"Laying the foundation for their future."
Get to know us...
Our Goal:
Precious Gems Academy’s goal is to provide an educational program that will promote and support all aspects of a child’s growth. We want our enrolled infants, toddlers and preschool students to participate in a series of individual and group activities designed to develop language and reading readiness. Our teachers will work collaboratively with parents and guardians to set individual goals and development plans for each child.
Our Owners/Directors:
Our Philosophy:
We understand that choosing a childcare center is a difficult decision to make because as parents we want to make sure our children’s needs are being fulfilled. At Precious Gems Academy, we will provide a safe, clean and fully equipped facility with a caring and nurturing teaching staff. The children will participate in numerous individual and group activities which will ensure physical, emotional, social and educational needs are met. Our objective is to instill confidence, independence and a love of learning in the children in this early yet impressionable time in their lives.
Yveline Francois-Kelly
Yveline graduated from the University of South Florida in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. Upon graduating, Yveline obtained an employment position at Chase Bank as a Business Relationship Manager. Shortly after, Yveline became motivated to establish her own business. She developed her own fragrance company in which she sold perfumes locally and later expanded nationally advancing to mail orders. Her business was very successful for about four years but she wanted to explore the cultivating housing market. Yveline became a self employed mortgage broker for six years and even purchased several investment properties of her own. However, due to the economy plummeting especially for housing mortgages, Yveline had to move forward. With ten years of business experience and her passion for children, she pursued her education in childcare and recently achieved her Staff and Directors Credentials. Yveline is now qualified to own and operate a childcare facility which is her aspiration.
Erlie Bazile
Erlie graduated from the University of South Florida in 2004 as a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education grades K-6. Prior to obtaining her degree, Erlie’s enthusiasm and commitment to educating children has always led her in the field of teaching. She worked at Smith’s Williams Center in Tallahassee as an afterschool counselor in 2001 and also worked at the Tallahassee Parks and Recreation as a summer camp counselor for youths. As Erlie pursued her degree in Tampa, she took on the challenges of tutoring afterschool at-risk children at the University Area Community Center. Due to her dedication to educating, she was immediately hired at Miles Elementary in 2005 as a full time 5th Grade Teacher. She has since served as the 5th grade team leader for the last three years. Erlie has also obtained her Master’s Degree in Reading Education and has her endorsement in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages). She has also recently acquired her Staff and Directors Credentials and is qualified to own and operate a childcare facility which has been her greatest passion.
Sasha McDonald-Brown
Sasha graduated from the University of South Florida in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education grades K-6. She was inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society and received the Provost’s Scholars award for superior academic achievement in Elementary Education. She also has received her endorsement in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages). Prior to becoming a full time teacher, Sasha provided private tutoring services to members of her neighboring community. She worked as a Substitute Teacher for the School District of Hillsborough County for several months before being hired in 2003 as a 3rd Grade Teacher at a “A” rated prestigious elementary school, Lake Magdalene. In 2005 Sasha wanted to explore all realms of education so she applied and was hired at a Title I School (at-risk/ low income children), Miles Elementary. She worked at Miles as a 5th Grade Teacher and served as the team leader from 2007-2009. Sasha is still currently employed at Miles and has recently also attained her Staff and Directors Credentials. She is additionally qualified to own and operate a childcare facility which is one of her greatest aspirations as well.
