Cape Coral Charter Schools: Christa McAuilffe Elementary

Greetings! I am Theresa Beuerle and am extremely excited to be joining the kindergarten team here at Christa McAuliffe this year. I moved here last August from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I was born and raised and where I also began my own family. I have a bachelor's in Elementary Education from West Chester University. I have worked in education for 10 years including teaching a three year old class, 4th and 5th grades at the intermediate level, High School Language Arts and English, 8th grade prep workshops and also supported several homeschooling families in PA. I am grateful for having this opportunity to work in such a positive environment with such beautiful individuals.

I am a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master’s degree in Child, Family, and Consumer Sciences. I later attended the University of South Florida where I completed my coursework in Elementary Education. I have 19 years of experience working with school age children both in recreational and educational settings. I have been married for sixteen years and have two children, Stephanie and Alex. This is my third year teaching first grade at Christa McAuliffe.

Hello! I am originally from Greenwood, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. I have called Florida home the past 15 years. This will be my third year teaching 2nd grade at Christa McAuliffe. I have a 10 year old daughter, Shelby, and a spoiled rotten springer spaniel named Cookie. I spend much of my free time involved with my daughter's soccer activities. We also enjoy finding shells at the beach, fishing, and going to the movies!

Hello! I'm super excited to teach this year at Christa McAullife! I love children and the huge amount of potential they possess! I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in '03 with a BA in Elementary Education. I taught 2nd grade at Three Oaks Elementary my first 2 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home. Originally from Jersey, I've lived in Florida for over 9 years. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 girls, exercise and being outdoors.

Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten	First
Second	Third
Fourth	Fifth
Special Area Teachers	Staff
Assistants

Pre-Kindergarten
Teachers		Room Number		Email
Elizabeth Perdomo		113
Ileana Nodal		115
Kindergarten
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Theresa Beuerle	102					Greetings! I am Theresa Beuerle and am extremely excited to be joining the kindergarten team here at Christa McAuliffe this year. I moved here last August from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where I was born and raised and where I also began my own family. I have a bachelor's in Elementary Education from West Chester University. I have worked in education for 10 years including teaching a three year old class, 4th and 5th grades at the intermediate level, High School Language Arts and English, 8th grade prep workshops and also supported several homeschooling families in PA. I am grateful for having this opportunity to work in such a positive environment with such beautiful individuals.
Wendy Douglas	107					I went to school at University of South Florida. I have a B.A. degree in Psychology and a teacher’s certificate in Primary Education (age 3 to grade 3). I also have a Child Development Associate’s Degree,60 hours of child care training certificates, and I am certified as an early intervention specialist. This is my third year teaching kindergarten.
Donniel Henriquez	105					Graduated from Plymouth State University, in Plymouth New Hampshire in 2003 with a BS in Childhood Studies with a Teaching Certificate Kindergarten through eighth grade. I minored in Reading, Special Education, and middle school education.
Mandy Rice	104					I recently completed coursework for a Masters of Professional Studies in Education from Hodges University in Fort Myers. I have a bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the same school. I am certified in Primary Education (ages 3-3rd grade) . I also have a wide range of early childhood trainings, including a Florida Director's Credential. I have taught kindergarten for 3 years, and prior to teaching kindergarten I worked as a preschool teacher for 5 years.
Sarah Nizienski	101					Graduated from Eastern Michigan University: B.S. in Elementary Education Two years of teaching Kindergarten in Florida One year of Second Grade in Michigan
Blanca Rivera	103

First Grade
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Susan Coward	108					My name is Sue Coward and this is my 3^rd year teaching 1^st grade here at CMCE. I am a Southwest Florida native, born and raised here. I have a Basset Hound, a Dachshund, and a really amazing family! I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with my BA in Elementary Education K-5 and I am currently working on earning my MA degree in Reading Education. Once I obtain my MA degree next year, I plan on working toward earning my National Board Certification! I feel so fortunate to be a part of this wonderful school. The administration, staff, students, and parents are all so much fun to work with! I can’t imagine being anywhere else! I absolutely love watching this school grow, mesh, and blossom into something amazing year after year! I can’t wait to see what the future holds. J
Diane Fenton	114					I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Curriculum from University of South Florida in Tampa. I have taught in Stratford, CT teaching middle school- grades 8 and 9- Physics, Chemistry and Earth Science. I have also taught in Sarasota, Florida teaching grades 4 & 5. I worked in Canterbury School with kindergarteners, and substituted with Lee County prior to working here at Christa McAuliffe. As a substitute, I was an open end first grade teacher at Veteran’s Academy for the Arts in Lehigh Acres. This is my second year teaching first grade at Christa McAuliffe. My interests include reading, traveling, and scuba diving.
Nicole Erol	110					My name is Nicole Erol and this is my 2^nd year teaching 1^st grade here at CMCE. Originally from Wisconsin, I have lived in Florida for over 8 years. I graduated from the University of Central Florida. I have a wonderful husband and we are blessed with one son. I feel so fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful school and am looking forward to a fantastic year!
Susi Kelly	106					Hi, I am Susi Kelly and am currently teaching 1^st grade at Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School. This is my second year teaching 1^st grade here and I am thrilled with the wonderful environment in this school. I can’t imagine teaching any place else. I am a certified teacher in both Florida and New York and have my ESOL endorsement. I am working toward my National Boards Certification at this time. I attained my Masters in Elementary Education from Hunter College in NYC. I have previously taught 5^th grade for 4 years; 2 years in the South Bronx and 2 years here in Lee County. Prior to that I substitute taught K-12 in Orange County, NY. I also have 10 years experience in a day care setting caring for infants, toddlers and youngsters. It is great to teach in a great school and this school is the greatest!
Amy Ursitti	112					I am a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and a Master’s degree in Child, Family, and Consumer Sciences. I later attended the University of South Florida where I completed my coursework in Elementary Education. I have 19 years of experience working with school age children both in recreational and educational settings. I have been married for sixteen years and have two children, Stephanie and Alex. This is my third year teaching first grade at Christa McAuliffe.

