Meet the Team
Dedicated & Certified
Michelle Williams
Co-Director and Founder
Michelle has been operating an in-home daycare for the past three year and was a nanny before this for four years. She likes to incorporate Christian values to her everyday teaching. In her classroom you’ll find a variety of learning styles, Art and sensory play is her favorite! She is also fluent in both Spanish and English, she is a mama to four amazing kids and is wonderful at making every person she meets feel like family.
Claire Ellis
Co-Director and Founder
Claire has a degree in Christian Education from Indiana Wesleyan and was the Pastor of Family Ministries at Waterline Church in Fishers, IN. for seven years. She has four children of her own and is passionate about making children know how special they are and teaching them how to use their gifts to help others. In her free time she enjoys being outside, spending time with her family and drinking lots of coffee.
Gloria Torrento
Toddler Caregiver
Hello, my name is Gloria. I am a mother of two children from El Salvador, fluent in both Spanish and English. I have a passion for teaching and enjoy caring for my nephews. At church, I teach children about the Bible and also provide care for them. I am eager to meet each child and become a part of the Vidalife family.
Rayshawn Hall
Caregiver
Most of the kids call me Mr. Ray. I just graduated from Lawrence North High School. I am passionate about being outside and making sure every child has a fun memorable experience at Vidalife School
Krystia Iona
Lead Preschool Teacher
¡Hola a todos!
I'm Krystia, originally from Puerto Rico and now living in Indiana for 7 years. While I love it here, I miss my family, our beaches, and our amazing food. My family brings laughter, love, and joy wherever we go.
I speak Spanish and English and hope to learn a third language. I'm a proud mom of three: an 18-year-old boy, an 8-year-old boy, and a 3-year-old girl. They teach me so much with their unique personalities.
My husband, with over 20 years as an electrician, is a lineman. Our journey started with a dream of farm life when we moved to the U.S. Three years later, we bought our first 2-acre farm with 60 chickens. Two years after that, we expanded to our current 10-acre farm where we now have 19 sheep and two Australian Shepherd dogs named Indiana and Jones.
We believe in hard work and perseverance to achieve dreams. My favorite thing is being outdoors with my family on our farm, watching my children connect with nature—it's so rewarding.
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Mariely Perez
Caregiver
Hello, my name is Mariely. I’m from Puerto Rico, and I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. I have a bachelor’s degree in speech and language therapy. I was a preschool teacher in Florida. I recently moved to Pendleton with my husband. I am passionate about discovering new things, teaching, and learning alongside my students, helping them become more independent.
Adriana Hermida
Infant Caregiver
Hi my name is Ms. Adriana, I am from Argentina. I moved to Lawrence this year with my husband and 2 children. We love to be at the beach, we used to live 3 miles form the beach in Argentina. We cook, bike and like to go on outings. I love being with children, and excited for this opportunity to be here at Vidalife.
Mayra Sanchez
Caregiver
My name is Mayra, and I’m 20 years old. I come from a family of eight, where I grew up taking care of my younger siblings. This experience has given me a strong foundation in working with toddlers, and I genuinely enjoy the role of an older sister and caregiver. I graduated from Lawrence Central High School, and I’m passionate about pursuing a career as a teacher, as I love being around children. This job is important to me because it aligns with my career goals and provides an opportunity for both learning and having fun with kids.
Leah Parks
Caregiver
Hello! I go by Ms. Leah. I’m originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, but I moved to California during my freshman year of high school to explore new opportunities. I loved my time there, but ultimately returned home to spend more time with my family and focus on my goals after finishing school.
Since middle school, I've always aspired to be a teacher. My main goal in life has been to help children and create a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Growing up, I helped my mom care for my three siblings, which taught me that everyone deserves love and a reason to smile!
Maria Torrento
Infant Caregiver
Hi my name is Maria Torrento. I am from El Savador. My husband and I just celebrated our 33 years of marriage. We moved to Indiana in 2008 with our 5 children. Our youngest 2 children attend Warren schools, and my oldest are now getting married and having children.
When I am not with my family and grandchildren, I enjoy serving at my church and cooking. I am grateful for this time to be at Vidalife School.
children, and excited for this opportunity to be here at Vidalife.
