Meet Your Elementary Presenters

Jason Barela

Jason Barela is a Health Education Consultant for the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County.  He has been with FDOH St. Lucie since May of 2021 and is responsible for launching a Diabetes Prevention Program in the county, as well as overseeing the Healthy St. Lucie Coalition’s Billion Steps Challenge, and implementing other projects focused on preventing chronic diseases and conditions. Jason has worked in the Health Promotion field for the past 24 years..  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Education from the University of Cincinnati in 1999.  Jason is originally from Ohio and moved to Florida in 2000 and has resided on the Treasure Coast since 2004.  He is a former Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.  Jason’s previous career experiences includes operating in professional baseball and being a Health and Science educator in local schools. Most recently, he operated a local Health Studio and prior to that, he served as the first Fitness Supervisor for the City of Port St. Lucie (Civic Center).  Jason is an avid runner, and cyclist, and spends much of his free time with his three children.

  • Health Champions

Lucy Bravo

Lucy Bravo is the Education Association of St. Lucie’s Organizing & Member Advocacy Specialist. She has served in many roles for the Association over more than 15 years.  During this time, Lucy has become a certified instructor of many courses including First Aid/CPR and True Colors®.  She also coordinates our Member Organizers,  represents members, and manages the union’s social media platforms. Lucy is involved in the community by serving on the SLC Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as an Ambassador.   She is married with 3 very active children. Thanks to attending classes and now as a True Colors® Facilitator, she has better knowledge of assisting others in understanding and appreciating the different personalities around us.

  • True Colors

Mark Dionisio

  • Health Champions

Elizabeth Fisher

Elizabeth Fisher (Liz) began her teaching career in St. Lucie Public schools as a first-grade teacher at Lawnwood Elementary in 1999. During her nearly 20 years working at Lawnwood Elementary Liz was a primary classroom teacher, 21st Century Coordinator, two-time Teacher of the Year, Teacher of the Year Green Zone Finalist, tutor, mentor and K-5 Literacy Coach.

In recent years she has earned her master’s degree in literacy and math and has worked toward her Specialist degree in Educational Leadership. Currently Liz works as a curriculum developer for ELA K-5 and specializes in phonics and phonemic awareness.

Her family is one of her greatest accomplishments, she has been married for over 20 years to her husband Brain. Liz takes great pride in her children and the fact that both her children work and thrive in St Lucie County.

Her son Aaron is a Doctor at Ocean Chiropractic, and her daughter, Jalen is in her 5th year of teaching currently working at White City Elementary as a 2nd grade teacher. Aaron and his wife, Taylor just welcomed their first baby, Celia Iris! So, Liz is now a grandmom!

Throughout her years in education Liz has always believed that it is essential to teach the whole child and support teachers in their TEACHER-NESS!

  • It’s Safari Time! Don’t forget to pack your UFLI Essentials! Centers /Stations/Task K-2
  • Are you ready for a WILD Safari Adventure? Achievement Level Descriptions -Aligned Small Group Materials 3-5

Zulay Garcia-Nieves

Zulay Garcia is an enthusiastic educator with over 21 years of teaching experience. She holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and currently works as her district’s K-5 Science and Social Studies Curriculum Developer. Born in Puerto Rico, Zulay uses her background as a second language learner to enrich her ESOL: Applied Linguistics course. She is passionate about integrating technology into education and has earned the Microsoft Innovator Educator Expert certification. Zulay is a loving mother of two teenagers and has been happily married for 23 years. Zulay is bilingual, got married at 17, has read over 1,150 books in the last decade, and has met several MLB players despite not watching baseball.

  • Embark on a Canvas Safari: Discover the New Layout
  • Canvas for Advanced Users
  • Canva

Julia Hilburn

Julia Hilburn, Network Systems Analyst for St. Lucie Public Schools, holds a Masters in Instructional Design and has 16-years of curriculum technology experience. Julia has been at the forefront of instructional technology, breaking down classroom walls and igniting a spark throughout school campuses to enhance technology instruction in K-12 classrooms. In her current role as a Network Systems Analyst, Julia supports the district’s technology initiatives with a systemic focus on robust infrastructure and innovative solutions. Her unique blend of curriculum insight and technical expertise allows her to bridge the gap between instructional technology and IT, ensuring that the district remains at the forefront of educational technology. 

  • Navigating AI

Lisa Imperato

  • Trekking Through Texts: Building Fluency and Background Knowledge 3rd-5th

Carmela Innamorato

Innamorato, Mel

  • Cooperative Learning Structres for the Elementary Classroom

Samantha Lamora

Samantha Lamora is a K-5 Elementary ELA curriculum developer with a passion for high-quality instruction. With a strong background in early literacy, Samantha supports teachers and schools with phonics-based interventions, data-driven planning, and instructional best practices. Samantha holds a B.A. in Elementary Ed. from FAU and is currently completing her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from ACE. Outside of school, she is a proud mom of 3 daughters and spends her weekends cheering them on at dance competitions alongside her husband Alex.

