News
Welcome New ODA Faculty & Staff!
At Out-of-Door, we recruit nationally to identify the best possible talent to educate our students and lead our programs. We are pleased to introduce15 new members of the ODA team who joined us at the start of the 2019-2020 academic year.
Coming from a variety of educational settings, our new faculty and staff bring the ability to inspire students to reach their full potential and a passion for educating the whole child. Please be sure to welcome these new members of our ODA community when you see them on campus!
Lisa Clay - Co-Director Of College Counseling
Mrs. Lisa Clay has spent 14 years advising students, working in college admissions offices, and as a director of college counseling for independent schools. She is passionate about partnering with students to find the right college fit to springboard them into successful careers and lives. Mrs. Clay brings a unique personality, energy, and approach to the admissions process, and genuinely loves building quality relationships with students and families.
Latoya Davis - Second and Third Grade Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Latoya Davis holds a Master of Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in reading. Before joining the ODA family, she taught second and third grade at Brandon Academy for eight years. In addition to her love of teaching, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters.
John Delgado ‘15 - Upper School STEM Lab Teacher
Class of 2015 alumnus Mr. John Delgado recently graduated Cum Laude from Emory University with a BS in Science. His interest in 2-D and 3-D design, programming, and technology make him a perfect fit in the Uihlein Campus Maker and STEM Labs.
Lurea Doody - Upper School Physics Teacher
Dr. Lurea Doody’s research interests include understanding the motivational effects of sustainable science curriculum and green chemistry as a form of public scholarship. Always looking to nature for personal and professional inspiration, Dr. Doody enjoys biking, kayaking, fossil hunting, and bird watching.
Joshua Friedl - Lower School After Care Program Assistant
Mr. Joshua Friedl has worked for several years as a teacher’s aide and after-school care program teacher. His experience planning and directing indoor and outdoor activities and arts and crafts projects will be put to use when he assists Ms. Linse in After Care each day.
Thayer Greenberg - Middle School Theater Arts Teacher
Ms. Thayer Greenberg brings more than a decade’s worth of creative experience gained from working in children’s community theater in both New York City and Chicago. A native of Sarasota and a Booker Performing Arts graduate, Ms. Greenberg is excited to rejoin the Sarasota Arts community, not only as a teacher and director, but as a performer as well.
Erin Harding - Upper School History Teacher
Mrs. Erin Harding was a two-time recipient of Social Studies Teacher of the Year at Dr. Earl J. Lennard High School, and received a Certificate of Award for Outstanding Work in American History from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She cherishes being part of a school community and has held many active roles outside of the classroom including Student Government Advisor, Spelling Bee Coordinator, Varsity Swim Head Coach, and Cheerleading Coach.
Emma Henson ‘15 - Upper School Writing Lab Center
Ms. Emma Henson is an ODA Lifer who graduated in 2015. She has spent the past four years studying International Relations and German Studies at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany. During her time in college, Ms. Henson worked in the Center for Writing and Public Discourse, eventually becoming the Head Consultant. Her expertise will help guide our students in the Writing Center.
Carolyn Keber - Upper School Math Lab Teacher
While living in the UK, Mrs. Carolyn Keber taught at the University of London, SOAS, and tutored high school students in math, economics, and statistics. In addition, she coached lacrosse at the University of Leicester and for the Welsh National Team. Mrs. Keber is excited to be returning to the Out-of-Door community having previously taught in ODA’s Mathematics Department from 2008-2011.
Jason Mahn - Assistant Head of Middle School
In his most recent role as History Department Chair at Nichols School, Mr. Jason Mahn oversaw curricular shifts at both the Middle and Upper School levels—each seeking to foster a greater sense of inclusivity and global awareness. In addition, he also coached Varsity Baseball and JV/Varsity B=Volleyball. Outside of school, Mr. Mahn and his family are avid sports fans, proudly rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
Stephanie Paas - Middle School Visual Arts
Mrs. Stephanie Paas offers her students a wide range of expertise in both traditional and modern art-making methods, including ceramic arts, 2-D, 3-D, graphic design, Photoshop, and photography. Her past students in grades 6-8 have notably won Scholastic Art Gold Key Awards, artistic scholarships, and gone on to pursue careers in the arts.
