DOMI MAIGUT
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Specialty Teacher. My expertise lies in teaching Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding, and specialty Art classes. I am thrilled to bring the wonders of technology and creativity to our young learners.
Tell us a little bit about your story
I am originally from Romania. I came over to US to study when I was 20 years old. I have an AS degree in Early Childhood Education and I was one semester short of getting my BA in Graphic Design. I have a son who is studying Electrical Engineering and three (yes three – never thought I’ll get here) cats.
Tell us about how you got into the early childhood industry
I graduated as an elementary school teacher in Romania. When I had the opportunity to come to the United States I applied to Quincy College in Boston MA and graduated with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. I continue to work in childcare ever since.
What is the best thing about working in childcare?
It is rewarding to see how children learn and how excited they are to discover something new.
What is an innovator to you?
An Innovator is a leader that uses creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking to think outside the box and find a solution to a problem.
Who has been your most meaningful mentor?
I have two: Prof. Radu Florescu and Erika Seger.
What would you like to see in the future of the early childhood industry?
Children learn best through experiences. I would like to see and create memorable experiences for children.
What do you like to do for fun?
Read, watch international movies and TV shows, listen to eclectic music, jump with a parachute, travel, learn new languages, hot air balloon rides.
What’s your favorite meal?
Chocolate and pasta
If you could go to dinner with anybody, living or dead, who would it be?
Can Yaman
Spirit Animal?
I took a test and it came out Lion.
Your favorite halloween costume?
Witch on a broom.
If you could go to a concert of any artist, who would it be?
Tough one! Mostly 80’s rock or metal bands. I would really want to go to the Vienna New Year’s Concert, especially the one conducted by Herbert von Karajan.
Favorite movie/tv show?
Pride and Prejudice/ Engrenages
ASHLEY DURSKI
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR at Young Innovators Academy-Oviedo
Former teacher now versatile assistant director at Oviedo. I want to continue my growing passion by helping children reach their highest potential through exploration and innovation.
Tell us a little bit about your story
I worked at another daycare years ago. I have always loved working with children. Throughout college I worked as a pediatric sleep technician diagnosing children with apnea and other sleep related issues. I earned a degree in marketing.. have yet to use it. I enjoy working with children so thats what brought me back to the industry.
Tell us about how you got into the early childhood industry
I worked the early childhood class in high school and loved seeing the preschool class grow throughout the year.
What is the best thing about working in childcare?
Seeing each child progress in their own way and exploring.
What is an innovator to you?
My sense of creativity, curiosity and problem solving.
Who has been your most meaningful mentor?
My mother who is an educator
What would you like to see in the future of the early childhood industry?
To see technology continually incorporated.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to tan, shop, go to the gym and relax!
What’s your favorite meal?
Chicken Alfredo
If you could go to dinner with anybody, living or dead, who would it be?
My grandfather
Spirit Animal?
Hawk
Your favorite halloween costume?
A Deer
If you could go to a concert of any artist, who would it be?
Rufus du Sol
Favorite movie/tv show?
Planet Earth
ALEXIS GOLDSMITH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR at Young Innovators Academy- Winter Garden
I’ve been in the Early Education Field for 11 years. I’ve worked with all ages from infants to VPK. Family is very important to me, I have a little brother and my mom and dad. We’re a close knit team. I enjoy playing games and watching movies.
Tell us a little bit about your story
I’ve been in the Education field since I was 14 years old. I worked with all ages from infants to second grade. I really found my comfort in teaching VPK this last school year. This is my first time in an admin position.
Tell us about how you got into the early childhood industry
I got into the industry by accident. I needed volunteer hours in middle school, so I signed up with the Orlando Science Center volunteer program. The only program that had availability was the summer camp, which is what I didn’t want. I ended up really enjoying my time and the rest is history!
What is the best thing about working in childcare?
The best thing is building relationships with the families.
What is an innovator to you?
An innovator is someone who looks outside the box and thinks in unconventional ways.
Who has been your most meaningful mentor?
My most meaningful mentor was my High School ECE teacher Robyn Strange. She saw my passion for education and really nurtured it. She inspired me to take the education field seriously.
What would you like to see in the future of the early childhood industry?
I would like to see more women owning the field.
What do you like to do for fun?
Playing games, any games.
What’s your favorite meal?
I could tacos and French fries forever.
If you could go to dinner with anybody, living or dead, who would it be?
I’m going to have dinner with Micheal B. Jordan.
Spirit Animal?
Giraffe
Your favorite halloween costume?
Don’t celebrate the holiday.
If you could go to a concert of any artist, who would it be?
Beyonce or Ariana Grande.
Favorite movie/tv show?
Favorite movie Where the Heart is. TV show The Office.
