Jacqueline Carbonell
Jacqueline Carbonell serves as the Director of our Early Learning Center program, which cares for one and two year olds.
Where did you grow up, and what do you remember most about that time?
I grew up in Havana, Cuba. While growing up, I remember being surrounded by loved ones, especially my mother and father. I remember the delicious foods my mother would prepare like “Congri”. One thing I will always remember is that my mother used to tell me that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up because I would always be playing with baby dolls.
What other work did you do before you came to your current work at First Presbyterian?
Before I worked at First Presbyterian Learning Center, I was a music teacher for a special needs school in Cuba for 3 years. When I moved to Florida, I started work at another preschool in Hollywood working with infants and young children for 10 years. I have always had a passion for children.
What motivates you in your work here at the church, and what do you like most about what you do?
First Presbyterian Learning Center motivates me in that it allows me to grow professionally. The church motivates me to do a better job; it reminds me that the most important part of my job is to always have faith. What I like the most about my job is being around the love of the children, like my mother used to say; “Jacqui is always playing with her babies”. I like that I can be creative and teach others to be creative as well in a professional way.
What does your faith mean to you? How does it help you in your daily life?
Faith means love, hope, and belief. My parents always had a strong love for God and believed so much in him that they always had faith, no matter what was happening and I am the same way. I put my children in God’s hands every day. By doing this I feel at ease leaving them at school and I thank him every day for all my blessings.
What are some of the things you like to do, hobbies, favorites shows, other activities?
My favorite activities are playing the guitar, singing, and dancing. I especially love dancing Salsa. I like to decorate, spend time with my children, and shopping with my daughter. I love eating at new restaurants and my favorite TV show is Dancing with the Stars.
You can reach Jackie at jcarbonell@fpcoh.org.
I grew up in Havana, Cuba. While growing up, I remember being surrounded by loved ones, especially my mother and father. I remember the delicious foods my mother would prepare like “Congri”. One thing I will always remember is that my mother used to tell me that I was going to be a teacher when I grew up because I would always be playing with baby dolls.
What other work did you do before you came to your current work at First Presbyterian?
Before I worked at First Presbyterian Learning Center, I was a music teacher for a special needs school in Cuba for 3 years. When I moved to Florida, I started work at another preschool in Hollywood working with infants and young children for 10 years. I have always had a passion for children.
What motivates you in your work here at the church, and what do you like most about what you do?
First Presbyterian Learning Center motivates me in that it allows me to grow professionally. The church motivates me to do a better job; it reminds me that the most important part of my job is to always have faith. What I like the most about my job is being around the love of the children, like my mother used to say; “Jacqui is always playing with her babies”. I like that I can be creative and teach others to be creative as well in a professional way.
What does your faith mean to you? How does it help you in your daily life?
Faith means love, hope, and belief. My parents always had a strong love for God and believed so much in him that they always had faith, no matter what was happening and I am the same way. I put my children in God’s hands every day. By doing this I feel at ease leaving them at school and I thank him every day for all my blessings.
What are some of the things you like to do, hobbies, favorites shows, other activities?
My favorite activities are playing the guitar, singing, and dancing. I especially love dancing Salsa. I like to decorate, spend time with my children, and shopping with my daughter. I love eating at new restaurants and my favorite TV show is Dancing with the Stars.
You can reach Jackie at jcarbonell@fpcoh.org.