Our passionate team of educators brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the early childhood education, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere that encourages children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With a focus on inquiry-based learning, our students are encouraged to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and develop critical thinking skills that will serve as a solid foundation for their future educational journey.

My passion for education began at a very young age. I always knew I would be a teacher and one day open a school of my own. 

I studied at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) receiving a Bachelors degree in Special Education and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. This is where I met my husband and we began our life together in Tampa!

I have been an IB Primary Years educator for 11 years in Hillsborough County and Lee County. I've worked at remarkable schools that supported me and motivated me to be the educator I am today. It was a huge honor to be identified by my school as Teacher of the Year in 2019. 

I live by the IB vision and incorporate IB values in my professional and personal life daily!  I was fortunate enough to present at the IB Global Conference in 2023 about creating an equitable, diverse learning environment. 

I am most proud of my accomplishments as a mom. My kids, Hallie and Parker, are my greatest joys and were my biggest motivators in opening a preschool. I can't wait to watch them thrive and grow at Grove Academy. 

As a family, we love to travel and explore new places, experience new cultures, and eat incredible food! Most days you can find me glued to a book, playing with my kids and our dog Tater Tot, or out and about in beautiful Tampa! 

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” -Teddy Roosevelt

As a third generation Tampanian, I’ve spent my life in South Tampa with the exception of my time at the University of Florida. There I graduated with a degree in Agricultural Operations Management and moved home to earn an MBA and Master of Science in Finance at the University of Tampa.

Since then, I have worked solely in small business, from startups to well-established local companies, but never felt much of a personal connection to the product or service offering. I’m incredibly excited to partner with my wife at Grove Academy and get to work at “work worth doing”. 

I’m originally from Audubon, New Jersey, a small town just outside of Philadelphia. In 2021, I moved to Florida to attend the University of Tampa and quickly fell in love with the city. After graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, I decided to make Tampa my permanent home. 

Teaching is more than just a job to me. It is the most rewarding career I can imagine. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Grove Academy and to continue learning and growing through the IB values. 

Outside of the classroom, I love traveling to new countries and exploring new beaches to find the best shells. I also enjoy trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends. 

I’m thrilled to be part of an environment that’s committed to nurturing the unique potential in every child.

I hold a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design and am also a Certified Nursing Assistant, but my true calling lies in working with children.

Before joining the Grove Academy family, I spent three years as a Paraprofessional at an   IB school. There, I gained invaluable experience working with young minds and developed a deep appreciation for the IB program.

I’m a proud wife and mother to two beautiful daughters, Brileigh & Bayleigh, and dog mom to Vita our Miniature Pinscher. My experiences as a mother have deepened my understanding of child development and the importance of creating a loving environment that fosters independence.

Early Childhood Educator | Dedicated to Growth and Playful Learning

Hello! My name is Cierra Jackson, and I am so excited to be part of your child’s early learning experience. I have over four years of professional experience working with young children, and I am certified to teach ages infant through toddlers .

I currently hold both my Child Development Associate (CDA) and Director’s Credentials, and I’m actively working toward earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I believe in nurturing each child’s natural curiosity through play-based learning, positive guidance, and hands-on discovery. My goal is to create a safe, joyful, and engaging environment where all children feel supported and inspired.

Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with my family. I have two amazing kids—Hinton and Callie—and we enjoy trying new restaurants, traveling, and participating in all kinds of extracurricular activities together.
I’m looking forward to a wonderful year full of growth, laughter, and meaningful learning!

Hi, I'm Jc - born and raised right here in Tampa, Florida! I've been working in childcare since high school and fell in love with it early on. For the past 3+ years, l've had the joy of doing it professionally, and I truly love what I do as a teacher. There's nothing better than watching students grow, evolve, and step into their personalities.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, exploring new places, and trying new things. And if I'm not in town, there's a good chance l'm off making memories at Disney!