Meet the LPS Staff
All Staff: are CPR/First Aid trained, have a DCF background screening, and have
completed at least 10 hours of continuing education in the area of early learning
annually.
Jennifer Lange Owner/Director/Lead VPK Teacher Email: LPSparentnews@aol.com
Jennifer is the mom of two (son 27, daughter 23) and step-mom of two (son 34, daughter 36). Jen came to Naples from Pittsburgh over 28 years ago with her husband of 29(thousand) years. The 2022-2023 School Year will be Ms. Jen’s 26th school year at LPS; her 25th Anniversary as the owner/Director/Lead VPK teacher. Jen has Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Penn State University (WE ARE …) and was certified to teach children in grades Kindergarten through 6th in PA. She has earned an Advanced Level Director’s Credential and holds a Child Development Associates Degree Waiver from Edison Community College. She has more than 345 hours of continuing education in the area of early childhood education and related curriculum areas to include preschool administration. She is an active JDRF volunteer, past JDRF Hope Gala, Walk to Cure Chair and board member where she has had direct experience raising over $6 million for diabetes research in honor of her T1D daughter. Jennifer is a past Board Member of The Early Learning Coalition of SWFL and before her employment at LPS worked in the Collier County Public Schools as a substitute teacher. Jennifer brings a unique perspective to LPS as she has built a successful program guided by what she knows to be important not only as a seasoned educator but also as an experienced mom and step-mom. She believes in facilitating learning in an exciting and purposeful way while keeping in mind the fun traditions of the families who attend our school. She believes that developing the whole child is key to future educational success and is dedicated to helping each child meet their potential by identifying strengths and possible deficits and delays. She is passionate about making LPS a fun and exciting place to learn, play and grow!
Ms. Jaclyn – VPK Assistant Teacher and Director’s Assistant
aclyn is the energetic mother of two terrific kiddos (son 20 and daughter 18) and is the guardian of her sweet nephew (6). This school year she will have a Freshman and Junior in college and a First-grader! All of Ms. Jaclyn’s children have attended LPS so she is well versed in what to expect as a parent of a preschooler and strives to give our current families the same sense of belonging and comfort she felt when her own children attended. This will be Jaclyn’s fifteenth year on the LPS staff. Jaclyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies/Psychology from FL Gulf Coast University. (GO EAGLES!) Jaclyn’s psychology background and interest in and affinity for helping children with special needs balances our staff’s knowledge and interest base. She has been involved with our community as a past cub-scout leader and devoted NPE parent volunteer. After 8 years as the Naples Park Elementary PTO President, Ms. Jaclyn has relinquished her post, for now. Jaclyn’s can-do, positive attitude allows her the ability to handle whatever comes her way. She is terrific with our kiddos and is well respected by our parents. She has proven to be an excellent disciplinarian using positive reinforcement to help each child meet success in the classroom. Jaclyn expertly uses her experiences as a mom, and a seasoned preschool teacher to give our students a loving, nurturing educational experience while relating and implementing relevant life lessons and skills. Jaclyn has accumulated over 160 hours of continuing education in the area of early childhood education with a focus on VPK literacy and standards for four-year children. All of this good stuff combines to make Jaclyn a very important part of our VPK class’s success.
Norma Mendez Hernandez – Preschool Three Teacher
This will be Ms. Norma’s sixth year on the LPS team. Norma is a local graduate from Naples High School where she has completed course work in early childhood education and has had guided hands-on training to earn her Child Development Associates degree that she recently has renewed! Norma has come to us with the highest recommendations from her Naples High early childhood program advisor. Currently Ms. Norma is attending Florida South Western where she is working toward a dual degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. She most recently received her Associates of Arts from FSW while continues to work toward her Bachelors. Ms. Norma is soft spoken, incredibly kind, patient and very much enjoys working hands on with the little ones. Her calm, easy-going demeanor balances the excitement in the classroom. She is an excellent classroom manager and enjoys developing new and exciting lessons and projects for her students.
Lynda Hoff – Preschool Threes Assistant-Teacher
Ms. Lynda came to Naples from Cape Cod, MA 22 years ago. It is here in Naples where she met and married her husband and where they together are raising their children. They are the parents of two adorable teenagers (son 16, daughter 18). Lynda comes to us with lots of experience working with young children in a preschool setting and holds a Child Development Associated degree. This will be Lynda’s 3rd school year at LPS. She comes to us with highest recommendations from her previous employers at FBA and Livingston Academy. I think you will find her easy to speak with and will enjoy her sense of humor. She enjoys mingling with your kiddos at center time helping them to work a puzzle or other manipulative while helping your little ones expand vocabulary and learn new skills. The children will enjoy her pleasant demeanor, and will appreciate her silly sense of humor. Lynda’s experience as a preschool teacher, patience of a mother and love of anything crafty make her the perfect Teacher’s Assistant for our Threes classroom.
Emily Iverson – Preschool Two Assistant Teacher
This will be Emily’s sixth school year with LPS. Ms. Emily is a Naples native and has graduated from Naples High where she earned her Child Development Associates degree through coursework and hands on caring for young children in the high school’s preschool program. She has recently completed the coursework to renew her CDA. She comes to LPS with highest recommendations from the Naples High CDA program advisor. Emily has earned her Associates in Arts at Florida South Western and is continuing to work toward a dual degree in Elementary Education and Health Sciences at FGCU. Emily’s classroom is always an upbeat and inviting place for her students to learn and play. Emily’s experience, bubbly personality and love for all things silly along with her caring attitude and teaching experience make her the perfect preschool assistant teacher.
Katrina Derby – Preschool Twos Lead Teacher
Katrina comes to us with the best experience as a mom and as an educator. Katrina came to Naples from Oklahoma 21 years ago. She and her husband are the blessed parents of three beautiful boys, ages 4, 6 and 11. All three of her children have attended LPS. Katrina is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University and is a certified K-6 teacher in Florida. Katrina taught elementary students for 10 years in Naples before deciding to take some dedicated mommy time with her young family. Katrina is very comfortable in a preschool setting as she grew up in a home daycare, which ultimately instilled her love of teaching young children. She hopes to bring that same positive experience to the children in her classroom. She has over 120 hours of continuing education in her field, including the completion of S.T.E.M training. She also has earned the gifted student education endorsement. Katrina’s patience, and caring nature make all children in her care feel safe and loved. She especially loves planning exciting hands-on learning experiences and believes that children learn best through play and guided exploration. Katrina very much enjoys the opportunity to use her experience and passion for teaching to implement exceptional and exciting experiences for our littlest learners.