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The Story
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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. |
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Keith Allen
– AmeriCorps Teacher
Email: kallen@academyprep.org Keith moved here from Dayton, Ohio in June 2008. A father of four wonderful sons, he is in his second year as an AmeriCorps Volunteer. 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 now 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. |
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Kiani Bowman - AmeriCorps
Teacher Email: kbowman@academyprep.org Kiani graduated from the University of Tampa in 2003 with a degree in International Business. Most recently, she worked with at-risk youth through the Tampa Bay Dream Center. Among her other responsibilities at the Dream Center, Kiani developed the mentoring program and coordinated international volunteer service projects. She has spent many years serving the people of Tampa through organizations like Metropolitan Ministries and Center for Student Missions and was recognized in 2002 and 2003 as the University of Tampa's Volunteer of the Year. Kiani's past work experience has helped to prepare her to provide for the needs of the students at Academy Prep. Kiani teaches P.E. classes and assists with our girls' Mathematics classes as well as with our extra-curricular activities. |
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Michell Chresfield –
AmeriCorps Teacher Email: mchresfield@academyprep.org Michell is a recent graduate of the University Of Notre Dame with
a B.A. in American Studies with a minor in Africana Studies, where
she served as president of the Africana Studies Club, Rejoice Mass
liturgical coordinator, and was a recipient of the Balfour Hesbergh
Scholarship. Her volunteer experience includes service in the Center
for the Homeless in South Bend, Indiana, the Hope Soup Kitchen in
Mobile, Alabama, and as a Big Sister for the Tolson Center in Elkhart,
Indiana. She brings a vast range of technological and creative knowledge
as the 7th and 8th grade Computer and Writing teacher though the
AmeriCorps program. |
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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 (Organizational) and Theater and plans to study Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida. She began teaching 9 years ago in public and private schools throughout the northeast. Kristy has served as Program Director, Assistant Director, and Art Director for summer day-time and residential camps in the Philadelphia area and has worked as a professional actor, drama coach, and director of children's theater in New York City. Her service to Academy Prep began as an AmeriCorps Drama teacher when the school opened in 2003. Kristy now manages school scheduling and day-to-day operations, serves on the administrative team, supervises the AmeriCorps teachers, and oversees the Drama program and productions. Kristy knows Someone Upstairs lead her to Academy Prep, and she hopes to laugh and love here for a long, long time. |
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Sr. Anne Dougherty, O.S.F.
Graduate Support Counselor 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 Graduate Support Counselor 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. |
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Betsy L. Draper - Director
of Development Email: bdraper@academyprep.org In addition to working with all matters relative to our vitally important development efforts, Betsy oversees all donation and volunteer services as well as business partnerships for our school. Betsy has worked in the youth development field for over 28 years. She previously was a national non-profit manager and trainer for 14 years, working with hundreds of communities on effective practices for middle school through college initiatives, as well as building and implementing community collaborations. |
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Rebecca Gard – AmeriCorps
Teacher Email: rgard@academyprep.org Originally from Minnesota, Becky has resided in Florida for six
years and is a graduate of the University of South Florida with
a Bachelors Degree of Psychology. Living in Tampa with her husband,
Becky remains active with the Equine Facilitated Mental Health program,
supports various charities through 5K and 10K races and enjoys being
an active member of the local community. She began her service with
Academy Prep through Volunteer USF’s Prep Plunge Work Study
Program. She now serves as an AmeriCorps teacher with the drama
department and continues to pursue higher education through the
masters program in School Counseling at USF. |
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Cristina Gutierrez - 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. |
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Pamela Hooks - Office
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. |
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Chris Humboldt - Development
& Volunteer Coordinator Email: chumboldt@academyprep.org Chris is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting. She is a licensed CPA and has worked in public accounting, private industry, as well as governmental agencies. As a volunteer she has been involved in many schools and non-profit agencies particularly in the areas of budgeting, financial planning and fundraising. She is thrilled to be a part of the Academy Prep staff and working in some small way to support these amazing students. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Roosevelt Kelley –
AmeriCorps Teacher Email: rkelley@academyprep.org Originally from Los Angeles, Roosevelt is a 2008 graduate of the
University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Theology and African American
Studies. His many years of experience with youth organizations include
tutoring and mentoring inner-city youth at Big Brothers Big Sisters,
YMCA of Elkhart County and multiple church groups. Roosevelt also
served as a counselor to children with physical illnesses at The
Painted Turtle Hole in the Wall Camp. He understands the importance
of education in the life of every child and the opportunities students
have when given guidance, direction and motivation. His lifetime
of participation in sports, Step fraternities, and musical performance
has prepared him to teach Physical Education and Leadership classes,
assist in English and History courses, and direct our Step team
as an AmeriCorps teacher. |
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Annie Knapp – AmeriCorps
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. |
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Rebecca Lane - Writing
Teacher Email: rlane@academyprep.org Rebecca Lane is originally from Elk River, Minnesota and has resided in Tampa for over five years. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida and plans to pursue a Masters degree in School Counseling. She remains active in Volunteer USF, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association. Ms. Lane is thrilled to be a part of the growing family at Academy Prep and adores working with the students, faculty and staff. |
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Ted McNair - History,
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. |
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Ralph Moore - Boys' 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. |
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Nydia Nelson - Girls'
Science Teacher Email: nnelson@academyprep.org Nydia graduated from the University of Tampa with a Bachelor's of Science in mathematics with a minor in chemistry. She is currently attending Walden University for a Master's in math education. Her previous experience includes teaching at Hillsborough Public Schools and Hillsborough Community College, and she currently instructs as an adjunct professor at Southwest Florida College. Ms. Nelson enjoys teaching at Academy Prep because she feels at peace and at home. |
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Sarah Panzica – AmeriCorps Teacher Email: spanzica@academyprep.org Sarah is a native of South Bend, Indiana where she attended the
University Of Notre Dame. In 2008 she graduated with a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Sociology and International Peace Studies. Throughout
her college career Sarah tutored at the Juvenile Justice Center
of South Bend, and worked with St. Matthews Catholic School in the
after-care program. She also participated in week-long Operation
Golf Coast Task Force in New Orleans and helped rebuild homes and
lives destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. In addition Sarah has been
volunteering with the Special Olympics of St. Joseph County since
she was ten years old. As a new edition to the Academy Prep Staff
Sarah will be running the Physical Education program. She will also
be teaching extra-curricular activities ranging from photography
to golf. Sarah is excited and looking forward to having a great
year at Academy Prep. |
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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. |
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Luly Socias - School Receptionist 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. |
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Herrica Telus –
AmeriCorps Teacher Email: htelus@academyprep.org Herrica recently graduated from the University of South Florida
with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology.
During her college years, she dedicated countless hours of her time
volunteering in the Tampa Bay community, conducting weekly tutoring
sessions with Haitian adults at a local church and attending every
event sponsored by Volunteer USF. While enrolled at USF, Herrica
was involved in several student organizations, most notably as an
Executive Board member of Club Creole - an organization which dispels
negative myths reading Haiti and its people. As a new AmeriCorps
teacher at Academy Prep, Herrica is elated to be a part of such
a passionate and wonderful family. She looks forward to teaching
Computers, Writing, and facilitating extra-curricular activities. |
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Kathryn VanZandt -
Girls' Math Teacher |
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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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