Samuel Pederson - Upper School Mathematics Teacher
After a year of teaching math and physics in a small town in Honduras, Mr. Pederson relocated to Florida to teach math to high school students with learning differences. In his free time, Mr. Pederson enjoys running, Ultimate Frisbee, and traveling.
Brittany Pellegrino - Director of Lower School Counseling and Academic Services
Mrs. Brittany Pellegrino is licensed as a mental health counselor and is certified in school counseling and trauma-focused therapy. She joins The Out-of-Door Academy after serving as a therapist at Child Protection Center in Sarasota, FL. She has worked in the mental health and education fields for seven years and has served as a counselor in public, alternative, and charter school settings.
Kymberli Rivers - Middle School English/History Teacher
Mrs. Kymberli Rivers has taught English in grades 6-12, most recently teaching Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition at Manatee High School in Bradenton. Teaching students in both charter and public schools has provided her diverse teaching experiences that have shaped her innovative and engaging instructional style. This past year, Mrs. Rivers was honored to be awarded the prestigious Congressional Teacher of the Year for the 16th district of Florida.
Emily Shaw - Lower School Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Emily Shaw has a passion for working with young children and more than ten years of teaching experience. When she is not teaching, Ms. Shaw enjoys searching for beach treasures, golf, photography, and gardening.
Melanie Simmons, CFRE - Director of Development
Mrs. Melanie Simmons has a range of experience in fundraising, holding Development roles in Southern California at Laura's House, a domestic violence agency, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Prior to beginning her career in Development, she played professional soccer in the German Bundesliga and in the WPSL, a semi-professional league, for the Atlanta Silverbacks.
Angie Wilson - Lower School STEM Teacher
Ms. Angie Wilson is continuing her education with Endeavor, NASA’s STEM certification program. Most recently, she taught fifth and sixth grade science and social studies, coached cross country and Science Olympiad, mentored beginning teachers, and served on curriculum committees. When she isn’t teaching, she loves to travel and be outside kayaking, gardening, exercising, or simply watching a sunset at the beach.
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Lisa Clay - Co-Director Of College Counseling
Mrs. Lisa Clay has spent 14 years advising students, working in college admissions offices, and as a director of college counseling for independent schools. She is passionate about partnering with students to find the right college fit to springboard them into successful careers and lives. Mrs. Clay brings a unique personality, energy, and approach to the admissions process, and genuinely loves building quality relationships with students and families.
Latoya Davis - Second and Third Grade Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Latoya Davis holds a Master of Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in reading. Before joining the ODA family, she taught second and third grade at Brandon Academy for eight years. In addition to her love of teaching, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two daughters.
John Delgado ‘15 - Upper School STEM Lab Teacher
Class of 2015 alumnus Mr. John Delgado recently graduated Cum Laude from Emory University with a BS in Science. His interest in 2-D and 3-D design, programming, and technology make him a perfect fit in the Uihlein Campus Maker and STEM Labs.
Lurea Doody - Upper School Physics Teacher
Dr. Lurea Doody’s research interests include understanding the motivational effects of sustainable science curriculum and green chemistry as a form of public scholarship. Always looking to nature for personal and professional inspiration, Dr. Doody enjoys biking, kayaking, fossil hunting, and bird watching.
Joshua Friedl - Lower School After Care Program Assistant
Mr. Joshua Friedl has worked for several years as a teacher’s aide and after-school care program teacher. His experience planning and directing indoor and outdoor activities and arts and crafts projects will be put to use when he assists Ms. Linse in After Care each day.
Thayer Greenberg - Middle School Theater Arts Teacher
Ms. Thayer Greenberg brings more than a decade’s worth of creative experience gained from working in children’s community theater in both New York City and Chicago. A native of Sarasota and a Booker Performing Arts graduate, Ms. Greenberg is excited to rejoin the Sarasota Arts community, not only as a teacher and director, but as a performer as well.
Erin Harding - Upper School History Teacher
Mrs. Erin Harding was a two-time recipient of Social Studies Teacher of the Year at Dr. Earl J. Lennard High School, and received a Certificate of Award for Outstanding Work in American History from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She cherishes being part of a school community and has held many active roles outside of the classroom including Student Government Advisor, Spelling Bee Coordinator, Varsity Swim Head Coach, and Cheerleading Coach.
