Faculty & Staff Welcomes, Updates 2025-2026

We are excited to announce new additions and changes to our faculty and staff for the 2025-2026 school year.

New in 2025-2026

Experiential School

Alexine Bell, Assistant Teacher
Alexine Bell holds a bachelor's in elementary education from Flagler College. She spent five years teaching at a Montessori School in St. Augustine before transitioning into a career as a legal assistant at a criminal defense firm. In 2022, she relocated to St. Petersburg with her husband and recently returned to education as a substitute teacher at Shorecrest. Alexine enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach and getting lost in a good book. 

Jessy Certain, Assistant Teacher
Jessy Certain is originally from Long Island, New York, and holds a degree in Cybersecurity from Pasco-Hernando State College. She began her teaching journey at Classical Preparatory School, first as a substitute and then as a fourth and fifth grade homeroom teacher, totaling four and a half years in the classroom. After moving to St. Petersburg in August 2024, she joined Shorecrest’s Extended Day program, where she was introduced to the Reggio Emilia approach. Now serving as an ES assistant, Jessy enjoys board games, gardening, and playing sports in her free time.

Nicole Cooper, Assistant Teacher
Nicole Cooper brings over 30 years of experience with children to her role at Shorecrest, both as a classroom educator and proud parent. A passionate advocate for early childhood education, she has been part of the Experiential School’s Extended Day team and is excited to continue her journey as an assistant teacher. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Nicole moved to St. Petersburg in 2016 and quickly became an engaged member of the Shorecrest community. She is the mother of Derrick, Lauren, Sheron Jr., and Justin '27, and is GiGi to her granddaughter, Naomi, and enjoys crafting in her spare time. 

Lauren Weaver, Assistant Teacher
Lauren is an assistant teacher at Shorecrest, where she has worked since 2023 in the ES Aftercare program and as a substitute teacher in ES. A Florida native, she was born and raised in Clearwater and is passionate about early childhood education. Lauren is currently completing her bachelor’s degree and is on track to graduate in December 2025. She brings enthusiasm, creativity and a strong commitment to supporting young learners in their academic and social development.

Lower School

Lynnette Asad, Second Grade Teacher
Lynnette brings nearly 20 years of experience in history and social studies, including leadership roles as Social Studies Department Chair and AP reader for the College Board, where she also served on the 2023 AP World History Standard Setting Panel. With international teaching experience in London and Vienna, she is passionate about fostering critical thinking and global awareness in young learners. Since joining Shorecrest in 2022, Lynnette has supported second grade and enjoys engaging with the school community alongside her husband, Upper School teacher Daniel Asad, and their daughters, Alana ’29 and Stella ’31.

Anik Avard, Fourth Grade Teacher
Anik brings over 25 years of teaching experience to Shorecrest, including roles as a classroom teacher, Reading Specialist, teacher mentor, and Special Education teacher. She holds a bachelor's degree in history and fine arts from St. Lawrence University, a K–8 certification from Norwich University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership from the Upper Valley Educators Institute. A Barnes Initiative Scholar, she emphasizes equity and deeper learning in the classroom. Anik is a passionate outdoor educator, former ski instructor and Wilderness First Responder. She is the proud parent of two adult children and shares her love of the outdoors with her two dogs. Anik is excited to join the fourth grade team and contribute her leadership and love of learning.

Josie Collins, Kindergarten Teacher
Josie holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and is completing her master's degree at USF in speech & language pathology. She began her teaching career in Pinellas County Public Schools, where she taught both VPK and fourth grade for three years. Josie began the 2024 school year as a Kindergarten associate teacher and later accepted the lead kindergarten position. Josie is a warm, nurturing and dedicated educator excited for her second year at Shorecrest with the Kinders! Josie has been a part of the Shorecrest Auxiliary community since 2019 as the Summer Programs Activity and Curriculum Director. Outside of the classroom, Josie enjoys quality time with her family. She and her husband, Shane (Safety & Security Coordinator) are proud parents to a future Charger ‘42.

Brendi Craver, Kindergarten Teacher
After 11 years as a teacher in the Experiential School, Brendi Craver moves into a new, yet familiar, role this year as a Kindergarten lead teacher. Brendi has a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from USF, and taught Kindergarten in public schools for more than 10 years prior to coming to Shorecrest. She is an experienced, capable teacher who thoughtfully offers all students the tools they need to grow and develop beneficially. She demonstrates dedication and flexibility in meeting the needs of students, working with families and supporting colleagues. Brendi is a proud mom of four and enjoys spending time with family, going to the beach and boating. 

