Leadership

After graduating from high school in southern Ohio, Ms. Carol Oswalt moved to Winter Haven, Florida. She attended Polk State College and obtained an A.S. degree, achieving her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked for fourteen years at Polk General Hospital in Pediatrics and Emergency Room Care, as well as working consecutively at Peace River Center in a federally funded Child Abuse Prevention Program.

In 1986, Ms. Carol opened the doors of Safe and Sound Child Care and Early Learning Center in Eagle Lake, Florida, serving Eagle Lake, Winter Haven, and as far away as Lake Wales.  In the early years, many of Ms. Carol’s family worked at Safe and Sound, especially her mother, Ms. Bonnie, who served Safe and Sound as the assistant director for the first sixteen years.  

For the past twenty-one years, Ms. Carol has had a director on-site. Under Ms. Carol’s guidance, Safe and Sound formed an effective working relationship with the Department of Children and Families, Early Learning Coalition, Heartland, United Way, and Career Source Polk.  Several of our children are from second-generation families. We are pleased to be able to serve the families in our area.

Mr. Zac Marius attended Safe and Sound from toddler through elementary school, and later graduated from Polk State’s Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School. He then pursued his education at Florida Atlantic University, where he majored in psychology and minored in sociology. He completed his education with a Master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology.

During his high school and college years, Mr. Zac followed in his mother, Mrs. Carol's footsteps, and joined the childcare industry. With over ten years of childcare experience ranging from infant to school age, Mr. Zac strongly believes that child care is a cornerstone of a community, providing a critical service to families so they can serve the community in other industries.

Mr. Zac feels that childcare facilities should prepare children for elementary school and set the foundations for successful adulthood in a safe and loving environment. Furthermore, he believes that the fine arts are vital to a child’s education. Therefore, Safe and Sound and Mr. Zac partner with Theatre Winter Haven (TWH) Academy, where he serves as a show director and guest instructor.

Ms. Dianea began working at Safe and Sound Child Care and Early Learning Center over 25 years ago. With a strong background in both education and nutrition, she brought with her 24 years of early childhood experience and more than 35 years in the food service industry.

Ms. Dianea is a proud mother of three children, all of whom attended Safe and Sound during their early years. Today, she continues that tradition with her grandchildren. 

Over the years, Ms. Dianea has played a key role in creating a welcoming, caring, and safe environment for children and families. Her dedication to Safe and Sound has helped shape a positive atmosphere rooted in trust, consistency, and community. Ms. Dianea remains committed to working alongside teachers and parents to provide the highest level of care and connection for every child who walks through the doors of Safe and Sound.