Second Grade
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Sherri Dahl	204					Hello! I am originally from Greenwood, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. I have called Florida home the past 15 years. This will be my third year teaching 2nd grade at Christa McAuliffe. I have a 10 year old daughter, Shelby, and a spoiled rotten springer spaniel named Cookie. I spend much of my free time involved with my daughter's soccer activities. We also enjoy finding shells at the beach, fishing, and going to the movies!
Jaime Fialka www.freewebs.c om/jfialka	111					Hello! I'm super excited to teach this year at Christa McAullife! I love children and the huge amount of potential they possess! I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in '03 with a BA in Elementary Education. I taught 2nd grade at Three Oaks Elementary my first 2 years before deciding to be a stay-at-home. Originally from Jersey, I've lived in Florida for over 9 years. I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 girls, exercise and being outdoors.
Dena Hedrick						I am excited to begin a new school year at Christa McAuliffe Charter Elementary School! This will be my fifteenth year in elementary education, and I am eager to begin my service to the children here at Christa McAuliffe. While I am not a Florida native, I have lived in Lee County for fifteen years. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, where I was born and lived until I made my way to sunny Florida! I believe that education is a journey and I feel grateful to be able to play a small part along the way!
Lee Ann Smith	109					I graduated from Barry University with my Masters Degree in Reading K-12. This is my third year teaching 2^ndgrade here at Christa McAuliffe Charter School. I have a wonderful husband of 20 years and we are blessed with two beautiful daughters ages 12 and 18. I am a book fanatic and have over 800 children’s books in my classroom!
Theresa Lane http://www.schoolnotes.com/33991/tlane.html	202					I graduated from Park University, Parkville, Missouri, in December 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. This will be my first year teaching and am proud to be a part of Christa McAuliffe’s team. I have an amazing husband of 8 months and am very close with my family. I also love reading, fishing, being outdoors and watching children learn and grow!
Kristina Walls

Third Grade
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Carrie Abes	208					I graduated from the University of South Florida, Tampa Campus, in May of 2006. I have my bachelors in Elementary Education with an ESOL Endorsement. This is my third year teaching third grade here at Christa McAuliffe. I am very close with my family, an avid sports fan, and love to spend time with family and friends. I am looking forward to another great school year!
Casey Erny	206					Hello everybody! I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2006 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I am currently attending FGCU once again to obtain my Master’s in Reading. I plan to graduate in May 2009. I have lived here in Cape Coral for twelve years after moving down from Buffalo, New York (GO BILLS!). I have two wonderful cats, Buster and Taz, and volunteer regularly at the Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers. I absolutely LOVE to read, line dance, and sing karaoke. This is my third year teaching third grade at Christa McAuliffe, and there’s no place I would rather be. I am convinced this year will be the best yet!
Mathew Halstead http://www.freewebs.com/halsteadsatozed/index.htm	205					My name is Mathew Halstead. I went to State Univ. of NY at New Paltz where I majored in both Psychology and Philosophy. I taught English in Japan for a little over 6 years. This is my second year of teaching in an Elementary school. Other teaching related positions include coaching and personal training as well as teaching martial arts for 12 years.
Paula Lubovich	203					Hello, my name is Paula Lubovich and I’m a graduate of Indiana University. This will be my 29^th year of teaching in Lee County. I’m originally from a small farming town called Rensselaer, Indiana.
Judy Aviles	207