  • It’s always BEST to be prepared for your Literacy JOURNEY! Scaffolding for all Learners K-5

Lina Lloyd

Lina Lloyd

  • Loose Parts, Big Thinking: Sparking Creativity and Problem-Solving in Early Childhood

Nancy Mejias

Nancy Mejias, M.Ed., is a Native Floridian with over 30 years of experience in education as an elementary teacher, literacy coach, and curriculum specialist. She currently works in SLPS as a curriculum developer and is working on her Ed. Specialist Degree in Reading K-12, with a certificate in Dyslexia Studies. She is also the Assistant Editor of the Florida Literacy Association’s publication, “Teachers on the Cutting Edge.”

  • Wild About Reading: Cultivating Independent Readers in the Classroom

Dana Miller

My name is Dana Miller and I work for the Office of Teaching and Learning through the Talent Development Department as an Instructional Specialist. I worked 17 years in the classroom teaching all grades Kindergarten through Eighth, was an interventionist, and a Literacy Coach. I have served as a Literacy Curriculum Developer and an Instructional Partner with the School Renewal Team. I graduated from the American College of Education in 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. In my spare time I enjoy date nights with my husband of 7 years, traveling for Club Volleyball with my 16 year-old son, and helping to raise a pig for several months of the year as part of my son’s 4-H Animal Project.

  • How to Create and Design Professional Learning
  • Navigating Difficult Conversations: 8 Step Process to Providing Feedback

Julie Moore

With 22 years of experience in education, Julie Moore is a nationally board-certified educator holding a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She specializes in engagement strategies and differentiation, ensuring that every student receives personalized and effective learning experiences. As a dedicated professional and a parent of three, Julie is passionate about fostering a love for learning both in the classroom and at home. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family, and exploring new ideas to continually enhance her teaching practices.

  • Fostering a Growth Mindset in Students
  • Safari Stomp: Energizing Classroom Learning Through Movement

Wendy Munao

Wendy Munao has dedicated 22 years to St. Lucie Public Schools. Of those, she has served as a school media specialist, district liaison, and District Media Specialist for a decade, with expertise in curating and overseeing diverse collections, including digital resource databases. Prior to her role in library media services in St. Lucie County, she taught elementary classes across different grades. Presently, Wendy holds the position of District Media Specialist, collaborating with all St. Lucie County media centers and specialists.

  • Creating Reading Challenges for Students in Beanstack
  • Building Reports in Resource & Library Manager
  • Gale & World Book Basics- Research, Citation, & Choice Boards

Yashira Ortiz

Yashira A. Cruz Rodriguez is Inwater Research Group’s K-12 Program Coordinator. She combines her training in coastal marine biology and instructional design to develop meaningful and engaging environmental education programming centering local conservation topics. Through her work with IRG, she equips partners throughout Florida to host and facilitate free Traveling Trunk loan programs designed to address standards while equipping learners to be sea turtle advocates. She also trains teachers to bring these resources into their classrooms. 

  • New Turtle Quest Trunk by InWater Research

Kim Perry

Kimberly Perry is a dedicated education professional with over 15 years of experience. She spent 11 years as an elementary and middle school teacher. For the past 4 years, Kimberly has been with Discovery Education, where she plays a crucial role in supporting teachers and districts to ensure successful implementations of educational programs and resources.

  • Back-to-School with Discovery Education
  • Accommodations for students using Discovery Education

Rebecca Petrie

Rebecca Petrie is the Education Association of St. Lucie’s CTA Vice-President. She has been a teacher in St. Lucie for 23 years with 17 years of elementary classroom experience. Prior to that, she attended grades K-12 here in the district and graduated from Indian River Community College and Florida Atlantic University. In her role as the CTA Vice-President, Rebecca represents members and serves on several union, district, and state committees. Rebecca is proud to be a certified True Colors® facilitator helping her colleagues across the district to create a community where all people are appreciated for their unique qualities.

  • True Colors

Jacob Power

Jacob Power is an Instructional Specialist with the Office of Teaching and Learning. A product of St. Lucie Public Schools and a proud alumni of the University of Florida, he is in his 11th year in education and has been a classroom teacher as well as an instructional coach. He is passionate about supporting teachers in finding new ways to craft engaging learning experiences for students without needing to burn the midnight oil creating endless materials. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the local libraries and bookstores with his wife and son, finding hidden gem restaurants and drinking a well-made cup of Cuban coffee.

  • Desmos for Interactivity
  • How to Create and Design Professional Learning
  • Making Small Group Instruction Work with the Modern Classroom

Suzanne Power

Suzy is a behavior specialist in the Student Services department. She has previously worked as a school assessment coordinator, a dean, and a social studies teacher in St Lucie County and served as a Teach for America corps member in southern Louisiana. She has a passion for data and supporting students and teachers. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, reading, or hiking.

