Welcome new Faculty & Staff!
Source/Author: Raffi Darrow, Ebytes Editor
August 24, 2023
Shorecrest is excited to announce changes and new additions to our faculty and staff for the 2023-2024 school year.
Experiential School
Jessica Auker, Lead Alpha Teacher
Since 2019 Jessica has served as a Preschool Lead Teacher at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa, where she planned and implemented lessons and activities that promoted social, physical and intellectual growth of children and age appropriate problem solving. Prior to that she was a preschool lead teacher in Tennessee. Jessica has worked directly with special needs children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, social and emotional disorders, as well as learning and behavior disorders. She has experience as a Camp Counselor, Childcare Provider - in the US and overseas - and Event Planner.
Jessica earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Boston University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Kentucky.
Stacy Sher Conroy ‘00, Interim Teaching Assistant
Stacy, a Shorecrest parent and alumna, is returning as an ES substitute. She will be a Teaching Assistant in Merry Markunas’ classroom. She received her B.A. from Yale University, where she double majored in Political Science and International Studies, and her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, as well as a Wharton Certificate of Business and Public Policy. After her first child was born Stacy decided to focus her time on raising her children and civic engagement. Having always loved working with children and working with AmeriCorps’s Jumpstart program for young children throughout college, Stacy became a substitute teacher at the Experiential School of Tampa Bay and in the Lower School at Shorecrest in 2020.
Stacy has served on the board of numerous non-profit organizations over the past 10+ years, with a particular interest in education issues and serving low-income populations. She is also an active parent volunteer at Shorecrest, including co-chairing the annual Holiday Gift Drive for Guardian ad Litem that provides holiday gifts to over 250 of Pinellas County’s most at-risk children.
Stacy and her husband Will are the proud parents of three children (Paige ‘29, Jack ‘32, and Shea ‘36) and two English Bulldogs. In her spare time, Stacy can be found taking her kids to their many sports activities, watching the Tampa Bay Lightning and Rays, reading, and traveling with her family.
Dr. Shea Quraishi, Junior Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Shea began teaching in 2011 and has taught kindergarten, first grade, second grade and third grade, as well as leading an educational nonprofit and serving as an independent consultant. She joined Shorecrest last year in LS.
Dr. Q. earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and journalism at New York University, a master’s degree in education at Stanford University and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy at Florida State University with a certification in program evaluation. She has presented at numerous workshops and conferences on topics related to social-emotional learning (SEL). Shea and her husband, George, are parents to Maeve ‘37, Cormac and two standard poodles.
Ginger Thompson, Experiential School Lead Teacher
Ginger will be moving up from Teaching Assistant to a Lead Teacher. She is energetic, loving and compassionate, and forms positive bonds with children and their families. She actively connects with students by playing with them and joining them on the floor. Ms. Thompson absolutely loves teaching in independent preschool classrooms, and started at Shorecrest as a ES Teaching Assistant in 2018. Prior to coming to Shorecrest, Ginger worked in early childhood and elementary school classrooms for seven years, most recently as a pre-k 2/pre-k 3 teacher at Ascension Day School. Ginger earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from the University of South Florida. She is certified in the state of Florida to teach physical education and earned an early childhood staff credential from the Florida Department of Children and Families. Ginger’s son Sawyer is in the Shorecrest Class of 2028.
Takeya Trayer, Experiential School Studio Teacher
Takeya is committed to facilitating creative, student-centered investigations, and engaging students in art explorations, nature and movement. Takeya is multi-talented, with a background in art, animation and athletics. She played college basketball and spent many years on the basketball coaching team at Shorecrest. Takeya earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and an associate degree in computer animation from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. Her sons, Kyerim and Aziz, are both students at Shorecrest. Takeya has been a part of The Experiential School team since 2017, both as an Alpha teaching assistant and as a JK teaching assistant. She also serves as the division’s Diversity Coordinator, supporting diversity, equity and inclusion schoolwide. In addition, Takeya demonstrates a joyful connection with children, love and care for animals, great artistic talent, and warm, positive nature.
