Our
Team
Corina Dekker
Executive Director Corina Dekker hails from the Netherlands and has called the United States home since 1990. She earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from The Hotelschool in The Hague and began her career in hospitality management, holding operations leadership positions with Hilton, Sheraton, and Hyatt hotels.
After starting a family, Corina transitioned into early childhood education, where she discovered her true passion. Since 2000, she has dedicated her career to fostering high-quality learning experiences for young children. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from Nova Southeastern University and most recently served as Head of School at The Growing Place School and Executive Director of the First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables, Florida.
Corina finds great joy in watching children grow, develop, and discover the world through meaningful, engaging classroom experiences. She believes every child possesses unique talents, strengths, and abilities, and she is passionate about supporting each child's individual journey while advocating for the critical importance of early childhood education.
As the leader of The Children's Education Center of the Islands (CECI), Corina is committed to providing exceptional educational experiences, strengthening community connections, and building partnerships that benefit Sanibel's children and families.
Corina and her husband, Jesse, have been part-time residents of Sanibel since 2009 and are now proud full-time residents. Together they have three grown children—Jesse Jr., Sonia, and Rohan. In her free time, Corina enjoys spending time with family, reading, traveling, exploring nature, biking around Sanibel, practicing Pilates, and playing pickleball.
Wanda McKittrick
VPK Lead TeacherWanda McKittrick began her career in early childhood education in 1988 and has served as both a preschool teacher and childcare director. She also brings experience from Early Head Start/Head Start programs and after-school care. Later, she expanded her professional journey in the airline industry as a customer service agent and supervisor. No matter the role, her philosophy remains the same: treat every person as important and valued.
Wanda is especially passionate about inspiring children to connect with and love nature. Originally from South Dakota, she lived in Colorado before moving to Florida in 2020, where she continues to draw inspiration from the outdoors.
She is a proud mom and stepmom, and a joyful grandmother of two (welcoming grandchildren in 2021 and 2025). In her free time, she enjoys beach days, traveling, reading, and making memories with her family—especially outdoors.
Michele Di Tocco
VPK Lead TeacherMichele grew up in New Jersey and spent her summers at the Jersey Shore, creating many special family memories and developing her lifelong love of the beach. That love eventually brought her to Florida, where she is happy to call home.
Michele has spent over 30 years working with children. She began as a camp counselor and went on to study Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Her experience includes working in private, Montessori, and nature-based schools, where she has always found joy in helping children learn, grow, and feel supported.
Family is at the heart of Michele’s life. She is the proud mother of three wonderful daughters and cherishes the time they spend together. Her two oldest daughters have followed her passion for working with children, while her youngest is entering her senior year of high school. Watching her daughters grow into the amazing young women they are today is one of Michele’s greatest joys.
Claire Marquardt
Lead Teacher Claire began her career in early childhood education in 2019 as a floater teacher, supporting infants through five-year-old classrooms, building connections with children at various developmental stages. She then spent two years as a paraprofessional in a VPK four-year-old classroom, helping early learners develop a strong foundation for kindergarten.
With experience in both classrooms and nonprofit settings, Claire understands how early childhood programs operate and how to support children in a variety of learning environments. She is passionate about creating nurturing spaces where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time outdoors and appreciating the natural beauty of Florida.
Samantha Jacobs
Lead TeacherSamantha Jacobs has been teaching pre-k since 2020, but her heart has found its home with 3-year-olds over the past three school years. She holds a national child development degree and is working on her associate degree in early childhood education. Sam recently traded snowy Grand Rapids, Michigan, for sunny Florida for a new adventure with her partner and two sons. When Sam is not in the classroom, you’ll find her soaking up sunshine at the beach or pool, taking nature walks, and making special memories with her family. Sam believes the best learning happens through wonder, play, and exploring the world around us, and she can’t wait to grow, discover, and make magical memories with your little ones this year!
Maria Santiago
Assistant TeacherMaria Santiago grew up in New Jersey but spent her summers in Florida visiting family. Recently, she traded snow for sandy beaches by relocating to Florida full-time. She earned her bachelor`s degree in Public Health from Temple University before completing her master`s degree in Occupational Therapy at New York University.
While in school, Maria discovered her passion for early childhood development. She began building her experience as an intern at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She assisted with health screenings, home safety assessments, family education, strategies to support child engagement, and community outreach events.
Maria has experience working with children in a variety of settings, including Early Head Start, summer camps, inpatient mental health, and daycare programs. She is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential in a supportive and engaging environment.
Maria looks forward to the new school year and is excited to create meaningful learning experiences where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to explore.
In her free time, Maria enjoys shelling, running, and creating art.
Shanna FittsAssistant Teacher & Administrative SupportShanna Pitts is a mother of four wonderful children. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, she has called Florida home for the past 20 years and recently relocated to Fort Myers after spending two decades in Central Florida.
Working with children has been her passion since she was 14 years old. Throughout the years, Shanna has developed a deep appreciation for the unique personalities, creativity, and potential that every child possesses. She believes every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and build confidence. Her goal is to provide the kind of care that helps children feel valued, supported, and encouraged every day.
Outside of her professional life, Shanna enjoys spending quality time with her family and making lasting memories through outdoor adventures and exploring nature. Whether they are at the beach, playing sports, or discovering new places together, she believes these experiences help children develop curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning.
Shanna also enjoys crocheting, drawing, photography, and helping others whenever she can. Shanna believes creativity, kindness, and patience are some of the most valuable qualities we can share with children and those around us. She strives to bring those values into both her personal life and my work, creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on every child and family she has the privilege of serving.
Meet the Board
Neva Torres, esq.
Board Vice President
Christine Hungeling
Grant Coordinator
Clare Stoa
Board Secretary
Morgan Lemaitre, CFP
Board Member at Large
Lindsay Badger
Board President
❊ Testimonials
Loved by Students, Trusted by Parents.
Hear about experiences from some of our parents and alumni:
I was blown away by the intentional design behind CECI Preschool’s curriculum. The classroom flow, sensory materials, and social-emotional learning framework are top-tier. There’s an emphasis on exploration and emotional intelligence that goes far beyond traditional preschool models. The staff are deeply skilled, kind, and clearly invested in every child’s development. This is what modern early education should look like.
— Allie, Parent
“
CECI Preschool feels like an extension of home. The sense of community between families, teachers, and children is incredible — it’s a place where you feel genuinely supported and seen as a parent, not just a number on a list. My daughter runs into school every morning with a smile, and that says everything. It’s warm, inclusive, and built around real connection. We’re so grateful to be part of the CECI family.
— Ryan, Parent
“
CECI Preschool has completely transformed how my daughter approaches learning. It’s not just ABCs and 123s — it’s rooted in nature, movement, storytelling. Curiosity is woven into every day. The teachers really see each child’s individuality and build on it. I’ve noticed huge growth in her confidence and independence since starting. It’s a thoughtful, creative environment that still feels grounded and calm — truly a rare find.
— Claire, Parent
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The natural world is our classroom.
