Languages

Emily Bemis

Latin (Lower School)

Although Mrs. Bemis is native to Washington State, she and her family were thrilled to become Floridians in 2022! She holds a bachelor’s Degree from Mount Holyoke College, a Master’s in Teaching from Northwest University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Seattle Pacific University. She began her career in Hong Kong, teaching English abroad. After returning to the US in 2011, Mrs. Bemis taught for a variety of private and classical schools in the greater Seattle Area. Mrs. Bemis loves instructing all subjects, but has a special place in her heart for teaching a deep love of music, theater and literature. Mrs. Bemis is very happily married to Coach Bemis, also a teacher at TCA. Mr. and Mrs. Bemis are the proud parents of Lucy and Gracie, both of whom attend TCA. In her spare time, Mrs. Bemis might be found creating culinary delights, singing loudly while cleaning her house, playing with her family on the beach, or curling up with a great book!

Mr. Drew Sarchet

Latin (Upper School) | Greek 1

Born in Sarasota, Drew is a Florida native. He studied philosophy at the University of South Florida where he earned his B.A. He then moved to Southern California to continue his studies at Biola University earning an M.A. in Philosophy of Religion & Ethics and an M.A. in Theology with a Greek Emphasis. He moved back to Florida in the Spring of 2015. He enjoys teaching and discussing topics in philosophy, ethics, religion, and language.

Sra. Rosa Martín LaGarde

Spanish & Club (Upper School), World Languages Dept. Head, NHS Chapter Adviser

Rose Martín LaGarde (Señora Rosa) was born and raised in New York City and moved to Sarasota (along with her family) in the mid 1970’s. She is a first generation American from Cuban parents, descendant from Spain. Both her mom and dad immigrated to the United States in the 1940’s-1950’s (her dad came in order to escape the ongoing revolution of Fidel Castro). Growing up in a bilingual household has served Señora Rosa well throughout her entire life, personally and professionally, though Spanish was the primary language spoken at home and at family gatherings. Rose holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Florida in Food Science & Human Nutrition. Her career experience within the field has included lab technician for a food safety testing laboratory, nutritional counsellor/team leader for an established weight loss center, and as general manager/trainer/menu consultant within commercial kitchens and the restaurant industry. She maintains a passion for leadership and instruction.

Sra. Nelly Longenecker

Spanish (PS-2nd)

Senora Nelly was born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, and moved to United States, in 2005, beginning her journey in Colorado Springs. She holds a bachelor's degree in communication from Puebla, Mexico, and has a rich professional background.

Her career highlights include working as a producer and broadcaster for a radio and TV station, and contributing to the social sector of one of Mexico's largest health systems. After moving to Colorado, she excelled as an event coordinator for corporate events and worked as a contractor at the prestigious Broadmoor Hotel.

In December 2012, she relocated to Florida. Spanish is her first language, and she is known for her vibrant personality, love for children and strong connections to her family, who still reside in Puebla.

Mrs. Amy Olsen

Latin (Upper School)

Amy Olsen has taught Latin and Language Arts in classical schools and co-ops in Texas and New Jersey. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she holds her BA in music from Wheaton College and her M.Ed. Degree in English from Liberty University. When not teaching at TCA, Amy, a classically trained singer, helps her husband with his music ministry in Venice, and manages her company, Writing Tales, which distributes her own classical elementary writing curriculum. Amy and her husband Glen have three grown children, one of whom also teaches at TCA.