Lower School
Dee Ann Larson, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Dee Ann Larson is returning to Shorecrest in our Kindergarten. Dee Ann graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an early childhood certificate. She has 13 years of experience in Pinellas County teaching in early childhood classrooms including first grade, kindergarten and preschool - including prior years at Shorecrest. Dee Ann loves working with children and strives to inspire a love of learning in all of her students. Dee Ann has two sons, Tyler ‘10, and Grant.
Jaimie Martin, Second Grade Teacher
Jaimie holds a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education and Fine Arts and a Minor in Humanities. Her passion for working with children in many capacities started well over a decade ago in community centers, camp counseling, summer programs and tutoring. She has taught Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), first through third and fifth grades. In addition she taught English virtually to students living in China. She also served as a teacher’s assistant for college algebra and trigonometry courses at Florida A&M University. Although she has spent the majority of her teaching career in the primary grades, she has spent time in the past on her prior school’s leadership team as the head of the school’s culture, academics and leadership, creating school implementations to support student growth while also serving as team lead and a teacher coach to all K-8 teachers. She has led professional development and workshops in her previous school and sister schools for all teachers and staff in school culture and social and emotional learning geared towards developing the whole child.
Jaimie’s husband Tyler works in the Shorecrest technology department. They have two silly dogs, Patrick and Luna, and a toddler, Myles. She is a passionate new addition who was on campus for Summer Programs, and is excited to be part of the Charger family.
Michelle Schilling, Fourth Grade Teacher
Michelle has been a teacher for ten years. She began her career at St. Stephen of Hungary School, an independent school in New York City, where she taught pre-k and first grade for six years. While teaching in New York City, Michelle lived on the Upper East Side and enjoyed all NYC had to offer. Most recently Michelle taught at a public school on Long Island where she taught first, third and fifth grades.
Michelle holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood and childhood education from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Michelle later earned her master’s degree as a literacy specialist from Teacher’s College at Columbia University in 2016. She also earned her master’s in administration and supervision from Fordham University in 2019. Michelle is relocating to the Sunshine State to be close to family and is excited to join the Shorecrest Community!
Rose Supper, Third Grade Associate Teacher
Rose is a Florida native and has her Bachelor of Fine Arts in music from the University of South Florida. She teaches piano lessons out of her home studio in Kenneth City and regularly plays for private engagements and venues in St. Petersburg. Some of you may know Rose as a LS substitute, Shorecrest camp counselor, or when she worked as a piano teacher for our Extended Day program.
Abigail Tebrugge, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Abigail is an enthusiastic educator who is originally from Tallahassee, Florida. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, majoring in Philosophy. During her college years, Abigail learned of her love for teaching by assisting fellow students as a tutor specializing in algebra. After graduating Abigail became an associate preschool teacher. Working closely with young children she developed a deep appreciation for early childhood education. She is excited to bring her experience and love for children to the classroom. As a member of the Kindergarten team, Abigail is thrilled to contribute to a positive classroom environment. She is committed to inspiring a love for learning and helping each child grow in their educational journey. In her free time Abigail enjoys gardening and yoga.
Middle School
Bonnie Lurie, Fifth Grade English Teacher
Bonnie is a familiar face around Shorecrest. She most recently worked as a long-term substitute teacher in the Middle School. She is also a parent and an active volunteer. She has over 13 years of experience teaching English, reading and school administration. Bonnie holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Florida State University, as well as a certificate in educational leadership. Her three children are Chargers.
Zinnia Upson, Art Teacher
Zinnia is starting her first year at Shorecrest as a middle school art teacher. She previously taught kindergarten through second-grade art at Greenwich Country Day School in Connecticut for 3 years, along with substitute teaching and running numerous after-school art programs in CT and FL. Zinnia received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL, mostly working in recycled sculpture and collage. She is looking forward to becoming a part of the Shorecrest community and can't wait to meet everyone!
Upper School
Sarah Moebius Anderson, Mathematics
Sarah is returning to Shorecrest to teach Upper School Mathematics. Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science from Purdue University in mathematics education, and her Master of Education in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. Sarah taught math and coached volleyball at Shorecrest in both the middle and upper schools from 2007-2017, then left to spend more time at home with her young family. For the past six years, Sarah taught math at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, including an accelerated course for high-achieving students. A parent of three Shorecrest students, Lucas ‘27, Nolan ‘34, and Frankie ‘37, Sarah is thrilled to be a Charger once more!
