Professional Development
Although we only employ experienced teachers, we believe that regular professional development is essential to remain at the cutting edge of education, particularly in learning about new methods for teaching students with learning differences. Professional development activities focus on the most effective ways to incorporate research-based strategies into daily classroom instructional practices. One of our core beliefs at Tampa Day School is that we can and will make a difference in the lives of the students we serve. Whether a student needs a higher level of individual attention and accountability or intense remediation of a weakly developed academic area, our experienced teachers take the time necessary to understand the student’s needs, and then tailor the instructional approach to best meet those needs.
Regular Communication
Our teachers foster collaborative relationships with parents, as we know that students benefit and make greater gains when close working partnerships are maintained between home and school. For those students receiving private supportive services such as speech and language, occupational therapy, and counseling, we assist in the coordination of services, request and provide performance feedback, and work to integrate recommended strategies throughout the school day.
Learn More
Ready to learn more? Contact us to request information or schedule a tour.
Administration:
Biography
Lois has a Masters Degree in Special Education and has been actively involved in education for over 35 years. She has experience in private and public school settings (mainstream and special education), residential treatment centers, and a wide range of private practice and consulting positions. She has also taught Special Education courses at the university level. She provides local and national workshops to educators and parents on topics such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Behavior Management, and Parenting. Lois has been at Tampa Day School since 1997. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, swimming, and camping.
Biography
Jim Larkin received his BA in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and completed graduate work at Nova Southeastern University. Before joining the Tampa Day staff, Jim spent 31 years as the Headmaster at St. John Greek Orthodox Day School in Tampa. His interests, outside of school, are bicycling, cooking, wood crafting, and gardening.
Biography
Andrea received a BA in Psychology from the University of Maine and an Education Specialist degree in School Psychology from the University of South Florida. She also has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership and 15 years of experience working in various roles with students. She is a licensed school psychologist and educational leader in the state of Florida. Andrea’s extensive experience and educational background are vital to the Tampa Day team. In her free time, she enjoys reading, life-long learning, parenting, music, traveling, and outdoor activities.
Biography
Patricia Soloski has provided educational intervention at Tampa Day School for more than the past eight years and is the Coordinator of Learning Solutions. She is experienced in the most recognized programs for treating learning differences and holds certifications in Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (LiPS/VV)® and Orton-Gillingham Methodologies. In addition to her certifications, she has attended many workshops and seminars that involve working with children who have learning difficulties, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, or other varying issues that challenge their ability to learn. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends
Biography
Dee Dee studied business at Hillsborough Community College and worked for two years with the Florida Children’s Center before joining Tampa Day’s team. She is now in her seventh year at Tampa Day and enjoys spending time with her children and family outside of work.
Biography
Linda studied business at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University before extensive experience in the private business sector. She is currently in her third year at Tampa Day and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and visiting her lake house in Michigan when she is away from work.
Faculty / Staff:
Biography
Tracy Burgin earned her BS in Education from Eastern Illinois University and has experience from classrooms in Illinois, Kentucky, and Florida over the last seven years. In her free time, she enjoys reading and decorating.
Biography
Sofia Cowart brings 14 years of experience in education to Tampa Day School’s 7th and 8th grade classrooms. She is a graduate of Florida State University and enjoys fashion, interior decorating, and working on computers.
Biography
Chloe is currently majoring in Business Administration at Hillsborough Community College and working in her third year at Tampa Day. In her free time, she enjoys sports, books, and relaxing at the beach.
Biography
Claudia is in her third year at Tampa Day and has 12 years of teaching experience in Connecticut and Florida. She earned a BA in English and Public Relations from the College of New Rochelle in New York and a MA in Education from Saint Joseph College in Connecticut. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, reading, and movies.
Biography
Greg Fulmor received a BA degree from Winthrop University and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of South Carolina. He has 10 years of experience in the classroom at Tampa Day and 14 years of experience overall. Outside of class, Greg’s hobbies include reading, watching movies, swimming, history, and traveling.
Biography
Beth has a BA in Sociology from Le Moyne College with a minor in Social Work. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Education degree from the University of South Florida while serving as a 2nd grade teacher at Tampa Day. She has been at Tampa Day for 11 years and enjoys golfing, reading, and sewing away from school.
Biography
Kerith pursued his educational background at the University of Tampa and has spent eight years teaching in the Tampa area. In his free time, he enjoys herb gardening, reading, hiking, camping, and fishing.
Biography
Ellen Grossman received her BS in Marketing and Management from American University and her MA in Education from Beaver College. She has nine years of experience in Florida classrooms, including time in St. Petersburg and Tampa. When she is way from Tampa Day, Ellen enjoys pilates and reading.
Biography
Jodi Hanley is a third year team member at Tampa Day school with a total of nine years of education experience. She received her BA in Education and French from Ripon College in Wisconsin. In her time there, she spent a semester abroad studying at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. In her free time, she enjoys anything outdoors, scuba diving, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Biography
Stephanie Mullarkey earned a BA in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Florida and a MS in Specific Learning Disabilities from Nova Southeastern University. She has 10 years of teaching experience and is in her seventh year at Tampa Day. She holds a certification in K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and is passionate about teaching to the ESE population. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, family time, and reading.
Biography
Marisa has 11 years of experience with Tampa Day School. She has a diverse educational background that includes training in expressive art therapy, the humanities and voice. Her hobbies are psychology, philosophy, writing, photography, and documentary film making.
Biography
Edith earned a BS in Education from Florida A&M University and a MS in Education (Supervision and Physical Education) from Kansas State University. Her experience includes 14 years teaching physical education and two years as a school director. Outside of Tampa Day, she enjoys dancing, gymnastics, cheerleading, music, traveling, college football, and shopping.
Biography
Sheryl graduated from the University of South Florida and holds a BA in Elementary Education. In addition to her education, she has attended many workshops and seminars that involve working with children who have learning difficulties, dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, Asperger’s, or other varying issues that challenge their ability to learn.
For more than the past 10 years, she has been involved with Tampa Day School’s Intervention Program. Sheryl has taught a variety reading programs and holds certification in Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (LiPS/VV) ®. In addition to helping children find success in reading, she also aids children in math and writing.
Biography
Samantha Weiland received a BA in Therapeutic Horsemanship from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree for K-12 Special Education from Mary Baldwin College. Prior to joining the Tampa Day team, Samantha taught therapeutic horseback riding for three years in Lauringburg, NC and Wylie, TX. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, running, photography, and any new adventures or learning opportunities.
Biography
Before joining the Tampa Day staff, Denise served 13 years as a preschool Teacher’s Assistant at Bowman Academy. She is currently in her third year as a member of the Aftercare staff at Tampa Day and enjoys going to the movies and hanging out with her boys away from school.
