Staff
TDS Administration
Lois has served as the Head of TDS since 1997. She has an M.A. in Special Ed., Post Master’s Certification in Administration and Supervision, and has completed doctoral coursework in Special Ed. More importantly, Lois has been actively involved in education for over four decades. She has experience in schools, has taught Special Ed. courses at the university level and was the Founding Dir. of the Keystone Prep H.S. Board. As a lifelong learner, she is passionate about finding ways to unlock academic and social successes for each child. She is inspired daily by the commitment of outstanding parents and a faculty dedicated to the students, making it a joy for her to come to work each day! Married with 5 grown children & grandchildren (one lives with her to keep her young), she loves to read, read and read-sometimes at the beach!
Jennifer has an M.S. in Educational Technology and a Post Master’s Certification in Educational Leadership. She began her career in education after graduating from Lehman College with a B.A. in Education in 1998. She is certified in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Gifted, Middle Grades Science, and ESOL. Jennifer is dedicated to helping each teacher grow professionally so that they can optimally impact student success. As a Certified Kagan School Trainer, she provides teachers with the support they need to increase student engagement. As the Director of C/I, Jennifer ensures that instruction is aligned with best practices. She leads curriculum and instruction development, explores ways to incorporate technology and resources, and supports the teachers with instructional delivery by providing them with information about best practices. Married with 4 energetic kids, she loves to read, talk to her animals, and has a passion for technology.
Linda studied business at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University before her extensive experience in the private business sector. Linda serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Admin Team and is the point of contact for appointments with members of the Team. She is often behind the scenes adeptly coordinating many of the important details of both day-to-day events as well as many of the school’s annual activities/events. She is a master of organization and planning and is committed to providing excellent customer service. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and visiting her lake house in Michigan when she is away from work.
Stephanie joined TDS in 2020 with over 10 years of experience serving as an office manager and client liaison in the corporate business world. With respect to her school-based experience, she holds a degree in child development and has elementary and middle school substitute teaching experience. As the third member of the Golden family to work at TDS, she continues the family legacy as she adds to her mother’s 20 years as a lower division classroom teacher and her brother’s prior experience as a classroom aid and extended care professional. She enjoys being part of the high energy environment of the school’s front office and takes great pride in providing a positive parent, student and staff experience. She always has a smile, is ready to assist, and is at her best when things are busy and she is multi-tasking! She loves the opportunity to share her creativity, organizational skills, positive enthusiasm, and customer service orientation with the TDS community. Stephanie enjoys spending her free time with her daughter, family and friends and when at home, can often be found coming up with creative and fun activities to do with her daughter.
Andrea serves as the School Psychologist and Director of Outreach. She is a graduate of both the School Psychology and Education Leadership Programs at USF and has been a practicing school psychologist for over 2 decades. In addition to her experience in schools and private practice, Mrs. Mowatt-Duncklee has been a member of the admin team since 1998. She has provided a variety of school psychology services and in the past, has served several roles at TDS including the Associate Head of School, Director of Admissions, and Lower Division Director. She has dedicated her career to working with children, families, schools and community professionals to promote the well-being and school success of children and adolescents and is excited to be a continuing member of the TDS student support team. She loves to travel with her husband and son, has a passion for learning and innovation, and enjoys designing experiences that build student character & confidence.
Paula has over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in school & clinical settings. She has a B.A. in Education, an M.A. in Special Ed., and is certified in multiple areas, including-Elementary Ed. and Specific Learning Disabilities. While at TDS, she has taught Reading/LA classes, served as a member of the L.S. Tutoring Team, and has been instrumental in planning several large community events. In her role as the Director of Admissions, she combines her in-depth knowledge of TDS and tutoring services with her clinical experience and training to identify potential candidates for enrollment. She is a dedicated professional whose expertise and passion helps families as they search for a good fit school for their child. Paula serves on several local boards and enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading.
Patricia has provided educational intervention at TDS for over 20 years. She shares her expertise in clinical reading methods in her dual role as Director. She is knowledgeable about L.D., dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and Asperger’s and is experienced in evidenced-based strategies for teaching students with learning differences. She has advanced training in Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (LiPS/VV)® and Orton-Gillingham Methodologies. Patricia works collaboratively with TDS teachers and the local community to promote success when L.S. students return to the classroom. She provides ongoing, up-to-date training for TDS tutors and parents, works tirelessly to support students, and exudes a passion for delivering high-quality, effective intervention services. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family & friends.Lower Elementary
Donnan, Daniel-Lower Elementary Science/Social Stu./Writing 4th
3/4 GradeDaniel has three years of experience teaching in both public and private schools. He previously worked as a teacher at elementary level. He has taught writing, social studies, and science […]
Kim has over 16 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and is certified in Elementary Education. She has expertise in clinical reading methodologies and is a member of the Learning Solutions Tutoring team throughout the school year and during the summer intervention program. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, traveling in their RV, baking, and scrapbooking.