Nicollete DiBenedetto, US School Counselor
Nicollette is excited to be joining the Shorecrest community as the Upper School Counselor. While she previously lived in the Tampa Bay area, she recently relocated back from her home state of New York. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University and her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified School Counselor and also a National Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors. Nicollette has 8 years of counseling experience, both clinical and school-based. She has provided school counseling services to students grades PK-12 and is passionate about working with the student population. In her free time, Nicollette enjoys spending time with her yorkiepoo Lido, exercising, learning to play pickleball and spending time with family. Nicollette is looking forward to building strong relationships with faculty, students and families at Shorecrest.
Kurtis Hassinger, Upper School Digital Arts and Photography
Kurtis Hassinger holds a Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts and a Master of Arts in Theatre from the University of Montana. He is originally from a small town and grew up with a love for the arts as well as education. Kurtis has a passion for working with other artists and has taught at both the college and high school levels. He is elated to work with the student-artists, faculty, and staff at Shorecrest! He’s obsessed with finding really bad B-movie supernatural thrillers, invigorating outdoor adventures, and questionable food recipes.
Bernadette Kozlowski, Biology and Chemistry
Bernie taught science at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Virginia, and at Wyoming Seminary, Keystone College, Scranton Preparatory School and York Country Day School in Pennsylvania. She has taught AP Biology, biology, chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, ecology, forensic science, and Science Methods and Analysis. She also spent a year as a Continuing Education (CE) provider in Pennsylvania, running workshops focusing on the biology of viruses, especially influenza. Bernie earned a bachelor’s degree from Lehigh University in 1989 and a master’s degree from East Stroudsburg University in 2005.
Besides serving as an AP Biology reader for six years, Bernie has coached basketball and softball, lived in a dorm setting, led service trips and advised numerous student clubs. She played semi-pro basketball in Belgium in 1990 while also coaching a local 9 and 10-year-old boys’ team. Bernie spent over 30 summers at Camp St. Andrew in Pennsylvania in numerous roles, including as the camp director for nine years. She spearheaded grassroots efforts to save the camp from closing in 2015. In 2016, she became a certified meditation teacher through Yoga Alliance and has spent the last seven years as a public speaker and workshop facilitator for wellness initiatives at schools and businesses around the country. In her spare time Bernie likes biking, camping and golfing. She frequently spends time in Ireland, where she is a dual citizen.
Drew McKinney, Theatre Technical Director / Stagecraft Teacher
Drew started doing stagecraft in high school and continued his career working in Orlando area theme parks on projects such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and the Grand Opening of Volcano Bay – as well as working with live acts throughout the country. Bringing life to the inanimate has been a constant recurring theme in Drew's career, and he looks forward to bringing the same magic to Shorecrest’s Janet Root Theater. Drew is already quite familiar with the Chargers from assisting in countless productions and events as a technician under the guidance of former Technical Director, Brad Miller.
Guillermo Villatoro Hall, Physics & Engineering
Guillermo has more than twenty years of teaching experience at the college level and five years of teaching experience at the high school level. He also has ample experience in Corporate Finance and Entrepreneurship, and for a time was also a telecommunications and electronics engineering consultant in Honduras, Peru, Thailand and Canada.
Before completing an MBA at Columbia University, Guillermo received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University and a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Mathematics and Physics from Arcadia University.
Guillermo’s accolades include Fulbright Scholar, Honduran Public Servant and Friend from the government of Taiwan, and Promoter of the Arts by the San Pedro Sula City Hall.
Staff
Cayce Cirino, School Store Manager
Cayce has a background in education, editing and nonprofits. After living in Asia, Europe and Michigan, she is happy to settle down in St. Petersburg with her daughters, Alexandra ‘26 and Maddison ‘28. Cayce is excited about the launch of the Shorecrest School Store and looks forward to being the new manager.
Shane Collins, Campus Safety & Security Coordinator
Shane has a background in both law enforcement and school security. Over the past year he built relationships with our school community as GardaWorld’s lead school protection officer. Previously he worked as a part-time police officer in Massachusetts and served in the United States Army as a military police officer. Shane will soon complete a degree in criminal justice and looks forward to his new role as the Campus Safety & Security Coordinator for Shorecrest.
