Donna Ferreira is the owner and founder of Seaside Learning Academy. Having moved to Fernandina Beach in 2006, Donna’s family history in the area dates back to 1787. She discovered her passion for teaching at the DuPont YMCA in Jacksonville, Florida, and earned a degree in Child Psychology from UNF. Donna has extensive experience, including six years with the Nassau County School District and seven years as Director of VPK and Lead Teacher at St. Michael Academy. She is thrilled to create an Early Learning Center to serve the children and families of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.

We are excited to announce Katie Haynes as the first Director of Seaside Learning Academy! With over 20 years of experience in education, Katie was recently honored as Fernandina Beach Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. She has worked at Crème De La Crème Learning Academy in Atlanta and served as a camp counselor while earning her Degree in Middle Grades Education. Katie moved to Fernandina Beach six years ago with her husband and two children. She looks forward to fostering a loving and supportive community at Seaside Learning Academy and instilling a love for learning in young children.

Miss Allison, as most families on the island affectionately call her, has been working with children since her days with the Amelia Island Montessori School from 2006-2011. She took a break from education to manage the opening of Kohl's in Yulee from 2011-2016, before returning to Early Childhood Education in 2016 where Ms Allison and Ms Donna worked together as the "Dynamic Duo" in VPK at St. Michael Academy. Also at St. Michael's Allison handled many special events for the church and school - including the St. Michael Academy Carnival at Central Park from 2013-2020. Allison has lived in Fernandina Beach for 20 years with her 2 daughters Gracie and Bella.

Nikki Testerman was born and raised in England and moved to the United States in 2011 after meeting her New Jersey husband in Spain. She studied Art and Design at college in England and began her career as a travel agent and event coordinator. After starting a family, Nikki spent several years as a stay-at-home mom before returning to work in 2018. From 2018 to 2024, she worked at Paisley Grace Makery, where she taught a multitude of art techniques to both adults and children. Nikki is excited to bring her passion for art and education to Seaside Learning Academy, fostering creativity and a love for learning in young children.

Kristy Bland lives locally with her husband and children, 2 dogs, goats, and chickens.  Having studied Montessori and Waldorf Early Childhood Education, she bridges the gap between the two pedagogies and focuses on the "whole child approach." She gained her Montessori experience while teaching at Montessori Tides in Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island Montessori.  After living in Costa Rica for a few years with her family, she found Waldorf Education. She worked at Seaside Community where she was director and lead teacher.  Post-COVID, she created and operated Salt Root Learning, an outdoor, nature based elementary program for K-4.  She is excited to make the return to Early Childhood Education following her work in public school middle school ESE/Mental Health.

Originally from South Africa, Mrs. Marlien moved to Miami in 1998 and made Fernandina Beach her home in 2003. She quickly fell in love with the island and its close-knit community.

Her journey in early childhood education began in 2001 as a volunteer at her son’s daycare and soon became a lifelong passion. Now, 24 years later, she continues to find joy and fulfillment in watching children learn and grow.

Mrs. Marlien’s two grown sons live on the West Coast and locally. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and embracing island life.

Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Ms. Peggy raised three children and is now a proud grandmother to three grandsons. She moved to South Carolina in 2000, where she worked as an interpreter for deaf children

.In 2012, she settled in Fernandina Beach and has taught Pre-K for the past 12 years. Ms. Peggy finds joy in helping children learn and grow each day. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, beach walks, and spending time with her family.

Sue has been a dedicated preschool teacher for 14 years and brings a joyful, caring spirit to her classroom. Originally from Pennsylvania, she and her husband moved south 11 years ago and have loved the sunshine ever since.

She enjoys spending time with her husband, their two dogs, and their three grown sons, as well as visiting their grandson, Luca. A lifelong U2 fan, Ms. Sue has seen the band perform more than 50 times. Her warmth, humor, and love for children make her a cherished part of our preschool family.

Maili dreamed of being a teacher from a young age, and this year she is thrilled to begin her teaching journey at Seaside. She feels grateful to work alongside inspiring mentors who feel like family.Outside the classroom, Ms. Maili loves music and plays several instruments, including the ukulele, piano, guitar, and saxophone.

She also enjoys spending time in the mountains of North Carolina, her home away from home.A devoted big sister with a kind heart and creative spirit, Ms. Maili brings warmth, joy, and a special spark to the Seaside family.

Heather is the mother of four grown children and brings a lifetime of care, experience, and dedication to working with school-age children. Originally from Dumont, New Jersey, Heather moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, with her husband, Ronnie, and their three boys in 2020.

Her background includes working as both a medical professional at the Academy of St. Therese in Cresskill, NJ, and a paraprofessional at St. Michael’s Catholic School. Heather is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. She is committed to creating a safe and stimulating aftercare environment where children can grow through meaningful experiences—both in the classroom and within our beautiful island community. They can often be found walking downtown or on the beach, enjoying adventures big and small.

Vicki brings many years of experience and heart to our school community. Born in Germany to an Army family, she was raised in Nassau County and later moved to Camden County as a teenager. She began working with children in 1995 and has since served in many roles, including Director at two schools in Ocala.

She will primarily serve as a teacher’s aide in our 3-year-old classroom but will also support classrooms throughout the school as needed. Ms. Vicki is a proud mother of three and grandmother of six. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, gardening, traveling, and all forms of art. We are so happy to have her on our team!