Meet the Team
Marni Lebowitz
813-259-6415
Marni Lebowitz has over 16 years of experience in grants development and management, early childhood education, developmentally appropriate practice and assessment, teacher education and training as well as lecturing and consulting. During her tenure at Hillsborough College, Marni has secured and managed over $5M in grant funding to help cultivate innovative childhood education programs that provide targeted early literacy intervention, social emotional development, materials to strengthen the home-school connection and professional development to childcare providers and families in Hillsborough County. In addition, she teaches college level courses in the early childhood departments at both HC and Nova Southeastern University and is a certified trainer in multiple assessment tools. Her graduate degrees include an M.S. in Child Development and Education and an Ed. S. in Early Childhood Development with a concentration in curriculum and instruction. Marni has also consulted and collaborated on many state and local initiatives including the United Way’s Early Learning Campaign, Helios Early Childhood Education Theory of Change, Early Learning Community Conversation – 2K – Get in the Race and she is affiliated with several early childhood professional organizations (NAEYC, AACC, Zero to Three, NEA).
Angela Chowning
Angela Chowning has over 32 years of experience in the childcare industry. She started her childcare journey working with after-school aged children at a childcare facility where she worked her way up to Assistant Director of the program. Angela then spent the next 27 years working in childcare regulation and policy. She gained experience in the promulgation of rules and procedures, training and technical assistance for childcare providers, and investigative techniques. Angela has managed contracts and grants up to $3 million dollars and has collaborated with various agencies all of whom have a vested interest in the betterment of the children of Hillsborough County. She has been a consultant for Hillsborough County government officials for countywide initiatives pertaining to childcare and has sat on the Board of the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Angela graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of South Florida. She joins the QEES team overseeing the Business Management and Operations team.
813-253-7788
Laura Villalobos
813-259-6555
Laura Villalobos is a dynamic communication professional with a passion for community engagement. She earned her B.A. in Communication from The University of Tampa’s College of Arts and Letters in 2014, where she first honed her skills in social media management while working with a local small business. During this time, she also expanded her creative portfolio as a photographer with Lifetouch Preschool Portraits. Laura’s career trajectory took a pivotal turn when she joined myON, where she led efforts to promote a countywide literacy campaign in partnership with multiple community organizations in Hillsborough County. This experience sharpened her expertise in public relations, community outreach, and digital marketing strategies. In 2016, Laura furthered her education with an M.A. in Strategic Communication from American University’s School of Communication. She thrives on immersing herself in projects that align with her passions and is driven by a deep commitment to overcoming challenges. Her determination is rooted in her family’s immigrant experience, which instilled in her a profound respect for hard work and perseverance. Currently, Laura contributes her skills and dedication to the Early Childhood Department at Hillsborough College, where she works across several programs, including CALM, ELM, and QEES, to foster growth and development in the early childhood community.
Shelley Sampat
813-253-7402
Shelley Sampat has over 13 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She graduated with her associate degree in Early Childhood Management from Hillsborough College and went on to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. Shelley has worked as a preschool classroom teacher and a program director. She continues to teach college level courses for the Early Education Departments at Hillsborough College and State College of Florida. Shelley believes that quality childcare during the early years is critical to the success of children, families, and communities. She advocates for strong early childhood interactions with teachers and caregivers to ensure children develop the social-emotional skills they will need to succeed in the classroom and as adults. As a member of the Quality Early Education System team, Shelley will continue on her mission to improve the quality of childcare throughout our community.
Naomi Santiago
813-253-7443
Naomi Santiago is an Early Childhood Trainer with the Quality Early Education System (QEES) and has over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She is passionate about supporting educators and helping create high-quality learning environments where young children can thrive. Before joining QEES, Naomi served as a lead preschool teacher, where she developed expertise in creating engaging, play-based learning experiences that support all areas of child development. Her classroom experience provides the foundation for her work coaching teachers and facilitating professional learning. Naomi earned an A.S. in Early Childhood Management from Hillsborough College (HC) and a B.S. in Early Childhood Development from Saint Leo University. She began her journey at HC as an intern with the Early Literacy Matters (ELM), Conscious Awareness Learning Model (CALM), and QEES programs, where she discovered her passion for coaching and professional development. Today, Naomi partners with educators to strengthen instructional practices, literacy-rich environments, and teacher-child interactions through coaching, training, and ongoing support. She is committed to empowering educators with practical, research-based strategies that positively impact children, families, and the early learning community.
Eunice Lopez
Eunice Lopez has over 35 years of experience in early learning. She graduated with her associate degree in Early Childhood Management from Hillsborough College and went on to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Southeastern University. Eunice began her career as a preschool teacher. As she continued her professional development, her passion and respect for this profession earned her a position as program coordinator and adjunct instructor. She continues to teach college-level courses at Hillsborough College, State College of Florida, and Pasco Hernando State College. Eunice’s educational background and solid understanding of child development, early education, and the importance of early learning experiences for young children enable her to teach developmentally appropriate practices, age appropriateness, and culturally responsive teaching strategies that promote high-quality learning environments. The passion for the profession and opportunities to teach early educators has allowed Eunice to continue advocating and promoting for early education. As a member of the QEES team, Eunice is eager to apply her knowledge, innovation, and diverse skill set to encourage and empower early learning practitioners to improve the quality of early education in our community.