Liz Daley, Assistant Director of Enrollment Management
After spending six years as a lead Alpha teacher in The Experiential School, Liz Daley is moving into a new role with the Shorecrest Admissions team as the Assistant Director of Enrollment Management. Liz has extensive knowledge of independent schools and of Shorecrest, specifically, having served on the Shorecrest Strategic Planning Task Force, the New Faculty Orientation Leadership Team, as well as the Centennial Planning Committee as a division-level representative. With over 20 years of experience in independent schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Florida, Liz is eager to share her passion and expertise to build meaningful connections with prospective students and families. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont and a Master of Education from Lesley University in Boston. In addition to her experience as a faculty member, Liz is also a parent to Amelia, Shorecrest Class of 2028. Liz looks forward to maintaining the strong relationships she's built with her past students and families and to welcoming new families to Shorecrest.
Melinda Holmes, Assistant Athletics Director (Operations)
Melinda has enjoyed various roles while working in independent schools for 20 years. Most recently she worked as the Assistant to the Athletics Director at Shorecrest. In her new position as Assistant Director of Athletics (Operation), she will support the athletics department and the business department in budgeting, facilities management, communications and scheduling.
Before moving to Florida, Melinda worked as the Director of Library Services and as a dorm parent for Darlington School in Rome, Georgia, and as the college counseling secretary at St. Catherine's School in Richmond, Virginia. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English from James Madison University and a master's degree in school librarianship from Longwood University. Melinda's husband, Marcus, is Shorecrest’s Director of Facilities. They have two adult daughters.
Brandi Owen, Auxiliary Administrative Assistant
Brandi is originally from a small town in Texas, with a rather big family. She is new to the Saint Petersburg area but has traveled throughout the U.S. to explore and sightsee. She has always had a true passion for working with our youngest learners and is excited to be part of the Auxiliary Programs team at Shorecrest.
Shaleen Petress, Controller
Shaleen joins Shorecrest with over 15 years of experience in accounting in the financial services industry. She’s a native of the Tampa Bay area and received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Florida. In her free time Shaleen enjoys being on the water and spending time with her husband and 2 children.
Jennifer Phelps, Director of the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE)
Jennifer has 20 years of experience in the field of therapy and education and has founded and co-founded several successful businesses that support children through ABA-based programs, therapies, education, and care. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Jennifer was the Director of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at All Children’s Hospital where she coordinated a multidisciplinary team of psychologists, psychiatrists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists within the hospital’s Autism Center.
Using research-based strategies for all learners, Jennifer’s approach to learning systems and education is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals, She is currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Prospr, a business support services company designed to assist clinicians to manage and grow their businesses.
Jennifer has an associate's degree in Psychology from Broward Community College, a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida, and a Master of Science in Psychology from Florida State. She is currently a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and is a member of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts.
Victoria Scott, Assistant Director of College Counseling
With over eight years of experience as an educator for high school students, Victoria has served the Tampa Bay area as a high school English teacher in both public and independent schools. She received her Bachelor's degree in English from Florida State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida. In her free time, Victoria enjoys playing with her pups, spending time with her husband and family, and reading.
Earl Walton, Director of The Ross Roeder Institute for Economics, Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship
A seasoned entrepreneur, business leader, and educator, Earl brings a wealth of experience, passion and drive to launch the RRI at Shorecrest. Earl most recently comes from USA Triathlon where he was the Director of Education, leading the development of all live and virtual education products for the National Governing Body of the Sport of Triathlon. He has served as the Global Director of Coaching and Training for IRONMAN Group, innovating coaching and training content for IRONMAN athletes and coaches worldwide. Before joining IRONMAN, Earl successfully founded and ran two businesses in New York City - TriLife Coaching, a coaching partnership, and Tailwind Endurance, a brick-and-mortar indoor training studio. In his early career, Earl worked in advertising and marketing, supporting visionary brands including MTV. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Communications from Duquesne University and a master's degree in Sports Business from New York University. Already a familiar face at Shorecrest, Earl is the parent of two current Shorecrest students.
