Meet the founder

Rooted in community, guided by curiosity, and devoted to early childhood brilliance.

Gloria Benitez partners with educators, directors, and family leaders to cultivate joyful, culturally responsive programs that help children thrive. Her mission: translate research into practical, heart-centered strategies every program can sustain.

Explore our story Connect with Gloria
  • 30+ years of service to the early childhood community through diverse training, professional development, accreditation, quality improvement, and building capacity and talent.
Portrait of Gloria Benitez

"Every partnership begins with listening. When we honor educators' wisdom, transformation becomes possible."

— Gloria Benitez, CEO & Founder

Why we serve

Elevating early childhood excellence with compassion and strategy.

Owlstone ECE Solutions exists to ensure teachers, leaders, and families feel supported from the first coaching session to long-term systems change. Gloria’s approach braids together research-based practice, bilingual access, and deep relationships with Central Florida communities.

  • Customized coaching pathways for all early childhood programs.
  • Strength-based mentoring that celebrates educators’ identities and cultural wisdom.
  • Collaborations grounded in accountability, transparency, and joyful celebration.

Programs served

Orange · Osceola · Seminole · Volusia

Educators coached

600+

Spanning infant-toddler, preschool, and school-age settings.

Languages spoken

English · Español

Rooted journey

A career shaped by classroom experience, leadership, and advocacy.

Highlights from three decades of walking beside educators and families.

Early foundations

Preschool teacher turned center director cultivating inclusive, play-based classrooms.

1990s

Quality leadership

Led large program through accreditation and other assessment tools with staff co-design.

2000s

Regional mentor

ECE Facilitator - Became DCF and CDA trainer supporting candidates and directors.

2010s

Owlstone today

Consults with agencies, schools, and ministries to build equitable, family-centered ecosystems.

2020s

Guiding principles

Relationships first, always.

Gloria believes transformation begins when educators feel seen and supported. Her coaching blends storytelling, data, and reflective dialogue.

  • Center joy and cultural identity in every classroom strategy.
  • Align operational systems with mission, not the other way around.
  • Invest in staff wellness and leadership to sustain high-quality learning.
Credentials
  • DCF Certified Trainer — Florida Department of Children and Families
  • Child Development Associate Trainer — Council for Professional Recognition
  • Florida Director's Credential
  • Member of: NAEYC, SEEDS, NAFCC
Community ripple

Impact you can feel in classrooms and homes.

Stories from partners who have walked the journey with Owlstone ECE Solutions.

Head Start program

"Our staff's interactions have rose across domains after Gloria coached candidates to align theory into practice."

Orange County

Center based

"Her bilingual family engagement strategies transformed our conferences into collaborative celebrations."

Director, Seminole

CDA cohort

"I felt empowered to share my educator story. The portfolio templates and coaching calls kept me motivated."

CDA Candidate, Orange County

Let’s collaborate

Ready to shape what’s next for your early learning community?

Share your program story, vision, and timeline. We’ll respond within two business days with next-step recommendations.

Business hours Checking hours…

  • Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Contact details

Spark a conversation

We respond within two business days. Need faster support? Call or email us directly.