Principal
Vickie Marble
email
Back to Top | Prior to becoming involved in the Florida charter school movement, I spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher having taught in public and private schools. I am a founding board member of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and served for seven years as a Governor’s appointee to the Florida Charter School Review Panel. In 1996, I was instrumental in the creation and operation of the Police Athletic League (PAL) Academy Charter School, The Opportunity Charter School and the Manatee County Juvenile Justice Charter School all charter schools for high risk youth. I graduated from the University of South Florida in 1978 and have attended both Fordham and Columbia University in New York. I was the Director of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships for the Florida Consortium of Pubic Charter Schools until taking a position as the Regional Resource Specialist for the National Cooperative Bank Development Corporation providing technical assistance in the area of finance and facilities for Florida and Georgia’s charter schools; and working in concert with the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools. I have two sons who are grown and live in Bradenton. |
| Sixth Grade Teachers |
6th Grade Math (Rm105)
Amy Grim
SLA email
Back to Top | Amy Grim is a 1999 graduate from the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She is certified in Math 5-9. She is married with two small children. Amy was a substitute teacher last year at SLA. She looks forward to being a part of the SLA family and is excited to teach 6th grade math. |
6th grade
Language Arts (Rm203)
Chelsie Jacob
SLA email
Back to Top | A graduate of Venice High School in 2000, I graduated from MCC, completing my Associates of Arts degree in business and then went on to graduate from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After working in the banking/lending field for several years, I took on a permanent substitute position in Physical Education in Sarasota County. I am certified in Middle Grades Integrated Cirriculum grades 5-9. This is my second year with the Student Leadership Academy. |
6th Grade Science (Rm205)
Robyn Oliver
SLA email
Back to Top | Education
- Florida State Certified in Math 5-9, Science 5-9, and ESOL
- Teaching Certificate, Edison College, Educator Preparation Institute
- M.Sc. Degree, South Dakota State University, Wildlife Ecology and
Management, Magna cum Laude
- B.Sc. Degree, Michigan State University, Fisheries and Wildlife Biology,
Magna cum Laude
- Associates, Lansing Community College, Biology, Summa cum Laude
|
Introduction
Ms. Oliver’s goal is to "Bring Science to Life" for her 6th graders and is
dedicated to helping all students learn about and enjoy Science. Ms. Oliver
looks forward to working with the incoming 6th graders and their families to
make this school year memorable and full of learning.
Ms. Oliver is originally a Michigan native and moved to Florida to be closer
to her immediate family and pursue a teaching career. She formerly enjoyed a
career as a Wildlife Biologist and has worked for local, state, and federal
governments as well as Michigan State University Extension. This is her 4th year teaching science at SLA.
In her spare time, she landscapes her new house, refinishes furniture, plays
with the furbies, and works on her family history.
Contact Information:
Room Number: 205
Phone Number: 941-485-5551
|
6th grade Geography (SS) (Rm202)
Kevin Shearer
SLA email
Back to Top | I have spent most of my life living and raising a family in Southwest Florida. I graduated from Pineview School and went on to earn my Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida. For the next fifteen years I was part of the business world in retail management. However, a couple of years ago, I answered my true calling of being a mentor, an advocate, and especially a Teacher to students in Sarasota county. I currently hold Teaching certificates in Social Studies grades 6 through 12 and Math grades 5 through 9. I am very proud and happy to be a part of the SLA team. |
6th Grade Language Arts (Rm206)
Sarah Willis
SLA email
Back to Top | Sarah Willis recently graduated from the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, and is ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) endorsed through the state of Florida. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Associates degree and decided to return to the community in which she went to school. She is a Venice native and graduated from Venice High School in 2002. She wants to give back to the community that taught her so much by teaching the future leaders of the world. She will be teaching 6th grade Language Arts and is really looking forward to working with the students, parents, and staff at the Student Leadership Academy. |
| Seventh Grade Teachers |
7th Grade Language Arts (Rm310)
Leslie Clark
SLA email
Back to Top | Mrs. Clark has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is certified in Middle Integrated Curriculum 5-9 and Social Science 6-12. She has had training in Differentiated Instruction and Kagan Instructional Methods. This will be her 2nd year at SLA and is excited to work with the students, staff and parents again. Mrs. Clark has earned her ESE Certification and her Professional Teaching Certificate. Currently she is working on her ESOL endorsement.
