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After receiving my Bachelor’s degree as a student-athlete from the University of South Florida, I began my career in education in 2003 as a 6th grade science teacher at North Sumter Intermediate School in Wildwood, FL. As a non-education major, my teacher certification was achieved through the Sumter County Schools’ alternative certification program. I then received my M.Ed. from USF in Educational Leadership. During that time, I taught high school Biology and Anatomy and Physiology, while coaching baseball and football at South Sumter High School.
In 2007, I entered the administrative intern pool of Sumter County. After serving a short elementary internship, I was placed back at South Sumter High School as an administrative intern. After one year in an intern role, I was chosen as a full time assistant principal at South Sumter High School. I served three years in this capacity before being selected for my first principal opportunity at Lake Panasoffkee Elementary School. During my two years in Lake Panasoffkee our school scores improved each year while maintaining an “A” status. In 2013, I was placed at South Sumter Middle School as principal and led the middle school to become a National AVID Demonstration School and Site of Distinction. I was then selected to be the Director of Secondary Education and District Athletic Director for Sumter County, where I remained until 2021. In 2020, I was asked to serve as interim principal at South Sumter High School where I chose to remain coming out of the pandemic, and I am still currently serving.
During my career, I have had the opportunity to attend many professional development and leadership opportunities. I have participated in the Leadership Sumter program sponsored by the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce, the Commissioner’s Leadership Academy sponsored by the state of Florida DOE, served as a Central Region Director for the Florida Association of School Administrators, as board member for the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals, and have remained active in legislation serving on the legislative committee for FASA. Most recently I was appointed by Governor Desantis to the FHSAA Board of Directors. As a native Floridian, and a hometown graduate, I am proud to serve my state and my community in all that I do.
