After an extensive national search, we are pleased to announce that Adriana Hollenbeck, a highly talented and experienced early childhood educator, has been named Head of The Experiential School of Tampa Bay. Beginning with the 2021-2022 school year, Adriana will ensure that our Experiential School program thrives and continues to provide the best educational foundation for our youngest learners.
Over her 30+ year career, Mrs. Hollenbeck has taught in early childhood and elementary school programs. As a Lower School Media Specialist she focused on integrating technology with the essential principles of the Reggio-Inspired philosophy. She also has years of experience in educational leadership, serving as Day Care Director, Assistant Principal, and Division Head, respectively. Most recently, Adriana flourished in the role of Lower School Head at University Lake School in Hartland, Wisconsin. Since 2011, she provided leadership with a focus on healthy partnerships with parents, and successfully created opportunities for cross-divisional interaction.
Mrs. Hollenbeck earned her B.A. in Art Education from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and went on to pursue post-graduate studies in Technology in Education at Rio de Janeiro State University.
Fluent in English and Portuguese and able to communicate in Spanish, Adriana acted as an Educational Consultant for ten different states of Brazil. She also traveled through Brazil, the United States, Peru, Puerto Rico, Norway and Italy presenting experiences in Technology and Education, Instructional Design, and Collaborative Learning.
She has spent more than a decade researching the Reggio Emilia philosophy in its complexities. “It is my deepest belief that children are protagonists: strong and capable, equipped with preparedness, potential, curiosity, and interest in constructing their own learning,” she revealed. “I see each student as a collaborator, communicator, and problem-solver.”
Adriana and her husband, Brian, are eager to join the Shorecrest community this summer. The Hollenbecks’ son, Nicholas, will attend Northwestern University in the fall where he intends to major in Theatre. Mrs. Hollenbeck will begin her duties in June.
Experiential School families are invited to meet Mrs. Hollenbeck virtually on May 6 from 6-7pm via Zoom. Details to follow, please save the date.
