mix. Ms. Amanda is a student as well, taking education courses toward her teaching degree. She enjoys reading, watercolor painting, and spending time on the water with her partner Adam and Abigail. We are excited to have Ms. Amanda join the 3-5 Grade class!

Wendy Hill - K-5 Teacher Aide

Wendy has been working with children for many years and has many beloved students. She enjoys helping students learn new things and finds it meaningful to watch them develop and grow. Outside of school, Wendy loves cooking, baking, and gardening. She also enjoys making natural body butter and hair oils. In addition, Wendy is passionate about traveling, and her favorite place to visit is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Barbara Beach - Art and Aftercare Teacher

Barbara has been working with children since 2003. She is an artist, and although works mainly with watercolor, her creativity is unrestricted. Barbara's favorite things to do with students include learning new things and being creative. She enjoys creating a peaceful environment such as incorporating music. In 2022, Barbara moved from Charleston, SC. to Gainesville, where she collaborated with businesses to create paper design products. Prior to working as a watercolorist, she designed children's clothing for 10 years. Outside of school, Barbara enjoys interior design, sewing, cooking, and exploring. 

Karen Jordan - VPK Lead Teacher

Ms. Karen is the lead teacher for our VPK class. Her passion and love for children is what led her to become a teacher. She attended Sante Fe Community College, where she graduated with her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She started teaching in 1998, and now has 20+ years of experience working with preschool children of all ages. She has earned all of her credentials to be a certified VPK teacher and earned her Director’s credential. Outside of work, she is a mother of five handsome young men and a Nanna to her grandchild. She enjoys cooking, gardening, fishing, reading (her quiet time), traveling, visiting theme parks, and taking vacation cruises. Her favorite place is sitting at the beach, listening to the waves, and meditating.

Ms. Tamakia - 3s Lead Teacher

Ms. Tamakia has been teaching since 2018, with experience in every preschool age classroom as well as afterschool for middle school. She is currently the lead teacher in the three’s classroom (going on two years.) Ms. Tamakia has completed her DCF training, which includes the mandatory 45 hours. Outside of the classroom, she loves to travel, cook, and spend time with her girls.

Tiffany Curtis, Lead Two’s

Ms Tiffany is the lead two’s teacher and has worked in childcare for 12 consecutive years. Caring for children ranging from ages 6 weeks to 5 years old, she has great experience, especially with two year olds. She has completed all of her CEU’s in childcare and is currently working on achieving her CDA. She is a proud lead teacher and greatly enjoys teaching the children about basic life skills to prepare them for their next steps. Ms Tiffany believes that as her class continues to learn together, they thrive together daily as a whole. She takes great pride in meeting the needs of those around her even when she is not working with children. At home, she is a loving, attentive, and caring mother to her own five children and loves taking them on adventures and helping them succeed in life.

Whitney Wagner B.A., - LMT Bio

Whitney is a Florida native with roots all over north Florida. Growing up at the beaches of Jacksonville, Whitney loves spending time in and connecting with nature. She received a BA in Humanities with minors in psychology and hospitality from Florida State University in 2019. After pursuing an early career in the food service industry and attending the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville, she found her passions for school administration and helping children. She has great experience in Waldorf inspired gentle parenting, office management, and human relations. Currently, she lives on a fruitful homestead property in Starke with her fiance and son. Here, they enjoy gardening, cooking, animal care, playing basketball, swimming, crafting, and self development! Whitney is deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the children, families, and staff of Persimmon at Millhopper.