Mrs. Rebecca Leguizamon
Lower School Dean
Mrs. Rebecca Leguizamon
Lower School Dean
Mrs. Leguizamon graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She began her career in education in Tampa as a middle and high school Language Arts teacher, and then held the title of Assistant Principal. At TCA, she has taught middle and high school, and currently serves as the Lower School Dean. She is a mom of five who enjoys spending time traveling with her family and attending their various sporting events.
Mrs. Lauren Betts
Kindergarten
Mrs. Lauren Betts
Kindergarten
Lauren Betts was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. She attended Arizona State University to receive a BS degree in Psychology. She is married to her wonderful husband, Parker. Ever since she was a child Lauren has always had a passion to teach. When she was introduced to TCA in 2020, she fell in love with classical education. This is her 5th year as a Kindergarten teacher, and she cannot wait for what this year has in store! In her free time, she is either spending time with family and friends, reading by the pool, or camping!
Emmalie Brock
Kindergarten
Emmalie Brock
Kindergarten
Emmalie was born in Tallahassee, Florida but has lived in Sarasota most of her life. She graduated from Southeastern University in 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Ministerial Leadership. After graduating, she worked part time at Bayside Community Church as a Kids Coordinator and part time at TCA as a lower school Aide. This is Emmalie's first year as a Kindergarten Teacher. She has a true passion for kids and loves playing a part in helping them grow in knowledge, wisdom, and virtue. She also loves the Lord and is excited that He has called her to teach and empower the next generation of leaders. She is excited for all this school year has in store, as well as her wedding planning for her upcoming wedding in March!
Mrs. Isabelle Hayes
Kindergarten
Mrs. Isabelle Hayes
Kindergarten
Mrs. Hayes graduated from Trinity Baptist College with a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and a Master of Education in Leadership & Instruction. She began teaching Kindergarten in 2020 at a classical academy in Jacksonville, FL before relocating to Sarasota to join the TCA family in 2021. She taught 2nd grade and now teaches Kindergarten. Her passion is to instill a desire for the good, true, and beautiful and a deep love of learning in the hearts of her students. Mrs. Hayes is married to Mr. Hayes, who teaches Logic and Rhetoric in TCA’s Upper School. Together, they seek to serve the Lord and love others like Jesus.
Ms. Kelly Murray
Kindergarten
Ms. Kelly Murray
Kindergarten
Kelly graduated from the University of South Florida with her Bachelor's Degree in Communication. As a Sarasota native, she has lived in Florida her whole life. After graduation, she was reminded that her true passion was working with children. Teaching runs in her family, and she has watched her mother teach 5th grade in Sarasota County for many years. This is her fourth-year teaching kindergarten, and spending each day doing what she loves. In her free time, Kelly adores trips to Disney, reading on her Kindle, spending time with her wonderful friends and family, and playing with her sweet puppy, Barley.
Mrs. Tamicka Quandt
Kindergarten
Mrs. Tamicka Quandt
Kindergarten
Mrs. Q is from the land of Lincoln...Illinois. She grew up on Lincoln Ave. She joined the U.S. Navy after high school and was stationed onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln working with helicopters. Needless to say, she loves a shiny penny! She was once a massage therapist before becoming a Deputy at the Sheriff's Office. She actually met her husband in jail...on the right side of the bars. She loves telling salty sea stories to her students. Mrs. Q loves God, the USA and spending time at home with her family. She is a no-nonsense person who enjoys laughing at herself and finding joy in the chaos.
Delany Forbes
Teacher's Aide
Delany Forbes
Teacher's Aide
Mrs. Alison Lacy
1st Grade
Mrs. Alison Lacy
1st Grade
Ali is a graduate from USF with a bachelor's degree in Criminology. Her career history has been in corrections, juvenile justice, and counseling. She started volunteering at TCA in 2018 when her oldest son started kindergarten. That turned into substitute teaching, then a part time aide position, and in 2022 she became a full-time 1st grade teacher. She has a passion for teaching children and loves classical education. She and her husband married in 2012. They have 2 sons that attend TCA. She loves watching her sons play sports, camping with her family and working on their homestead together. Her husband, John, retired in 2024 after serving 25 years in the U.S. Army. They are a proud military family.
Stephanie Mercier
1st Grade
Stephanie Mercier
1st Grade
Stephanie Mercier graduated from Flagler College with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. After college she taught for 3.5 years in North Florida public education. Working with children has always been her passion. Last year, she was thrilled to return to her career in education and served as TCA’s 1st Grade Aide. This year, Mrs. Mercier is very excited to be teaching 1st Grade. Mrs. Mercier is married to her loving husband David and they have two children; a son and daughter who attend TCA. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys adventures with her husband and children, gardening, trips to the beach, baking, thrifting, and crafts. Mrs. Mercier is a Sarasota native and is so grateful to be part of the TCA Family!
Mrs. Ashley Tamburino
1st Grade
Mrs. Ashley Tamburino
1st Grade
It's A Great Day To Be A Patriot. GO PATRIOTS!
