Passionate Leader – Thank You ALL!

Educating our children for a bright future is the most important profession in the world and I have dedicated my life to this mission!

I have been an educator for 33 years and have served for 23 years in Santa Rosa County, including the pre-k, elementary, middle school, high school, and college level. I have been a teacher and administrator in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Chumuckla, and for the past 11 years as the Director of Federal Programs, serving all 33 schools.

This diverse experience, gives me insight into the needs, opportunities and challenges at each level and will aid me in working with educators to develop a cohesive, thoughtful and fluid progression from pre-k classrooms through high school graduation and beyond.

Uniquely Qualified

My experience as a special education teacher has informed my thinking and work for my entire career. There is an art and science to identifying the unique needs of students and then finding the right instructional strategy.

This experience has enabled me to use this same skill on a broader level, looking at the needs of students and their communities and if the right solution does not exist, creating the solution!

Our At-Risk Support Program, Housing program for our students experiencing homelessness, and our Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) Transformation are examples of programs I have created to meet the needs of our students and teachers.

Engaging Students and Families

Let’s create partnerships with parents that provide personalized learning for our students, leading them to work-force ready skills and promising careers!

Parents know the needs of their children and have dreams for their future. Teachers know how to inspire and ignite the curiosity of their students. Combining the talent and commitment of parents and teachers to ensure each child’s needs are met in the classroom and in the community is essential to their success. Great communication between the school and parents, along with high expectations for our students, is a winning combination.

Let’s learn, plan, and work together to make sure every student and their family is a vital participant and partner!

Leadership Experience

2009-Present: Director of Federal Programs, Santa Rosa County School District

2004-2009        Principal, Chumuckla Elementary School, Santa Rosa County School District

2002-2008        Adjunct Professor, The University of West Florida

2003-2007        Administrative Trainer- Panhandle Management Development Network, Santa Rosa County School District

2002-2003        Program Management and Curriculum Design Accountability Specialist, Pre-Kindergarten Programs, Santa Rosa County School District

1998-2002        Assistant Principal, Holley Navarre Middle School, Santa Rosa County School District

1997-1998        Special Education Teacher, Navarre High School, Santa Rosa County School District

1994-1996        Principal, Hamilton Elementary School, Hamilton. IL,

1988-1994        Special Education Teacher, Cross-Categorical Classroom Catlin, IL.

1983-1986        Special Education Teacher, Early Childhood Program, Rockville, IN.

“ I commit to you, the Teachers and Staff of Santa Rosa County Schools, that I will be open-minded and I will do my best to cultivate collaboration and encourage forward thinking.       I will explore new ways to acknowledge your value as educators. Together, we can put our focus back on educating the students of Santa Rosa County.”

RECOGNITION

✓ 2019  UWF Outstanding Alumni

✓ 2013 Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce Community Leader of the Year

✓ 2013 ECOH Paula Threet Award- Grassroots leadership to end homelessness

✓ 2011 University of West Florida Outstanding Alumni

✓ 2010-2011 Santa Rosa County Literacy Leader of the Year

✓ 2007-2008 Florida Innovative Technology Principal of the Year

✓ 2006-2007 Chumuckla Elementary Positive Behavior Support Program: Florida Gold Level Model School Award

✓ 2001-2002 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year, Santa Rosa County

✓ 1993  Recipient of the  WICD Golden Apple Teacher Award

✓ 1993-1994 Recipient of the  Errett and Mazie Warner Award at Eastern Illinois University. This award is provided to one graduate student per year in Educational Administration who demonstrates the potential to become an excellent leader in the public schools.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

√ 2018-Present: Board Member, Santa Rosa Transportation Disadvantage

✓ 2013-Present: President, Santa Rosa Bridges Out of Poverty

✓ 2015-Present: Chairperson, Florida Circuit 1 Community Alliance

✓ 2015-Present:Chairperson, Santa Rosa Department of Health Access to Healthcare Committee

✓ 2012-2016: President, ESCAROSA Coalition on the Homeless

✓ 2013-Present: Board Member, Santa Rosa County Early Learning Coalition

✓ 2006-2008: President, ARC Santa Rosa County

✓ 2003-2005: Board of Director, ARC Santa Rosa County

✓ 2002-2004: President, Navarre YMCA

✓ 2002-2005: President, Kiwanis Club of Navarre, Florida