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    The Team

  • Amy Robinson M.Ed.
    Amy Robinson M.Ed.
    Early Childhood Education Director
    Amy Robinson M.Ed.
    Amy Robinson M.Ed.
    Early Childhood Education Director
    Amy earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a focus of Mathematics and Language Arts from Oakland University in 2002. She went on to achieve her Master's Degree in 2008, also from Oakland University, with a focus on Early Childhood Education.

    Amy has been working with children for over 30 years. She has supervised and supported multiple early childhood education sites for over 15 years in her home state of Michigan, Arizona, and the state of Washington.
  • Laura Rivelli
    Laura Rivelli
    Starfish Academy North Port Site Director
    Laura Rivelli
    Laura Rivelli
    Starfish Academy North Port Site Director
    Laura earned her Certification in Child Development at the Teacher's College at Columbia University in NYC. In 2016 she earned the Early Literacy for Family Engagement Award from The Collaboration for Literacy Development in Louiville, Kentucky.
    Laura will reach a milestone in 2024 as it will make 30 years in the field of education of young children. New York City is where she began her career with Head Start and Universal Pre K in her hometown of Staten Island, NY.
    Laura loves to read and travel on her vacations. It is through theses things she gains her knowledge for culture and customs to connect with her families that she serves. Making a connection with families in her community helps her to learn more about her students.
  • Stephanie Essex, LMHC
    Stephanie Essex, LMHC
    Clinical Supervisor Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
    Stephanie Essex, LMHC
    Stephanie Essex, LMHC
    Clinical Supervisor Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
    Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in psychology from the University of South Florida in 2012. She went on to achieve her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Argosy University in 2018. Stephanie is currently a certified parent educator for the Circle of Security parenting program and has been working with children for over four years. Previously, she worked for Kids and Families Matter where she provided supervised visitation services to children and families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Stephanie enjoys being active and exploring nature. She finds that frequent bike rides, hikes, and nature walks improve her state of mind and help her feel more relaxed at work and home.
  • Juanita Elder, RMHI
    Juanita Elder, RMHI
    Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
    Juanita Elder, RMHI
    Juanita Elder, RMHI
    Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
    Juanita earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Troy University in 2024. Juanita focuses on serving as an advocate for all children and their families, while accompanying them on their own autonomous journey called child development. She seeks to foster an authentic experience for caregivers, teachers, and parents. Juanita enjoys music of all genres, the beach and spending time with friends and family. She finds that yoga and meditation aid in relaxation for both the mind and body.
  • Linda Tobiassen, RMHI
    Linda Tobiassen, RMHI
    Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
    Linda Tobiassen, RMHI
    Linda Tobiassen, RMHI
    Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant
    Linda earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from National Louis University in 2021. Linda focuses on developing the whole child by working with parents, caregivers, and teachers. In the past year, she has worked with groups of young children to develop social-emotional learning skills. Linda strives to be present and genuine with her clients in order to give them a safe space to explore. She enjoys golf, going to the beach, and spending time with her family. She finds that running improves her mental health which helps her to live a balanced lifestyle.