Executive Director – Colleen Kenney
Growing up, all I really wanted to be was a mom. OK, there might have been a period of wanting to be a professional horseback rider. There was also a time of wanting to be a ballerina (very comical if you know me). Then there was the singer phase. This was followed by wanting to be a teacher because my dad was a teacher. I liked school and babysitting. Isn’t that what teaching is all about? Ha ha ha!!! This drove my courses in college, thankfully.
Later on, kids came along and I was sold on being a mom! I opened my first daycare center. I had focused on special education in college. As a result, the state sent me babies and toddlers who had been born addicted to cocaine. I’m here to say, college did not prepare me for that in any way!
God had a plan for my life. Many of the experiences I had prepared me. They provided me with the skills I needed to open this center. There (again) is nothing that could have prepared me for some of the things we have faced here!
I moved to Florida in 2003 from Washington State. After a couple of different accounting jobs, I decided to open a childcare center. I called this career shift becoming a professional mom. I got my credentials and certifications here in Florida, and eventually took additional classes at USF. I opened the center here at my church in 2005.
Since that time, I have been a foster parent. I helped organize the Feed the Children project. I also helped start a project called Silent Servants. I was an officer in the neighborhood project and sat on the board of directors for the Early Learning Coalition. I taught Sunday school, ran or helped with Vacation Bible School, and taught parenting classes for some of my young parents.
Here we are in 2024. I have handed over the reins of director to our amazing Miss Heather. She joined us in our first year at 19. This leaves me to do what I truly love most: teach.
Currently I teach 1st through 3rd grade. I love the continuity of working and staying with the same group of kids over a period of years. This year, I say a goodbye to my first group of students. I have been their teacher for five consecutive years. I love them dearly and will never forget them.
Director – Heather Muisener
Hello! I’m Heather, and I’m proud to be a part of the Wiggle Worms Christian Learning Center family. My journey here began on April 27, 2006, when I embarked on a new chapter in my career. Despite my limited experience, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to work with children. I started in the infant room. This experience truly shaped me as an educator. At first, I felt like a fish out of water with those tiny tots. However, I soon found my rhythm. I eventually worked my way up to Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and Kindergarten classes. Let me tell you, I loved every step of the journey. The younger age group is definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Today, I am privileged to guide and Inspire Young minds, fostering their growth and development in a nurturing environment. With creativity, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor, I strive to make a positive impact on every child who enters my classroom. I am grateful to contribute to the Wiggle Worms community. I am thankful to play a role in shaping the future of our students.
Wiggle Worms Christian Learning Center 