At Samsula Academy, educators and administrators work together to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Our staff is passionate about education and committed to shaping our students’ futures with creativity, care, and purpose.
Principal
With over ten years of experience in education, I began my journey as president of the school PTA, where I helped organize school events, fundraisers, and celebrations. I later transitioned into the classroom as a kindergarten teacher and went on to teach several grade levels—third grade being my favorite! I am a proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where I earned a degree in Biology, and I have since served as both an Instructional Coach and Dean of Students.
What I love most about Samsula Academy is its small-school feel, the opportunity to connect with students and teachers each day, and the incredible support from our families and community. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, learning about history and geography, and traveling with my family to explore new foods, cultures, and places. I also love fine-tuning my culinary skills for family and friends to enjoy.
Director of Special Programs and Gifted Resources
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
This will be my eighteenth-year teaching. I have taught kindergarten through third grade and K-5 gifted resource and STEAM. I graduated in 2007 from The University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I have since then added ESOL, Reading, and Gifted Endorsements to my certificate.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I love the community, students, staff, and campus!
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺ )
I enjoy being active outside and traveling with my family!
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I have been with Samsula Academy since 2018, My alma mater is Broward College in South FL.
Positions held at Samsula Academy have been Substitute Teacher, Extended Day, Kindergarten Paraprofessional, Music Teacher, and now Music & PE!
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I love the wonderful children at Samsula Academy and getting to know all of the amazing families!
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share
I love to perform. I perform in community theatre productions throughout Volusia County. I enjoy singing, and also improv comedy! My husband and I have lived in Volusia for 21 years and we have two children who both attended Samsula Academy.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I was born and raised in New Jersey and moved to Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Stetson University. I began teaching in Key West in 2006 and have certifications in Elementary Ed K-6, Physical Education K-12 and Art K-12. Although I have taught in many different positions and locations, my passion lies with Art! I love incorporating my love of travel and art history with my students… Where will ART take you?
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
Since 2014, I have been able to call Samsula Academy my work family. I love the small school atmosphere where we are community driven and family oriented. No one is a number here- you are an integral part of our team.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share
Besides teaching and creating pottery, I love to travel, to read and to go to the beach. I am lucky to be married to a pilot so we fly to fun places as often as we can. Currently our son who is active duty Army lives in Germany and we visit him often!
Registrar & Administrative Assistant
More Info Coming Soon
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Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I am currently a 3rd year Environmental Science major at Daytona State College, and am also working toward my paraprofessional certification. I have worked with children ages 5-14 for about four years now, and I have tutored, coached, supervised, and prepared students for success. I worked 3 of those years, at the Babe James Community Center which doubles as a recreation center as well as an afterschool program.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
Samsula Academy is such a special little school in the sense that everyone is so driven and supporting of everything. It truly makes all the difference. For some it is a family school, for some it is a safe place, and for me it is a beautiful growing place. I have already learned so much and continue to with every passing day.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share @ )
I am a wife and mother of one beautiful daughter. I absolutely love to sing! I have been singing with my family all of my life, and dancing as well. I enjoy nature walks of all kinds and I especially enjoy traveling to other places or countries to do so. I have been to Italy, Greece, France, the Netherlands, Kenya, and the Bahamas.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I am honored to say I have been a part of the Samsula Academy for 9 years, teaching both 2nd grade and now, Kindergarten. In 2017, I accepted a position as a kindergarten paraprofessional and quickly discovered how fulfilling it was to support students during such an important stage of their growth. I loved supporting their daily learning and helping ensure their success. Being part of their daily routines and helping them succeed brought me great joy and ultimately inspired me to become a teacher, despite having earned my degree in business management.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
To be a part of Samsula Academy is truly unlike anything else. Samsula has a certain “way” that makes you truly feel at home. The dedication, encouragement, and support of our students, families, and staff are what makes Samsula Academy thrive. I am so fortunate to work at Samsula Academy, but also to have been a parent at Samsula Academy.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺ )
Outside of the classroom, I am a loud and proud volleyball mom to my daughter, Savannah, and a proud dog mama to my Bernese Mountain Dog, Millie! I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with family and friends. I love hiking waterfalls and spending time at the beach! Adventure and new experiences bring me joy when I’m not in the classroom.
Kindergarten
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I graduated from Daytona State College with my bachelors in Elementary Education. I am reading and ESOL endorsed. I am on year two of teaching kindergarten at Samsula Academy and I absolutely love it! Before becoming a full-time teacher, I spent lots of time learning and growing in different classrooms. I have interned and substituted in various elementary schools all across Volusia County, which gave me the chance to work with students from kindergarten all the way up to fifth grade.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
There is truly nothing quite like Samsula Academy! I work with the most wonderful group of people who are dedicated to teaching and helping their students grow! Not only do I love my fellow teachers, but I love the family-oriented and close community that is Samsula!
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share)
I love doing anything outdoors! Traveling, kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and biking are some of my favorite things! I especially love to do those things with my amazing husband and family!
