CECI | Children's Education Center of the Islands

Executive Director

Michelle Keltner

Hi, my name is Michelle Keltner and I am honored to serve as the Director at CECI. With over 15 years of experience in education, my passion is creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive socially, emotionally, and cognitively. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a nature-based school nestled in a locale that boasts the most beautiful and unique nature in the world! As we embark on the journey of rebuilding CECI over the next few years, my commitment is to collaborate closely with our school, its’ families, and the community. I look forward to an amazing journey together!

Contact Michelle via email at cecidirector@gmail.com

Lead VPK Teacher

Jeanne Williams

Hi, my name is Jeanne Williams and I am thrilled to join this amazing team at The Children’s Education Center of the Islands. I am originally from Chicago, but now live in Fort Myers with my husband, Ralph and three of our four kids. I have a Masters degree in Bilingual Early Childhood Education, am a CLASS Certified Observer, and am a Certified Nature Based Educator. I believe in respecting each child as a full citizen and competent learner. The children I have taught in the past and their families have become cherished friends and I look forward to the opportunity to work with this community.

Contact Ms. Jeanne via email at msjeannececi@gmail.com

I am excited to be returning to CECI for my 5th year of teaching. I relocated to Florida from Maryland where I had a long career as a park naturalist and enviromental educator. I also worked at a children’s hospital where I create nature and play therapy program to bring nature to the kids in the hospital. I am dedicated to serving this community and look forward to returning to my classroom in August with many of the students I had before Hurricane Ian.

Raelene Tucker 

2/3 Year Old Teacher

Hi, my name is Raelene Tucker, and I am thrilled to join this amazing team at The Children’s  Education Center of the Islands. I recently relocated to Florida from Michigan. My husband and  I also have two boys, Anthony and Alex that are both in college out of state.  

Education: 

Madonna University, Livonia, Michigan 

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, majoring in Early Childhood Development -CPR and first aid certification 

-Trauma, smart, certified 

Teaching strategies: 

-GOLD interrater reliability certification, preschool/pre-K 

-Ages and stages, developmental screening training 

-Creative curriculum introduction to Gold 

I have taught Kindergarten and Preschool for over 20 years. I am very excited to get to know  the children and their families. In my downtime I enjoy reading and bike riding.

Wanda McKittrick

VPK Teacher

Hi, I am Ms. Wanda and am looking forward to returning to CECI this school year. I was born and raised in South Dakota but moved to SWFL in July 2020. I am the proud parent of a son and step-son and their wonderful parners. I am also a new grandma welcoming my grandson in July 2021. I began my career in early education in 1988 as a preschool teacher and later director. I also had the opportunity to work in Head Start daycare and after school porgrams. I then had a second career in the airline industry as a customer support agent and supervisor. Whether working with children or adult my philosophy is to treat all people like they are important and have value. In my downtime I enjoy spoiling my grandson, going to the beach, reading, swimming, and camping.

Rita Williams

Aftercare Support

I’m Rita Williams and I serve CECI as an aftercare teacher. I have been involved in Early Childhood Education, serving alongside my mom, Ms. Jeanne, since I was 7.  I have volunteered at IMAG, the Humane Society, The Santa Claus Society, Fort Myers High School’s Little Wave, and have been employed at The Learning Tree. I am currently a dual enrolled senior at FMHS and am working on my EMT certification and CDA. I’ll graduate in May and will be a UF Gator. Seeing the kids at CECI is absolutely the high point of my week!

Abbey Badke

Assistant VPK Teacher

Hello friends! My name is Abigail Badke. I am currently pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship at Florida Gulf Coast University. Originally from Michigan, I moved to Florida in May 2022. My journey as a nanny has been transformative, revealing my profound love for children and shaping my passion for teaching in natural settings. I am deeply committed to enhancing early childhood education through direct engagement with the natural world. My aspiration is to establish my own nature-based preschool that not only educates but also instills a deep appreciation for the environment among children. I believe learning through outdoor play is an incredible way for children to grow and connect with the world around them. I am thrilled for the opportunity to be committed to CECI where nature co-exist among the children, and where I am blessed to witness children explore and create their own adventures everyday.