Melissa Callaway Moody, Director, Pre-k Teacher
Melissa grew up in Orange Beach as a member of one of the founding families of Orange
Beach. She is a Foley High School graduate and a graduate of the University of Montevallo.
As owner and Director of Discovery Island, "Ms. Lissa" as the children call her, has taken over
400 hours training in Early Childhood Education and Pre-School Management. She has been
married 26 years to her husband and co-owner Eddie R. Moody. They have 2 children,
William who is 21 and currently at Troy University and Tessa who is 16 and in the 11th grade
at Gulf Shores High School. She is the Financial Secretary for St. Jude's Lutheran Church in
Gulf Shores, where she has been a member since returning from Atlanta, and is a member
of the Children's Policy Council of Baldwin County. In December of 2008 Ms. Melissa became
the first Director in Baldwin County certified by the State of Alabama in the state's newly
mandated Alabama Early Learning Guidelines.
Melissa grew up in Orange Beach as a member of one of the founding families of Orange
Beach. She is a Foley High School graduate and a graduate of the University of Montevallo.
As owner and Director of Discovery Island, "Ms. Lissa" as the children call her, has taken over
400 hours training in Early Childhood Education and Pre-School Management. She has been
married 26 years to her husband and co-owner Eddie R. Moody. They have 2 children,
William who is 21 and currently at Troy University and Tessa who is 16 and in the 11th grade
at Gulf Shores High School. She is the Financial Secretary for St. Jude's Lutheran Church in
Gulf Shores, where she has been a member since returning from Atlanta, and is a member
of the Children's Policy Council of Baldwin County. In December of 2008 Ms. Melissa became
the first Director in Baldwin County certified by the State of Alabama in the state's newly
mandated Alabama Early Learning Guidelines.
Orange Beach, AL 36561
ph: 251-974-5488
fax: 251-974-5489
director@discoveryislandcdc.com
ph: 251-974-5488
fax: 251-974-5489
director@discoveryislandcdc.com
Copyright Discovery Island, Inc. 2011. All rights reserved.
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Very specific minimum credentials are required of all of the staff employed by Discovery Island Child
Development Center. As you read about each individual Team Member please keep in mind that all of the
teachers have met these common standards.
All DI teachers have:
ABI Clearance First Aid Certification
FBI Clearance Infant and Child CPR Certification
TB test and physical exam Quality Child Care & Licensing Training
State of Alabama Abuse/Neglect Clearance Proof of Citizenship
Health and Safety Training Child Development Training
Language Development Training Positive Discipline and Guidance Training
Family Interaction & Inclusion Training Child Care Professionalism Training
Additional yearly training and timely renewal of all certifications as needed
Development Center. As you read about each individual Team Member please keep in mind that all of the
teachers have met these common standards.
All DI teachers have:
ABI Clearance First Aid Certification
FBI Clearance Infant and Child CPR Certification
TB test and physical exam Quality Child Care & Licensing Training
State of Alabama Abuse/Neglect Clearance Proof of Citizenship
Health and Safety Training Child Development Training
Language Development Training Positive Discipline and Guidance Training
Family Interaction & Inclusion Training Child Care Professionalism Training
Additional yearly training and timely renewal of all certifications as needed
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| Staff |
Katherine Hall, Assistant to the Director
Kate was born and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University with
a BA in psychology. She came to DI with 2 years of experience working with young children in
various childcare centers in both Louisiana and Alabama. She enjoys working with young
children and helping them learn academically, socially, and emotionally. She firmly believes
that years from now, a child may not remember what you told them but they will always
remember how you made them feel. She has been married for 11 years and has a 6 year
old son, Cody, who attends Gulf Shores Elementary School and an infant, Savannah Kate,
who is in our infant room. She and her family recently relocated to Gulf Shores to enjoy “life at
the beach”. She is an avid LSU Tiger fan and a former long suffering Saints fan. Her favorite
time of the year is football season! She attends church locally with her family.
Kate was born and raised in Louisiana. She graduated from Louisiana State University with
a BA in psychology. She came to DI with 2 years of experience working with young children in
various childcare centers in both Louisiana and Alabama. She enjoys working with young
children and helping them learn academically, socially, and emotionally. She firmly believes
that years from now, a child may not remember what you told them but they will always
remember how you made them feel. She has been married for 11 years and has a 6 year
old son, Cody, who attends Gulf Shores Elementary School and an infant, Savannah Kate,
who is in our infant room. She and her family recently relocated to Gulf Shores to enjoy “life at
the beach”. She is an avid LSU Tiger fan and a former long suffering Saints fan. Her favorite
time of the year is football season! She attends church locally with her family.
