Our Experts
Loren Klein
Loren is a mom of three, teacher, social worker and certified educator of infant massage with over 15 years of experience working with families and children. After graduating from Washington University, she began her career with Teach for America in a middle school classroom. While teaching, Loren earned masters in both education and social work at Columbia University. Since then, Loren has facilitated therapeutic programs for children, developed resources and workshops for families, and served as the main communication point for parents of students with disabilities at the New York City Department of Education. Loren is the founder of ZenHippo.
Alison Berkery
Alison is a mom of two and a kindergarten teacher with a master’s in elementary education and a 200-hour Yoga Certification. She is experienced in teaching both children and expecting mothers. She works to help children find an inner sense of peace. Alison teaches at special events and during summer semester.
Cameron Caldwell
Cam completed a certification in Classroom Management and Child Psychology with the Florida Department of Children and Families in 2020. He’s worked as an educator in school-based settings and as a caregiver to a toddler in a private home. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and is currently pursuing a Certification in Nutrition with the goal of supporting families in meeting health goals. Cam grew up with foster siblings, which gave him a natural sense of patience and empathy. He’s also a self-taught pianist and Music Together teacher!
Clarissa Ferris
Clarissa is a Registered Dietitian and a mom to a new baby. After earning a bachelor’s in culinary nutrition, she attended University of Texas for a master’s in nutrition and metabolism. Since then she’s worked as a chef and in hospital settings. Originally from Venezuela, Clarissa is a native Spanish speaker. Clarissa describes herself as a foodie on a mission to show the world that all foods fit into a healthy and happy life!
Laura Grazioli
Laura is a Registered Dietitian, mom of two, and owner of New Leaf Dietetics. She has nearly ten years of experience specializing in prenatal and family nutrition. In her practice and at home, Laura applies an all foods fit approach to nutrition. She works with families to combat picky eating by applying simple, actionable steps to help bring a sense of calm to meal time and provide parents with the vital tools to raise inquisitive & intuitive eaters. She brings her knowledge and passion to TasteBuds.
Jemeliese Hernandez
Jem is a bilingual early childhood educator experienced in teaching young children with and without disabilities. As a preschool teacher, she facilitated a curriculum focused on literacy, motor and life skills. She is energetic, creative and passionate about helping little ones develop and grow through play. She began her education at Florida International University and completed her studies in psychology and child development at Trinity University. Jemelisse teaches Nature Sense, Hola Amigos and Off The Page.
Jennell Keiser
Jennell had her solo singing debut at the age of nine right here in Florida. Throughout her childhood, she was active in musical theatre productions, with leading and supporting roles. Jennell received a full music scholarship at Indian River State College, where she studied jazz vocal performance and musical therapy. Since graduating, she’s worked as a full-time musician and is a mom of two. Jennell brings her love of music to ZenHippo families through special events and birthday parties.
Lauren King
Lauren is a graduate of New York University, a mom of a toddler and the founder of Motherhood Meals, an organic meal service for the postpartum period and beyond. Originally from California, Lauren lived in New York City for ten years while working in finance and healthcare technology. After moving to Jupiter and having her first child, she started Motherhood Meals. Since launching in 2022, she has fed hundreds of families in South Florida! She brings her passion for health and food to Tastebuds.
Tracie Krieger
Tracie is a mom of three, MBA and Music Together teacher for over 15 years. She was awarded Level 1 Certification for having demonstrated outstanding achievements in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. This is no surprise considering how adored she is in Palm Beach County. Tracie is passionate about sharing music with families and the community it creates. Her love of little ones, music, and dancing is clear to all who witness her enthusiasm and boundless energy. Tracie teaches our Music Together class at Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens and The Square.
Kassi Lowenstein
Kassi is a graduate of Emory University and mom of six children with over 20 years of teaching experience in cities around the country. Her love and natural ease with babies and toddlers is obvious to anyone who sees her within 10 feet of a little one. Using her boundless creativity, Kassi engages the youngest of explorers in messy art, magical movement & lively music. Her projects are not just fun- they become treasured keepsakes. Kassi brings her wealth of experience to both Artful Beginnings and Let’s Build.
Shanele Lundahl
Shanele is a chiropractor with a specialty in pregnancy and postpartum. Born and raised in Wyoming, Shanele is the eldest of 10 children, 8 of whom were adopted. From a young age, she was a leader and caretaker in the family. As a college athlete and biology major, she developed a passion for the body’s ability. Later, she earned both a Doctorate in Chiropractic and a Master’s in Sports Science and Rehabilitation from Logan University in St. Louis, MO. Shanele brings both her love of children and her deep knowledge of physical development to teach Toddlers in the Wild.
Erica Lyles
Erica is a board-certified music therapist on a mission to reach the world through music! After graduating from Maryville University in St. Louis, she moved to Florida to pursue an internship and work as a hospice music therapist. Once she completed the program, Erica worked with teens with autism in schools. In 2018 Erica’s own practice, Whole Vibes, which aims to empower, engage and reach persons of various abilities through music therapy, education and experiences, was born! Erica is also the mama of a music loving little one and teaches our Tots in Tune class for babies.
Jade Masters
Jade grew up on the stage and continues to be an active member of the South Florida theatre community. Jade is a graduate of University of Central Florida, has performed in countless community and regional productions and has won a number of awards in performance competitions as a solo artist. She is a Youth Musical Theatre Director and a Playologist. She co-founded, directed and performed in Collaborative Artists Singing Troupe (CAST) and Wellington Artists Vocal Ensemble (WAVE)- charitable organizations that brought musical performances to senior centers, assisted living facilities, and community events. Jade brings her experience and passion to Music Together!
Ella Samonian
Ella is pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Lynn University. This past May, she completed her bachelor’s in psychology and exceptional student education. She is passionate about inclusion and hopes to work with children with a variety of strengths and needs throughout her career. A natural empath, Ella brings her enthusiasm to assist in a variety of classes.
Jamie Spritzer
Jamie is an RYT-500 yoga instructor and meditation guide with over fifteen years of experience. She is the Yoga and Mindfulness Educator at The Greene School in West Palm Beach where she instructs over 150 students each week. Jamie believes quieting the mind through practice leads to a greater sense of ease, non-reaction, and contentment within oneself and with others. She finds joy in the simple things and her greatest teachers are her two children, who constantly remind her to take a pause...and breathe. She brings her knowledge and experience to Sunshine Yoga.
Paula Saenz Valiente
Paula is an actress, dancer, educator, and new mom! She has a bachelor’s in combined arts from the University of Buenos Aires and over a decade of teaching experience. She’s lead dance, art, and theater programs in a variety of settings, including a Montessori school, for children, teens and adults. She thrives in creative endeavors and cherishes meaningful connections with people. She brings her infectious energy to our newest class, Hippo Hop.
Lily Vinton
Lily is an early childhood educator with boundless creativity and energy. As a preschool teacher she worked with children with and without disabilities. She particularly enjoyed teaching her students early life skills, motor planning, and emotional regulation. Lily graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University and plans to pursue her masters. She brings her love of art and play to The Great Create and Off the Page.
Leslie Whitaker
Leslie is a mom of two and a speech and language pathologist with over 20 years of experience. She started her practice in the San Francisco Bay Area and expanded to Palm Beach in 2019. In her work with children, teens and young adults she has learned how anxiety, behavioral issues, sensory-motor integration and other challenges can interfere with speech development. She’s also learned how to partner with a variety of other professionals like occupational therapists, educators and behavioral health specialists to best serve her patients. Leslie brings her deep knowledge and passion to our Talking with Tata class.
Interested in teaching with us? E-mail Loren@wearezenhippo.com.