813-253-7413
Tina Reyes
Kristina Reyes has 27 years of experience in early childhood education. Tina has her B.A. in Early Childhood Education Administration. Her experience includes teaching Preschool/VPK as well as being the director of a large childcare facility in Lee County, Florida. Recently, Tina took an opportunity to work with her church family and be involved in a church plant where she relocated to South Dakota as the children’s ministry leader and praise and worship leader. Once the project in South Dakota was completed she moved to Hillsborough County to join the QEES team. Tina has a passion for mentoring and encouraging childcare center directors and owners to inspire their staff and help them further their education in the amazing field of early childhood. Tina believes in preparing children in the early stages of life through age appropriate activities, increased parent involvement, and providing a healthy and safe environment. It brings Tina great joy to share her stories as she has embraced many experiences in the field and hopes she revives the same passion in those who love and care for our children.
813-253-7761
Yesenia Rodriguez
Yesenia Rodriguez has over 20 years of experience in early education. She was a Child Care Licensing Inspector for 12 years and recently transitioned to being a Trainer Special Projects with the QEES program. Yesenia’s experience includes being a preschool teacher as well as director of a childcare facility in Hillsborough County. Yesenia has an AA in Early Childhood Education and a BA in Criminal Justice Administration and is currently working on her MA in Psychology. Yesenia believes that early childhood education provides children with critical social emotional skills and forms a partnership between the child, their parents, and the teacher. She knows that when this is done successfully it lays the groundwork for the skills to continuously develop throughout the child’s education. Yesenia believes that by providing coaching and training through the QEES program, the children will develop interests and learn skills that will stay with them throughout their lives.
813-253-7769
Brittnye Johnson
813-253-7765
Brittnye Johnson is a Tampa Bay native who earned her A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Hillsborough College, a B.S. in Educational Studies and Community Leadership from St. Petersburg College, and an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership with a concentration in reading from Saint Leo University. She enjoys supporting her community and strives to ensure all children, regardless of socioeconomic background, have a strong start in education. Brittnye began her career in after‑school programs before transitioning fully into early childhood, gaining over 10 years of experience working with infants through school‑age children. Previously, she served The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County as a Family Support Specialist, Programming Specialist, and North Tampa Family Resource Center Manager, strengthening her problem‑solving skills and seeing firsthand how her work positively impacted families. She wholeheartedly believes her mission is to leave a lasting, positive mark on the world and knows the first five years of life are critical to a child’s growth and well‑being. Brittnye is excited to bring her experience to the QEES team and be part of nurturing greatness in the next generation.
Tiara Thomas
813-253-7778
Tiara Brown is a passionate education professional from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has a deep love for early childhood education. With a Master of Education in Multicultural Education and a Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Services, Tiara has extensive experience in various roles throughout the field of education. She has held positions such as Child Care Licensing Consultant, Education Director and Attendance Liaison. Throughout each role, Tiara has consistently demonstrated leadership particularly with fostering the growth and development of young children. In these positions she has also made herself known for ensuring the highest standards in the educational practices for herself and her teammates. She brings all these experiences and more to the QEES Business Management and Operations team.
Sandy Spreadbury
Sandy Spreadbury has over 35 years of experience in early childhood education, beginning her career as a Family Child Care Provider when her oldest son was just one year old. Her professional journey has included roles as a Community College Teaching Lab School instructor, Director of Operations for a childcare franchise, and Director of Education at a nature-based early childhood program. She currently serves as a Grants Communications Specialist for the Quality Early Education System (QEES). Sandy earned her Associate of Science degree in Early Childhood Management from Hillsborough Community College. She is passionate about creating engaging, play-based, and nature-rich learning environments where children are empowered to lead their own experiences. She believes in the importance of safe, nurturing spaces that foster curiosity, creativity, and meaningful exploration.
She stays active in the field through membership in national, state, and local early childhood associations, and by keeping current with research, trends, and best practices in early education.
813-259-6441
Jill Wilkerson
Jill Wilkerson brings over 30 years of experience in education to the QEES Business Management and Operations program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Music from the University of South Florida. Jill began her career teaching primary grades in Hillsborough County and Atlanta Public Schools before transitioning into early childhood as a Preschool Director in Maryland. She has also led Children’s Ministry programs in both Indiana and Florida. Her time with Head Start deepened her passion for supporting our most vulnerable communities. Jill shares, “It is my joy and privilege to equip teachers with new skills as they guide children and families with love and excellence.”