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Administrators

Director: Katie Port as a Florida native and Boca Raton local, Katie's 13-year career in education has been deeply intertwined with her family's journey. She and her husband Craig are proud parents of two sons, who are both now in high school. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Psychology from Florida Atlantic University, Katie's experience ranges from lead preschool teacher roles to youth facilitation and entrepreneurial ventures in tutoring, enrichment, including starting a homeschool program with a basketball academy. Her connection to MECE Preschool began as a member of First United Methodist Church, recognizing its exceptional love and nurturing environment – a place both her sons proudly graduated from. Witnessing the power of play-based learning firsthand fueled Katie's passion for early childhood education. Now, as the Director of MECE Preschool, Katie is honored and blessed to lead this remarkable community, drawing on her love for children, nature, and a guiding faith reflected in one of her favorite bible verses, Philippians 4:13.

Assistant Director: Lisa Bariso has been working in early education for over 30 years. After getting her business degree from St. Leo University, Lisa went on to get her Preschool Certification and eventually began working with another preschool in the Boca Raton area. It was there that she heard about the premier experience offered by MECE Preschool where developmentally appropriate experiences are the priority. She joined the MECE family in 1997 as a Senior Twos teacher. Serving as Assistant Director since 2012, Lisa’s strong background in both early childhood education and business management strengthens MECE’s commitment to quality and excellence. She and her husband of over 30 years, George, have two sons, John and Zachary, both of whom she entrusted to MECE for their early education. Lisa is very active in the community: serving as a member and past President of Junior League, volunteers at local non-profit organizations, and in her spare time enjoys traveling, and going to musicals and sporting events of all levels!

Early Childhood Specialist: Sandie Taylor graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Sociology and took some time off from working to stay home with her children. Her youngest two are MECE graduates, and while they attended, she became a substitute in the classroom and discovered a love for teaching. When her youngest daughter graduated from MECE in 1989, Sandie accepted a permanent staff position and found another family. Sandie received a CDA-equivalent (child development associate) from the State of Florida in 1994, based on her degree and college coursework in early childhood development. While she has worked with all age groups, she was a pre-K teacher from 1999 until her retirement after the 2019–2020 school year. Missing MECE, she returned in August of 2021 as an Early Childhood Specialist. Sandie brings these many years of teaching experience to her role as mentor to other early childhood teachers. She enjoys baking ‘everything sourdough’ and spending time with her family, including 8 grandchildren. She is delighted that 5 of her grandsons are MECE graduates. “My role at MECE is to help provide a safe, happy and fun environment in which all students will feel good about themselves and flourish, as they become increasingly competent at new skills and confident in their abilities.

Twos

Teachers

Emily Sessions graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Communication. A MECE graduate herself, she has truly enjoyed seeing all four of her sons also graduate from MECE Preschool. While two of her sons were attending school at MECE in 2012, Emily accepted a position teaching Spanish Enrichment. Realizing her passion for working with children, she then began working as an assistant teacher in the Two's classroom and also started taking college coursework towards her Lead Teacher Certification which she attained in 2017. As the lead teacher in the Two's 3 and 2 day classes, Miss Emily caters to the individual needs and interests of the children in her class. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and four boys.

Stephanie Booker discovered MECE through a dear friend. She has been working with preschool children of all ages for over 20 years. After earning her preschool Teaching Credential, she went on to get her Director Credential. Stephanie is open and flexible, as well as educated and motivated to help each child in her class to meet their individual milestones. Her awesome daughter, Nala, graduated from the University of Florida and is now in her third year of medical school at University of Virginia. Stephanie entrusted her life to Christ in 2012. She is a Youth Leader and helps with Women’s Department. She loves her church! Stephanie’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Threes

Romina Tezak has a long history of working with young children. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she moved to Boca Raton with her husband and her oldest daughter. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Marketing from the Andres Bello Catholic University in Caracas. Romina had two more children and enjoyed staying home with them for several years. Being a mom helped her to realize how much she enjoys helping young children, encouraging them to be independent and teaching them the tools to reach milestones. So when her children were in school she started substituting at a local preschool. This role turned into a teaching assistant position. Romina enjoyed this so much she began taking classes to achieve her Early Childhood Teaching Credential. When that preschool closed, Romina knew of just one other school that would feel like home, so she came to MECE. I'm so thankful to be a part of MECE, and for the opportunity to continue growing as a teacher in a happy and loving place.

