Academy Prep Center - Tampa - Staff and Faculty

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Staff & Faculty

		Lincoln J. Tamayo - Head of School Email: ltamayo@academyprep.org Lincoln received his B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame, his J.D. from The University of Florida College of Law, and his Ed. M., Administration Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University. In December 2002, Lincoln assumed the responsibilities as Academy Prep's Head of School. From August 2001 through November 2002, he was Chairman of English for the Children of Massachusetts, the successful initiative petition campaign to reform the bilingual education laws of Massachusetts. He was subsequently invited by Governor-elect Mitt Romney to serve on Mr. Romney's transition team through January 2003. From 1997 to August 2001, he was Principal of Chelsea High School, Chelsea, MA, (student enrollment, 1500, faculty and staff, 150). He has also served as Assistant to the President of Boston University and Secretary to the Boston University Board of Trustees, and most recently as a community columnist for the editorial board of the Tampa Tribune. Lincoln was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1985.

		Keith Allen – Music Program Director Email: kallen@academyprep.org Keith moved here from Dayton, Ohio in June 2008. He is the father to four wonderful sons. He has served in the education field has as a tutor, teacher’s aide and most recently as Assistant Music Director with a youth gospel chorus in Dayton. Keith joined Academy Prep because of its belief in embracing children and their needs in a warm and caring manner. Keith directs the Music Program at Academy Prep and feels blessed to share his life experiences of twenty five years as a professional musician, producer, and teacher with the youth of today.

		Tarlese Allen – Graduate Support Services Assistant Email: tallen@academyprep.org Tarlese is originally from Dayton Ohio and graduated from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Tarlese moved to the Tampa area in May 2005 to work as a Human Resource Manager at MacDill Air Force Base. Tarlese’s career included assignments at several stateside and overseas military installations before retiring in June 2007. Prior to joining the Academy Prep staff, she volunteered with the sixth grade Social Skills class and the seventh grade Focus on Success class. Tarlese says that the commitment and enthusiasm that is displayed at Academy Prep by the staff and the students made the transition easy for her to re-enter the work force.

		J. F. Bracey – Boys' Science Teacher Email: jbracey@academyprep.org Jay has called Tampa his home since July 2004. He holds a B.S. in Sports Management from Temple University. He has much experience working with non-profits in the past and coordinated youth sports programs in economically disadvantaged communities in Richmond, VA and Philadelphia, PA. Prior to joining Academy Prep, he worked at the Y and volunteered regularly at our school. Jay served as an AmeriCorps teacher for one year and is currently the boys’ Science teacher.

		Sam Conley - Facilities and Maintenance Email: sconley@academyprep.org Sam is a Tampa native. He does just a little bit of everything at Academy Prep. He does a fantastic job of keeping the school clean, orderly, and maintained. His experience gives him knowledge in many technical and mechanical duties.

		Kristy Craig - School Manager Email: kcraig@academyprep.org Kristy is a 1999 graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Communication Studies and Theater. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Non-Profit Business Management at the University of Tampa. Kristy began teaching 10 years ago in public and private schools throughout the northeast. She has served as Program Director and Art Director for summer day-time and residential camps, and has worked as a professional actor, drama coach, and director of children's theater in New York City. Kristy's service to Academy Prep began as an AmeriCorps Drama teacher when the school opened in 2003. She now manages school scheduling and day-to-day operations, supervises the AmeriCorps teachers, and oversees the Drama program and productions. Kristy knows Someone Upstairs led her to Academy Prep, and she hopes to laugh and love here for a long, long time.

		Nicole Davis - AmeriCorps Physical Education Teacher Email: ndavis@academyprep.org Nicole graduated from Eckerd College in 2011 where she majored in Political Science and double minored in Environmental Studies and International Relations. She was a member of the women’s soccer team and held the team captain roll from 2009-2011. In addition to Physical Education, she will be teaching Current Events, Soccer and F.I.T. (fun interactive training). She is looking forward to watching the students grow and mature. She also hopes to help them understand the importance of teamwork in all areas of life and to become responsible and respectful individuals.