Christine Di Staola, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Christine holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in Italian from Miami University and earned her MFA in painting and printmaking from the University of Miami. She spent nearly 30 years in Italy as a university professor, translator and private instructor. Since returning to the U.S., she has taught at the University of Miami and University of Tampa, and joined Shorecrest in 2021. An exhibiting artist with international recognition, she brings global experience and a passion for creative problem-solving to Shorecrest’s enrichment programs.

Kristen Fehr, Fourth Grade Associate Teacher
Kristen has been a teacher for 13 years. She began her career at Mt. Lebanon Montessori, a private school in Pittsburgh, PA, where she taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade for six years. In 2018, after a visit to St. Petersburg, she moved to Tampa with her husband. She continued her teaching in another Montessori school, Countryside Montessori Charter, before switching to a virtual teaching role in 2021 at Florida Cyber Charter Academy. Kristen has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Miami University and a master’s degree in elementary education from Chatham University. She is also a certified Montessori teacher for ages 6-12. Kristen and her son, Henry ‘38, are excited to be joining the Shorecrest community and look forward to making some great memories.

Alexandria Leirer, Kindergarten Associate Teacher
Alex Leirer holds a bachelor's degree in horticulture from Mississippi State University. She is excited to begin her journey at Shorecrest. She has one year of experience working in education and brings with her a deep love for nature, hands-on learning, and helping young students grow. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, engaging classroom where every child feels seen and supported. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time with her cat and dog, and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops.

Jaimie Martin, First Grade Teacher
Jaimie Martin has been teaching second grade at Shorecrest for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on education and fine arts from Florida A&M University. With over a decade of experience working with children across various settings—including VPK through fifth grade and virtual English instruction—she brings a diverse skill set. She has also served as a teaching coach and school culture leader, leading initiatives in social-emotional learning and staff development. Jaimie lives locally with her husband, Tyler, who works in Shorecrest’s IT department, their son Myles '39, and two playful dogs. She is excited to become part of the first grade team.

Erin Robinson, Third Grade Associate Teacher
Erin comes to Shorecrest with experience in substitute teaching in Pinellas County Schools. She attended the University of South Florida St. Petersburg where she received her Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and art history. During this time she interned and became a docent at The Dalí Museum and traveled to Spain for an immersive Spanish study abroad program. Her creative endeavors in the arts include a background in costume and jewelry design. She grew up around teachers, as both her mom and aunt are now retired educators. She has a deep love for helping students build confidence and be their brightest selves. Erin is a seventh generation Floridian who loves reading and spending time with her husband, loved ones and two cats.

Christine Summer, Second Grade Associate Teacher
Christine Summer has been with Shorecrest since 2018. She has spent the last four years in fourth grade, including one year as a lead teacher, covering a maternity leave for the 2022-2023 school year. In her time in fourth grade, she has supported four classroom teachers and worked with students doing small group instruction of math, writing, and word study. Last summer, she spent two weeks doing professional development for the new Writing Units of Study. Previously, in her role as an associate teacher, she was responsible for fourth grade’s distance learning, teaching flex lessons on Webex. Christine graduated from the State University of New York at Purchase with a Bachelor of Arts in art history and a minor in French. Before moving to St. Petersburg from New York City in 2002, she held editorial positions at several consumer magazines including “Psychology Today” and “Child,” where she was a Senior Editor covering infant news, products and health. Before coming to Shorecrest, Christine volunteered at the Dalí Museum where she was co-chair of the Volunteer Committee. She and her husband, Justin, are the proud parents of Chargers Max ’18 and Harry ’22. Christine has loved her time in fourth grade, and is excited to bring her passion for teaching to second grade.

Meric Weinkle, Fourth Grade Teacher
Moving over from the Center for Academic Excellence at Shorecrest, Meric is rejoining Shorecrest’s Lower School after time away from the classroom to support her daughter, Eden ’40. She previously taught fourth grade from 2019-2022 and contributed to school committees, virtual open houses and family math sessions. A New York City native with degrees from NYU and Columbia, Meric has taught in Greenwich Village and as an adjunct professor. Passionate about literacy and math, Meric focuses on integrating social-emotional learning to nurture curiosity, confidence, and joy in every student. She and her husband, Justin, enjoy biking, swimming, and exploring local parks with their daughter.

Middle School

Jaclyn Cline, Eighth Grade Spanish Teacher
Jaclyn is a veteran independent school teacher who has taught in both Massachusetts and Barcelona, Spain. She earned a Bachelor of Education in secondary education from the University of Vermont and the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, and is certified to teach English as a second language. She loves to travel and experience language and culture around the world. 

