Welcome New Faculty & Staff 2026-2027

We are excited to announce new additions and changes to our faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

New in 2026-2027

Experiential School

Vicki DiAngelus, ES Teaching Assistant 

Mrs. DiAngelus is a parent, coach, and child development professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting children and families through early childhood education, foster care, behavioral support, and family advocacy. As a mother of five children, she brings both professional expertise and real-life parenting experience to the families she serves. With a background spanning licensed childcare, child welfare, autism services, and parenting support, she is passionate about helping families create calmer, more connected relationships with their children.

Mrs. DiAngelus holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and has received specialized training in child welfare and adoption competency. Her professional experience includes operating a licensed in-home childcare program, working in foster care and adoption services, and supporting children with behavioral and developmental needs through trauma-informed, family-centered care. She is known for her compassionate approach, strong communication skills, and ability to create safe, supportive environments where both children and parents can thrive.

Outside of her work, Vicki loves traveling and taking cruises, spending time in the mountains, reading fiction books, and creating meaningful memories with her husband and children.

Megan Dobiesz, ES Teaching Assistant

Ms. Megan is a St. Petersburg native with five years of experience working with children in the classroom. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Central Florida in 2010. Megan then worked at her alma mater, Canterbury School of Florida, as the Marketing and Alumni Relations Coordinator. In this role she discovered her passion for education and began pursuing a career in the classroom.

In 2025, Megan completed her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She is thrilled to bring her skills, creativity, and love for early childhood education to the Experiential School of Tampa Bay. Ms. Megan is also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys weaving mindfulness, movement, and music into the classroom to create a joyful, supportive, and rich space for social-emotional learning.

Outside of the classroom, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband, her children - Ryder and Eli, and their dog, Rico.

Genoa Gibson, ES Teaching Assistant 

Genoa Gibson joins the Experiential School with three years of elementary teaching experience and a background in communications and public relations. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in Speech and Theatre Arts from the University of Tampa before completing a master’s degree in Professional Communication.

After graduate school, Ms. Gibson worked as a Media Manager for a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved students discover pathways to higher education. Through that work she discovered her passion for working with children and was inspired to pursue a career in education.

Before joining Shorecrest, Ms. Gibson taught third and fourth grade, and created engaging learning experiences and directed school-wide student productions. Theatre has always been one of her greatest passions because it gives children the opportunity to build confidence, embrace vulnerability, express themselves creatively, and discover strengths they never knew they had. She believes the arts encourage empathy, collaboration, resilience, and joyful risk-taking — skills that extend far beyond the stage and into every aspect of a child’s life. She is passionate about contributing to a classroom where every child feels known, valued, and inspired to become a confident, curious learner.

Outside of the classroom, Ms. Gibson organizes movie-viewing clubs, co-hosts a film podcast, and enjoys exploring how stories connect people and inspire meaningful conversations.

Hayley Rodriguez, ES Teaching Assistant 

Ms. Hayley joined Shorecrest in September 2025 and served in the ES Extended Day program, and as an Experiential School Aide in the second semester. A St. Petersburg native, she has dedicated her career to working with children from infancy through middle school. Her background includes experience as a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and middle school aide, providing her with a strong foundation in supporting students across all stages of development.

Hayley is deeply passionate about the arts, especially drawing, watercolor, and photography, and she loves sharing that passion with her students. She also leads the after-school Petite Picasso Club where she encourages creativity and self-expression through hands-on art. She loves being part of the Shorecrest community and feels truly lucky to work in such a supportive and inspiring environment.

Maddy Schnettler, Experiential School Studio Teacher 

Ms. Maddy is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to St. Petersburg in 2019 to attend Eckerd College, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts. While nurturing her passion for the arts, she joined Shorecrest as an ES Extended Day Teacher and later as a Teaching Assistant. Ms. Maddy looks forward to cultivating an educational environment for the students that supports the arts.

ES Teaching Aides & Auxiliary Support

Alyssa Gabbard has been part of the Shorecrest community since 2025. She began working in the ES Extended Day program as well as serving as an ES Substitute Teacher, and now supports students as an ES/Auxiliary Aide. Born and raised in Pinellas with a lifelong love of education, Alyssa has many years working in Early Childhood Education and has earned a Florida Childcare Professional Credential. She was a lead preschool teacher for several years before making her switch into the Shorecrest community. She enjoys sharing her love of crafting and reading with the students. “Ms. Alyssa” has formed meaningful connections with ES students and is excited to be part of the new team of Aides to help further support young learners in the classroom.

Emily Johnson has been part of the Shorecrest community since 2025. She began her Shorecrest journey in ES Extended Day, where she fell in love with the School's culture. She is a Florida native and has been working with kids since her sophomore year of high school. Emily is passionate about continuing her work with school-age children as an ES/Auxiliary Aide and plans to go back to USF to finish her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Psychology.

