MEET OUR STAFF

Cherie is our Director at MELA and has had the privilege of serving with us for 15 years. She’s well versed in all positions at MELA, as she started as a substitute then part time teacher, then became our Resource Coordinator, followed by our Administrative Secretary and is now our Director.  Cherie’s goal is to “assist in the development and education of young children in a safe, nurturing, Christian environment by encouraging each child to become aware of themselves as a special child of God.”  Her favorite part of working at MELA is seeing it all come together to strengthen the body of Christ.

Cherie Gaither
MELA Director

Julie is our Assistant Director.  She has been a part of the MELA family for 10 years beginning as our Curriculum Coordinator.  She came to MELA after directing a preschool in Knoxville, TN.  She is blessed with two children, her oldest is a student attending University of South Florida and her youngest attends Southwest Florida Christian Academy here on our campus.  She enjoys spending her free time with family. Her favorite part of working at MELA is watching the children learn and grow. "Each child develops new skills daily, and it's exciting to celebrate these accomplishments with them!"

Julie Beaird
​Assistant Director

​Allison is our Administrative Coordinator! She has worked in a preschool setting for just over 7 years now. She  been working at MELA for almost 3 years. I started here as a 3-year-old teacher, and I prayed daily for a position with support staff. God opened that door for me at His perfect timing. I grew up in Orlando, in a Christian home as a Pastors daughter. I moved to Fort Myers in February of 2020 when I married my husband! In my free time, I love spending time with my family, painting, and doing thinks that bring me joy. My favorite part about working at MELA is being able to show Christ's love daily to the kids, staff, and parents. ​

Allison Lunsford
Administrative Coordinator

​ ​Reghan Thomas graduated from William Jessup University in Rocklin, CA where she majored in Elementary Education.  Originally from Seattle, WA, Ms. Thomas moved to Florida in 2020 where she has lived and worked happily for the past three years.  She loves reading, traveling, exercising, and singing.  She attends church in Fort Myers and is actively engaged in the worship team and small group ministries of all ages.

​Reghan Thomas
​Curriculum Coordinator

Rachel Kelly was born and raised in Ft. Myers, Florida. She has spent over 30 years working in the medical field. She is excited and extremely thankful to begin a new chapter working at MELA. She has two grown children, Gabriel and Savannah who both live here in Ft. Myers, and  she is blessed to be Nana to her sweet granddaughter, Natalie. She enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, volunteering and crafting. Her favorite part of working at MELA is having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children and their parents. 

      Rachel Kelly
      Receptionist