Mary Bradley, 1 year old Teacher
Ms. Mary originally came to us five years ago from Montgomery and was our infant teacher for
a year. Her husband of 29 years, is in the military. When he was deployed surprisingly 4
years ago, Ms. Mary continued occasionally help out as a substitute teacher during those
years. But we were thrilled when Ms. Mary came back full time over 2 years ago to Discovery
Island as our one year old toddler teacher. Ms. Mary has always been a favorite of the
families she has worked with at DI. Overall Ms. Mary has worked with children for 18 years.
She has 3 children and 1 grandchild. Being a military family she has been blessed to travel
all over the United States and overseas. Ms. Mary is a devote Christian and promises to give
your one year old the very best of her love and time.
Ms. Mary originally came to us five years ago from Montgomery and was our infant teacher for
a year. Her husband of 29 years, is in the military. When he was deployed surprisingly 4
years ago, Ms. Mary continued occasionally help out as a substitute teacher during those
years. But we were thrilled when Ms. Mary came back full time over 2 years ago to Discovery
Island as our one year old toddler teacher. Ms. Mary has always been a favorite of the
families she has worked with at DI. Overall Ms. Mary has worked with children for 18 years.
She has 3 children and 1 grandchild. Being a military family she has been blessed to travel
all over the United States and overseas. Ms. Mary is a devote Christian and promises to give
your one year old the very best of her love and time.
Lolita Usana Plowman, Young 2 year old Teacher
Ms. Lolita was born in Manila, Philippines. Lolita met and married her husband there, Major
Charles B. Plowman of the US Marine Corps, and moved with him to Georgia in 1990.
Lolita gained her US citizenship in 1994. She came to DI with 5 years experience working
with children from John Johnson Elementary School in Georgia as a Para-Professional.
She also spent 2 years as a Para-Professional at a Christian Academy. Ms. Lolita is in her
third year with Discovery Island and working with our little twos. Ms. Lolita's husband has
recently retired from teaching at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Charles and
Lolita have 2 children, Charles, 16 and Brooke, 20.
Ms. Lolita was born in Manila, Philippines. Lolita met and married her husband there, Major
Charles B. Plowman of the US Marine Corps, and moved with him to Georgia in 1990.
Lolita gained her US citizenship in 1994. She came to DI with 5 years experience working
with children from John Johnson Elementary School in Georgia as a Para-Professional.
She also spent 2 years as a Para-Professional at a Christian Academy. Ms. Lolita is in her
third year with Discovery Island and working with our little twos. Ms. Lolita's husband has
recently retired from teaching at Leon High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Charles and
Lolita have 2 children, Charles, 16 and Brooke, 20.
Janette Lockhart, Infant Teacher
Ms. Janette has worked collectively at Discovery Island for over 4 years with a brief leave of
absence during that time. Ms. Janette began employment at Discovery Island in September
of 2007 as our infant teacher. Ms. Janette holds a degree in nursing and while living in
Birmingham worked at the Brookwood Medical Center in the labor and delivery room. Ms.
Janette married her childhood sweetheart and together they have 6 children and 10
grandchildren. Her church membership is still in Cullman Al at the Southside Baptist Church
but she attends church locally. Ms. Janette loves "her babies" and enjoys watching each
milestone they take in their learning and development.
Ms. Janette has worked collectively at Discovery Island for over 4 years with a brief leave of
absence during that time. Ms. Janette began employment at Discovery Island in September
of 2007 as our infant teacher. Ms. Janette holds a degree in nursing and while living in
Birmingham worked at the Brookwood Medical Center in the labor and delivery room. Ms.
Janette married her childhood sweetheart and together they have 6 children and 10
grandchildren. Her church membership is still in Cullman Al at the Southside Baptist Church
but she attends church locally. Ms. Janette loves "her babies" and enjoys watching each
milestone they take in their learning and development.
Monique Salazaar, Substitute Teacher
Monique has been a substitute teacher with Discovery Island for 3 years. She was born in
the northwest part of Brazil and is fluent in Portuguese and English. She has a BS in
Psychology working with children until 2007. In 2007 she moved with her family to Alabama
to study English and get a nursing degree. She is currently enrolled in college taking
classes towards this goal. Monique loves working at Discovery Island because she loves to
be with the children. She is married and has one child, Luiza, who attends Discovery Island.
Monique has been a substitute teacher with Discovery Island for 3 years. She was born in
the northwest part of Brazil and is fluent in Portuguese and English. She has a BS in
Psychology working with children until 2007. In 2007 she moved with her family to Alabama
to study English and get a nursing degree. She is currently enrolled in college taking
classes towards this goal. Monique loves working at Discovery Island because she loves to
be with the children. She is married and has one child, Luiza, who attends Discovery Island.
Esther Owen, Substitute Teacher and Assistant to the Director
Esther has been with Discovery Island for over 7 years working as a full time 3/4 year old
teacher and most recently as a substitute teacher. To Ms. Esther it is the best of both worlds to
have time at home and to continue to work with all the different ages at Discovery Island.