Fourth Grade
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Kristen Hall	212					I graduated from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island in 2004. I moved to Cape Coral in 2006 from Massachusetts. This is my second year teaching at Christa McAuliffe.
Joy Bonnaig	210
Arlene Velez	211
Yvette Ballestreros-Gore	209					2008-2009 will be my 6^th year in the field of teaching! My teaching experience includes 1 year as Science Lab instructor, 2 years Gifted Math & Science and this will be my 3^rd year instructing 4^th grade. I truly enjoy what I do and live by the philosophy “ The love of learning is contagious.” Graduated from Florida International University Magna Cum Laude ESOL endorsed and Gifted endorsed Bilingual English and Spanish

Fifth Grade
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Nancy Dunn	213					Ms. Dunn loves teaching Science! She uses many hands-0n Science investigations in the classroom laboratory so students can really understand what they are learning and have fun doing it. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Emmanuel College, Boston, MA and a Master of Education degree in K-8 Science Education from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She loves animals and shares her home on Pine Island with her cat and two dogs. This will be her 13th year teaching and she is looking forward to another exciting year of 5th grade Science!
Lisa Terrill	214
Saverna DeRose	215
Donna Artrip

Special Area Teachers
Teachers	Room Number			Email
Wendy Hearyman (P.E.)	185					Hi, I graduated from Bridgewater State College in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. I have a B.S. in PreK-12 physical education. This is my fourth year of teaching in Florida. I am originally from IL and have lived in Florida for 4 years.
Libby Payne (Media) http://www.schoolnotes.com/33991/christapayne.html	166					I went to Penn State (Go Lions!) and have taught in Lee County since March or April of ’88. Prior to becoming a Media Specialist I taught Severely Emotionally Disturbed, Profoundly Handicapped, and Learning Disabled students at Royal Palm Exceptional Student Center, Riverside School for Exceptional Students, and Gulf Middle School.
Chantel Smith (Music)	116					Chantel Smith is a fourth year music teacher who attended college at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. There she received her Bachelor’s in Music Education with a Vocal Concentration. While attending LSU she had the opportunity to work with some of the best professors in the music field. Mrs. Smith played the clarinet in middle and high school but she prefers to sing. She is married and has one 130 lb. English Mastiff named Sela, and one calico cat named Myrtle.
Jacquelin Collins (Gifted)	159					I’m Jacque Collins, the gifted teacher at Christa McAuliffe. I graduated from the University of Maryland and am currently involved in graduate work at Nova Southeastern University. I’ve been teaching for the last 12 years and I am a National Board Certified Teacher. Challenging and stimulating young minds and teaching in creative and innovative ways are what I like to do best. I am also an Odyssey of the Mind Coach.
Adina Seyfried (ESE)	161					Teaching: 6^th year Certifications: ESE/ESOL Colleges: Edison Community College, FGCU, Nova Degrees: AA, BS – working on national board certification this year
Jill Sotak (Speech)	Middle School					I was born in New Jersey and moved to Bethlehem Township, PA where I grew up in farm country. I received my BS degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Penn State University, State College. After graduation in 2002, I attended Bloomsburg University and earned my Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. I also published my thesis regarding the accuracy of teacher referrals for students with speech and language needs. After I graduated, I worked on the Traumatic Brain Injury wing at Good Shepherd Rehab hospital in Allentown. Then I accepted an Early Intervention position at the Colonial Intermediate Unit, where I worked with children diagnosed with Autism, Downs Syndrome, CP and Apraxia. In 2005 my college sweetheart, Kevin and I were married at the Ritz Carlton on Vanderbilt Beach, in Naples and made the decision to move to Cape Coral. I have been working in the City Charter schools, since Oasis Elementary opened in August 2005. Currently, I work at all three Charter Schools providing speech and language services to many students in need. Outside of school, I love to cook gourmet food, host dinner parties, work on cars, sing karaoke, shop, and spend time with my family. I’m also a huge sports fan, NY Yankees, NY Giants and of course PSU… “We Are”! We live with our Golden Retriever, Jewels (no human children yet!), and all the family and friends from up north that come down to visit so often! In the future, I hope to pursue my doctorate degree in Speech Language Pathology and teach at the University level.

Staff
Name			Email		Job Description
Dr. Lee Bush Attended the University of Illinois from 1965-1969, graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Eastern Illinois in 1976, Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida in 1988, and Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, in 1993. Teacher of Emotionally Handicapped for 3 years, 4th and 5th Grade for 9 years, Elementary Principal for 13 years, High School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director for 2 years, and Superintendent for 3 years. Married to my wonderful wife Faye for 23 years, 4 children, and 4 grandchildren.					Principal
Christine Hoffman					Exec. Assistant
Catherine Hoggs-Perez					Secretary to the Principal
Tony Iannacone					ITS Support
Michaela Carson					Information Specialist
Marisol Rivera					Receptionist
Liz Lugo					Cafeteria Manager
Jennifer Newman					Clinic

Assistants