Dani Rosenthal is an early childhood educator, artist, and lifelong believer in the magic of childhood. She has spent more than 13 years working in education with children across many ages and developmental stages, but somehow, she always finds her way back to the littles. Throughout her career, she has been deeply influenced by Reggio Emilia-inspired practices and the belief that children are capable, thoughtful, creative learners. She believes some of the most meaningful learning happens through play, relationships, exploration, nature, art, and getting just a little bit messy. 

Ms. Rosenthal loves creating environments where children can investigate their own ideas, experiment with open-ended materials, ask big questions, and know that their voices are genuinely valued. One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching a child’s tiny idea grow into something much bigger than any lesson she could have planned.

Art has always been a huge part of both her personal and professional life, and clay has quickly become one of Ms. Rosenthal’s favorite creative adventures—although she is still learning, experimenting. That process of discovery is also one of the reasons she loves bringing art into early childhood education.

Outside of school, Dani’s life is appropriately colorful and a little whimsical. She shares it with Genevieve, her silly and slightly crazy pup, and her cat, Ollivander.

Jenaé Schwartz is a New Yorker, artist, educator, mother and grandmother with more than 25 years of experience inspiring and educating children through the arts. Her lifelong passion for education and creative expression has led her to develop and lead a wide range of visiting artist programs, arts enrichment classes, and cultural initiatives in schools and community institutions.

Dedicated to fostering creativity and cultural awareness, Jenaé continues to enrich the lives of others through her involvement in the arts. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring museums and cultural events, as well as pursuing her passions for photography and film - drawing inspiration from the diverse artistic landscape of wherever she may be.

Lower School

Lauren Ballestra ‘20, Kindergarten Associate Teacher 

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Shorecrest alumna Lauren Ballestra ‘20 graduated from the University of Florida with her Bachelor’s in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Analysis. After completing her undergraduate degree in 2024, Lauren worked as a full-time nanny for two families living in Gainesville, expanding her love of nurturing, supporting, and caring for young children. 

Focused on positive results, Lauren strives to approach every child and situation with kindness, patience, and empathy. She is passionate about creating a warm and encouraging environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn and grow. In her free time, Lauren enjoys being outdoors, practicing yoga, watercolor painting, and spending time with her family. She is thrilled to be joining the Shorecrest community this year and looks forward to helping children build confidence through creativity, exploration, and positive relationships.

Dana Brousseau, Second Grade Associate Teacher

Dana Brousseau is a proud St. Petersburg native and a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Florida State University. Before starting her family, Dana spent 12 rewarding years teaching second grade in Pinellas County public schools, building a strong foundation in elementary education. Her love for creative, hands-on learning led her to found The Art of Play, her own toddler program blending process art and science, and to establish two after-school yoga programs designed to nurture the whole child. Dana has also served as a teacher leader with People to People Student Ambassadors, guiding middle and high school students on transformative international travel experiences across three summers. 

Dana has built a meaningful presence at Shorecrest as a substitute and dedicated the past year and a half to tutoring in the CAE. When she is not in the classroom, you can find Dana catching waves — she is an avid surfer who brings that same energetic spirit to everything she does. 

Allison Brown, Second Grade Teacher

Allison Brown (you may remember her as Ms. Hawley) has been an educator for over twenty years. She holds a BA in English Literature from the University of Denver and a MA in Literacy Education (birth-grade 6) from New York University. In addition, raising her two sons has proven to be her greatest and most rewarding source of ongoing education. Allison is a familiar face around Shorecrest as she previously taught kindergarten, first grade, and third grade in the Lower School for nine years before taking time to raise her sons. Additionally, she has taught elementary school in New Orleans, New York City, and Denver, as well as ESOL in Barcelona. 

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to learning, and her own love of nature, she incorporates art and nature into her classroom when possible. She enjoys inspiring her students’ love of reading and writing. Allison believes in finding and celebrating the unique qualities that make each of her students special and doing her best to support each individual on their journey to become curious and enthusiastic learners. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new parks and nature preserves with her husband and two sons (Walden ‘39 and Auggie ‘41), traveling both in the US and abroad, and spending time outside with her pet chickens. 

Dee Ann Larson, First Grade Long-Term Substitute Teacher 

Dee Ann Larson has worked at Shorecrest as an associate teacher and substitute for over eight years. Dee Ann graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an early childhood certificate. She has 15 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.

Danielle Romero, Fourth Grade Teacher

Danielle Romero brings 25 years of experience fostering inclusive, student-centered classrooms that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. A teacher at heart since childhood, she has taught in public and independent schools across Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, and internationally at the American School Foundation of Monterrey in Mexico, bringing a rich and diverse perspective to her teaching.

