Before joining the Vida family, Stephanie Marlett has enjoyed working (and playing!) with children in many aspects of her life. With a passion for educating young learners, she graduated from Missouri State University with a master’s degree in Child and Family Development and received her credentials in Early Childhood Education. Stephanie recently completed her PhD at Old Dominion University in the Educational Psychology program, where her focus of study was on mastery goal orientation and student motivation. Stephanie has previously taught in pre-K and 1st grade classrooms, and served as a physical education coach and socioemotional learning specialist for elementary students. She is dedicated to cultivating a love of learning in all of her students and looks forward to furthering her understanding of the complexities of young children and the curriculum that can best support them. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys writing short stories, volunteering at a local animal sanctuary and exploring tide pools with her children, who share a passion for sea animals
Vida is led by experienced educators. In title and in practice.
Our founders bring decades of combined experience in classrooms, school leadership, and educational design. This foundation shapes everything we do, from how learning is structured to how children are supported day to day.
Our educators are experienced, thoughtful, and deeply committed to their work.
Each brings a unique background in education, the arts, psychology, or outdoor learning, but they share a common approach: seeing children as individuals, supporting their growth with care, and creating environments where learning feels meaningful and alive.
At Vida, educators are not only teachers. They are guides, observers, and collaborators in each child’s development.
Vida Specialists are committed to educating the whole child. Each of these educators guides our students to find new talents, see the world through new perspectives, and find creative ways to express themselves.
