Our Team
The Visionaries Behind the Movement
Young Innovators Schools is revolutionizing Early childhood education in Orlando and beyond. Our founding team of educators and academia have come together with a mission to empower childhood early education through creative curriculums that prepare them for a world of constant change.
Our pioneering people-centered curriculum integrates new trends in education and takes cutting-edge learning concepts to the next level, ensuring every young learner achieves their highest potential.
A Company Built by educators focused on radically improving how children learn
Our unique value proposition lies in our mission: to empower children through an engaging curriculum and foster positive academic experiences while inspiring innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills. By encouraging collaboration between learners of different ages, stages, and backgrounds, we aspire to build future generations of innovators with the power to change the world! With Young Innovators Schools, every child will discover their inner innovator!
Leadership Team
Founders
Marnie Forestieri
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
An award-winning educator, author, and entrepreneur, Marnie leads YIA’s strategic vision, curriculum philosophy, and national expansion. She is the co-creator of the Innovation Advantage™ Curriculum and CAPE™ Framework.
Bharath Mundlapudi
Board of Directors and Investor
Former Netflix engineer and tech innovator, Bharath leads the design of YIA’s digital infrastructure—building scalable tools that support curriculum delivery, operations, and educator development.
Curriculum & Education Leadership
Dr. Debby Mitchell
Vice President of Curriculum
An early childhood education expert with decades of experience, Dr. Mitchell leads curriculum design, ensuring alignment with developmental research and educational best practices.
Sammy Canabal
Elementary Education Program Specialist
A seasoned instructional leader, Sammy supports teacher coaching and curriculum implementation across YIA schools.
Domi Maigut
Enrichment Program Director
Domi designs and leads enrichment programs in music, nature, art, and culture—bringing hands-on, joyful learning into every classroom.
Operations & Strategic Support
Erika Seger
Director of School Operations
With expertise in licensing and compliance, Erika creates systems that allow school directors to focus on what matters most—children.
Misti Castner
Director of School Operations
Misti helps schools implement operational systems that are practical, sustainable, and aligned with licensing requirements and quality standards.
Oliver Von Trapp
Vice President of Expansion
Oliver leads YIA’s U.S. and international growth, supporting new school onboarding, licensing, and strategic partnerships.
Jay Zettler
Podcast and Studio Production Manager
Producer, full sail university graduate and Air Force veteran.
Donna Carruthers
VP of Research and Development
Education Entrepreneur, impassioned teacher, and philanthropist. Devoted to faith, family, friends, new adventures, and chocolate.
Manuel Piñeres
Marketing Director
With a passion for turning big ideas into campaigns that connect, they bring energy, creativity, and a sprinkle of strategy magic to everything we do at YIA schools.
Mark Allen Hayes, CCIM, PhD (c)
Board member
Entrepreneur, educator, real estate broker, coach, producer, and writer.
Give your child the
Innovation Advantage!
Join us as we shape the future of education—one innovative classroom at a time.
Accreditations and Awards
