At Collage Day School, the leadership team is dedicated to fostering a nurturing and innovative education environment that prioritizes the growth of each student. With a focus on academic excellence, personal development, and emotional well-being, the leadership members guide the school’s mission to create a supportive and dynamic learning atmosphere.
They work collaboratively with teachers, staff, and families to ensure that every student is encouraged and inspired to reach their full potential. Through visionary guidance and strategic planning, the leadership team sets the foundation for a thriving educational experience where every child is encouraged to learn.
Danielle brings more than 22 years of experience as an educator and instructional leader to her role as Head of Upper School. With deep expertise in literacy, curriculum development, and educational leadership, she is dedicated to fostering an academic environment that balances rigor with student wellbeing.
Her career began in South Florida, where she worked with at-risk students providing intensive reading and writing interventions. She later spent a decade as a 5th-grade teacher, honing best practices in literacy instruction and student-centered learning.
Danielle then joined Carrollwood Day School, a private International Baccalaureate school in Tampa, where she earned IB certification for the Primary Years Program and completed advanced coursework in differentiation at Harvard.
In 2020, Danielle transitioned into school leadership as Curriculum Coordinator at a Renaissance Charter School in Wellington. There, she expanded her expertise by earning certification and training in Cambridge curriculum and obtaining her K-12 reading endorsement.
Since joining Collage Day School in 2022 as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, she has deepened her leadership skills and completing her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. She now serves as Head of Upper School.
Kris brings over 20 years of experience in education and a lifelong passion for working with children. She holds a BFA in Music Education, is a classically trained musician, and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Childcare Management.
After a rewarding career teaching music to students in grades K-12, Kris found her true calling in Early Learning, where she is dedicated to fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning in young children.
As Head of Lower School, Kris partners closely with teachers and families to create a nurturing environment that emphasizes growth, creativity, and wellness. She believes in laying a strong foundation that supports both the academic and social-emotional success of every child.
Originally from New York, Kris and her husband eventually traded snow for sunshine and now enjoy life by the beach. They are the proud parents of two wonderful children and a pair of much-loved pets.
Outside of school, Kris enjoys attending the symphony, getting lost in a great book, and exploring new recipes in the kitchen.
Jamie is a passionate educator and accomplished school leader with over 20 years of experience in teaching, administration, and student support. Originally from the UK, Jamie holds a BA, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, and a Master’s degree in Education from Birmingham University, England, along with a Florida VPK Director Credential.
Her career has taken her across the globe, including leadership roles as Deputy Principal in the Cayman Islands and Headteacher in London. These experiences have given Jamie a unique, international perspective on education and a deep appreciation for how children thrive when schools partner closely with families.
Her early work as a behavior therapist further enriched her expertise in student support, inclusive practices, and fostering environments where every child can succeed.
At Collage, Jamie is dedicated to creating a Lower School experience rooted in balance, wellness, and curiosity. She works alongside teachers and families to design student-centered classrooms that build confidence, celebrate creativity, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
With a foundation in healthcare and a passion for helping people thrive, Michael Stead brings a well-rounded perspective to his role in Human Resources. His dedication to supporting growth in others began in 2014 when he started coaching high school boys’ basketball at a small private school, igniting a passion for helping young people develop both on and off the court.
Since joining Collage Day School in 2021, Michael has served in a variety of roles, including Behavior Support, Lead Teacher for 4th and 5th grades, Project-Based Learning Teacher for grades 3-5, and TimberNook Instructor.
Now, as HR Specialist, he leverages his diverse background to support staff with their professional needs—bringing insight, empathy, and a commitment to fostering a positive work environment.
Originally from Ohio, Michael relocated to Florida in 2017 and has enjoyed growing his career in a new setting while embracing the sunshine. Outside of work, he can often be found at the beach, trying out new restaurants, or cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Nora brings more than 20 years of experience in education, with a career dedicated to fostering the growth, learning, and well-being of children. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA), VPK Instructor certification, and Director’s Credentials—reflecting her deep commitment to excellence in early childhood education and leadership.
