About Us

John Stover

Owner/Founder/CEO

John has a true passion for helping people. After getting an undergraduate degree in Long-term Care Administration and an MBA from UCF he spent 17 years managing nursing homes, helping to make a difference in the lives of our frail elderly neighbors. Soon he moved up the corporate ladder and began to realize that he was getting more and more removed from the people he wanted to care for. During one particularly long board meeting, John realized there had to be more to life than boardroom politics, so he decided to exit the corporate world and buy a business. Preschools were the perfect fit as they allowed him to take care of people and make a positive impact on their lives.

John also volunteers his time as a guardian ad litem for the family courts. When children have been removed from their parents due to abuse or neglect he spends time with the children and becomes their voice in the courtroom advocating for their wants and needs. And, as a pilot, he also volunteers with his local flying club to support the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles outreach program providing free flights to children in hopes of incubating an early love for aviation.

With three children to keep him busy John is always on the move. His two older sons attend private Christian schools in north Georgia and Chattanooga and his daughter is in a private Christian elementary school. But no matter how busy he is he loves to hear from the parents in the schools. You will often find him in work clothes turning a wrench to fix a leaky drain under a classroom sink or changing a burned-out light bulb. He will always make time to chat with a parent, usually because their children have said, “There’s Uncle John” and pulled their parent over to say hi as they are leaving for the day.

Betsy Mae Wilson

Director Waterman Early Learning Academy

Betsy Mae Wilson has a passion for early learning and the value of developmentally
appropriate practices establishing a child’s love of learning that remains with them
throughout life. Betsy Mae has worked in early learning for 19 years in
administration and children’s ministry. She strives to establish excellence in early
childhood, while creating positive relationships and experiences for the children.
Betsy Mae is passionate and driven to establish and maintain a fun and loving
environment for children’s developmental and academic growth. Betsy Mae has a
Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential, Advanced with VPK
and Trauma endorsements and an MBA from Rasmussen University.
Prior to working in early learning, Betsy Mae worked in banking for 5 years and
then spent the next 5 years at home with her two children. As a stay-at-home
parent, she realized that early learning and the impact of positive developmentally
appropriate practices was her passion and desire for all children. Once her son
turned three, Betsy Mae began working in an early childhood environment.
As an empty-nester, Betsy Mae and her husband, David enjoy riding their
motorcycle, boating, and hiking. Their children are both in college. Their daughter
is studying Information Technology at the University of South Florida and their son
is a first-year student in the College of Veterinary Medicine University of Florida

Jessica Davis

Director Zephyrhills Early Learning Academy

Hi! I’m Ms. Jessica. I have been in the early childhood education industry since 2006. I taught VPK for about 12 years and was an assistant director for about 4 years. This year I was promoted to Director and I’m loving this new exciting, but challenging position. My favorite thing about working with children is watching them grow into amazing little people and knowing I was a part of their journey.

Mikaley Payne

Director Plant City Early Learning Academy

Hello, I am the Director of Plant City Early Learning Academy. Before moving to this position, I was the
Director at STEAM Preschool Academy in Plant City. I was previously a Kindergarten Teacher for Polk
County Public schools as I hold a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in
Psychology and Early Childhood Education from Keiser University. Before my teaching career I was a
preschool teacher for 9 years.
I have two young boys who are my world. I love working with children and seeing their eyes light up
when they discover something new. I feel it in my heart that it is God’s calling to continue my career in
Early Childhood Education and serve the families of young children.
You will see a lot of me here at Plant City Early Learning Academy and would love the opportunity to
speak with you about your child and watch them grow over the next few years.

Wanda Yeomanas

Director Sun N Lake Early Learning Academy

My name is Wanda Yeomans, I am the Director of the Sun N Lake
Early Learning Academy. I graduated high school in 1987 and went
straight into teaching preschool. I live in Hardee County with my
husband Scot and our daughter Miranda.

Working with kids is truly special because the teaching and encouragement
you provide directly leads to you witnessing a child’s many milestones and
breakthroughs. Working with children is rewarded with victories, such as a
child mastering a goal or discovering a different way to communicate.

Fun Facts outside of work
I enjoy going to River Ranch on the weekends for long rides in the
woods with our Side x Side.
Hanging with family and friends
Listening to the radio
Education
Graduated from Hardee High in 1987
Director’s Credential
First Aid & CPR
Currently enrolled at SFC working towards my A.S. Degree in Early
Childhood Education

About Early Learning

Every year, the top 10 highest-paying jobs in the United States are in stem Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. There is a need to train more workers in these fields. The training should start in a child’s early years and be nurtured all the way to adulthood, especially for girls, who often lose interest in Early Learning topics around the fifth grade.

Early Learning takes to the next level, using Art to stimulate the creative parts of a child’s brain to bring balance to the study of the scientific process, all within an atmosphere of fun. The arts promote a number of skills that are important in academic and life success.

Professionals

Happy parents

Students

Qualified Staff

Our highly trained staff will be there every step of the way

At Early Learning Academy, we commit to providing a safe, structured and supportive setting for each child. Your child will learn to take thoughtful risks, pursue problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and excel at the entire creative process.

Our Team