Staff Stars

Vania Padilla

Assistant Food and Operations Manager

Emma Claire Farris

Assistant Teacher-Afternoon

Bridgette Garrish

Food Service and Operations Manager/Support Staff

Gabbie Whitehead

Assistant VPK Teacher/Director's Assistant

Isabella Corbin

Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

Abbie Festa

Executive Assistant

Taimi Torres

 VPK Teacher

Georgeann Adkison is the owner and operator of JACOLA. She spent two decades serving the surrounding area in the financial industry.  Georgeann is a graduate of Marianna High School and Chipola College. She has been a part of Main Street Marianna, Jackson County Chamber, and Marianna Altrusa, where she has held a variety of roles including former President of Altrusa, and former treasure of Jackson County Chamber.  Georgeann is a lifelong resident of Marianna with deep family roots.  Her commitment to the growth of our community is evident in her continued support of local organizations, and her desire to create and breathe new life into a building that for many of us holds a place that your families have long-standing memories. Georgeann also holds a CDA and Director's license. 

Amanda Mullins-Eagle grew up in Marianna and  relocated back to the area to raise her children several years ago.  She is the mother of two boys, John William and Jacob Greer. Amanda graduated from Marianna High School and later earned a Bachelor's degree from Chipola College in Mathematics Education. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. Amanda has 16 years experience in public education where she taught  at Benton Middle School and Cottondale High School Ms. Eagle is JACOLA's Executive Director and brings with her a deep knowledge of curriculum, pedagogical practices, and a genuine desire to ensure all students realize success.  She currently sits as Chairman of the Board for the Jackson County Education Foundation.

Abbie Festa is JACOLA's Executive Assistant. Mrs. Festa runs the front office, maintains records, handles parent/center communications and assists in classrooms when needed.  Mrs. Festa is a vital part of JACOLA's mission and vision and is almost always the first face you see or voice you hear for all things center related. Abbie is currently working towards her CDA and plans to pursue her Director's Credential. Abbie is married to her wonderful husband Joey Festa and together they have two children, JoJo (6) and Olivia (2). 

Gabbie is a lifelong resident of Jackson County and graduated from Cottondale High School in 2018. She has several years of experience in child care and community wellness. She has always had a love for children and enjoyed assisting in their growth and development. Gabbie received her CDA recently and plans to pursue her DIrector's Credential.  She is not only our Assistant VPK teacher but also the Director's Assistant. 

Gabbie is married to Tannor Whitehead. Together they have two sons, Tycen and Taytum. Gabbie is going to do big things in the world of early childhood education and we can't wait to support her!

Katie joins JACOLA with a wide variety of experience and deep love for children. After graduating from Chipola College in 1997 Katie pursued a dream of hers, opening her own in-home preschool. Katie’s preschool was well liked and respected in the community. A move to Lynn Haven found Katie seeking additional education from Gulf Coast College and beginning a new career in the medical field. It was during this time that Katie met her husband Johnathan to whom she has been married for 20 years. Together they have 3 sons, Josiah,  Jacob and Caleb. After staying home to raise her boys for 12 years she re-entered the work force as an optician tech for Davis Optometry. Katie enjoyed helping her patients but knew that in her heart she wanted to return to the child care industry. In 2020 she began working for Healthy Start where she enjoyed assisting new moms with their young children and newborn babies. Katie joins JACOLA as the lead 3-year-old teacher. She is looking forward to using her experience to help her students develop a love for learning, cultivate strong peer relationships while providing a calming and loving environment 

Isabella is a lead infant/toddler teacher. Bella-Bella, as she is affectionately known to her colleagues, has been with JACOLA for nearly two years. She is originally from Honduras but now lives here in Marianna, Fl. with her large family. She enjoys spending time with her brothers and sisters,  going to church, and out to eat. Bella's deep connection and attachment to her kids makes her an invaluable part of JACOLA's family. And if you know Bella then you know not to touch anything in her classroom and that you should always leave it cleaner than she left it, which is hard to do!