Jenna LoDico, Seventh Grade Life Science Teacher
Jenna has over 20 years of experience teaching formal classroom science, environmental science, and marine studies to students of all ages. She holds a Master in Science of oceanography from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in marine science from Eckerd College. Jenna has developed hands-on, engaging programs that inspire curiosity and learning, and has held leadership roles focused on curriculum development that encourage students to explore and connect with the natural world. She has been honored with the Barrett Family Foundation Excellence in Science & Mathematics Teacher Award twice, received the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Grant, and was named Eckerd College Outstanding Alumna. Passionate about environmental education and community involvement, Jenna is a volunteer diver at ZooTampa at Lowry Park assisting with manatee care and serves on the board of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association. 

Abby Krusoe, Seventh Grade English Teacher
Abby holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Kansas and five years of classroom teaching experience. At her previous school Abby was recognized for her positivity and dedication to students with a nomination for a community engagement award. She played an active role in curriculum development and contributed to the writing of the Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) for English Language Arts. Additionally she was selected to pilot a new ELA curriculum, reflecting her leadership and expertise in instructional innovation. Abby is excited to get to know Florida and the Shorecrest community. 

Liz Pope, MS Technology and STEAM Teacher
Liz is a passionate STEAM educator with over 10 years of teaching experience. Liz received her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University and a bachelor's degree in educational studies from the University of South Florida. She loves working with middle schoolers and helping them explore big ideas through hands-on projects. Liz has coached competitive STEAM teams like FIRST LEGO League robotics and Science Olympiad, with multiple teams advancing to state-level competitions each year. She also has experience running a school makerspace and fabrication lab, where students learned 3D printing, laser cutting, coding, and design thinking. Outside the classroom she enjoys reading, gardening, kayaking, baking, and diving into creative projects. 

Jason Montoya, MS Physical Education and Health 
After a year supporting the Upper School physical education program, Jason returns to his roots teaching PE and health to Shorecrest Middle School students, a role he began in 2012. In addition to teaching, Mr. Montoya coaches our Varsity Boys Soccer team. Mr. Montoya holds a M.S. in Recreation and Sport Sciences (Ohio University), and a B.S. in Physical Education (University of South Florida). The Montoyas have a son Xavi in the Shorecrest Class of 2032.

Upper School

Paul McInerney, Upper School Mathematics Teacher
Paul holds a bachelor's degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, and has completed graduate coursework at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He has taught mathematics for 32 years, including eight years internationally in Istanbul, Turkey, and one year in Suzhou, China. Paul has taught courses ranging from Algebra I to AP Statistics and enjoys helping students grow in both confidence and skill. He brings a cross- cultural perspective to his teaching. Outside the classroom, he enjoys live music and spending time with his twin brother, family, and friends.

Jonathan Tallon, Upper School Health Teacher & Coach 
Jonathan, a St. Pete native and lifelong educator, moves into the role of Upper School health teacher. He has been a member of the Shorecrest community since 2020 as a trusted substitute teacher and athletics coach. Jonathan earned his bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in Florida studies, both from the University of South Florida, St. Pete. He is currently finishing up a master's degree in sports performance. Prior to joining Shorecrest, Jonathan coached at Berkeley Preparatory School and Booker High School, respectively. 

Beyond teaching, Jonathan is deeply involved in the St. Petersburg community. He has served on boards for First Night St. Pete, Grand Central Main Street District, and Deuces Live Historic Main Street. He also teaches courses on the Freedom Struggle and works as a local historian. His cousin Stephanie Johnson teaches at Shorecrest's Lower School.

College Counseling

Richard Aufderheide, Assistant Director of College Counseling
Richard Aufderheide, Assistant Director of College Counseling, is a highly experienced college admissions professional who previously served as the regional admissions representative for Michigan State University. He is very familiar with the Shorecrest community and worked closely with Shorecrest families for many years. Mr. Aufderheide brings 15 years of experience in higher education, with expertise in admissions, orientation, residence life and student activities. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Michigan State University in education-related fields. His master’s degree in student affairs administration further fueled his passion for supporting college-bound students. He is also the parent of a future Charger as his son will be attending Shorecrest this fall as a member of the Class of 2039.