During her 6 years with the Center she has taken over 65 hours of training to help her excel at
being a top pre-school teacher. She is also returning to college to complete her degree in
Elementary Education.
Esther has been with Discovery Island for over 7 years working as a full time 3/4 year old
teacher and most recently as a substitute teacher. To Ms. Esther it is the best of both worlds to
have time at home and to continue to work with all the different ages at Discovery Island.
During her 6 years with the Center she has taken over 65 hours of training to help her excel at
being a top pre-school teacher. She is also returning to college to complete her degree in
Elementary Education.
Lacy Ignacio, Substitute Teacher
Ms. Lacy is in her 6th year at Discovery Island CDC. Ms. Lacy has worked with D.I. originally
as the young 2 year old teacher. Currently she substitute teaches, on a limited basis, with all
ages. Lacy holds a BFA in Theater and Music Performance with certification 7th through 12th
grade Lacy is originally from Tennessee but traveled to Michigan and taught public school
there for 5 years. Lacy has traveled to impoverished areas of the world as a Global Leader
for Habitat for Humanity building houses in South and Central America. She also traveled to
India with Oprah's Angel Network to help build elementary schools in India. She is co-owner
of Starlight School of the Arts teaching Pre-K to College age children dance, voice, and
musical theater.
Ms. Lacy is in her 6th year at Discovery Island CDC. Ms. Lacy has worked with D.I. originally
as the young 2 year old teacher. Currently she substitute teaches, on a limited basis, with all
ages. Lacy holds a BFA in Theater and Music Performance with certification 7th through 12th
grade Lacy is originally from Tennessee but traveled to Michigan and taught public school
there for 5 years. Lacy has traveled to impoverished areas of the world as a Global Leader
for Habitat for Humanity building houses in South and Central America. She also traveled to
India with Oprah's Angel Network to help build elementary schools in India. She is co-owner
of Starlight School of the Arts teaching Pre-K to College age children dance, voice, and
musical theater.
Natasha Gebhardt, Substitute Teacher
Ms. Natasha was born and raised in Foley. She is a 1990 graduate of Foley High School and
has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a BA Degree in
Psychology from University of West Florida and is currently three classes shy of her Master's
Degree in Community Agency Counseling from Troy University Montgomery. Her long term
goal is become a Registered Play Therapist so that she continues to show her love of
children by helping them through this therapeutic venue. Ms. Natasha taught Preschool for
13 years before taking a break to work on her Master's degree. She has received training in
Early Childhood Education through the Air Force Child Development Centers as well as
many training classes which are required through the State of Alabama. Natasha has been
married for 6 years to Steve, who is an Active Duty Air Force Tech Sgt stationed at Eglin AFB.
She has one stepson, Brandon. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Foley and is
looking for a new church in their new home town of Navarre, FL. Ms. Natasha was Discovery
Island's first 3 year old teacher helping open the Center 13 years ago and teaching here for
our first 5 years. We are thrilled she has returned again to teach at the Center and bring her
special talents and love to our children.
Ms. Natasha was born and raised in Foley. She is a 1990 graduate of Foley High School and
has an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also has a BA Degree in
Psychology from University of West Florida and is currently three classes shy of her Master's
Degree in Community Agency Counseling from Troy University Montgomery. Her long term
goal is become a Registered Play Therapist so that she continues to show her love of
children by helping them through this therapeutic venue. Ms. Natasha taught Preschool for
13 years before taking a break to work on her Master's degree. She has received training in
Early Childhood Education through the Air Force Child Development Centers as well as
many training classes which are required through the State of Alabama. Natasha has been
married for 6 years to Steve, who is an Active Duty Air Force Tech Sgt stationed at Eglin AFB.
She has one stepson, Brandon. She is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Foley and is
looking for a new church in their new home town of Navarre, FL. Ms. Natasha was Discovery
Island's first 3 year old teacher helping open the Center 13 years ago and teaching here for
our first 5 years. We are thrilled she has returned again to teach at the Center and bring her
special talents and love to our children.
Phadran Salter, 3 year old Teacher
Phadran (pronouced Fay-dree-ann), or Ms. Fay as we call her, has been with Discovery
Island almost a year. She started as a substitute teacher, learning about our program.
Finding she loved working with children she moved into a full time teaching position in
November of 2010. She was born in Evergreen, AL. She attended Southern Union
Community College for a year and a half in Auburn and Jefferson Davis Community College
in Brewton, AL for another year and a half. She moved to Orange Beach last year. She has a
son who is in our toddler program. Ms. Phadran hopes to pass on to her child the strong
moral values with which she was raised. She hopes to raise him to be respectful of others
and treat other people the way he would want to be treated - a motto at Discovery Island. Ms.