Born in Augsburg, Germany and raised in Rabat, Morocco she loves to travel and share her experiences with others. She loves spending time at the beach (flip flops and the Caribbean are my favorite), boating, photography, tennis, scrapbooking, reading, and scuba diving. She is married to Greg, has one son, Austin, 3 Italian Greyhounds (Sasha, Posha and Arrington), 1 cat (Harley), 1 turtle (Steve). She is involved with fundraising for the Autism Awareness Foundation and the Sarasota Power Squadron. |
7th Grade World History (SS) (Rm303)
Teresa Porter
SLA email
Back to Top | Teresa Porter attended the University of South Florida where she received a Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in Finance. Teresa is a long time resident of Venice. She is married with two young children. This will be Teresa's second year at SLA. She is grateful to be part of the SLA family and looks forward to another great year! |
7th Grade Math (Rm304)
Mary Schmitt
SLA email
Back to Top | Mary is returning for her 5th year at SLA and is so excited to be teaching 7th grade Math! She loves numbers and is looking forward to having a blast with her students, helping them solidify and strengthen skills they already have, and teaching and modeling new skills. Mary holds a B.S. in Finance from USF and is certified in Math 5-9. She is also returning as our Spanish teacher and is thrilled to have the opportunity to expose your children to such a popular foreign language and impart her knowledge of Spanish to them. She has traveled extensively throughout Mexico and has spent considerable time studying the Spanish culture. Mary believes that this class will be both fun and beneficial and that having the ability to communicate in another language is extremely valuable. |
7th Grade Honors Academy (Rm305)
Lori Turkovics
SLA email
Back to Top | Lori Turkovics is pleased to be returning for a third year to The Student Leadership Academy. She will be the 7th Grade Honors Academy Instructor and SLA’s Curriculum Coordinator.
Mrs. Turkovics graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Behavioral Science. She is certified by the State of Florida in the following areas:
- Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, Grades 5-9 (all subjects)
- Psychology, K-12
- ESE (Exceptional Student Education), K-12
- Gifted Student Education (endorsement forthcoming)
In addition to the above Mrs. Turkovics has training with ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages), and Kagan and Harry Wong disciplines.
She is very excited about SLA’s new 7th Grade Honors Academy and looking forward to a promising year ahead! |
7th Grade Science (Rm300)
Elizabeth Willmore
SLA email
Back to Top | Mrs. Willmore grew up and attended college in Upstate New York. In addition to teaching Life Science, Mrs. Willmore is also the proud instructor/facilitator of SLA's Glee Club which is a new endeavor here at SLA this year. She is also the adviser to our chapter of the National Junior Honor Society helping to shape the students who exhibit leadership qualities. She lives in Venice with her husband and three children.
Please feel free to call her anytime with questions at 941-485-5551. |
| Eighth Grade Teachers |
8th Grade Language Arts (Rm409)
Trina Aker
SLA email
Back to Top | Trina Aker holds a B.A. in Psychology and English from Vanderbilt
University. She began teaching four years ago after a 20 year career in the
business sector. She is excited about teaching 8th grade Language Arts. She
is passionate about reading and writing and about sharing that passion with
her students. She is certified in Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (All subjects 5-9) and
ESE (K-12). She has completed the Gifted Endorsement and will complete the ESOL
endorsement this year.
She is also strongly committed to the mission of SLA. She has been involved
with the school since its inception, serving as Parent Council President, as
a teacher, as Faculty sponsor for Builders Club, as 8th grade team leader,
and as a volunteer.
Her hobbies include reading, scrapbooking, photography, church work, and
theater/drama. She is married and has two sons. Her husband Dave is a City
of Venice Police Officer currently serving as the SRO at Venice High School.
Nathan recently graduated from FSU and lives in St. Louis and Ashton is a
junior at Venice High School. |
8th Grade Physical Science (Rm 404)
Jonathan Cooley
SLA email
Back to Top | Jonathan Cooley will be teaching eighth grade Physical Science. This is his first year at SLA. Jonathan graduated from Auburn University and holds a B.A. degree in Communications. He is also certified in ESE and Physical Education.
Jonathan was born and raised in Sarasota and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School. He attended Auburn University on a football scholarship. After college, he spent a year playing professional football in Europe. He currently coaches varsity football and track at Venice High School. He enjoys traveling, golfing, hunting, and watching college sports. He especially loves hanging out with family and friends! Jonathan is excited to be a part of the SLA family. |
8th Grade Math (Rm405)
Katie Hunt
SLA email
Back to Top | Katie Hunt will be teaching eighth grade Math. This is her third year at SLA. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2005 and holds a B.S. degree in Marketing and a B.A. degree in History. She then finished graduate school in 2006 with her M.Ed. in Social Studies Education. Currently she is working on her gifted endorsement.
