Ms. Summer brings a lifelong passion for caring for young children to Little Learners Lodge. As the oldest sibling in her family, she naturally stepped into a caregiving role from an early age, helping raise her three younger siblings before becoming the trusted babysitter for family friends throughout her teenage years. Those early experiences inspired her to pursue her Child Development Associate (CDA) and Florida Child Care Professional (FCCP) certifications while gaining valuable classroom experience through her high school's VPK program.

Although she always knew she wanted to work with children, it wasn't until she discovered Montessori and RIE® that she found an educational philosophy that truly reflected her values. After learning more about respectful caregiving and children's natural capabilities, she knew this was the environment where she wanted to grow as an educator. Today, she believes deeply in trusting children, supporting their independence, and creating meaningful relationships built on respect and responsiveness.

In the classroom, Ms. Summer focuses on careful observation before intervention, recognizing that every behavior is a form of communication. She thoughtfully supports children in expressing their needs, developing empathy, and building confidence through everyday experiences. Whether encouraging a child to advocate for personal space or celebrating the accomplishment of putting on their own boots, she believes small moments of independence lead to lifelong confidence.

One of the experiences that continues to inspire her happened while teaching in a VPK classroom. After being absent for several days due to illness, one of her students greeted her with a drawing for every day she had been gone. The child's family later shared that he continued asking about her after graduating and invited her to become his regular babysitter. Moments like these remind her of the lasting impact that genuine relationships can have on a child's life.