Administration

Corina Dekker hails from The Netherlands and has lived in the United States since 1990. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Hotelschool, in The Hague. She worked in operations management for Hilton, Sheraton and Hyatt hotels before starting a family. Being a full-time parent paved the way for a career in education. Corina has worked in early childhood education since 2000 and holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from NOVA University. Corina is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and the Christian Preschools Association (CPA), where she is also a board member. Watching children grow, develop, and learn from rich and meaningful daily classroom experiences is immensely rewarding. Sharing her knowledge about child development and the importance of the early years in education is something she feels passionate about. Corina joined The Growing Place in 2013, with a strong commitment to offering high quality education and care in a faith-based setting. In addition to leading The Growing Place, Corina holds a dual role as Executive Director for First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. In her free time, Corina enjoys and values spending time with family. Traveling, enjoying nature, and reading are her favorite hobbies.

Alexandra Kagan is a lover of learning who joined the TGPS family in 2021. Originally from New York, Alexandra has taught, lived and traveled around the world to develop broad knowledge of child development over the last 20 years. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chinese Studies, a Master’s of Education in Elementary Education/ESOL, and a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Graduate School. ​ Alexandra believes in the unique talents, capabilities, strengths, and individuality in every child. She is passionate about supporting children, families, and teachers to be the best version of themselves. ​ A big fan of teamwork, collaboration, and connection, Alexandra enjoys being active in the community. When not focused on education, Alexandra can be found discovering new restaurants, experiencing the arts, and exploring the beauty of Miami with her family.

Kris Wood was born in New York City, NY and spent her formative years in Leonia, NJ. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with a specialty in therapeutic recreation and a Master of Arts in Drama Therapy. Growing up with an educational psychologist father, her early life was surrounded by the likes of Dr. T. Berry Brazelton, Dr. Myrtle McGraw, and Dr. Lewis Lipsitt, to name a few. It is from Dr. McGraw that she learned “...and a child shall lead.” She feels that this mantra lends itself to the HighScope curriculum and the process of “active participatory learning” as the foundation of its philosophy. She joined The Growing Place as a mom in 1998, when the first of her three sons started school. She then became an employee in 2005, when her youngest child became a student. In her “free time” she enjoys being with her family, watching her sons play soccer and water polo, and working out in the gym. On her bucket list is to do a mini-triathlon.

Alita joined our team in 2024, and after studying business administration at the University of Utah and living in Salt Lake City, Utah, she moved to Coral Gables and raised her three daughters. After working in the corporate world for many years she found purpose and passion while volunteering at a local nonprofit that helps keep kids safe, healthy and drug free. That experience led to her next career as she began working in the nonprofit industry twelve years ago. She comes to The Growing Place after managing the United Wesley Foundation at the University of Miami, a ministry of the United Methodist Church, for eight years. She is thrilled to be working with young children once again. In her spare time, she likes to read, go to the beach and bake.

Coach David was born in Boston, Massachusetts and has had the privilege of living all over the country. Growing up as a son of a Basketball Coach, he became accustomed to relocating and adjusting to new environments. David is a proud Alumni of DePaul University in Chicago, where he played men’s basketball and earned his bachelor’s degree in communications and media, with a minor in film and television. After graduation, Coach ventured to Brooklyn, NY, where he worked in the film industry for several years. He even had the opportunity to be apart of an Oscar-winning film. Eventually, his journey led him to Miami, where he now pursues his passion of working with children. Coach emphasizes the power of play with the children. You can catch him on the playground kicking soccer balls or shooting hoops with the kids. With his passion for sports and fitness, he encourages engagement in physical activities. Keeping children moving channels their social and cognitive skills and is imperative for their growth. Coach David is absolutely thrilled to be apart of The Growing Place school and loves watching the children grow and reach their potential.

For over a decade, Jasmin has dedicated her life to nurturing young minds as an Early Childcare Educator, a role that allowed her to blend her love for teaching along with the magic of storytelling. Her journey in education is decorated with national certifications in early learning, with a focus on developmentally appropriate practices and supporting children in reaching key milestones. She has completed a variety of courses designed to master different approaches to fostering learning and development through age-appropriate methods. Additionally, Jasmine is a rising children's book author and is continuing her studies focusing on child-centered learning goals and diverse curriculum practices

Emily was born and raised in Miami, and comes from a big Cuban family. As an undergrad in the University of Florida, she worked at the Academic Advising Center for the school's College of Arts and Science. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in public relations and concentration in international communications, she worked for the marketing department at the University Press of Florida, a scholarly publishing press for the State University System of Florida. She then moved back home to Miami, where she began working as an application reader for the University of Miami. ​ With a background in marketing and admissions, she is delighted to be working in a position that allows her to utilize her greatest skills to show families the beauty and passion of The Growing Place School. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fantasy books, traveling the world, and being with her friends and family.

Catherine was born in San Francisco, California, with her parents moving to Florida when she was six months old. Catherine is of Nicaraguan descent and holds an associate degree in Human Services and is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has over ten years of experience in logistics and is thrilled to now be working with children, helping with daily operations and managing the inner workings of a school. Catherine is also a mother and stepmother to three amazing children: two girls and one boy. She enjoys spending time with her family and watching movies in her spare time.