  • Data Tracking for Behavior Management
  • Effective Classroom Procedures

Caroline Redding

Caroline Redding has worked in St. Lucie Public Schools for 15 years as a teacher, a mentor, coach, and trainer. She earned her bachelor in elementary education from Florida Atlantic University, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. Both of her children are SLC born and raised, attending and graduating from St. Lucie Public schools. In her spare time, she enjoys board games, swimming, and reading, as well as learning the art of paper curling.

  • Create and Capture: Adventures in Ready to Use Motivation Systems

Jordan Rosenthal

Jordan Rosenthal is a Curriculum Training and Support Specialist at Gallopade, where she supports educators in implementing social studies curriculum and navigating digital tools. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Florida and has experience as a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and instructional leader. Jordan is a proud mom to her son, Bray, who is starting his first year of middle school. She enjoys traveling, exploring cute bookshops, and finding great coffee wherever she goes!

  • Engaging Students with Gallopade

Mandy Rowland

Mandy Rowland has been a passionate advocate for education in St Lucie County for 17 years. She began her career as a first-grade teacher at St. Lucie West K-8 School, where she cultivated a deep commitment to student achievement. Mandy then transitioned to the Office of Teaching and Learning as a K-5 ELA Curriculum Developer. Her role involved supporting the implementation of literacy programs and effective literacy practices that elevated and lifted educators’ knowledge and skills. Mandy is currently the State Regional Literacy Director for St Lucie Public Schools and surrounding districts, working through Just Read, Florida! and the Florida Department of Education. Her focus is to empower educators with the latest research and best practices in reading, writing, and learning, while fostering a deep love for literacy among students.

  • Roaring into Literacy: Safari Strategies for K-2 Engagement

Alyssa Saldarriaga

Alyssa Saldarriaga is a South Florida native who is passionate about protecting the diverse ecosystems that exist here, and empowering others to do so. As the Everglades Literacy Regional Coordinator for the Treasure Coast, Alyssa works closely with schools and teachers within her regional districts to bridge the gap between Everglades Literacy and our next generation of leaders.

  • Shift Your School’s Environmental Stewardship Culture: Interdisciplinary Everglades Curriculum and K-5 Champions Program

Angelia Thomas

Angelia is an Instructional Specialist with the Talent Development department within the Office of Teaching & Learning. She has been in education in various roles since 2005. As a former elementary and middle school teacher, she uses the skills as a STEM Advocate, and ELA/English 6-12 to support the design and implementation of professional learning. Angelia enjoys working in the trenches to support new and experience SLPS educators. Passionate about being alive, she loves to garden, bake, hug trees, read, attend concerts, listen to live instrumentation.

  • Safari Surveillance: Aggressive Monitoring Strategies for the Classroom

Ciara Trabal

Ciara Trabal is a K-5 Math Curriculum Developer for St. Lucie Public Schools. Prior to joining the Curriculum department within the Office of Teaching and Learning, she taught various grade levels, including 1st, 4th and 6th grade and supported both teachers and students as a school-based math coach. Ciara received her bachelor’s from the University of Central Florida and holds certifications in K-6 Elementary Education and 5-9 Mathematics. She is passionate about finding, developing, and promoting curriculum and teaching practices that lead to the growth of both students and educators. Ciara loves spending quality time with her 12-year-old daughter and cheering her and her dance teammates on at their dance competitions.

  • Departing the Problem Solving Station (K-2)
  • Departing the Problem Solving Station (3-5)

Wendy Turner

With 18 years of experience in the field of education, Wendy has dedicated her career to fostering academic success and inclusivity for all students. Wendy has held various roles, including general education teacher, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher, ESE Support Facilitator, and ESE Specialist. As an Instructional Specialist in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL), Wendy supported both beginning and experienced educators in areas such as lesson planning, instructional strategies, behavior management, and more. Currently, Wendy serves as an ESOL Instructional Specialist in OTL, where she provides support to teachers to ensure English Language Learners (ELLs) develop their English language skills and have access to appropriate support and accommodations in all subject areas so that they can achieve academic and personal success.

  • Managing Collaborative and Independent Work Periods
  • Accountable Talk

Sally VanDereedt

Sally VanDereedt, M.A. Ed., is an Instructional Technology Specialist with the Talent Development Department. As a Certified Microsoft Associate and Excel Expert, Sally introduces and supports cutting edge technology tools for use by district leaders and teachers. Breaking down our powerful technology into usable tools is her goal. In her role with Talent Development, she designs and delivers professional learning opportunities for all St. Lucie County staff and often presents at national technology conferences.

  • Excel
  • OneDrive/Mail/Calendar
  • Translation Tools

Chris Worley

Christina Worley is a native Floridian.  She has earned both a bachelor’s and master’s from Florida Atlantic University.  Chris has had many roles in her 28 years being employed in St. Lucie Public Schools as a classroom teacher, math coach at both the school and district level, an Instructional Partner, and currently a K-5 math curriculum specialist.

  • Departing the Problem Solving Station (3-5)
  • Departing the Problem Solving Station (K-2)