Taimi Torres, who has been working with young children since 2003, She is currently enrolled in Chipola College and will graduate this year with an AS in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Taimi has a staff credential and her Director's License. She is also working towards becoming an art therapist and earning her undergrad degree in  Elementary Education. Additionally, she teaches art and writes children's books. She is a wife and the mother of three beautiful daughters. She was raised in South Florida after being born in Puerto Rico. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new art techniques and spending time with her family. Her multicultural upbringing has greatly influenced her artwork as well as her passion for diversity and inclusion in education." Her desire to educate children and support their growth and potential fuels her creativity and passion for her work. 

 Kylie Skoda is a lead teacher in our beautiful infant sanctuary.  She is originally from Pennsylvania and moved to Port St Joe, Fl when she was 10. She recently relocated to Marianna from Port St. Joe after living in Montana and Oklahoma. She is the bonus mom to one and the mother of two, Aubree (7), Rhett (5), and Kinleigh (10 months). Teaching children has always been a passion of Ms. Kylie's.  Her experience began at only 13 where she helped with her church nursery. Her favorite thing about working in child care is watching the children learn and grow.  Kylie truly cherishes each and every day with all the kids that come into her classroom. She is planning on furthering her career by going back to school for early education.

Miss Bridgette is originally from Blountstown, Fl.  but relocated to Cottondale, Fl. and started her family.  She is 2015 graduate of Blountstown High School and has been with JACOLA for a year and a half.  Bridgette is JACOLA’s Food Service Manager. She puts out two meals and snack for over 80 kiddos each day. In addition to providing meals, she runs our USDA program, menu prep, and ordering of supplies and food. She is fully credential through the Department of Children and Families and holds a ServSafe certificate. Her favorite part of her job is getting to visit every classroom and see all the kids throughout the day.  Miss Bridgette is married to Tyler Garrish and together they have two children, Noah (6) and Oakley (4). Bridgette is the center of daily operations and the students’ favorite person. They couldn’t be any more excited than when they see Bridgette and her purple carts!

Vania Padilla has been with JACOLA for over a year. She is the mother of two daughters, Ana and Isailias. Vania's is originally from Cuba but has made her home here in Marianna, Fl. Ms. Vania works to make every one else's life easier at JACOLA by keeping our facility clean, safe, and beautiful for our families!

Tiffany is the mother of two, a daughter who is 6, and a son who is 8.  Tiffany graduated from UMA in 2020 with an A.A. in Science and has worked with children for 4 years. Her love of children began as big sister to 7 siblings.  Tiffany also has extensive experience in caring for people with disabilities and attributes her patience and work ethic to her career as an adult caregiver. She made the decision to begin a career in child care as a desire to help children learn and succeed in all areas. Tiffany believes that children are capable of learning at any stage, it simply takes someone who is dedicated to finding ways to reach each child at their developmental level and of course love!  

Stephanie Myer is originally from Palm Beach County, Florida but recently relocated to Bonifay to be closer to her family.  Miss Stephanie is getting ready to celebrate her 1-year anniversary as a part of the JACOLA team. She has over 20 years of experience with young children where she has served in a variety of positions.  She is fully credentialed through DCF and would like to pursue a CDA. Miss Stephanie also has an A.S. in Human Services which makes her a tremendous mentor to our younger staff.  She has a son, Jax (10) who keeps her busy and moving! 

Kayla Adrian is originally from Panama City Beach where she was a 2019 graduate of Arnold High School. She recently relocated to the Marianna area to raise her son and be closer to family.  She is credentialed through DCF and would like to work towards obtaining her CDA.  In the future she would love to pursue a degree in pediatric nursing. Her favorite part of teaching is interacting with the children daily and playing a role in their educational journey When she isn’t busy teaching and loving our JACOLA kids, she enjoys spending time with family and her son, Landon (3).