A founding teacher at three schools in Ontario, Danielle holds a Master of Science in Education from D'Youville University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from McMaster University. She also holds qualifications as a Reading Specialist and Special Education Specialist and was the recipient of an Inspire Award for Teaching in 2019.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys photography, time on the water with her husband, and being with family, friends, and animals. She is thrilled to be joining the Shorecrest community and looks forward to building meaningful connections with students and families.

Jeanne Simons, Third Grade Teacher

Shorecrest welcomes back Jeanne Simons, a seasoned educator with 14 years of experience teaching Kindergarten through 3rd grade. She graduated from The College of Wooster, then went on to Kent State University, where she earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Jeanne is a self-proclaimed philomath, passionate about learning and exploring any topic that captures her interest. She enjoys applying her knowledge to help both students and teachers enhance their skills. 

In her most recent role, Jeanne served as an Instructional Coach, supporting the development of early childhood teachers. Her passion for learning has taken her to various places locally and around the world, including Finland and Guatemala, where she has had the privilege of being both a student and a teacher. She now serves on the board of a rural English school in Guatemala, providing education consulting services. Jeanne is the proud mother of Ogden and her two fur babies, Bertie and Ollie. 

Taylor Tutt, First Grade Associate Teacher Long-Term Substitute

Taylor joined Shorecrest last year as an Aide for Experiential School and Auxiliary Programs, where she partnered with ES lead teachers to enrich students’ daily learning and provide continued support in the Extended Day program. Originally from Virginia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Virginia Tech and plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Teaching at University of South Florida. Taylor is passionate about helping children feel safe, capable and understood in the classroom. She brings empathy, attentiveness and an encouraging presence that supports each child’s individual growth.

ES & LS Physical Education

Sean Murphy, P.E. Teacher, MS Football Head Coach, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach

Sean Murphy joins the Shorecrest team with a strong foundation in athletic programming and youth development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management at St. Petersburg College, and is currently pursuing his master’s in Sports Administration at the University of West Florida. Entering his fourth year of teaching physical education, Sean previously served as the Sports Coordinator for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg and held various roles with the Tampa Bay Rays, Rowdies, and Tampa Bay Sun. Passionate about empowering students to build confidence both on and off the field, Sean enjoys watching sports and continuously perfecting his coaching craft in his spare time.

Karen Vidales, P.E. Teacher 

Karen Vidales was first hired at Shorecrest in 2025 as a tutor in the CAE. She is excited to transition to the P.E. team for the 2026-2027 school year. Karen has over 25 years of teaching experience and holds a master’s in Physical Education and a bilingual teaching credential (Spanish/English). She has taught P.E. and health across multiple grade levels, along with coaching high school track, cross country and mountain bike racing. Originally from the Midwest, Karen ran track and cross country at Macalester College, qualifying nationally. At Macalester she earned a bachelor’s in Environmental Studies & Geology and enjoyed a semester abroad in Ecuador. Outside of school she enjoys camping, cycling and sailing.

Upper School

Brendan Hoyle, Head of Upper School

Brendan Hoyle is delighted to join Shorecrest as the Head of Upper School. He has spent the past twenty years in independent school education, most recently serving as Director of Arts & Innovation at Norfolk Collegiate School in Virginia, where he also served as an academic department chair and teacher. Brendan has taught a wide range of courses including Engineering, Design Thinking, Theatrical Production, AP Computer Science, Computer-Aided Design, Public Speaking, and more. He has presented at conferences for NAIS, SAIS, and VAIS and has published articles on educator support, school culture, innovation, and AI in independent schools. Brendan holds a Master’s degree in Education from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts from Sarah Lawrence College. Outside of school, Brendan enjoys woodworking, improv comedy, and going on adventures with his family.

Annette Coller, French Teacher

Annette has been teaching all levels of French in public and private high schools in Pinellas County for many years. She has been a leader on the World Languages Curriculum and Assessment Writing Team in Pinellas as well as a new teacher mentor and department chairperson. For ten years she was a teacher trainer and coach for PEAK Institutes in Florida, Colorado and North Carolina. (PEAK / Performance Excellence for All Kids was a Teaching for Excellence model developed and led by Spence Rogers of Colorado for 20 years.) Annette completed master’s coursework over four summers in Angers, France, staying with French host families. This was a program for teachers through the University of Northern Iowa. She earned her bachelor’s degree in French with a minor in Secondary Education from the University of West Georgia where she played Division II volleyball. 

Annette has traveled extensively in France for education, personal growth and to supervise student groups. Annette is passionate about sharing her love of the French language and diverse Francophone culture from around the world with her students. 

Rebecca K. Gallagher, Math Teacher

Originally from the Philadelphia area, Rebecca K. Gallagher moved to Tarpon Springs with her family 3 years ago. She has been teaching and tutoring all levels of middle school, high school and college math for over 30 years. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education with a focus in Technology Curriculum. Outside of the classroom, she has advised students in National Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, a Gay-Straight Alliance, and as a new student orientation director.

