Learn more about our wonderful staff! Whether you're looking for an experienced group of child care providers or a welcome environment for your children to spend some time away from home, we're proud to offer both!

Miss Maureen - Director/VPK Teacher

I was born in upstate New York, but moved to Bradenton when I was 7 years old.  
I started teaching early childhood in 1984 as a substitute teacher and immediately fell in love with the kids!  As time went by I realized that furthering my education was essential to help the students achieve their own goals.  I currently hold a Staff credential as well as my Directors credential with V.P.K. endorsement.
The greatest lesson I have learned through the years is every day is a new day to discover the wonders of the world through the eyes of a child.​

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Miss Hope
​VPK Camp Teacher​

Hello everyone!  I wish all your children success and happiness as well as your own as parents, family and friends.  I have previously worked with the Manatee County School Board.  I started out win the cafeteria and mastered all my duties.  I have been a baker, baking fresh yeast rolls from scratch, red velvet cakes among many more!  I also was a main dish cook and was able to cook without using a recipe.  I have enjoyed being a teachers aid and also a child development specialist.  I have been a school secretary under four guidance counselors at the very same high school I attended, along with being an administrative dean, teacher as well as director of our on site VPK Tiger Tots.  I have also had the pleasure of teaching combined classes of 9th - 12th grade.  After having my own business for six years, I missed teaching.I am enjoying working with your awesome children and the wonderful staff here!

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Miss Cory
​VPK/Camp Teacher

Hello My name is Cory.  I've been working in childcare for 20 years.  I've worked with all ages, from new born to school age.  I have a 14 year old daughter.  I went to school at Riverview High in Riverview, Florida and graduated in 2000.  I went to Tech for college in Clearwater, Florida and received my CDA in early childhood education.  
Love working with children and teaching them.  I feel good that I'm helping to shape young minds.  Being a preschool teacher has always been what I wanted to do with my life.  I have all my clock hours, First Aid and CPR, as well as extra training in the field.  
​My hobbies are spending time with my family, going to the beach and pool, shopping and watching movies.  
I am looking forward to getting to know and work with everyone, especially the kids :)  If you want to know more, feel free to ask away!

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Miss Elizabeth
​Three's Teacher

My name is Elizabeth and I have always known I wanted to work in this field since I was little.  I have been working in childcare for 5 years.  I am CPR and First Aid Certified and have all my hours.  I went to Lakewood Ranch High School and graduated in 2015!  My hobbies include reading, going to the beach, and spending time with friends and family!  I am excited to work with your kids and helping them grow!

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Miss Amanda
Two's Teacher

I am originally from Boston, Massachusetts.  I have one very outgoing daughter, who is 9.  I have been in the childcare field for over 6 years, with the majority of that time being spent with the one's and two's.  I look forward to teaching your little ones and being part of the Our Kids West family!

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Miss Emily 
​One's Teacher

My name is Emily Atkinson.  I am a Palmetto tiger who graduated in 2018.  I am a Florida native.  I have been working with kids since I was 12.   My hobbies include puzzles, reading, and going to the beach.  I have worked in childcare before,  as well as being a nanny to five kids.  I cant wait to meet all your kids!

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Miss Debora
Infant Teacher

My name is Debora. I was born in raised in Georgia. Since  2010 have resided in Florida. I am a mother of two adult children, a grandmother to seven, and also have two great grandchildren. My favorite hobby is reading the Bible. 

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​Miss Courtney - Substitute Teacher

I am one of seven children, born and raised in Bradenton, Florida.  My parents have been married for 35 year.  I am a  mother of two beautiful children.  My children have attended Our Kids West since the new owners took over.  I was invited to join the team at Our Kids West when they found out I was pursuing a career in Early Childhood Development at SCF.  

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