Aidan Steinly, Assistant Director of College Counseling
Aidan Steinly, Assistant Director of College Counseling, previously worked as Assistant Director for Conservatory Recruitment and Admissions at Shenandoah University, an institution with a nationally-recognized conservatory program. As an undergraduate at Shenandoah, Mr. Steinly served as a Head Resident Assistant, President of the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program, Cool Springs Research Fellow, and was a proud member of Shenandoah’s Men’s Tennis Team. After graduation, he worked in Shenandoah’s Undergraduate Admissions Office as a full-time Admissions Counselor, traveling across the Mid-Atlantic to support students and families in their college search. In 2022 he transitioned into the role of Assistant Director of Admissions, overseeing the Conservatory’s nationally competitive performing arts programs and contributing to admissions policy development. He earned his master’s degree in organizational leadership, with a focus on higher education administration and policy development.

Staff

Dr. Anna Baralt, Dean of Faculty & Curriculum
Dr. Anna Baralt is stepping into the newly created role of Dean of Faculty & Curriculum. This twofold role is responsible for supporting faculty professional development and assessment, and serving as a resource to all faculty members across the School. Anna will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the curriculum across the entire Alpha-12th grade program, partnering with Division Heads, Curriculum Deans and Department Chairs to ensure curriculum alignment both within and between divisions. Finally, Anna will continue to oversee the educational technology and media aspects of Shorecrest’s curriculum. Dr. Baralt holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction, an education specialist degree in educational technology, a master's degree in early childhood education, and both ISTE and Apple Learning Coach certificates. She has taught students at all levels for nearly 30 years at Shorecrest and is a member of the School’s administrative team. She co-coaches the middle school’s FIRST LEGO League robotics team and teaches a section in the Upper School.

Esther Casas Brier, Band Director (Grades 4-12)
Born in Cuba and raised in Southeast Florida, Esther holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and flute performance from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from the University of South Florida. With 47 years of teaching experience—including 24 years at Shorecrest—she founded Shorecrest’s first instrumental program and led it to national recognition. Esther has also taught internationally and performed professionally worldwide. A passionate educator and traveler, Esther continues to enrich Shorecrest’s band program and proudly counts her daughter among the school’s alumni.

Amy Brill, Assistant Head of Middle School
Amy Brill joined the Middle School faculty in 2005, and taught seventh and eighth grade English for 20 years. She graduated with her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and earned her master's degree in English education from the University of South Florida. Amy now serves as Assistant Head of Middle School after serving as the Head Dean of the Middle School for eight years. Through the generosity of the Shorecrest Teacher's Fund, Amy became a certified SAT and ACT tutor in English, Reading, and Writing and launched Brilliant Test Prep and Tutoring, LLC in 2024, which offers SAT and ACT tutoring to Shorecrest students through the Center for Academic Excellence. Amy is a 2014 recipient of the FCIS DeWitt E. Vera M. Hooker Fellowship Grant for her collaborative project: iPad Digital Storytelling with Stop Motion Animation. Along with the seventh grade teaching team, she also received Shorecrest's Innovation Grant in 2018 for the project: Dissecting Disease: Learning about the Diseases of our Past to Solve Those of Today and Tomorrow. She and her husband have two daughters who are Chargers, Maggie '25 and Emma '28.

Samantha Cleveland, Sr. Advancement Associate for Alumni and Events
Samantha Cleveland brings extensive experience in alumni relations and event management, most recently serving as the Director of Alumni Engagement at the University of South Florida Alumni Association, where she led initiatives to connect with alumni nationwide. Prior to her work at USF, Samantha launched her career with Marriott International, holding roles in hospitality and event management including Convention Services Manager and Corporate Catering Sales Manager. She holds both a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in management from the University of South Florida. Beyond her work in alumni engagement, she enjoys quality time with her husband and pets, exploring Florida’s state parks, and volunteering with the Guardian ad Litem office.

Michael Gillis, Assistant Head of School for Advancement
Michael Gillis moved from New York City to become the Director of Advancement at Shorecrest in 2017. Following commencement from Choate Rosemary Hall, Michael spent a year studying at The Goethe Institute in Salzburg, Austria. He then earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociolinguistics and German from the University of Vermont, and then the fundraising school certificate at the Lily School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Michael spent the first portion of his career as a producer and director with companies including Fox Home Entertainment, Sony Studios, Columbia Tristar and GMG, Inc. In recent years he has directed the major gifts program at North County School and a capital campaign for Manhattan Country School. Through his leadership of the Shorecrest Advancement Office, the School completed the Transform campaign - Shorecrest's most ambitious campaign to date - which resulted in the building and opening of Charger Commons. The Gillis family has two daughters at Shorecrest.