		Sr. Anne Dougherty, O.S.F. Director of Graduate Support Email: adougherty@academyprep.org Originally from Philadelphia, Sr. Anne Dougherty, O.S.F. is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany, NY. She holds a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling and an M. A. in Counseling Psychology. She is certified and currently involved in Crisis Stress Management, Police Chaplaincy, and Spiritual Direction. For ten years, Sr. Anne was the founding director of Francis House, an interfaith center for people infected or affected with HIV/AIDS. With a wide range of teaching experience to all ages of students, Sr. Anne is the Director of Graduate Support and leads the peer to peer leadership program at Academy Prep - Tampa. She enjoys helping to prepare our students to attend high school and colleges while supporting them along the way. It is her hope that by reaching their full potential these students will return to their community as leaders.


		Tameka Evans - Girls' Mathematics Teacher Email: tevans@academyprep.org Tameka is a graduate of the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor's of Science in Health Science on a pre-med track. She spent most of her undergraduate career volunteering as a mentor for young females in the middle schools of Alachua County, instead of shadowing doctors in a hospital. Her true passion is giving back to the community and it is evident in how the girls respond to her teaching style and methods. She is currently serving as the girls' Math teacher. Ms. Evans is also a medic in the U.S. Army Reserves and has just returned back to us from an overseas deployment to Iraq for her 4th year teaching the girls.

		Gina Fuller - Boys' English Teacher Email: gfuller@academyprep.org Ms. Fuller is the boys' English teacher and is the lead staff person for English Extension and one of the art extracurriculars. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a master's in business administration. She worked in marketing and sales before raising a family. Turning to education as a career as her children went to school, Ms. Fuller taught English, math and history at Mary Help of Christians and LLT Charter School before coming to Academy Prep. She is proud to have a marriage of 25 years and a great family.

		Leigh Gale - Grants and Communications Coordinator Email: lgale@academyprep.org Leigh is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Public Relations. While at UF, Leigh became involved in non-profit work while an intern with the Cris Collinsworth Foundation. After moving to the Bay area, she continued her love of non-profit work with several area organizations. With over 8 years of development experience in media relations, event planning and grant writing; Leigh looks forward to being an advocate for the students and sharing the wonderful mission of Academy Prep.

		Ryan Gonzalez - Director of Development Email: rgonzalez@academyprep.org Ryan joins Academy Prep after seven years of experience in South Florida as a leading manager in development and fundraising in the non-profit industry. With over 8 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, event planning, and applying a strong expertise in long-term strategic planning, Ryan brings a vast level of knowledge to the organization. Prior to joining Academy Prep, Ryan was the Business Development Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Miami, where she led individual giving programs and memberships. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in Communications from Florida International University and is currently pursuing her M.B.A. at the University of Phoenix. In her free time, Ryan runs a consulting business, enjoys traveling to foreign countries, and running 5k's.

		Cristina Gutierrez-Brewster - Girls’ English Teacher Email: cgutierrez@academyprep.org Cristina graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Spanish. During her college years, she served the Latino community of South Bend by tutoring an individual child each year through the student-run program, Teamwork for Tomorrow. She has also gained experience working with children with special needs, serving as a camp counselor for NISRA (Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association). After two years of service as an AmeriCorps teacher at Academy Prep, Cristina is the current 5th-8th grade girls’ English teacher and loves every minute of it.

		Pamela Hooks - School Manager Email: phooks@academyprep.org Pam, who graduated Magna Cum Laude from American University and who headed a personnel division at a major engineering firm in Washington, D.C., is the consummate professional. Her attention to detail, work ethic, and care for the children and families we serve are extraordinary. She has a manner that puts all who meet her at ease, and the entire staff and all of our students and parents enjoy working with her.

