As an Early Learning Support Specialist, Kalesta is committed to supporting early learning projects related to professional development, child outcomes, early childhood workforce initiatives and the administration of assessment tool(s) within our Hillsborough County Early Childcare community. She assists childcare directors and teachers in achieving program requirements and accessing resources offered through the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (ELCHC), while collaborating with various partners and stakeholders to ensure successful implementation of early learning grants, quality strategies and State and Federal programs.
Kalesta was a teacher for 11 years, and a director for 6 years before she found her home at the ELCHC. As an Early Childcare advocate, Kalesta is committed to helping children explore and learn in a hands-on environment. Nothing brings her more happiness than seeing the growth and evolution of our students. Kalesta is a Tampa native and has worked in the Education field for 17 years. She attended the University of South Florida and earned her Bachelors of Science Degree with a major in Elementary Education. She is CDA certified with a Level II VPK Endorsed Director's Credential, and I have achieved Tier 5 on the Florida Early Care and Education Career Pathway. Kalesta is both a facilitator and coach/assessor of the FSU 10 Components of Quality Care for Infants & Toddlers. She is certified reliable CLASS observer in the Infant, Toddler and Pre-K Tools, and is a certified IACET trainer. She is a member of both NAEYC and FLAEYC.
When Kalesta is not working, you can find her relaxing doing yoga, reading, yelling “GO BUCS!” to anyone who will listen or spending time with my 12-year-old daughter Gia. She danced for 23 years up to the professional level, and is a newly appointed Laughter Yoga instructor!