Upper Elementary
Cynthia has over 20 years of teaching experience in public and private schools and provided years of private tutoring in a commercial tutoring program. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin- Madison and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Marist College- New York. She has advanced training in clinical reading methodologies and has been a highly specialized tutor on the Learning Solutions Team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenagers, skiing, biking, and reading a good book.
Courbron, Taylor Upper Elementary Enrichment
5/6 GradeTaylor Courbron graduated with a B.S. from The University of Tampa. She graduated ESOL certified with an endorsement in reading. As a teacher, coach, and mentor, her experiences range across learning […]
Christie is a member of our 5th/6th grade team. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland College Park and has an M.A. in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. Christie has over 10 years of teaching experience in a variety of core subjects in public and private schools. While at TDS, she has shared her expertise in differentiated math instruction and math intervention. In addition to teaching math classes, she provides math enrichment in small groups and serves as a specialized reading and math tutor on the Learning Solutions Tutoring team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and family pets. She is also an avid reader, has a passion for running, and loves to cook.
Susan joined the TDS in the spring of 2019 as the interim information technology instructor. In the fall
Davi has over 10 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She previously taught at the elementary school level and mentored teachers as a reading coach in Hillsborough County. Davi earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida and is certified in Elementary Education (K-6). While at TDS, she has taught 5th-6th grade writing and science courses. She has a passion for designing hands-on, cooperative group science activities to engage and excite students and helps student build the foundational knowledge, study skills and vocabulary critical to ongoing learning in science. It is not uncommon to observe students building structures, giving demonstrations, and running experiments in her classes. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, running, crafting, and reading a good book.Middle School
Sofia has over 21 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at FSU and holds a Florida Teaching Certificate. While at TDS, she has taught-4th grade, middle school reading and language arts, SAT prep courses, and elementary school writing enrichment. She has advanced training in clinical reading methods and has been a member of the L.S. Tutoring team. Given her enthusiasm for program and student development, she has taken on various leadership roles-writing coach, Common Core Committee member, and National Honor Society Advisor. She has a passion for developing young writers & providing a solid foundation for written language. In her free time, she enjoys being a devoted mom to her son, shopping, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Jim earned a B.B.A. and an M.B.A. degree in Finance from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in Teaching from U.S.F., and is certified in Mathematics. He brings to TDS over 25 years of experience in the Financial Industry and over 16 years of teaching experience. Jim has taught math in grades 5-12 in college prep. schools and a school serving students with ADHD, Anxiety, and learning differences. In addition to his role as a 7th-8th grade math teacher at TDS, he taught Developmental Math as an adjunct professor in the Business School at HCC for 14 years. Having taught in grades beyond middle school, his goal is to present students with the key concepts, procedural knowledge, and study skills needed in higher-level math classes. In his free time, his hobbies include reading, biking, walking, kayaking, & paddle boarding.
Amanda
Nelson, Darren Middle School Civics and US History 7/8th Grade
7/8 GradeAs the most recent addition to the staff, Darren brings 15 years of teaching experience in Hillsborough County Schools as a Social Studies/Exceptional Student Education teacher for middle school students […]
Shelly has over 21 years of teaching experience in Tampa. She earned her B.A. in Special Education and her M.A. in Reading Education from USF. She has held the roles of Department Head, Literacy Coach, and District Trainer during her time in the Hillsborough County Schools, and has taught all levels of English and Reading. She has also served on several curriculum writing teams for Language Arts, and as a Trainer for New Teacher Orientation for many years. Her philosophy of building connections and relationships with students has served her well, and she loves that so many of her graduated students have become her friends so she can share in their joy of weddings, babies, and new life experiences. Besides spending time with her family and dogs, in her spare time she loves to visit theme parks, crochet, and of course READ!Electives/Support Staff
Mr. Bertan is the Owner and Director of Technology Education for Computer Explorers. An expert in educational technology for children, he joins the TDS team with over thirty-six years of teaching experience. Mr. Bertan earned his BA in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and his M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis on Integrating Technology into the Curriculum, from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. He began in education as an elementary school teacher where he took his first computer course and immediately began to apply this knowledge in the classroom. Shortly thereafter, he wrote and was awarded a grant to run an afterschool computer lab for at-risk elementary students. After five years, he was appointed the position of Elementary Technology Resource Specialist where his focus was on evaluating software, writing a curriculum that integrated technology in the classroom, and teaching nearly 1000 students each week. Later, Mr. Bertan developed and implemented a summer elementary technology camp. In 1992, Mr. Bertan left his teaching position to start the COMPUTERTOTS Computer Explorers franchise in Pinellas/Hillsborough County.