Allyson Smith
1st Grade
Allyson Smith
1st Grade
Mrs. Pamela Winchell
1st Grade
Mrs. Pamela Winchell
1st Grade
Pamela grew up in the Bradenton/Sarasota and attended Florida State University, where she graduated with a degree in Chemical Science. She and her husband Terry have been married for 20 years and have 2 daughters who attend TCA. Her career history has been in the Financial Sector for the past 17 years. She recently joined TCA as a substitute teacher in January 2023 and was thrilled to join the first-grade team as a teacher for the 2023 school year. In her spare time she enjoys RVing across the country with her family, boating, and outdoor activities.
Joanna Barr
Teacher's Aide
Joanna Barr
Teacher's Aide
Amy Shaw
Teacher's Aide
Amy Shaw
Teacher's Aide
Megan Grier
2nd Grade
Megan Grier
2nd Grade
Megan was born and raised in Bradenton, FL. She married her husband, Rob, in 2008 with whom she has three wonderful kids Devyn, Rylee, and Emmett. She spent a decade as a stay-at-home mom before returning to work at her children's previous school, where she discovered her passion for education and enrolled at WGU for an Elementary Studies degree. This is her second year at TCA, where she has come to love classical education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, boating, and attempting to keep up in pickleball!
Jenna Ramalho
2nd Grade
Jenna Ramalho
2nd Grade
Mrs. Michelle Schale
2nd Grade
Mrs. Michelle Schale
2nd Grade
Michelle settled in the Sarasota area as an adult. She spent 16 years in law enforcement before transitioning to the classroom. Michelle discovered her passion for TCA while three of her five daughters were attending the school. She and her husband love traveling and working together on home projects.
Kaylee Mauser
2nd Grade
Kaylee Mauser
2nd Grade
Kaylee has lived in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, but has lived much of her life in Bradenton, FL. She graduated from Southeastern University summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology. She has worked in ministry as a worship leader and managed a worship academy where she has taught piano to students and adults of all ages for 4 years. More recently, Kaylee has been working at TCA as the 2nd grade aide. She is passionate about teaching! In her spare time, Kaylee stays busy reading, singing, teaching piano, and planning for her upcoming wedding this year.
Keri McMahon
2nd Grade
Keri McMahon
2nd Grade
Keri McMahon was raised in Sarasota, FL and graduated from the University of South Florida with her bachelor's degree in forensic studies and justice. She worked in anti-human trafficking with Selah Freedom before moving to Austin, Texas where she started teaching and fell in love with the classroom. Keri taught for three years in Texas before deciding to come back to her hometown. She has a passion for teaching and a heart for children and cannot wait for this new chapter at TCA both in the classroom and in the gym coaching volleyball. In her free time, Keri loves playing pickleball, beach volleyball, being outside, spending time with her family, or cooking something up in the kitchen.
Robin Clapp
3rd Grade
Robin Clapp
3rd Grade
Robin Clapp was born and raised in northern California. She studied psychology at Colorado Christian University, where she met her husband, Mike. They have been married for 24 years and have two daughters that are 18 and 19 years old. She has taught classically for over 10 years and is amazed at what she continues to learn from year to year, as she teaches her students. In her free time, she enjoys working on house projects with her husband, spending time with her girls, and serving at her church.
Mrs. Jana Espy
3rd Grade
Mrs. Jana Espy
3rd Grade
Jana grew up in Alabama and graduated from Auburn University. She moved to Florida from Texas in 2000 and quickly fell in love with Sarasota and all it has to offer. Teaching kids and watching them learn and grow is her passion, and she has been doing this for more than 20 years. In her free time, Jana enjoys exercising, traveling, boating, and spending time at the beach. She and her husband, Bill, have one son.
Madi Frick
3rd Grade
Madi Frick
3rd Grade
Madi grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has lived there her whole life. She recently graduated from the University of South Florida, and has worked as a substitute teacher. She also volunteers at the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and does history talks at Manatee County’s public libraries. In her free time, Madi enjoys researching, reading, and writing. She has a pet cat named Salsa. Madi is very excited to be teaching at TCA!
Jene' Howard
3rd Grade
Jene' Howard
3rd Grade
Jene’ is a Florida native. She graduated from the University of South Florida and has taught elementary school for 30 years. Fun fact: at the beginning of her career, Jene’ taught in Florida’s last one-room-schoolhouse for two years. She is excited to continue her passion of teaching children and helping them grow as a part of The Classical Academy of Sarasota family. When Jene’ is not at work, she is camping with her husband, James, or spending time with family. Her daughter, Jamie, will be teaching 4th grade at TCA and three of her seven grandchildren attend school here. She has a son, Joshua, who is a youth pastor and another son, Joseph, who works as a pediatric nurse.
Cydney Hernandez
3rd Grade
Cydney Hernandez
3rd Grade
Mrs. Hernandez is from Jackson Tennessee and loves this generation! She moved to Florida in 2021 after a year of teaching middle & high school . As a second-year teacher at TCA , she has thrived at building relationships and empowering students by learning what best serves them. Her experience both in and out of the classroom with K-12th has equipped her to adapt to the needs of her classroom and individual students. As a new wife, Mrs. Hernandez is ecstatic to hit the ground running and read a few good books this Fall.
