Meet the Gingerbread Preschool Team: A School Family That Cares
A Supportive Preschool Family That Fosters Growth
At Gingerbread Preschool, we create a school family where trust, relationships, and support shape every interaction. Rooted in Conscious Discipline, our educators nurture social-emotional growth, empowering children to build confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
✔ Meaningful Connections – Children develop self-regulation, teamwork, and emotional intelligence in a warm, supportive environment.
✔ Encouraging Independence – Through guided interactions, students learn to express emotions, solve problems, and thrive in preschool and beyond.
Dedicated Leadership Across Our Gingerbread Preschool Locations
Jennifer Agar - Co-Director, Azalea Gingerbread Preschool
With over 20 years at Gingerbread Preschool, Mrs. Agar is a dedicated early childhood educator with a lifelong passion for nurturing young minds. Growing up in a home daycare environment, she developed a deep understanding of child development and the importance of fostering a love for learning.
✔ Certified Expertise – Holds a Director’s Credential and a Child Development Associate (CDA) in Early Childhood Education.
🗨️ "I love working with children. I enjoy teaching them new things they will use for the rest of their lives."
Taylor Surdyk - Co-Director, Azalea Gingerbread Preschool
With over a decade at Gingerbread Preschool, Ms. Surdyk is a dedicated early childhood educator passionate about fostering a safe, nurturing environment for young learners. A Florida native, raised in St. Petersburg, she is deeply connected to the community and committed to supporting local families. When she’s not shaping young minds, she enjoys family time, fishing, and Disney trips.
✔ Certified Expertise – Holds a Director’s Credential and a Child Development Associate (CDA) in Early Childhood Education.
🗨️ "Working with children is such a special gift. Knowing I am creating a difference in their lives while providing a safe and loving environment brings joy to my heart."
Justina Compton - Co-Director, Seminole Gingerbread Preschool
Since 2011, Mrs. Compton has been an integral part of Gingerbread Preschool, fostering a nurturing learning environment where children thrive. Passionate about building meaningful connections, she values the relationships formed with students and families. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling and supporting her children in competitive sports.
✔ Certified Expertise – Holds an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and is pursuing a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies.
💡 “I believe in the power of connection. Building strong relationships with our students and families is key to a successful educational journey.”
Tanya Lawson - Co-Director, Seminole Gingerbread Preschool
With over nine years at Gingerbread Preschool, Mrs. Lawson brings 17 years of experience in early childhood education, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. She is dedicated to helping young learners grow with confidence. Outside of work, she enjoys road trips and family time.
✔ Certified Expertise – Holds a Director’s Credential, Child Development Associate (CDA), and a Preschool Specialization Certificate.
🗨️ “I believe it only takes one person to make a difference in a child’s life… I want to be that person.”
Rebekah Grinstead - Co-Director, Carillon Gingerbread Preschool
With over 11 years in early childhood education, Ms. Rebekah has been an advocate for fostering a safe and engaging environment for young minds. She is dedicated to creating a caring, supportive community between children, families, teachers, and administration. Outside work, she enjoys making music and spending time with her daughter.
Holds a Director’s Credential and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of South Florida
🗨️“Teach with love.”
Amanda Holman - Co-Director, Carillon Gingerbread Preschool
With over 12 years at Gingerbread Preschool and 15 years in early childhood education, Miss Mandy is a dedicated leader passionate about social-emotional learning and helping young children build resiliency for lifelong happiness and success. Through a brain-based, relationship-centered approach, Ms. Mandy uses Conscious Discipline as a guiding foundation as she works to create a school community where every child and family feels a sense of belonging, where we see the whole child, and where a love of learning grows each day.
✔ Certified Expertise – Holds a Director Credential, VPK Credential, Preschool CDA, Micro Literacy Credential, and First Aid certification, with extensive Conscious Discipline training (200+ hours) and ongoing professional learning.
🗨️ “Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and capable. When we build connection first, learning follows.”
Ildi McGinness - Director of Gingerbread Operations
Since 2005, Mrs. McGinness has been an integral part of Gingerbread Preschool, growing from a classroom teacher to Director of Training & Support across all three locations. Originally an elementary school teacher in Hungary, she embraced early childhood education with extensive training and leadership development at Gingerbread.
✔ Certified Expertise – Experienced educator with a focus on teacher training, leadership, and Conscious Discipline.
🗨️ "See the best in others."
Why Accreditation Matters
Our commitment to high-quality early education is reflected in our accreditation. See how we maintain the highest standards for safety and learning.
