Parent Information Session

Donna Ferreira is the owner and founder of Seaside Learning Academy. Having moved to Fernandina Beach in 2006, Donna’s family history in the area dates back to 1787. She discovered her passion for teaching at the DuPont YMCA in Jacksonville, Florida, and earned a degree in Child Psychology from UNF. Donna has extensive experience, including six years with the Nassau County School District and seven years as Director of VPK and Lead Teacher at St. Michael Academy. She is thrilled to create an Early Learning Center to serve the children and families of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County.

We are excited to announce Katie Haynes as the first Director of Seaside Learning Academy! With over 20 years of experience in education, Katie was recently honored as Fernandina Beach Middle School’s Teacher of the Year. She has worked at Crème De La Crème Learning Academy in Atlanta and served as a camp counselor while earning her Degree in Middle Grades Education. Katie moved to Fernandina Beach six years ago with her husband and two children. She looks forward to fostering a loving and supportive community at Seaside Learning Academy and instilling a love for learning in young children.

Miss Allison, as most families on the island affectionately call her, has been working with children since her days with the Amelia Island Montessori School from 2006-2011. She took a break from education to manage the opening of Kohl's in Yulee from 2011-2016, before returning to Early Childhood Education in 2016 where Ms Allison and Ms Donna worked together as the "Dynamic Duo" in VPK at St. Michael Academy. Also at St. Michael's Allison handled many special events for the church and school - including the St. Michael Academy Carnival at Central Park from 2013-2020. Allison has lived in Fernandina Beach for 20 years with her 2 daughters Gracie and Bella.

Nikki Testerman was born and raised in England and moved to the United States in 2011 after meeting her New Jersey husband in Spain. She studied Art and Design at college in England and began her career as a travel agent and event coordinator. After starting a family, Nikki spent several years as a stay-at-home mom before returning to work in 2018. From 2018 to 2024, she worked at Paisley Grace Makery, where she taught a multitude of art techniques to both adults and children. Nikki is excited to bring her passion for art and education to Seaside Learning Academy, fostering creativity and a love for learning in young children.

Kristy Bland lives locally with her husband and children, 2 dogs, goats, and chickens.  Having studied Montessori and Waldorf Early Childhood Education, she bridges the gap between the two pedagogies and focuses on the "whole child approach." She gained her Montessori experience while teaching at Montessori Tides in Jacksonville Beach and Amelia Island Montessori.  After living in Costa Rica for a few years with her family, she found Waldorf Education. She worked at Seaside Community where she was director and lead teacher.  Post-COVID, she created and operated Salt Root Learning, an outdoor, nature based elementary program for K-4.  She is excited to make the return to Early Childhood Education following her work in public school middle school ESE/Mental Health.