New Faculty and Staff:
We are very pleased to welcome Katelyn Dolan as our newest Pre-K 3 teacher. Katelyn brings with her a strong passion for early childhood education and a proven commitment to creating nurturing, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. She holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Education from the University of Florida, and with more than ten years of teaching experience spanning kindergarten through second grade in both Jacksonville and the Lakeland, FL area, Katelyn has developed a well-rounded approach to early learning. In addition to her classroom experience, she has also served as an associate director at a preschool in Lakeland, further enhancing her leadership skills and understanding of early childhood program development. We are confident that her expertise and enthusiasm will be a valuable addition to our Pre-K team.
We are thrilled for Victoria Cardenas to officially join our faculty as a Pre-K 3 assistant and Spanish teacher for our Pre-K and kindergarten classes. Victoria has been a highly valued substitute teacher on our campus over the past year. In addition to her classroom experience, she is a two-time Emmy Award-winning multimedia journalist, fluent in both English and Spanish, and a former Certified Bilingual Teacher in Texas. We are excited for the energy, talent, and passion she brings to our early childhood program.
We are delighted to welcome Ashley Stratton as our new Pre-K 4 teacher. Ashley brings with her a strong passion for creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Saint John’s University, and with valuable experience teaching first and second grade language arts and math at Woodland Acres Elementary and a background in student teaching in Queens, NY, Ashley has developed creative, immersive lesson plans and led impactful programs such as buddy reading and Girls on the Run. We are excited for the warmth, enthusiasm, and dedication she will bring to our Pre-K 4 classroom!
Calsa Haubrich, our new Pre-K 4 teaching assistant, brings a unique blend of experience and enthusiasm to our team! With three years of experience as both an assistant and lead preschool teacher, she is deeply committed to working with young children and supporting their early development. Her background includes a graduate degree in education and an undergraduate degree in English. Calsa has also had professional experience as a legal assistant and office manager, showcasing her versatility and strong organizational skills. She is eager to gain more hands-on classroom experience, and we are pleased to have her join our learning community.
We are pleased to welcome Sarah Barnett as a new third grade teacher. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and brings several years of teaching experience in both second and third grade classrooms in North Carolina and California. She is an educator with a strong focus on innovation and forward-thinking practices that inspire curiosity and creativity in her students. Sarah is deeply committed to academic excellence and fostering meaningful growth for every child. Her background as a demonstrated teacher leader and her passion for student-centered learning make her an outstanding addition to our school community. We are excited for the energy, expertise, and vision she brings to our team.
Join us in extending a warm reception to Alyssa Edewaard, our new fourth grade teacher. Alyssa is a dedicated educator with a commitment to fostering curiosity, confidence, and academic growth. Alyssa brings experience from KIPP Impact Academy, where she taught second grade language arts and served as a Baker Teaching Fellow, and she also spent time teaching with the Center for Urban Teaching. A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Elementary Education, Alyssa holds certifications in Elementary Education K-6 and a Reading Endorsement. Her strengths in differentiated instruction, data-driven teaching, and collaboration make her a fantastic addition to our school community. Welcome, Ms. Edewaard!
Current Faculty and Staff with New Roles:
We are excited to announce that Megan Zebouni, former Pre-K 3 assistant, will take on one of the lead Pre-K 3 teacher roles! Megan started working with us last year as Weatherly Donald’s assistant teacher, and she brings experience, commitment, and enthusiasm to her new role.
Ashlei Franklin, an artist at heart, served as wonderful extended day staff member last year, and she is looking forward to moving into her new role as a full time Pre-K 3 assistant.
Maile Apongan also served as a loving and caring extended day staff member last year, and she is excited to move into her new role as a kindergarten assistant while she finishes her undergraduate degree.
Ida Knight, who is also completing her undergraduate degree, will move from Pre-K 4 assistant to kindergarten assistant. She is looking forward to gaining experience in a new grade level.
Katy Jones, our trusted and gifted school nurse, will be on the Beaches Campus as a full-time staff member this year! Nurse Katy will be stationed in Largura Hall, where she will serve as both school nurse and receptionist. Nicole Limbaugh will remain a delegated nurse as well as our front office manager; Katy and Nicole will work together to meet the needs of our students and families.
Shannon Johnson will move to Largura Hall and continue to serve as our remarkable science teacher for students in third through fifth grade. She is looking forward to setting up her new science room! Weatherly Donald, former Pre-K 3 teacher, will move into a new role as our kindergarten through second grade science teacher. The kindergarten through second grade science room will be located in the former science room, part of the Cordell Library and Innovation Space. Weatherly, who has a passion for innovation and hands-on learning, is thrilled for the new opportunity.
Weatherly also happens to be expecting her second child in late August and will need to begin the new year on maternity leave. Meghan Lederer, Beaches parent, educator, and science enthusiast, will be serving as a long-term substitute for Weatherly’s kindergarten through second grade science classes during the first trimester. Meghan has already begun coordinating with both Weatherly and Shannon and we are excited for this partnership!
Weatherly Donald will also continue to coordinate our fine arts performances, and while she is on leave, Dana Ferger, who serves as a fine arts adjunct at the Munnerlyn Campus will be working with our teachers and students on their fall fine arts performances. Dana will also be teaching physical education/movement classes this year to our Pre-K students as Coach Rush’s physical education schedule has expanded.
Kate Gomes, former fourth grade teacher and fourth and fifth grade math and social studies teacher will be the fifth grade math and social studies teacher. This is a seamless transition for both Kate and the students!