Emma Henson ‘15 - Upper School Writing Lab Center
Ms. Emma Henson is an ODA Lifer who graduated in 2015. She has spent the past four years studying International Relations and German Studies at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich, Germany. During her time in college, Ms. Henson worked in the Center for Writing and Public Discourse, eventually becoming the Head Consultant. Her expertise will help guide our students in the Writing Center.
Carolyn Keber - Upper School Math Lab Teacher
While living in the UK, Mrs. Carolyn Keber taught at the University of London, SOAS, and tutored high school students in math, economics, and statistics. In addition, she coached lacrosse at the University of Leicester and for the Welsh National Team. Mrs. Keber is excited to be returning to the Out-of-Door community having previously taught in ODA’s Mathematics Department from 2008-2011.
Jason Mahn - Assistant Head of Middle School
In his most recent role as History Department Chair at Nichols School, Mr. Jason Mahn oversaw curricular shifts at both the Middle and Upper School levels—each seeking to foster a greater sense of inclusivity and global awareness. In addition, he also coached Varsity Baseball and JV/Varsity B=Volleyball. Outside of school, Mr. Mahn and his family are avid sports fans, proudly rooting for the Buffalo Bills and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
Stephanie Paas - Middle School Visual Arts
Mrs. Stephanie Paas offers her students a wide range of expertise in both traditional and modern art-making methods, including ceramic arts, 2-D, 3-D, graphic design, Photoshop, and photography. Her past students in grades 6-8 have notably won Scholastic Art Gold Key Awards, artistic scholarships, and gone on to pursue careers in the arts.
Samuel Pederson - Upper School Mathematics Teacher
After a year of teaching math and physics in a small town in Honduras, Mr. Pederson relocated to Florida to teach math to high school students with learning differences. In his free time, Mr. Pederson enjoys running, Ultimate Frisbee, and traveling.
Brittany Pellegrino - Director of Lower School Counseling and Academic Services
Mrs. Brittany Pellegrino is licensed as a mental health counselor and is certified in school counseling and trauma-focused therapy. She joins The Out-of-Door Academy after serving as a therapist at Child Protection Center in Sarasota, FL. She has worked in the mental health and education fields for seven years and has served as a counselor in public, alternative, and charter school settings.
Kymberli Rivers - Middle School English/History Teacher
Mrs. Kymberli Rivers has taught English in grades 6-12, most recently teaching Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition at Manatee High School in Bradenton. Teaching students in both charter and public schools has provided her diverse teaching experiences that have shaped her innovative and engaging instructional style. This past year, Mrs. Rivers was honored to be awarded the prestigious Congressional Teacher of the Year for the 16th district of Florida.
Emily Shaw - Lower School Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Emily Shaw has a passion for working with young children and more than ten years of teaching experience. When she is not teaching, Ms. Shaw enjoys searching for beach treasures, golf, photography, and gardening.
Melanie Simmons, CFRE - Director of Development
Mrs. Melanie Simmons has a range of experience in fundraising, holding Development roles in Southern California at Laura's House, a domestic violence agency, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Prior to beginning her career in Development, she played professional soccer in the German Bundesliga and in the WPSL, a semi-professional league, for the Atlanta Silverbacks.
Angie Wilson - Lower School STEM Teacher
Ms. Angie Wilson is continuing her education with Endeavor, NASA’s STEM certification program. Most recently, she taught fifth and sixth grade science and social studies, coached cross country and Science Olympiad, mentored beginning teachers, and served on curriculum committees. When she isn’t teaching, she loves to travel and be outside kayaking, gardening, exercising, or simply watching a sunset at the beach.
The Out-of-Door Academy
LOWER SCHOOL | Historic Siesta Key Campus | Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-3223 | Fax: 941-349-8133
LOWER SCHOOL | Lower School Campus on Clark Road | Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 | COMING SOON
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-3223 | Fax: 941-349-8133
LOWER SCHOOL | Lower School Campus on Clark Road | Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241 | COMING SOON
MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS | Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch | Grades 6 – 8 | Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240 | 941-349-3223 | Fax: 941-907-1251
The Out-of-Door Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, physical ability, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an equal opportunity employer.
© 2023 The Out-of-Door Academy
© 2023 The Out-of-Door Academy