Preschool Enrollment Bootcamp

Former CEO and founder of Young Innovators Academy, Marnie Forestieri Zettler is an entrepreneur at heart with a passion for introducing innovative approaches and business models. As a successful operator of large child-care centers, she has been recognized nationally, has presented at national conferences and has written books for parents, children, administrators and educators. Marnie started her career as a CNN journalist, transitioned into the role of a VP of marketing for a telecommunications company and later launched a child-care franchise.
 
She holds a BS in Business Administration, a CDA, and a director's credential.

Navneet's journey into early childhood education technology was sparked by a deeply personal experience—missing his son’s first steps and only finding out three days later. This moment highlighted the communication gap between childcare providers and parents, as well as the operational challenges centers face every day.

Driven to make a change, Navneet founded illumine, an all-in-one childcare management platform designed to streamline operations and enhance parent engagement. Under his leadership, illumine is on a mission to revolutionize early education by empowering schools with a smart, AI-powered platform that improves efficiency, transparency, and the overall quality of care.

Today, illumine supports thousands of centers across the globe, transforming how early learning programs connect with families and run their day-to-day operations.

Erika Seger is a dedicated educator and leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Vice President of Operations at Young Innovators Academy. With a passion for curriculum implementation and operational excellence, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the academy's innovative approach to learning.

Erika's commitment to early childhood education is further demonstrated through her involvement in the expansion of Young Innovators Academy. She and her husband, Michael, have partnered with the academy to open new locations, such as the Winter Garden center, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Oliver von Trapp serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Young Innovators Academy, a pioneering early childhood education organization based in Florida. In his role, Oliver is instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the academy, focusing on integrating innovative policies and technologies to enhance early learning experiences

An alumnus of Dartmouth College, Oliver brings a wealth of experience in enterprise sales and a deep understanding of policy and technology. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to fostering a new wave of early childhood education that emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among young learners.

Beyond his strategic role, Oliver serves in local government as a member of the Nominating Board of the City of Orlando, as the Philanthropy Director for the Young Innovators Foundation for Early Learning, and  as a Chief Consultant at Preschool Pal.

Misti Castner is a seasoned early childhood education professional and a driving force behind Young Innovators Academy's mission to revolutionize early learning. With over two decades of experience in childcare leadership, Misti serves as a campus director and co-owner of Young Innovators Academy in Winter Park, Florida.

As a veteran childcare director, Misti is deeply committed to fostering innovation and creativity in early education. She champions the academy's unique approach, where classrooms are transformed into "Innovation Parties"—dynamic environments that encourage empathy, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Through music, dance, and collaborative projects, children are inspired to think critically and develop prototypes, turning imaginative ideas into tangible creations.