Palm Harbor Creative Learning Academy has well-educated and knowledgeable staff. Each lead teacher has first hand teaching experience. All of our staff members meet Pinellas county licensing requirements. Our center is licensed by the Pinellas County Licensing Board for Children’s Centers.
Jonida Kondakciu – Owner/Center Operations Manager
Palm Harbor Creative Learning Academy is owned and operated by Jonida and Jim Kondakciu.
Jonida has a Master in Business Administration, and a career that involves extensive business management and finance experience.
Jonida’s Credentials include Director Credential-Level II, CDA for Early Childhood Education, and experience working with children.
Her passion for working with children and their education led her to the decision to open her own childcare center, with a goal to provide a high quality child care and education experience that would promote and empower children to become confident and successful life-long learners.
Nancy McGreevy – Director
My name is Nancy McGreevy and I am the Director of Palm Harbor Creative Learning Academy. My experience spans 35 years as an early childhood teacher, director, owner of a center, trainer, and consultant. I retired two years ago from Pinellas County Schools, having taught early childhood for 25 years. I owned and was the director of a child care center (Tender Time Preschool) in Dunedin for ten years. Not ready to fully retire, I came full circle and began as Director of PHCLA in March of 2020. I hold a BS in Education/Leadership and an MS in Teaching and Learning with Technology. I serve as an advisor on the Pinellas County Child Care Licensing Board along with three other committees. It’s important to keep up with current trends and research in early childhood education. Our times are changing and challenging; however, what doesn’t change is the need for quality care. I am honored to lead a team of caring and passionate child care providers/teachers as they guide your children through their early childhood education!
Diana McKinsey
My name is Diana McKinsey and I am the Office Manager at PHCLA. Working with children and staff, I wear many hats. I have been in the field of early childhood for over 20 years. During this time, I’ve been a teacher in every age group from age one to school age and have been a director for eleven years in Pasco and Pinellas counties. I have a Florida Staff Credential and Director Credential and continue to pursue professional development. I cherish every child’s life I touch! Your child’s smiles are my simple joys!
Patricia Bowyer
My name is Patricia Bowyer, known as Ms. Pat to the children! I hold a Florida Staff Credential, Florida Director Credential and am glad to be a part of the Palm Harbor Creative Learning Academy’s team. I have been teaching preschool for over 30 years in every capacity from directing a center to being a floater. Teaching children has always been my passion. I love the lesson planning, research, and classroom environment. Children are full of wonder and awe! I love teaching them how to handle their emotions and helping them to learn to make the best choices they can make while they are small and hopefully, they will carry on with the good choices as they grow. My hobbies include sewing, computers, and reading. My husband and I are actively involved with our grandchildren and children’s lives so that keeps us busy. I am excited to be a part of your child’s early childhood journey!
Julia Hogan
My name is Julia Hogan and I am a lead VPK teacher. I hold a Florida Staff Credential through my Associates degree and am actively enrolled to complete my Bachelors degree in Education. I have been a preschool teacher for five years with the last two years being a VPK instructor. I have two children who keep me busy along with going to school and preparing hands-on activities and developmentally appropriate experiences for my VPK children. This is an important year for math and literacy skills to be enhanced so children can go into kindergarten prepared for success. My job is to help your child reach their full potential in a safe, healthy learning environment. I look forward to being a part of your child’s first “formal” year of education!
Dawn DeNooyer
My name is Dawn DeNooyer and I am your child’s teacher the year prior to their VPK year i.e.; three turning four years of age. I hold a Florida Staff Credential through my Associates degree in Education. I have been a preschool teacher for eleven years and love what I do! I live in Holiday with my fiancé and two children, Greyson and Oliver. In my free time, you can find me hiking or playing video games. There’s a child in all of us! I look forward to being a part of your child’s early childhood education and memories!
Cheryl Pagliuco
My name is Cheryl Pagliuco and I am a lead VPK teacher. I hold a Florida Staff Credential through my Associates degree and plan on pursuing my Bachelor degree in Education. I have been teaching for 13 years, primarily in a VPK classroom. I am committed to providing quality education to all my students as well as fostering a positive, loving, and nurturing environment for everyone in my classroom. My job is to help your child discover his or her individuality or sense of self, and work alongside them to maximize it. I look forward to their VPK year, planned full of opportunities! It’s my passion and goal to make every day a meaningful experience for your little one!
Susan Bakker
My name is Susan Bakker, known as Ms. Sue to the children. I work with the two-year old children and toddlers. They give me great joy with their smiles! I grew up in Long Island, NY and have a married daughter who resides in Texas. I had my own cleaning business in NY before I relocated to Florida last year. I love children having worked with school age children in New York. I love the outdoors; fishing, boating, horses, and the beach. I look forward to making happy, fun, and positive memories with your children!
Erica Rhymes
My name is Erica Rhymes and I am happy to join the staff as the teacher of young threes. They have so much information to share as they gain their independence! I hold a Florida Staff Credential through my Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. I am the proud Mom of a one year old who attends PHCLA. It’s wonderful to watch his growth as well as being a part of your child’s early childhood journey.