Haralambou, Crystal-Performing Arts Educator & Creative Marketing Specialist
Crystal has over 20 years of teaching, curriculum writing, and performing arts experience. She has been an instructor at the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Mahaffey Theater, and U.S.F.. She […]
Crystal has over 20 years of teaching, curriculum writing, and performing arts experience. She has been an instructor at the Straz Center, Ruth Eckerd Hall, the Mahaffey Theater, and U.S.F.. She earned a B.A. in Theatre from U.S.F. and is certified to teach Drama, English, and Social Science. She has trained at the SAK Comedy Lab in Orlando, the Applied Improvisation Network, and the Improv Olympic in Chicago. In addition to teaching theater, Crystal serves as a Creative Marketing and Social Media Specialist for Tampa Day School. Prior to Covid, she was the Artistic Director and lead trainer at the Box Theater in Tampa for 11 years. In her free time, she enjoys laughing and making others laugh, loving on her nieces and nephews, fishing, and doing anything creative.
Rodriguez, Denise-Aftercare Staff
Denise serves as a Teacher’s Assistant at Bowman Academy Preschool during the day and as a HW lab instructor and after care provider in the afternoon. Denise has been a […]
Denise serves as a Teacher’s Assistant at Bowman Academy Preschool during the day and as a HW lab instructor and after care provider in the afternoon. Denise has been a member of the TDS After Care Team for over 10 years. She is an invaluable support person who assists the admin team with projects, works as a teacher assistant during special events, and supervises children during evening parent presentations. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies and spending time with her sons.Learning Solutions
Kaylee attended the University of South Florida and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her college years, Kaylee interned in the classroom at Tampa Day School. Her teaching career began in 2020, where she worked at a private elementary school. Kaylee has received advanced training in Lindamood-Bell, which she utilizes as a member of the Learning Solutions team. She is a Learning Solutions clinician during the school year and the summer program. In her free time, Kaylee enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and playing with her dog.
Laurie has over 20 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.A. in Political Science from Furman University, an M.A.s in Reading Education and Library Science from U.S.F. She is certified in multiple areas including Reading (K-12), Elementary Education, and Media Specialist. She has advanced training in clinical reading methods and is a member of the L.S. Tutoring team throughout the school year and during the summer intervention program. In addition to tutoring, Laurie previously taught small intervention groups as needed and served as the TDS librarian. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, traveling, and spending time at the beach or in the mountains.
Tracy is a dedicated educator whose 20 plus years of teaching experience have been in Illinois, Kentucky and Florida in both public and private schools. She earned her BS in elementary education from Eastern Illinois University and has taught all subject areas in kindergarten through eighth grade. Tracy has advanced training in reading instruction and clinical reading methods and has served as both a classroom teacher and Learning Solutions Tutor during her many years at Tampa Day School.
Jeanie has 16 years experience working with children and young adults in youth groups, residential and therapeutic settings, and the public school system. She has worked with children in foster care to assist them with transitioning to and from the home. She has also assisted in conducting small reading groups in several public schools.
Kerith has over 15 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Tampa and has advanced training in research-based reading methods. She shares her expertise in reading intervention as a member of the Learning Solutions Tutoring team throughout the school year and during the summer intervention program. In her role at TDS, she has provided small group and one-on-one intervention. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, cooking, candle making, and completing crossword puzzles.
Kirsten has had a lifelong love of reading and interest in education. She earned a B.A. in English: Creative Writing at the University of South Florida, focusing on literature and graduating summa cum laude. While homeschooling her own children to successful college and professional careers, she implemented the Leveled Literacy Intervention program at Tarpon Springs Fundamental Elementary School and taught struggling readers in small group sessions. For several years following that, she worked as a marketing copywriter/editor and grant writer for nonprofit organizations. Teaching at Tampa Day School as a Learning Solutions clinician these past three years is the perfect fit for Kirsten. She loves the one-on-one interaction with her students where she can build relationships with each one while tailoring lessons specifically to fit their needs. Her greatest joy is watching struggling readers discover that reading can be fun. She loves spending time with her family and her beloved pets – and reading contemporary literature (as long as she can stay awake).
Risley, Sheryl-Learning Solutions Clinician
Sheryl has over 18 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. Sheryl has expertise in […]
Sheryl has over 18 years of teaching experience in public and private schools. She earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. Sheryl has expertise in differentiated math instruction and clinical reading methods and in her role at TDS, has served as a classroom and small group instructor, reading and math interventionist, and teacher trainer for over 15 years. She diligently works behind the scenes to support students, LS tutors and TDS faculty. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and hopes to visit all of the European countries in the near future.
Rodriguez, Desiree-Learning Solutions Clinician
Desiree has 19 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Westchester Community College in her hometown in […]
Desiree has 19 years of teaching experience in both public and private schools. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Westchester Community College in her hometown in New York. She then moved to sunny Florida, away from the cold, and earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Tampa. Desiree has extensive training in both Linda-Mood Bell and Orton-Gillingham reading methods, which she utilizes routinely as a reading tutor at TDS. In her spare time, she enjoys taking her dogs for long evening walks, taking their boat out, watching sunsets with her husband and two children, and watching her son swim competitively and play baseball.