Rebecca’s teaching philosophy is derived from Trevor Muir: “We don’t teach math because students will need to know how to factor polynomials their entire lives. We teach it because learning math develops the prefrontal cortex in a way nothing else does. This is the problem-solving area of the brain. It helps us make decisions, think critically, and find solutions. Learning math is about learning new ways to think.”

Rebecca is married to a golf-enthusiast, Colin, and they have 2 fabulous children, Connor (25 years old) and Erin (22 years old). She is thrilled to be starting at Shorecrest Upper School.

Chris Maraghy, Physics and Chemistry Teacher

Mr. Maraghy has taught a variety of science subjects in the Tampa Bay area for over 25 years. In recognition of his classroom and curriculum work, he received the Barrett Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Teaching in 2017. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Science with a concentration in Biology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. Prior to entering the classroom, he was a search and rescue instructor and worked in the educational programs at SeaWorld Orlando. Outside the classroom, Chris enjoys spending time outdoors - including camping and hiking, and is an amateur nature photographer.

Zachary Mast-Racine, Math Teacher

Zachary will be teaching Upper School Mathematics ranging from Geometry to Multivariable Calculus. He has been teaching math for four years in Florida and is new to St. Petersburg. Mr. Mast-Racine graduated from Oral Roberts University with a BS in Mathematics. In addition to his enjoyment of Mathematics, Zachary also works on 3D modeling projects, programming computer functions, and plans on pursuing his Masters in order to deepen his understanding of Mathematics and Data Science. 

Dr. Renee O’Brien, English Teacher

Dr. O’Brien has served as a mentor, editor, and teacher for writers of all ages and genres for over 30 years. She has been a middle and high school English teacher for Pinellas County for the past 30 years and taught AP English Language, AICE English Language, Pre-AP English, and many other classes. She is an avid reader and writer and has assisted students in winning Scholastic Writing Awards since 2007. She produced student-led school newspapers and literary magazines in several schools and published various articles. Renee is enthusiastic about writing and the role of literature in teaching students about the world around them, human rights, and their place in the world. 

Renee earned a PhD in English Education with a cognate in Holocaust studies from the University of South Florida in 2022. Currently, Renee is a Fellow in the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Foundation and is expanding her knowledge of Human Rights and Genocide by traveling to Poland this summer, and is looking forward to sharing her experience and knowledge with students.

Staff

Elissa Brady-Sheehan, Chief Giving Officer

Elissa Brady-Sheehan joins Shorecrest as Chief Giving Officer, bringing 18 years of development experience with prominent national and local organizations. Her career includes work with the National Park Foundation, Make-A-Wish America, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western New York, along with strategic work supporting numerous non-profits as a Strategist at Good Scout Group. Across her career, Elissa has built expertise in national corporate partnerships, major gifts and annual giving, grounded in a belief that relational and transformational giving leaves the world a better place for generations to come.

Elissa holds a master's degree from SUNY Buffalo and a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. Her two children are proud Chargers, and she looks forward to expanding Shorecrest's culture of philanthropy in her new role. An avid outdoors enthusiast who never backs down from a challenge, Elissa has summited every peak in Phoenix, landed a perfect cannonball in nearly all five Great Lakes, and led a 100-person field across the finish line on race day—so feel free to ask her about her latest outdoor adventure when you connect with her.

Cody Brunelle, Maintenance Technician

Cody Brunelle joins Shorecrest as a Maintenance Technician after spending the past 18 years working in his family’s pool enclosure rescreening business. His years of hands-on experience have taught him the value of hard work, problem-solving, and taking pride in a job well done. Cody is married to Dominique Brunelle, an ES Teacher at Shorecrest, and is excited to become part of the Shorecrest community. Outside of work, Cody enjoys spending time with his family, enjoying the Florida sunshine, and pursuing his passion for cars and the automotive enthusiast community.

Kyla McMahon, Director of Auxiliary Programs

Shorecrest welcomed Kyla McMahon as the new Director of Auxiliary Programs in May 2026. She brings extensive experience creating and leading engaging programs for children and families, including after-school enrichment, summer camps, and community-based offerings. Kyla’s background in education and independent schools, combined with her thoughtful and family-centered leadership style, will be a strong asset as we continue to grow exceptional experiences beyond the school day.

Khana Rebman ‘05, Director of Diversity & Inclusion

Khana Rebman '05, born and raised in St. Petersburg, joined Shorecrest professionally from Pinellas County schools, where she had been teaching in 2nd-5th grades. After teaching third grade Chargers for years, she was named the School's Director of Diversity and Inclusion in 2026. She is passionate about not only 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 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.