Editor’s note: This is a developing story.

A woman profiled in the January 2024 Style’s 40 Under 40 feature for operating educational programs for toddlers is now facing a furious backlash on Facebook from angry moms demanding refunds after the company shut down.

“I’m making sure everyone gets their money,” Tess Marcelino told Lake & Sumter Style Magazine on Thursday.

Marcelino was 37 when she was featured in the magazine as the CEO and founder of Toddlers of Lake County LLC.  The company was registered with the state in 2022 under her legal name Teraysha Marcelino, and was dissolved on Sept. 26 of this year.

On Oct. 21, she posted on Facebook: “Dear TLC Families. I want to take a moment to personally apologize for the recent lack of communication and the cancellations of our planned activities and events.

“I know how much your little ones look forward to their time with TLC, and I take full accountability for the disruption and confusion this has caused. Each family that was scheduled for any of our listed events or activities will be contacted via text today with updated information and next steps. Please know that I am working to make sure every family is personally reached and that communication moving forward will be clearer and more consistent. Toddlers of Lake County has truly been one of the greatest joys in my life. l I have loved every moment – watching your children learn, grow, and connect with one another has meant more to me than I can express. That’s why it’s so important for me to acknowledge that, while my personal life has recently required much of my attention, that does not excuse the lack of follow-through and communication you’ve experienced. I deeply appreciate your understanding, patience and continued support. Tess.”

She then posted: “If you have not received an email regarding a refund you are entitled to please email Refund.TlC.2025@gmail.com.”

A Facebook group with more than 120 members called Exposing TLC Toddlers of Lake County, and at least one private group with more than 20 members, has lost all patience, however. They have also shed light on the “personal life” issue that has put Tess’ world into a tailspin.

Her husband, Jason Scott Marcilino, was arrested Sept. 29 on seven child sex abuse charges for incidents allegedly going back to 2017. None of the victims described in the court file are children served by the company, but one mother posted: “She’s had her husband at children’s events in the past.”

He only appeared at two, Tess said.

If anyone thinks their child has been harmed, they should contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, according to the State Attorney’s Office.

Court records show that Tess filed for divorce in April.

She also talked about the company being dissolved as an official business entity.

“I left two women in charge, and while I refuse to throw them under the bus, these women opted to close the company,” Tess says. She says she was following her attorney’s advice to shut it down anyway but adds that the two women then started their own company by “mimicking” hers.

Meanwhile, families who have requested refunds are still waiting, and may have to bide their time until January – if they receive any money at all, says Alexis Frank von Frankenstein. She paid $403 in August to enroll her 2-year-old son in in a program called Discover and Learn.

It was supposed to be a class that met twice a week for an hour-and-half that ran during the same calendar year as the Lake County school system.

It seemed like a great deal. “Day care fulltime costs thousands,” she says.

She and her son became ill and missed the beginning of the classes, but she says when she did show up the staff acted as if she had never enrolled, materials were not age appropriate and workers were unable to do simple tasks like queuing a YouTube video.

“My mother and my husband were so excited he was going to be in the program,” she says, “but I was so disappointed.”

As a former second-grade teacher in Lake County schools, she said she initially thought her expectations were simply too high.

But she said she became “hyped up” when she talked with other moms, especially when they complained about not getting their money back.

Another program was called Kinder Cook, and it was supposed to have been held at the Tavares Civic Center. It was canceled at the last minute. Alexis said she did some checking and learned that Tess had not put a deposit down or scheduled it with the city, yet she had collected the student fees and canceled the course before it was scheduled to begin.

Tess said she had agreed with the city to pay afterwards.

Alexis was also miffed that an earlier online communication offered to pay her back about $300. Why not the full amount, she wondered?

She met with Tavares police officer on Oct. 29, who suggested she call Tess.

Tess told her she would pay back $403 by Jan. 26.

Payments were due to start in mid-November and be completed by the end of January.

“I’m not holding my breath,” Alexis says. Many moms paid in cash or through a cash app, so she wonders about recordkeeping. She also worries that Tess might declare bankruptcy.

Another couple says they feel especially “burned” because they had a personal relationship with Tess.

When Tess sought a court-ordered domestic sexual violence injunction against Jason on Sept. 22, Ashley Brown and her husband, James, offered to let Tess stay in their home.  Tess said she would stay with other friends.

A judge dismissed the petition on Oct. 14 “due to petitioner’s failure to appear at hearing,” according to court records. Tess said she didn’t go because there was supposed to be a no-contact order. That, however, is a misinterpretation of the law, according to the State Attorney’s Office. The no-contact order applies to the defendant, not the petitioner. It does not prevent anyone from going to court. Otherwise, nothing would ever be accomplished.

Jason has a long record. He was sentenced to 3 ½ years in prison in 2010 for burglary and battery (second offense). In 2006 he was sentenced to 11 months and 29 days in the county jail for felony battery. In 2004, he was sentenced to almost eight months in jail on burglary and theft charges.

Court records list more than 30 traffic infraction charges, some of which are criminal.

There is no record of charges or civil cases against Tess.

The Browns’ daughter, now 8-years-old, was enrolled in the Turbo Tot program, which involved cross-country running and sprints. They say they have nothing but praise for that program. The child has health issues and the program boosted her confidence and provided needed exercise, but James says “something didn’t feel right” about the finances.

They launched a fundraiser with the help of her employer and donated $300. Kids got medals and T-shirts, but other events were canceled at the last minute with little or explanation, including one excuse that she was on vacation. Events were held in public parks, so there seemed to be no overhead.

Ashley said they are owed a $125 refund. It is not a large amount of money, Ashley says, “but she needs to be held accountable.” Others lost hundreds if not thousands, she says.

Some of the moms say Tess claimed her organization was a charitable nonprofit and that contributions would be tax-deductible. It was Ashley who learned it was a limited liability company.

Tess denies being deceptive. She says she told people she was going to apply for non-profit status.

Ashley said Tess has gone back and forth to Michigan.

In one of her last conversations, Ashley told her, “I really thought that you wouldn’t do that to us.”

We will continue to follow this story as more develops.