Kristine Grant; Assistant Head of School, Head of Middle School and In-House Counsel 
Kris Grant was named Head of Middle School in 2018, and has played many roles at Shorecrest since joining the community as a parent in 2000. Before assuming the role of Head of Middle School, Kris was the Eighth Grade Dean and Middle School Spanish teacher. Under her leadership as Head, the Middle School has launched the Entrepreneurial Design Institute (EDI), a signature program through which students address community needs through entrepreneurial thinking. In addition to creating new programs for students, Kris has worked to support parents and families through quarterly “Middle School Downloads” -- workshops and presentations that address important information about the Middle School experience like understanding ERB scores, curriculum presentations, workshops about adolescent development, and more. Prior to teaching, Kris managed a family law practice. She has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1994, and is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida. A lifelong learner, Kris continues to stay current in legal education, particularly in issues that affect students and schools. The School benefits from both her administrative and legal experience in her service as In-House Counsel to the Shorecrest Administration.

Sarah Palazzolo, Assistant Head of Lower School
Having previously served three years as Lower School Dean of Curriculum, Sarah has an extensive background in curriculum development, instructional coaching, and literacy education. Following her role as a lead staff developer and literacy coach in Pinellas County Schools, Sarah joined Shorecrest in 2014 as a classroom teacher. She earned her master's degree in educational leadership and a bachelor of science in elementary education from the University of South Florida. Her professional mission centers on fostering a joyful, inclusive and academically challenging environment where every student and educator can thrive. When she's not at Shorecrest, Sarah cherishes time with her three daughters—two proud Shorecrest Chargers and one who serves as an environmental engineer for the State of Florida. She also loves traveling, discovering new culinary delights, and getting lost in a good book.

Khana Rebman ‘05, Interim Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and 3rd Grade Teacher
Khana Rebman '05, a St. Petersburg native, joined Shorecrest in 2016 from Pinellas County schools, where she had been teaching in 2nd-5th grades. She is passionate not only about academics but teaching and nurturing the whole child. She believes that in order for children to be successful citizens in the world, they must first be equipped with the tools to know themselves, see others, and engage critically with the world around them. 

Khana is a Shorecrest Charger alumna from the Class of 2005. She earned her bachelor’s degree in human development from Connecticut College and her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of New Hampshire. In 2024, she became a certified SEED facilitator and member of The Equity Exchange. While teaching children remains her first love, she also conducts professional development to support schools in creating sustainable cultural changes and coaches teachers on fostering environments of belonging. She is a sister of the sorority Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Khana is married to Michael Rebman, Principal of North Shore Elementary. They have three children.

Mary Rieves, Human Resources Coordinator
Mary is an accomplished Human Resources (HR) and Payroll professional with experience in HR and payroll management. Her roles have encompassed a wide array of responsibilities, including benefits administration, employee record-keeping, recruitment and onboarding, handling workers compensation claims, and payroll processing. She has worked as an HR & Payroll Manager independent contractor, and for various organizations such as K.I.S.S. Security, Paychex, Inc., and TriNet, Inc.

Meghan Schneider, Interim Co-Director of Diversity & Inclusion, and Senior Associate Director of College Counseling
A trusted member of the Shorecrest community since 2007, Meghan brings warmth, insight, and over 15 years of experience to her role. Passionate about inclusion, she serves as Upper School Diversity Coordinator and on Shorecrest’s DEI Committee. She also supports national DEI efforts through NACAC and ACCIS, and has presented her work on first-generation students at SACAC. Meghan is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and is currently earning her Master’s of Arts in Urban Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida. She has completed the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership Certificate from the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida.

Meghan is a proud Charger parent to three alumni. She is dedicated to helping every student feel seen, heard and supported.

Christine Scoby, Educational Technology Support Specialist
Christine Scoby holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Technology, and has taught for many years in the Lower and Middle Schools at Shorecrest.

Mrs. Scoby is an Apple Teacher and has presented at AMLE 2012, FCIS 2013, ISTE 2014, FCIS 2018, FCIS Winter Symposium and CITL on technology integration, and presented training at other schools. She was a 2016 recipient of the Steelcase Active Learning Grant. She was also selected to participate in the Transatlantic Outreach Program where she participated in a STEM study tour that traveled throughout Germany. Mrs. Scoby integrates core academic curriculum within her technology course in all middle school grades to enhance, connect, reinforce and expand concepts taught in the classroom. Her three children have all attended Shorecrest - John '15, Justin '16 and Lili '25.