Summer Fuller is the lead teacher for the 2-year-old class at JACOLA. Originally from Pensacola, she made the decision to move to Bristol, FL after meeting her husband, Shaun, who had to relocate for work. A proud mother of three, Summer juggles the joys and challenges of parenting Lily (12), Easton (5), and Layla (4). After being a stay-at-home mom for five years, Summer decided a year ago to pursue a job in early education after relocating to Jackson County. Her deep love for children stems from her early experiences as an aunt at the tender age of 8. Summer's favorite memories revolve around the positive impact she has had on her nieces and her friend’s children whom she treated like her own, reinforcing her passion for working with and nurturing young minds. Outside of work, Summer absolutely loves the beach and spending quality time with her little family!

Miss Alicia Jackson, a local resident from Greenwood, Fl., comes to JACOLA with extensive experience in early childhood care.  She is a 2016 graduate of Malone High School and is a licensed esthetician. Miss Alicia is the devoted mother of a three-year-old daughter, Ar’Nysia Kamia Jackson. Her daughter is the center of her world, bringing her joy and love.  When Alicia is not busy loving and educating her students, she enjoys traveling, shopping and spending the time with her daughter and family. Miss Alicia says, “Fun fact about me I love children!" Alicia says that she loves caring and supporting kids emotionally and socially. She started working with children when at 16 years old. Alicia in her 10th year of early childhood education and plans to work towards her CDA.

 

Shelby Hanstine is an assistant lead toddler teacher. She is originally from Palm Bay, Florida but lived all over the United States with her family before settling in Marianna. She graduated from Marianna High School in 2019 and is pursuing a degree in elementary education. When she’s not at work she loves to bake, paint, and spend time with her family. While Miss Shelby has not been with JACOLA quite as long as her colleagues, she has shown an innate talent for early childhood education. Her intuitive nature has made her a standout in our toddler rooms, and a favorite among her students.  JACOLA can’t wait to see all the great things Miss Shelby is going to provide to our program!

Miss Emma Claire is freshman at Chipola College pursuing a degree in the medical field. She has worked at JACOLA  for nearly two years. Her kind spirit and attention to detail make her a favorite among her colleagues and students. Miss Emma is trained in every age group and loved by all. While not at JACOLA she  is busy raising her family which includes, her  mom, dad, two brothers, a cat, a dog, and a beloved Little Debbie trained pig, Muggs!

Miss Abby has been with JACOLA for a year and a half. She is a junior at Marianna High School and is hoping to get through AP Pre-Calculus! Abby is a vital part of what we do each afternoon at JACOLA. In addition to assisting teachers and caring for students, she runs the afternoon closing procedures and keeps everyone moving.  When she isn't running from one end of the center to the other, she is making people laugh. Her sense of humor  is second only to wisdom beyond her years. She is the daughter of Diana Hughes Johnson and little sister to 2 brothers and 1 sister. 

Miss Parker is a senior at Marianna High School. She is the afternoon teacher in our infant room and has been with JACOLA nearly a year.  She is enjoying her senior year and is involved in many clubs and activities at MHS. JACOLA's parents and babies love Miss Parker and so do we! She brings a gentle and kind approach to our infant room which is only matched by her genuine heart. And if you are a golfer she can take your picture on the back nine...but not in the rain!

Miss Addy is freshman at Chipola College pursuing a degree in nursing. She is a graduate of Marianna High School and has been with JACOLA for over 6 months. Her lead teachers look forward to her arrival every day and  she is greatly loved by all of her kiddos. She keeps the staff laughing and shares her bright light each day. Addy is looking forward to being done with A&P I and hoping for shorter lines at McDonald's.

Mary attends Chipola College and is majoring in elementary education. Miss Mary is  passionate and dedicated to fostering a love for learning in young minds. She began volunteering at a summer library program as a teenager and currently teaches Sunday school at her church. Her experience also includes working in a late-stay program during high school where she built skills in caring for school age children.  Mary is committed to her educational goals and looking forward to learning invaluable and necessary skills at JACOLA.

Do you have teaching experience? Do you have childcare experience? Are you looking to grow in your profession and work with a family oriented staff? JACOLA may be the place for you!