About the Founder
The founder of Alligator Steps has a BS from the University of Florida in Exercise and Sport Sciences with a specialization in Fitness and Wellness. She holds a Certified Child Development Associate Degree with Directors Credentials, obtained from St. Petersburg University and she is a certified Baby Sign Language Specialist with Kindersigns and Baby Signs. She was the Director of My Gym Children's Fitness Center in Tampa, FL and later was the Director and co-founder of a Mega Edutainment Center in Palm Harbor, FL. She loves working with young children!
The Classroom
Alligator Steps provides an environment where children are free to move, play and explore safely. The room was created with the needs of young children in mind. Soft tumble mats reach from wall to wall to provide the most comfortable setting for you and your child. All equipment and materials utilized throughout the class are age appropriate and designed to stimulate your child's cognitive development. Alligator Steps uses high quality educational materials purchased through Lakeshore.
Our Beginning
It all began with a new mom! Upon arriving on Okinawa she discovered that there were very limited structured Parent & Me programs for babies and toddlers. So, she decided to utilize her knowledge and experience and opened Okinawa's first and only edutainment program for children under 4.
Meet Your Instructors
Hello! My name is Ana Hawkins. I’m a Mother of three, ages 20, 17 and 5. It has always been a passion of mine to interact with children. I’ve enjoyed working at youth centers and volunteering for a variety of activities whenever possible. I’ve coached cheerleading, worked with exchange students, assisted at school functions and chaperoned all kinds of events. I’m honored to have been given this tremendous opportunity at Alligator Steps. I look forward to meeting all of you and facilitating your child’s growth through song and dance!
Hi, my name is Lori Harris and I have worked with children most of my life in my mother's in-home daycare. I would devote an hour a day helping the little ones with their language development, counting and teaching them colors and shapes. I realized early on that I love working with children. I am an aspiring preschool teacher, currently finishing my Associate's Degree online in Business Management with Horry Georgetown Tech. I am also reviewing several accredited online colleges in order to obtain my Associate's in Early Childhood Education. Teaching children is more than just a career goal to me, it is a passion.