Katie was born and raised in the Venice community and graduated from Venice High School. After graduating college she decided to move back to Sarasota County because she received such a wonderful education here and wanted to continue the tradition. Katie is very excited to be teaching U.S. history because it was her favorite subject in school. She loves to read, scrapbook, travel, watch college sports, and she especially loves the Florida Gators! |
8th Grade American History(SS) (Rm406)
Stephen Waite
SLA email
Back to Top | Stephen Waite is starting his second year at SLA. Prior to joining SLA he was a Career Counselor for ten years at Venice High School. He has a total of twelve years in career education and thirteen years experience in business management. He earned a B.S. degree from Springfield College in Springfield, MA, and has lived in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Florida. He is the proud father of two daughters. The oldest has a degree in music from the University of Central Florida and is a married to a wonderful husband, who is also a teacher. The youngest daughter is a junior Pre-med major at Troy University in Alabama. His wife of 25 years is a 4th grade, National Board Certified teacher and author in Sarasota. Stephen is hugely passionate about history, especially the French Revolution/Napoleonic period as well as 18th and 19th century U.S. history. He enjoys sports, specifically soccer and college football, fitness, kayaking, biking, reading, and music. |
| Elective Subjects Teachers |
Math (Rm 204)
Sarah Davis
SLA email
Back to Top | Sarah Davis graduated from the University of South Florida in 2007 with her B.S. degree in elementary education. She has lived in Florida all of her life and is a product of the Sarasota County School system! Sarah graduated from Venice High School in 2001. She is eager to join the Student Leadership Academy this year as a math teacher.
She is certified in Exceptional Student Education grades K-12, Elementary Education grades K-6, Middle Grades Integrated grades 5-9, and is ESOL endorsed. Sarah has three children ages 5, 3 and six months. |
Reading
Yearbook: (Rm106)
Graphics Design
Photography
Larry Deamud
SLA email or Personal email
Back to Top | Larry Deamud is married with 2 middle school aged children. He taught Reading for nine years in Washington D. C. and has a master's degree in Reading. His hobbies include racquetball, photography, reading, hiking, kayaking, camping, and a variety of card games. |
Drama (Rm109)
Cathleen Francis
SLA email
Back to Top |
Mrs. Francis has an Associate of Arts degree in Music, a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science with Specialization in Reading and Mathematics. She is certified in Elementary Education grades
K - 6, Middle Grades Integrated certification 5 - 9, Drama 6 - 12 and is ESOL and reading endorsed.
Born in New Jersey, Mrs. Francis moved with her parents to the Venice area in 1974. After graduation from Venice High School and Manatee Community College, she moved to New York City for almost 15 years, working in the film and music industry. In 1997 she returned to Venice to be closer to family and friends while pursuing her education degrees. She is married with two teenage sons, a Labrador named Max and a cat named Diamond. |
Character Education (Rm102)
Bridgett Hart
SLA email
Back to Top | Bridgett Hart has been in the Venice area since 1976 and went to Venice Jr. High and Venice High School. She then attended college at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama where she earned her teaching degree. She returned home to Sarasota County and was a substitute teacher for a year while searching for a permanent teaching position. Very little hiring was being done at that time so she moved to Marietta, Georgia where she taught first grade for five years in the Cobb County school system. She became a stay-at-home mom the year after her first son was born and remained home for 11 years to raise her two sons.
Bridgett has been teaching sixth grade at SLA since the year the doors opened in the Fall of 2004. She has been married to her husband David since November of 2004 and now has two step-sons along with her own two sons, three of which attend SLA. Bridgett has taught Language Arts, Social Studies and Science at SLA and is now teaching Character Education for the 08-09 school year. Her philosophy is "work hard to play hard" and enjoys giving her students new experiences in the area of Geography through books, DVD"s, cultural materials, research papers/projects and ethnic food feasts to coincide with each region she teaches. |
Art (Rm502)
Shannon Weed
SLA email
Back to Top | Shannon Weed grew up in Venice, FL, graduating from Venice High School in 1999. She got her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design with a minor in Art from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Shannon has spent the last four years in the Venice area working as an interior designer. She is excited about helping her students find their passion for art as they explore many different mediums. |
Physical Education (Rm500)
Judy Ferretti
SLA email
Back to Top | Judy graduated from the University of Maine with a B.S. in Business (Marketing major) and became a computer programmer post graduation for about 8 years. After having 3 children, she became a stay at home mom. Eventually, with her children in the Sarasota school system, she decided to seek employment there and began by teaching P.E. at Taylor Ranch for 4 years, followed by a year in the Science lab and ESE Pre-School.