Julie Marmelo
Teacher's Aide
Julie Marmelo
Teacher's Aide
Julia Marmelo was born and raised in Westport, Connecticut, and graduated from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore with a degree in psychology. She is thrilled and grateful to join TCA, where she is eager to support students' growth and help them develop a love for learning. Julia enjoys spending time with her family and friends outside the classroom, including her three siblings. Her passions include swimming, camping, reading, and dancing.
Angela Ramsey
4th Grade
Angela Ramsey
4th Grade
Jessica Long
4th Grade
Jessica Long
4th Grade
Rachel Sanders
4th Grade
Rachel Sanders
4th Grade
Mrs. Sanders was born and raised I Nashville, Tennessee. She graduated from The University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education and has been in the education field for nineteen years. She moved to Sarasota in 2011, where shortly after, she met her husband, Shawn. They have two children together, Charlie and Maddie and a dog named Sierra. In her free time she enjoys working out, going camping in their RV, reading and spending time with family.
Jamie Squire
4th Grade
Jamie Squire
4th Grade
Jamie is a Florida native and graduate of State College of Florida (undergrad) and Florida State University (grad school). Her career history includes roles in nursing, admin/leadership, writing/copyediting, and education. Jamie and her husband, Brett, have been married for 11 years and share 3 wonderful children – all TCA students. Jamie began volunteering at TCA, became a substitute, and fell in love with classical education and the “TCA way”. This will be her first-year teaching 4th grade and she couldn't be happier! She and her family enjoy reading, family game nights, and traveling together.
Maya Moshier
Teacher's Aide
Maya Moshier
Teacher's Aide
Gina Bordones
5th Grade
Gina Bordones
5th Grade
Mrs. Bordones was born and raised in Indiana. She graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has been in the education field for 22 years. She moved to Sarasota in 2014. She and her husband have 3 children (2 boys and a girl). The oldest is attending USF in Tampa, her middle child is off to the Navy, and her daughter is just beginning high school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, relaxing at the beach, and spending time with family.
Mr. Justin Bradford
5th Grade
Mr. Justin Bradford
5th Grade
Justin was born in Santa Cruz, California and later moved to Sarasota Florida where he attended Cardinal Mooney High School and would go on to study Anthropology at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!). After many wonderful years serving in vocational ministry, he continued his education and is currently working toward a degree in Biblical Studies. Justin has a passion for history and literature as well as traveling to experience other cultures.
Mr. Spence McSorley
5th Grade
Mr. Spence McSorley
5th Grade
Spence McSorley grew up in Elkhart, Indiana, near the University of Notre Dame where he received a BA in History (2005) and an MA in Theology (2007). He is married to Andrea, a native Floridian from Tampa Bay. Together they have four incredible boys—Seth, Micah, Nathan, and Isaac. After a three-year mission serving the church in Malawi, Africa, the McSorleys moved to Manatee County where Spence was the Director of Religious Education & Youth Ministries at Our Lady of the Angels from 2013-2022. Spence enjoys learning about different cultures and experiencing them through art, cuisine, music, and travel.
Mrs. Lesli Krumm
5th Grade
Mrs. Lesli Krumm
5th Grade
Gina Berriola
Teacher's Aide
Gina Berriola
Teacher's Aide
Gina, a New York native, moved to the beautiful Sarasota area along with her husband and two children in 2021. She attended Towson University where she earned her BA in Elementary Education (1998), then went on to Hofstra University pursuing a MA in Math, Science, and Technology (2003). She has taught for over 15 years in the classroom as well as taken on roles as resource room teacher for both reading and math. Her love of teaching, learning, and growing continued in 2009 where she trained and earned multiple certifications in the field of Yoga and Mindfulness. She opened her own studio and brought this practice to over 30 libraries and school districts all over Long Island, NY. Outside of the classroom, Gina loves to spend time by the water, growing in her faith, cooking, gardening, making syrups and tinctures, traveling, and most of all making memories with her family. She is super excited to take a supportive role this year as a teacher's aide. Let's go Patriots!
Ms. Elaine Belenguer
6th Grade
Ms. Elaine Belenguer
6th Grade
Elaine was born and raised in Long Valley, New Jersey. In 2017, she moved to Jacksonville, Florida to study education at Jacksonville University. With the love and support of her amazing family, Elaine earned her BS in Elementary Education, her M.Ed., and her TESOL and Reading Endorsements. Elaine is so excited to start her third year teaching 6th grade at TCA! When she is not at school, you can find Elaine relaxing on the beach or wandering through Target.
Ms. Debbie Hegeman
6th Grade
Ms. Debbie Hegeman
6th Grade
Miss Debbie Hegeman was born in Jackson, Michigan and moved to Florida in elementary school. She has lived in the Bradenton/Sarasota area since fourth grade. She attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, S.C., where she graduated in 1987 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Miss Hegeman has taught every elementary grade level. Miss Hegeman enjoys spending time with friends and family and reading.
Jack Young
6th Grade
