Meet our TLE® Center team
Rob and Emily Reader
Owners
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
Rob holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA from Indiana University. Emily’s career has been in sales and she holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. If food is important to you in choosing a preschool, you’ve come to the right place. Emily and Rob eat a plant-based diet and have upgraded our menu to include more organic options and incorporated a variety of vegetarian and vegan choices! A proud veteran, Rob is honored to offer discounts for service members and to be an approved provider for military childcare subsidy programs. We have raised four children of our own, and we are passionate about creating a nurturing, caring, fun, educational environment where the teachers are treated with respect and given the training and tools to be set up for success. We are hands-on and partner closely with our families to optimally support each child.
Jennifer Garrison
Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Mrs. Jen Garrison has over 25 years’ experience in Early Childhood Education. Her career began in nursing but her 4 beautiful children led her to Preschool. Her passion, love and commitment for ALL children is what guides her career. Mrs. Jen has lived in Jacksonville since 1998. She celebrates 25 years of marriage this year and has 3 adult children and her “baby boy” enters his senior year this coming school year. Mrs. Jen has a Degree and her National Child Development Associate in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a Florida Director’s Credential. Mrs. Jen loves to cook and read in her down time.
Leslie Carson
Assistant Center Director
Favorite TLE® Character:
Miss Chievous
Hey there! My name is Ms. Leslie Carson, and I’m the Assistant Director at The Learning Experience of Old St. Augustine. I am 29 years old, born and raised here in Jacksonville, Florida! I am happily engaged to a wonderful man, and we have a two year old daughter who absolutely loves going to The Learning Experience! I have been in the preschool industry for almost 10 years, and have worked in Management for about a year! I have been in the TLE Management position for 4 months now! I have a National CDA, and am working towards getting my Director's Credential! Each day that I walk through the doors of The Learning Experience of Old St. Augustine, I feel like I am home! TLE is such a wonderful place to be!
Tori Acra
Office and Classroom Aid
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
I’ve been in childcare for 13 years and spent 5 of those in management. I am also certified in CPR and first aid. Preschool is my favorite age to teach but I’m happy in any room! When I’m not at work I enjoy Netflix, the beach, the pool, and being with friends and family! Go Ravens!
Skylar Garrison
Infant Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I’ve been in childcare for 4 years and am SPR & first aid certified. I enjoy working with infants and toddlers, especially teaching them sign language. My favorite things outside of work include animals, galaxies, food, and playing PS4.
Renee Wells
Infant Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I am a mother of 2, a 15 year old and a 10 year old. I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband. I was previously a VPK teacher but made the switch to infants when I came to TLE. I love working with both age groups and find it very rewarding to watch them learn and grow!
Taylor Combs
Twaddler Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
I found my love for working with kids while babysitting family friends when I was 15 years old. I’ve been in childcare for 3 years and love getting to watch the children learn and grow! Outside of work I enjoy binge watching Netflix, shopping, and hanging out with friends!
Ana Lecaros
Preschool Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Hello my name is Ana. I am new to TLE, but I have plenty of experience working with children. I’m very passionate about early childhood education. I am currently working towards my Bachelors in family and child sciences and outside of work I enjoy staying active, cooking/baking, and spending time with friends and family.
Paulette St.Louis
Preschool Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
My name is Paulette and I have been working in Early Childhood education for over 10 years! I love what I do and being a part of the TLE family. I have my CDA and a passion for teaching preschool. My philosophy is to teach from the heart and be a positive leader. Outside of work I enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Sylva Mansour
Preschool Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Bubbles
My name is Sylva Mansour. I am Lebanese. I’m married and have 2 children. I enjoy spending time with my family, curling up with a good book, or doing arts and crafts. I have a Bachelor's degree in Science of Education and my CDA. I’ve been working with children for over 15 years and enjoy every aspect of teaching. I believe that a child’s education is the most valuable thing in the world.
Kimberly McClendon
Preschool Classroom Teacher
Favorite TLE® Character:
Flexi Flamingo
Hi my name is Kimberly McClendon, I’m married with one daughter, a loving son-in-law, and 3 grandchildren. I have been in childcare for over 20 + years and have worked with Infants- VPK and also been an assistant director. I’m certified in child development for preschool and have taught VPK for 12 years. I find so much joy in developing preschoolers to enter Kindergarten with knowledge and confidence.