About

Danielle Gwiazda:

A Louisville, Kentucky native, Mrs. Gwiazda wanted to become a teacher for as long as she can remember. This passion brought her to St. Augustine to earn a degree in Education and Exceptional Student Education from Flagler College in 2005. Since then she has earned her Masters in Educational Leadership.

Following Flagler College, She went on to teach kindergarten in Palm Coast, Florida for seven years. In 2011, she opened Island Prep, an early childhood program in St. Augustine.  Island Prep has now grown to include three preschool locations and a k-8 program.  In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband and four children.  They love camping across the US during the summers and visiting the mountains during the winters.

Rebecca Walker:

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Rebecca moved to St. Augustine in 2014. She graduated from Wake Forest University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Secondary Education and then went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from Penn State University. Rebecca is licensed to practice law in New York, Florida, and North Carolina. In 2017, after spending a couple of years as a stay-at-home mom, she joined the law firm of Lippes, Mathias, Wexler, Friedman in its Florida office, as Legal Coordinator.

Rebecca has a passion for supporting the family and education-focused non-profits. She has served on other boards including; Ronald McDonald House Charites of Western New York and the Child Guidance Center. She and her husband, Chris, have two children who are both enrolled at Island Prep. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, running, and hanging out at the beach! Mrs. Walker is also the President of the Island Prep Elementary School PTO.

Kara Brynteson:

 A certified fitness instructor, kids yoga teacher and a business owner working with non-profit organizations, Kara’s knowledge and experience working with children and families in the non-profit sector extends over the course of fifteen years. While earning her Bachelors degree in Psychology at the University of Georgia, she worked for a non profit grant project, GREAT SCHOOLS and FAMILIES, that helped low income students and families gain access to higher education services. After graduating and marrying her college sweetheart, Kara worked for SOURCE CARE, a non-profit health agency, working with doctors and patients qualifying individuals for health services in their home. Currently, her and her husband, Brad, have founded several businesses, including a marketing agency and multiple e-commerce platforms over the past decade. Their passion for supporting and working with non profits continues to grow as they have created a socially conscious model with a philanthropic mindset in each of the businesses they own. Kara is committed to influencing and raising a healthy generation of children that are socially aware, compassionate, kind and understand their value in being an active participant in all aspects of society.

Ryan Meyer: 

While working on his Master’s degree at the University of North Florida (UNF), he was lucky to pursue his passion in parks and natural resource management. At UNF and elsewhere, he participated in prescribed burns, landscape management, visitor education and served on several committees at UNF. Mr. Meyer was grateful to culminate his career at Everglades National Park. He implemented an interpretive program allowing visitors to hear the story of this historic site and raised funding, obtained and restored a 40-foot missile that is still on display. 

Today Mr. Meyer and his wife enjoy the challenge of business ownership while providing value to the community. Using guiding principles and core values to make decisions every day, always doing what is right and not what is easy. They work for the greater good and know it’s not about You, it’s about Us. They know to be successful in business, and in life, we have to be dedicated and do our best every day.

After almost five years of business ownership at MuraBella Animal Hospital Ryan Meyer tripled the size of the business, now serving over 7,000 pets in our community and employing 15 people. His company provides a family- friendly atmosphere and welcomes your kids while working to make your visit a positive one. They are also proud to give back to the community, supporting 8 local schools as PTA / PTO business partners, swim teams, little league teams, and more.

Kate Andrea 

Dr. Catherine (Kate) Andrea is an Assistant Professor at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in St. Augustine, FL. She received her Bachelor of Science from Ohio University in 2003 and her Master of Physical Therapy from Cleveland State in 2005. In 2021, she received her Doctor of Education (EdD) from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. In 2013, Kate earned her Board Certification as a Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy and in 2018, she earned her Board Certification as a Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy. Her passion is to help children and adults reach their optimal physical function to participate in their daily lives and she hopes to pass the interest to her students.

Kate has three children in the Island Prep school system. She enjoys spending time with her husband and kids traveling, camping, and doing the daily "things."  She looks forward to integrating her knowledge of education, creativity, and parenting experience while serving on the Board. 

Chad Bowling

Chad has been in baking for over 22 years.  He began his banking career as a teller at SouthTrust Bank and has held a variety of positions with experience on both the retail and commercial sides of the business.  Chad currently serves on the board of the St. Augustine YMCA and is a member of the Rotary Club of St Augustine.  Chad's success lies in his ability to apply a common-sense approach to find solutions that will best serve his community. He enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children, boating playing sports, and traveling. 

Laina Derringer

As a graduate of Flagler College in 2004, Laina Derringer went on to work in the health care industry as an administrator for the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences and then on to successfully run the office of North FL Center for OTO-HNS, Facial Plastic Surgery, and dermatology.   In that role, she was able to gain extensive experience in the overall management of staff, day-to-day operations, and human resources.