Our Teachers
From pediatric dietiitians to speech and language therapists, meet our unique team of teachers who bring our classes to life with their experience and passion.
Loren Klein, Founder and Director
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.
Jemeliese Hernandez, Chief Program Manager
Off the Page, Nature Sense, and Hola Amigos
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. Jem teaches Nature Sense, Hola Amigos and Off The Page. As Chief Program Manager she will oversee curriculum development, classroom leadership, and mentoring fellow educators.
Lily Vinton, Chief Operations Manager
Pretend Play and The Great Create
Lily is a dedicated early childhood educator known for her boundless creativity, dynamic energy, and deep commitment to inclusive learning. With a background in teaching preschool-aged children both with and without disabilities, she specializes in fostering foundational life skills, motor planning, and emotional regulation through play-based, developmentally appropriate practices. As Operations Manager she will oversee the daily functions of a business, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and seamless coordination across teams and systems.
Kassi Lowenstein, Artful Beginnings, H is for Hippo, and Let’s Build
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.
Alison Berkery, Sunshine Yoga
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 Sunshine Yoga.
Jimmy Bartless, Sport Starts
Coach Jimmy is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience with children and families around Palm Beach County. His energetic, positive approach to teaching makes him the perfect fit for working with young children. Throughout his career, Coach Jimmy has worked in a variety of settings, helping children develop physical, social, and emotional skills through sports and play. Whether through movement, music, or simple games, Coach Jimmy’s goal is to make every class an opportunity for families to connect, laugh, and grow together in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
Laura Grazioli, TasteBuds
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 times and provide parents with the vital tools to raise inquisitive & intuitive eaters. She brings her knowledge and passion to TasteBuds.
Roxy King, Dance Discovery
Roxy is a mom of two, dance teacher and fitness trainer with over 20 years of experience in movement and performance. After dancing professionally on stages around the globe, she brought her passion to teaching. Roxy loves sharing the joy, creativity and rhythm of dance with children. She creates a fun, nurturing space where even the tiniest dancers can shine, explore movement and build a love for dance that lasts a lifetime.
Tracie Krieger, Music Together
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 on Thursdays.
Shanele Lundahl, Toddlers in the Wild
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.
Jamie Toliver, Baby Connect
Jamie Toliver is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, mom of two girls and founder of Jamie'zzz Sleep Consulting. She has always been passionate about making a positive impact and spent the greater part of her career in the nonprofit space before starting her business in 2023. Now, she works with moms and dads across the country to nurture healthy, independent sleepers and help families thrive. After nearly ten years as a Los Angeles resident, she planted roots in Palm Beach Gardens and is thrilled to join the ZenHippo team.
Paula Saenz Valiente, Hippo Hop and Canta Conmigo
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.
Daniela Gonzalez-Hormazabal, Teaching Assistant
Daniela values building meaningful connections while creating enriching experiences where children can thrive. With her background in Montessori and childcare, she brings intention and warmth to classes at ZenHippo. Born in Columbia, her fluency in Spanish and English allows her to connect with families and children across cultures.
Jenna Clark
Jenna Clark is a joyful and enthusiastic art educator and has great passion for helping little ones foster imagination and creativity through art and music making. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is a current MFA candidate and instructor of art at Florida Atlantic University. Jenna She is inspired by and invested in creating spaces that encourage the sensory exploration of artful learning, experimentation, and play.
Claire Lehane, Teaching Assistant
Claire is pursuing an accelerated MBA with a Psychology minor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Raised in a large family with over 50 cousins, she has a natural connection with children. Alongside her studies, she works in retail and as a caregiver. With a background in childcare, a passion for crafts, and a warm, creative spirit, Claire brings energy and positivity to the ZenHippo community.
Ashlee Vieux , Teaching Assistant
Ashlee is an early childhood professional with over six years of experience supporting children ages 0-3 in play-based environments. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education at Florida International University while working as a registered behavioral technician at ARC Broward, a non-profit organization for children with autism. Ashlee brings her passion for inclusive, play-based learning to ZenHippo for Sunday Studio.
Interested in teaching with us? E-mail Loren@wearezenhippo.com.