Director of Early Childhood Education at the Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten, Natalia Fisher joined the JCA family in 2018 with more than 15 years of experience in early childhood development, functional behavioral assessments and creating unique educational programs that provide meaningful learning experiences for children. 

Drawn to Michele Block Gan Yeladim Preschool & Kindergarten by the school’s philosophy and culture, Natalia’s diverse experience in early childhood learning at the International School of Dongguan in China and the West Side Montessori School in New York City brings unique learning methods and early childhood development strategies to our students at the JCA.

A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and New York University Steinhardt, Natalia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Arts in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education with a concentration in child development. Additionally, Natalia is certified and trained in various visual thinking strategies and emotional response practices for young children.

Focused on the inquiry-driven curriculum of the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach to learning, Natalia also serves as a Pedagogista, curriculum coordinator, in JCA’s classrooms. With a goal to nurture the interests of children and guide their developmental growth, as our Pedagogista, Natalia observes, inspires and supports our JCA educators as they help drive our children’s growth through creativity. With experience and expertise that are highly sought after in early childhood education facilities throughout the United States, Natalia is an invaluable asset to the JCA. 

When she is not in the classroom, Natalia can be found outdoors gathering inspiration from nature through hiking, biking, camping and simply enjoying the wilderness. Natalia and her husband Arthur Anadio moved to Jacksonville from China in 2018.