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I have been in education since 2004 and I have been teaching for 12 plus years. My degree is in Elementary Education and Special Education. I have my ESOL endorsement, Reading endorsement, and a certificate in Agriculture. I work with the Cloverbuds (4-H littles) and I also put together our yearbook.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I love being here at Samsula. I enjoy the family atmosphere, love the kids, and my co-workers.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share
I have worked with students from Kindergarten to 12th grade. I moved from New Jersey in 2006, I have 2 grown children. My daughter is Theater Teacher at New Smyrna Middle School and my son is a Videographer and owns his own company, Straight Line Media. Last year I became a grandmother to an adorable baby boy.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I have been in education for over 16 years and have worked in many areas from K-5. Educating the primary students is my passion, especially, working with them in our 4-H club after school. I’m always attending professional development courses when I have free time to fine tune my teaching craft.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I love being an educator at Samsula, where I enjoy the close nit family/community and atmosphere. It feels like home when I am here.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺ )
Originally from OH, settled in the New Smyrna for over 24 hrs. My husband and 3 grown children have all attended Samsula Academy. Now, that is rooted in history! I love to spend time with family and friends.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I have been teaching children for over 20 years, in grades Kindergarten through third and have experience supporting students with autism and dyslexia. I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida and have endorsements in Reading and ESOL. I am certified in LiPS, a phoneme sequencing program that helps with reading, spelling and speech development. I hold certification as an agricultural literacy educator and am currently the president of our school’s 4H club. Name] has been teaching children for over 20 years, specializing in Kindergarten through 3rd grade across diverse
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I value working at a small town school, where collaboration is at the heart of all that we do in order to help our students be successful. I am grateful for the strong relationships with our parents and community, whose partnerships helps our school thrive.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺)
I enjoy spending time with my family, serving in my church, and being outdoors. I enjoy going to the beach, the springs, and hiking in the mountains. I love to travel and see new places and meet new people.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Daytona State College. I am both Reading and ESOL endorsed. I have been teaching in Volusia County for 10 years and 6 of them have been at Samsula Academy. I have mostly taught 3rd grade, however the last two years have taught a 2nd/3rd grade combo class. I have also taught 4th grade and 1st grade in my early years of teaching.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
Samsula Academy is a wonderful school. I love working in a place where students, staff, and families all work together to help children thrive. It is a supportive environment where the administration and teachers collaborate effectively and students are motivated to succeed. Most of our families come from a strong, small community. I am passionate about helping young learners grow academically and emotionally and I feel grateful to work in a place that truly values teamwork and student success.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share☺)
I enjoy spending time with my amazing family and friends. In my spare time, I love to read books and go to the beach. Fun Facts: My father was in a band with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons back in the early 70’s. I was born in London, England and have lived in the UK several times before. My inspiration to teach was my fifth grade teacher who taught me so much, not just educationally, but also how to be an engaging, kind and compassionate teacher.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I am a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with five years of experience in the field of education. I hold a degree in History from the University of Central Florida and bring a diverse professional background in marketing and investments. My passion for teaching was sparked while volunteering at Samsula alongside my oldest daughter, where I discovered the meaningful impact of education within a strong school community.I am passionate about creating engaging and supportive learning experiences that help students grow academically and personally. I look forward to continuing to inspire curiosity and a love of learning in all of my students.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
Samsula holds a special place in my heart. My children have attended this school, and through them I’ve experienced the warmth, unity, and dedication that define this community. The supportive families, incredible staff, and wonderful students make Samsula feel like home. It’s a privilege to work in a place with such strong values and a genuine commitment to student success.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺ )
Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, cooking, camping, and gardening. I am a proud parent of three daughters, who keep life both busy and rewarding. I also have a strong love for animals and previously worked with animal rescue organizations in Tennessee and West Virginia, an experience that reinforced the importance of compassion and community service.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Oswego State University in New York and a Master of Science degree from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Prior to entering the field of education, I worked as a zookeeper, a forensic scientist with the New York State Police, a deputy, a program director, and a university professor. This is my third year teaching at Samsula Academy, where I have had the privilege of teaching both fourth and fifth grade. Each day, I strive to instill a strong appreciation for education and encourage students to put forth their best effort. Creating a positive learning environment that fosters lifelong skills and meaningful lessons is at the heart of my teaching practice.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
Samsula Academy is an exceptional school with a strong support system for both teachers and students. It is a rewarding experience to come to work each day knowing I can rely on my colleagues and administration for collaboration, encouragement, and shared commitment to helping every student succeed.The most meaningful moments in teaching come from the connections I build with my students—their stories, their enthusiasm, and especially the joy on their faces when they finally understand a concept that once felt challenging.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share ☺)
When I am not in the classroom, I am proudly a baseball mom. Much of my free time is spent at the ballfield, where my husband manages our boys’ teams, and I am always their biggest fan. I am also a devoted cat and raccoon enthusiast.I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether relaxing at the beach or exploring the mountains. When my schedule allows, I love scuba diving and traveling to new places.
Experience (Background, Education, Degrees, Years Taught, etc.):
This is my 9th year teaching at Samsula Academy. I am a graduate of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where I earned my Master of Science degree, and Daytona State College, where I obtained my teaching certificate in Elementary Education. Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching and supporting a wide range of learners, and I am passionate about creating a positive, engaging classroom environment where every student can succeed.
What do you enjoy most about working at Samsula Academy?
I truly enjoy the close-knit, family-oriented community at Samsula Academy. Our students, families, and staff support one another, and it creates such a positive environment for teaching and learning. I love watching my students grow academically and personally throughout the year and being a part of a team that puts kids first.
Tell Us about YOU (Hobbies, interests, family, fun facts or whatever else you would like to share☺)
Outside of teaching, I’m a pilot and certified scuba diver, and I love anything involving animals and the outdoors. I enjoy exploring new places, spending time with my family, and finding fun adventures that let me combine my love of nature and learning. I’m always excited to bring my real-world experiences into the classroom to inspire students.