As a member of the founding staff, Nora has been part of Collage Day School since its opening day in 2017. Over the years, she has served as an educator in the classrooms, guided curriculum development, supported teachers, and helped shape the nurturing, family-focused environment that defines the school today.
Her leadership blends structure with compassion, ensuring both students and staff have the support they need to thrive.
Beyond her professional role, Nora is a proud mother to a 12-year-old daughter who fuels her passion for education and inspires her dedication to family life. Originally from New Jersey, she now embraces Florida living—spending her free time at the beach, traveling, or at home surrounded by her beloved dogs and cats.
Her love for animals, nature, and family reflects the warmth and balance she brings to the Collage Day School community each day.
Garrett leads the design and management of the school’s digital and media systems to create a safe, engaging, and wellness-focused learning environment. He oversees technology infrastructure, digital media integration, and compliance with data privacy and cybersecurity standards, ensuring that every tool supports both innovation and the wellbeing of students and staff.
With over 8 years of professional experience and a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the University of North Florida, Garrett brings a strong technical foundation along with a creative vision for media and communication.
He works closely with teachers and administrators to implement strategies that make learning interactive, balanced, and aligned with best practices for healthy digital engagement.
Outside of Collage, Garrett embraces his own wellness through time outdoors—hiking, backpacking, and fishing—which fuels his commitment to encouraging balance, unplugged experiences, and meaningful connections with nature.
Chelsea is in her third year as School Nurse at Collage Day School, where she combines more than a decade of critical care experience with a deep commitment to the health and wellness of our school community. Her role extends far beyond traditional nursing—Chelsea is a trusted partner to students, families, and staff, ensuring that each child has the support needed to thrive physically, emotionally, and academically.
Chelsea holds an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Broward College and is a Registered Nurse with 13 years of experience in adult critical care, including Coronary Care and Neurosurgery/Trauma ICU. With extensive training in emergency response, she brings both clinical expertise and calm assurance to every situation.
She is also a certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor through the American Red Cross, equipping faculty and staff with the skills and confidence to respond in emergencies. As part of her responsibilities, Chelsea leads emergency preparedness training for Collage Day School staff, helping foster a culture of safety and readiness.
Equally passionate about preventive care, she leads initiatives that promote healthy habits, mindfulness, and overall well-being throughout the school day.
Chelsea is a mother to two children, ages 6 and 4, who also attend Collage. In her leisure time, she enjoys rucking and listening to health and wellness podcasts.
Karen brings more than 15 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education, with a career rooted in cultivating warm, nurturing, and family-focused learning communities. She began her journey in education as a lead VPK teacher at Accotink Academy by the Sea—the original school on our campus property—in 2009.
In 2017, Karen played an integral role in opening Collage Day School, where she transitioned into administration as Lower School Administrator. She also served as the school’s DCF Director and VPK Director, and Assistant Head of Lower School, helping to shape Collage’s focus on quality care, strong family partnerships, and health-centered early learning.
Now as Director of Admissions, Karen draws on her deep knowledge of both early childhood and elementary education to welcome new families and ensure every child’s journey at Collage begins with a strong foundation. She is passionate about connecting with families, understanding their needs, and aligning them with a school community that values health, wellness, and whole-child development.
Originally from Chicago, Karen has called Ponte Vedra Beach home since 2000. She is the proud mother of four children—including one with special needs—two University of Florida graduates, and her youngest, who is currently attending the University of Florida.
Her firsthand experience as a parent of children with diverse learning styles continues to inspire her commitment to supporting families and fostering authentic connections at Collage Day School.
Peter Carmichael is the Director of Education for the Collage Middle School program and our 6th-grade teacher. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Leadership from the University of Florida. With a diverse background in teaching and mentoring, Peter is passionate about helping students explore the fascinating—and sometimes challenging—world around them.
Dedicated to creating a personalized and engaging learning environment, Peter encourages curiosity and supports each student’s unique path. In his dual role as educator and administrator, he fosters a culture of inquiry, growth, and active learning.
Peter is especially excited to guide students through the next chapter of their academic journey, empowering them to reach their full potential and become active contributors to their communities—all while having fun along the way.