Helene Hollis has been working at MECE since 1997. She found MECE first as a preschool mom, when her son Matthew attended MECE. She received her Preschool certification in 2004 and became a lead teacher in the threes program. Helene loves being the song leader for Bibletime, the Christmas Pageant, and MECE Sunday. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for over 50 years and has three children Jennifer, Lauren and Matthew and a grandson, Drew. Helene, an animal lover, has a dog named Savannah. She enjoys baseball, NY Yankees, listening to oldies music and cooking. Helene’s goal is to keep a safe, happy, and loving environment where children can learn and excel at their own pace.

Sidany Gomez With over 20 years of experience working with young children, she brings a deep passion for Early Childhood Education to the classroom. Originally from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, she moved to Coconut Creek 14 years ago, where she and her husband built their home and welcomed their beloved daughter. She earned her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Colegio Universitario Fermín Toro in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, in 2005. In 2020, she joined MECE as a Teacher Assistant, the same year her daughter began attending the school’s Two-Year-Old Program. She finds great joy in educating young children through play-based learning and is dedicated to helping each child discover and develop their unique abilities. Patient, flexible, and nurturing, she encourages children to build confidence, explore their potential, and achieve their individual developmental milestones.

Catherine Coombs first came to know MECE when her youngest daughters were students. As her children grew, Catherine became involved in their schools, beginning with her service on the MECE Parent Association Board. Catherine has volunteered, by working with children in Sunday School, VBS and at each of her children’s schools. Through the privilege of being a parent and her service at her children’s schools, Catherine discovered that her true joy is working with children and supporting those initiatives that benefit children and families in our community. Catherine began working at MECE as an assistant in 2019. In 2021, Catherine earned her staff credential enabling her to become a lead teacher. Catherine has a degree in Chemistry from Goucher College and worked in pharmaceutical sales for over a decade. Catherine treasures the opportunity to work in such a supportive and uplifting environment of co-workers, students and families at MECE.

Sharon Bardos began working as an assistant at MECE in 2002 while her youngest son was also enrolled as a student. She decided she loved working with the children (and staff) and wanted to teach. Miss Sharon attained her Certification in 2003 and has been a Threes teacher ever since. She enjoys music, gardening, the wonders of nature and sharing discoveries with the children. Sharon has two sons, -both MECE Graduates.

Fours

Gina Tayem joined the MECE family in 2003 and has taught the PreK/4's ever since. She is originally from New York and has quite happily made Boca Raton her home with her husband of over 30 years and 2 grown children. Miss Gina attained her Lead Teacher Certification in 2000 and recently earned her AS degree in Early Childhood education. Gina feels it is important to be truly present with each child and nurture their unique personalities. She cultivates a loving, and relaxed atmosphere so children are happy to come to school to learn and make new friends. "It is so rewarding to watch the children grow and flourish throughout the year". Gina enjoys reading, swimming, yoga and traveling with her family. "While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

Holli Sutton has been helping children discover their innate abilities her entire adult life. She started as an outdoors instructor at Lake Tahoe - teaching children to ski during the winter months and taking teenagers on week-long trips into the back country for YMCA sleep-away camp during the summer months. After graduating with a degree in Anthropology from University of California Santa Cruz, she then worked her way around the world on sail boats where she met her husband. In 2015 they moved to Boca Raton with their three beautiful children. Miss Holli joined the MECE family as an Assistant Teacher and then decided to continue her education in early childhood and earn her Teaching Credential. She now brings her can-do spirit to the PreK-4 classroom where she loves MECE’s curriculum based on age-appropriate learning and attention to individual growth.

Rachel Atkins is the PreK-4 lead teacher at MECE. With 17 years of experience in early childhood education, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and dedication to her classroom.

Rachel grew up in Boca Raton and attended Palm Beach State College. As a mother of three, her own children sparked her interest in early childhood education and inspired her desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children. Rachel is committed to creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children feel supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. She is proud to be part of the MECE family and looks forward to helping her students grow each day.

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