Judy is business certified, P.E. certified (K-12) and ESE certified (K-12). After school you might see her teaching fitness classes at the Y.M.C.A. where she holds several fitness certifications there. |
| Admin Staff |
Administrative Assistant
Carolyn Smugorzewski
SLA email
Back to Top | Carolyn has a background in business and data management. She started her career with the School District teaching music at the Taylor Ranch Elementary School. Her experience includes 9 combined years in student data management at Venice Middle School and Big Bend College in Germany. She also has 8 years experience in business management and finance. Her interests are music, travel, art, home renovation and church activities. She is married with one son. |
Principal's Assistant
Barbara Foster
SLA email
Back to Top | Barbara was born in Windsor, Ontario and raised in suburban Detroit, Michigan.
She worked for a Michigan steel corporation for 30 years and held various clerical positions at that company over my years of employment.
Barbara started working for the Florida school system as a secretary for the assistant principal at Venice Middle School four years ago, and came to SLA in 2006.
Her hobbies include traveling, walking the beach, dancing and going to the movies with friends. |
ESE Liason
Jamie McNeil
SLA email
Back to Top | Hello. I graduated from Florida Southern in the fall of 2000 with a degree in Special Education and have been teaching ever since. I am certified in Middle School Math, Learning Disabilities, and Varying Exceptionalities. I am endorsed in ESOL, English Speaking Students of Other Languages. I worked at Murdock Middle School for seven years. I taught math to students with disabilities ranging from learning disabilities to emotional/behavioral disabilities. I was ESE Team Leader for one year and ESE Program Planner for two years. I transferred to the Student Leadership Academy in October of 2006. At the academy, I am the ESE Liaison. I currently reside in Venice. |
Receptionist
Nancy Vogelsong
SLA email
Back to Top | Nancy grew up in Sarasota and had been a secretary at various businesses until 1992 when she became a stay at home mom for the next 14 years. She came to Student Leadership Academy as a volunteer the year the school started, and began working in the office in 2006. In her spare time, Nancy is a Girl Scout leader, is active in her church and is the source of transportation for all of her daughter's many activities! |
Clinic Administrator
Sandi Tallman
SLA email
Back to Top | Sandi, is a native Floridian. Residing in Palm Beach County her whole life until moving to the West Coast in 2005. Sandi is married to her wonderful husband Bryan and has one daughter Tiiffani, who attends SLA. Sandi is very active in volunteering at SLA, and accepted a permanent postion last year.
Sandi's passions are her family, including her dog Laci (which is a Corgi), her friends and making great memories. She loves boating (sunning), shopping, traveling and watching football!!!! She also enjoys making others smile!
Sandi's experience includes 13 years at the Florida Highway Patrol, spending her first 2 years in dispatch and the remaining time as Senior Clerk to the Captain. She is also a licensed Cosmotologist. |
Media Center
(Library)
(Rm309)
Cindi Nemitz
SLA email
Back to Top | Cindi is married with 2 boys. Both boys have attended SLA in the past and will now be attending High School at Sarasota MIlitary Academy. She has a great interest in science, history, computers, genealogy, geology and gardening. Cindi is also a Master Gardner with Sarasota County and co-owner of a local business for the past 21 years. |
IT
webmaster, computer tech
(Rm200)
Gary Allain
SLA email
Back to Top | Gary Allain graduated with Honors and holds a double degree in Multi-Media Production and Photography. He was a nightclub and lounge entertainer in the 70's and 80's. He operated a photography studio for 18 years until retiring in 2000. His primary avocation was homeschooling his daughter. In 1996 he became interested in computers and taught himself how to build and setup computer systems, and learned the HTML coding to create webpages. He has operated as a website designer and computer tech for the past 8 years. He maintains all the computers at SLA. |
Custodian
Building Maintenance
Bob Drews
SLA email
Back to Top | Bob retired from MPC (Miniature Precision Components) where he was a Senior Tooling Engineer. He is married and has 4 children, and seven grand-children. He enjoys wood carving and fishing, and he came to SLA because he likes to keep busy, and as our part-time custodian he is finding the hours here ARE busy. |