		Henry Ibanez - Boys’ History Teacher Email: hibanez@academyprep.org Henry graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing in 1992 and a Masters in Education in 1999. Henry comes to Academy Prep from Sickles High School where he taught Advance Placement Economics and Honors Philosophy. Henry decided to join Academy Prep after volunteering here during the spring of 2005. He currently teaches 5th grade girls and character education for the 6th grade boys.

		Sharon Joller - Community Relations Coordinator Email: sjoller@academyprep.org Sharon is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She has worked with Academy Prep for 4 years. Her role as Community Relations Coordinator allows her to assist in many aspects at school. By working closely with parents, community partners, high school students and USF work study students, Sharon is able to play a crucial role in programming and volunteerism. She also enjoys directing the spring showcase and facilitating other events on campus. “It is very rewarding experience to share my creative side with the students and the importance of leadership and service with the community.” When she is not at APCT you can find her working with the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, as director of the children’s outreach program, Literacy Through Photography. Sharon also enjoys participating in community arts shows.

		Ed Joller - Development/Administration Assistant Email: ejoller@academyprep.org Ed is a graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Accounting. He has over 25 years of experience working in private industry in the information services field. He enjoys using his experience in a new setting – the special academic environment provided at Academy Prep.

		Annie Knapp – Art Teacher Email: aknapp@academyprep.org Annie is originally from Laurens, New York where she studied Art at Pace University and Hartwick College. She joined Academy Prep in the fall of 2007 as an AmeriCorps teacher with energy and enthusiasm, and remains as lead teacher of the Fine Arts classes. She also brings years of dancing experience with her to direct our Irish Step Dancing Team. Annie feels blessed to teach such an outstanding group of talented young people, and looks forward to helping each and every one develop and improve their creative skills.

		Maggie McCleland - Development Manager Email: mmccleland@academyprep.org Maggie McCleland graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish. She also received a Master of Arts degree in Latin American Studies with a concentration in International Communication from the University of Florida. Prior to joining Academy Prep, Maggie worked as a Development and Public Relations Coordinator with the New Tampa YMCA, and as a Community Representative with the American Cancer Society in Pinellas County, where she focused on fundraising, development, event planning, and marketing. While in graduate school at UF, she also worked as a researcher and undergraduate advisor. Maggie is passionate about women’s and children’s issues, and has volunteered locally for the past five years with Metropolitan Ministries, area children’s homes, and women’s outreach organizations. As head of the volunteer program at the New Tampa YMCA, Maggie worked with hundreds of teenagers to engage them in community outreach initiatives.

		Ted McNair - Chess and Karate Instructor Email: tmcnair@academyprep.org Ted, a 21-year veteran of the Air Force, has inner-city public and private school teaching experience. He holds both a bachelors (Southern Illinois University) and masters in education (Nova SE University). This 6th-degree black-belt, former World Karate Champion, teaches history, karate, and chess classes. In 2007 and 2008, his chess teams placed first in the region and 7th in the State. Ted adapted to chess while growing up in Tampa's College Hill projects. During his Air Force tenure, he was awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, several Commendation Medals, and numerous other distinguished service medals. Also, he achieved the elite status as Major Command's Master Training Instructor. Subsequently, through the State of Florida, he was honored with the State's Davis Productivity and District Counselor of the Year Awards. In addition, this ordained deacon is former vice president of the Alafia River Basin Board and SW Florida Water Management District member.

		Samantha Metzelar - AmeriCorps Physical Education Teacher Email: smetzelar@academyprep.org Samantha, originally from Miami, Florida, received her B.A. from the University of South Florida in English with a creative writing concentration. She previously worked in the children’s department at Barnes and Noble for five years. In addition to teaching Physical Education, she will be teaching Women in Media, Earth Scouts, and Young Voices. Her goal is to inspire students to seek a career in creative writing. Samantha is excited to join the Academy Prep team.

		Alex Monroe – Development Coordinator Email: amonroe@academyprep.org Alex Monroe is a 2010 graduate of the University of Tampa with a B.S. in Management. Before starting full-time, he began working at Academy Prep as an intern in August 2009. Alex has also been operating a blog featuring trendy news, business related articles, and music since January 2009, which has grown tremendously since its start. Originally from Toms River, New Jersey, Alex enjoys working for a cause and is excited to be a part of the tremendous mission at Academy Prep.