Phadran, a huge love of children, is enjoying being part of the Discovery Island team.
Phadran (pronouced Fay-dree-ann), or Ms. Fay as we call her, has been with Discovery
Island almost a year. She started as a substitute teacher, learning about our program.
Finding she loved working with children she moved into a full time teaching position in
November of 2010. She was born in Evergreen, AL. She attended Southern Union
Community College for a year and a half in Auburn and Jefferson Davis Community College
in Brewton, AL for another year and a half. She moved to Orange Beach last year. She has a
son who is in our toddler program. Ms. Phadran hopes to pass on to her child the strong
moral values with which she was raised. She hopes to raise him to be respectful of others
and treat other people the way he would want to be treated - a motto at Discovery Island. Ms.
Phadran, a huge love of children, is enjoying being part of the Discovery Island team.
Kim S. Krumm, Substitute Teacher
Ms. Kim has worked at Discovery Island since its first year in 1998. Prior to Discovery Island
she had worked for 3 years at a state licensed center in Foley. Ms. Kim began at DI as the
one year old teacher for 5 years and was the Assistant Director for 8 years. She is a high
school graduate from Robertsdale High and earned a certificate in Child Care from the
Center of Technology. Ms. Kim has been married for 23 years. She has 2 children and 3
grandchildren. She is currently still associated with Discovery Island as part time - substitute
staff. Kim attends Church in Foley.
Ms. Kim has worked at Discovery Island since its first year in 1998. Prior to Discovery Island
she had worked for 3 years at a state licensed center in Foley. Ms. Kim began at DI as the
one year old teacher for 5 years and was the Assistant Director for 8 years. She is a high
school graduate from Robertsdale High and earned a certificate in Child Care from the
Center of Technology. Ms. Kim has been married for 23 years. She has 2 children and 3
grandchildren. She is currently still associated with Discovery Island as part time - substitute
staff. Kim attends Church in Foley.
Stacey Aycock, 3 year old Teacher
Stacey was born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1980. She attended high school in Manassas,
Virgina. She moved to Alabama and graduated from Foley High School in 1998. Her
degree in Elementary Education is from the University of Alabama. She began her
professional career with children in Hinesville, Georgia as a Para-professional in the 4th
grade at Waldo Pafford Elementary. Her six year old daughter attends Orange Beach
Elementary and she attends church at Christ United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores. She
enjoys life and spending her free time with family and friends. Her hobbies include painting.
Stacey was born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1980. She attended high school in Manassas,
Virgina. She moved to Alabama and graduated from Foley High School in 1998. Her
degree in Elementary Education is from the University of Alabama. She began her
professional career with children in Hinesville, Georgia as a Para-professional in the 4th
grade at Waldo Pafford Elementary. Her six year old daughter attends Orange Beach
Elementary and she attends church at Christ United Methodist Church in Gulf Shores. She
enjoys life and spending her free time with family and friends. Her hobbies include painting.
Jennifer Stickland, 2 1/2 and Young 3 year old Teacher
Jennifer is originally from Thomasville, Al. She graduated high school from Catherinie
Academy. At the University of West Alabama in Livingston (UWA) she graduate with a BS in
Elementary Education. She has spent time substitute teaching in the Baldwin County
School System, specifically at Gulf Shores Elementary. She currently lives in Gulf Shores
and has lived here for about 6 years. She is a member of lagoon Baptist Church. She has
1 son, Bryce who attends Discovery Island.
Jennifer is originally from Thomasville, Al. She graduated high school from Catherinie
Academy. At the University of West Alabama in Livingston (UWA) she graduate with a BS in
Elementary Education. She has spent time substitute teaching in the Baldwin County
School System, specifically at Gulf Shores Elementary. She currently lives in Gulf Shores
and has lived here for about 6 years. She is a member of lagoon Baptist Church. She has
1 son, Bryce who attends Discovery Island.
Julia Marlatt, Substitute Teacher
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Ms. Julie is a Fort Zumwalt West graduate with training in Child
Development. She moved to Baldwin County in May of 2011. Julie hopes to return school to
pursue a degree in Child Psychology Education. Her interests include singing and dancing
and she played the flute for five years. Ms. Julie loves watching the children learn and grow.
She looks forward to coming to work every day and is happy to be a part of the Discovery
Island team.
Originally from St. Louis, MO, Ms. Julie is a Fort Zumwalt West graduate with training in Child
Development. She moved to Baldwin County in May of 2011. Julie hopes to return school to
pursue a degree in Child Psychology Education. Her interests include singing and dancing
and she played the flute for five years. Ms. Julie loves watching the children learn and grow.
She looks forward to coming to work every day and is happy to be a part of the Discovery
Island team.
