Languages

Mrs. Melissa Spenner

Latin (K-3rd) | Theater

Melissa Spenner graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a BA in Theatre Arts. She is excited to start teaching at TCA, and is looking forward to working with various age groups. Melissa grew up learning about Latin, and cannot wait to share her love of the subject with her students. When she is not at school, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, Christopher. They are avid Disney fans, and are looking forward to celebrating their one-year anniversary this year.

Mrs. Janelle Young

Latin (4th)

Jack was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and he recently moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area after graduation from Moody Bible Institute with a BA in Youth Ministry. Jack loves working with students and helping them pursue truth, and he is excited to help further their knowledge and education in the classroom! When he is not teaching, Jack loves to volunteer at his church, relax at the beach, and play basketball.

Jack Young

Latin (5th & 6th)

Jack was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and he recently moved to the Bradenton/Sarasota area after graduation from Moody Bible Institute with a BA in Youth Ministry. Jack loves working with students and helping them pursue truth, and he is excited to help further their knowledge and education in the classroom! When he is not teaching, Jack loves to volunteer at his church, relax at the beach, and play basketball.

Mrs. Amy Olsen

Latin (7th)

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.

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. Nelly Longenecker

Spanish (K-6th)

Sra. Rosa Martín LaGarde

Spanish (Upper School)

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.