		Ralph Moore - Girls’ Science Teacher Email: rmoore@academyprep.org Ralph Moore is a proud graduate of the University of South Florida located here in Tampa. While in Tampa, Ralph has been a volunteer for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs, and AmeriCorps to name just a few social service organizations he has served. Ralph decided to become a teacher because he not only sees education as a means to a successful life, but also as an important vehicle that gives children faith in themselves.

		Amanda Osofsky – Girls’ History Teacher Email: aosofsky@academyprep.org Amanda received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art Education from the University of South Carolina. There, Amanda served as a resident mentor for three years, garnering recognition as Hall Government Advisor of the Year and receiving the Resident Student Learning Model Implementation Award. She served as an AmeriCorps teacher for one year, and is currently the girls’ History teacher.

		Erika Patrick – AmeriCorps Girls’ English 2 Teacher Email: epatrick@academyprep.org Erika, a recent graduate of Kent State University, recently moved to Tampa from New Castle, Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She comes from a long line of educators, so teaching has always been her passion. This is her first year as a specialist teacher, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to work at a school with such an amazing mission. During the year, Erika will teach English 2 to the girls, Freedom Writers, and coach basketball.

		Monica Pollock - AmeriCorps Media Arts Teacher Email: mpollock@academyprep.org Monica holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Florida. This native USF Bull is very active in the Tampa Bay community. Prior to coming to Academy Prep, she worked at Young Life, a non-profit serving inner city high school students. She still mentors some of the students who are now in college. She is involved in her church, Bible Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace, and is a youth teacher. Monica will be teaching Media Arts and Model Building as well as coaching cheerleading and dance.

		Tynese Randolph – Administrative Assistant Email: trandolph@academyprep.org Tynese is a life-long Tampa resident. She has four beautiful children. She does a wonderful job taking care of the Academy Prep students. She works closely with the administrative staff, parents and students. You’ll always see her with a smile on her face.

		Luly Socias - Administrative Assistant Email: lsocias@academyprep.org Luly graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. After several years as a design engineer she started a new and most fulfilling career – that of mom and volunteer. From PTA president to Girl Scout leader, Luly has stayed very involved with her children and their schools. Believing in the power of education to transform lives, Luly is excited to be a member of the staff at Academy Prep.

		Dawn Sokalski - Boys' Math Teacher Email: dsokalski@academyprep.org Dawn started her career as a social worker moving to teaching for the last 20 years in various middle schools. She is certified in mathematics 6th-9th and social science 6th-12th grades. Dawn graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's in psychology and has her master's in education from Fairleigh Dickinson. After visiting the Tampa campus, Dawn knew immediately that she wanted to devote her teaching skills to Academy Prep.

		Megan Szymanski – AmeriCorps Boys’ English 2 Teacher Email: mszymanski@academyprep.org Megan was born and raised in Tampa, graduating Hillsborough High School and its international baccalaureate program in 2006. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2010, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in English and Mass Communications. She teaches English 2 to the boys, as well as a number of enrichment activities including Photojournalism, Volleyball, and Dance Era. Everyday she looks forward to seeing the students, and helping them through their daily activities. She feels extremely lucky to be a part of Tampa’s premier private middle school and the Academy Prep family.

		Anita Wash-Morrow - Guidance Counselor Email: awashmorrow@academyprep.org Anita, a.k.a. "Ms. Nita", was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and has a Master in Social Work. Before coming to Academy Prep, Anita served over 14 years as a social worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and the Florida Department of Children and Families. Ms. Nita's diverse background offers experience in the areas of individual assessments, developing case plans, evaluating coping skills, linking people to available resources, advocating for clients and conflict resolution. Ms. Nita prides herself on her leadership skills and the ability to work harmoniously with peers and subordinates.

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