Meet Our Team

Michelle"Shelley" Baughan | Director of operations and education

Shelley brings more than 25 years of experience in holistic, Waldorf inspired education, with a career that has taken her from early childhood through higher education, both here in the United States and internationally. She has a deep belief in honoring the whole child and creating learning experiences that leave room for curiosity, imagination, connection, and the natural rhythm of development. She recently completed her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum Development, continuing her lifelong commitment to thoughtful and meaningful education. At the heart of her work is a simple belief that children thrive when they feel deeply known, supported by strong relationships, and given the freedom to learn through wonder and meaningful experiences. Shelley is also a proud mom of three daughters, and motherhood has deeply shaped the way she leads and cares for children, families, and educators. She is passionate about building a warm, joyful community where teachers feel supported, families feel connected, and children are given the space to simply be children!

Debbie Chrestensen | Assistant teacher

Debbie has spent more than 30 years nurturing and guiding children and has a deep love for the wonder of early childhood. She believes children learn through imitation, play, and meaningful experiences, and delights in creating space for curiosity, imagination, and connection to unfold naturally. Outside the classroom, Debbie treasures time with her family, especially her beloved “grands”, along with peaceful days at the beach and family trips to the mountains.

Amelia Gonzalez | Teacher

Amelia has spent more than 10 years working with young children, with much of her experience rooted in Montessori education. Originally from Cuba, she brings a deep respect for the child’s natural development and a genuine love for creating warm, nurturing spaces where children can grow with confidence and curiosity. Amelia recently moved to Florida with her husband and their six-year-old son, Liam. Outside of school, she enjoys art, dancing, coffee, exploring new places, and spending time at the beach. She is especially excited to join Moonbow and begin her journey into Waldorf education. Amelia loves the opportunity to slow down, connect with children through play and imagination, and support each child as they discover the world in their own unique way.

Greta Knight | Assistant teacher

Greta brings warm, energetic, and playful energy to the classroom. She has many years of experience working with children in nurturing, play-filled learning environments. She believes that children learn best through child-led exploration and meaningful connection, creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages curiosity, kindness, and confidence. Outside the classroom, Greta enjoys spending time with her husband and three children and soaking in the sunshine of her Florida home.

Carianne Lewis | Teacher

Carianne comes to Moonbow with a background in Montessori education and a special love for imaginative play, handwork, and the creative world of childhood. Last year, she was part of The Woodlands as a Forest School teacher, where she discovered an even deeper love for nature based learning and the Waldorf approach. As a mom of two, she brings a gentle, nurturing presence to her work with children and loves watching them discover, create, and make sense of the world through their own imaginations. She lives in St. Augustine and enjoys history, crafts, music, and art. She is excited to continue growing with the Moonbow community and to bring her creativity, warmth, and love of hands on learning into the classroom!

Kylie Lewis | Teacher

Kylie is a Florida native who brings more than a decade of experience working with children of all ages and abilities. She studied Education Science at the University of Florida, with a focus on Disabilities and Early Childhood Studies, and has a deep love for creating calm, welcoming spaces where children feel safe, valued, and free to grow. Kylie believes young children learn through meaningful play, hands-on experiences, and time spent outdoors. She especially enjoys sharing her love and knowledge of Florida’s wildlife and natural world, helping children build curiosity, confidence, and a sense of wonder. Outside of Moonbow, Kylie enjoys crocheting, baking, tending to her plants, and exploring the outdoors with her fiancé and their dog. She is excited to be part of a community that honors childhood, nature, and the joy of learning.

Larisa Pajkanovic | Teacher

Originally from Bosnia, she has been married for more than 30 years and is a proud mom to two wonderful grown sons. Her journey with young children began in 1999, after becoming a mother herself, and what started as a new chapter quickly grew into a lifelong calling! Over the years, she has had the joy of working in both Reggio Emilia and Montessori environments, developing a deep appreciation for following the child, honoring their natural curiosity, and creating spaces where children can learn through meaningful experiences. She feels especially drawn to the heart of Waldorf education, the beauty of childhood, the importance of imagination and play, and the opportunity to slow down and allow children to grow in their own time. She is excited to bring her warmth and experience to Moonbow while continuing to learn and grow in the Waldorf approach alongside the children. Above all, she believes children thrive when they feel safe, loved, heard, and truly known, and she looks forward to creating a classroom filled with kindness, wonder, creativity, and joy.

Tracie Pitre | Teacher

Tracie has spent the past 40 years in early childhood education and truly feels that caring for young children is her calling. She brings a deep love for nurturing children and creating a warm, caring space where they feel safe, known, and free to grow. Tracie is a mother of four daughters, along with three bonus daughters, and feels especially blessed to be “Grandma” to 12 wonderful little people. Her family is at the heart of who she is, and she feels grateful to have spent so many years doing work she truly loves!

Taylor Revell | Teacher

Taylor brings creativity, patience, and warmth to the classroom. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Florida State College and has experience teaching in both elementary and preschool settings. She believes children thrive in environments that honor individuality and imagination, blending play and creativity to support each child’s unique growth. Outside the classroom, Taylor enjoys handwork, painting, and finding new ways to bring creativity into everyday life.

Contact Information

Phone: 904-647-7665

Address: 14797 Philips Highway Ste 301 Jacksonville, FL 32256

Email: info@mymoonbowchild.com

Business Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

DCF License #C04DU1474