Class Notes - The Out-of

Class Notes
Siesta Key Alumni
Maria Gaudiel Jakes – SK Alum
After attending Out-of-Door, she auditioned with Disney On Ice (a
production of Feld Entertainment) and joined the cast of one of the
shows that July. She toured with them across North America and Mexico
for two years before taking a year off to go to SCF/FGCU. She realized
how much she missed the travel and performing, so she decided to go
back on the road. She has been touring with Feld Entertainment since
that time.
Maria and her husband, who also works for Feld Entertainment, have
worked and traveled together for the past seven years putting on
performances in amazing destinations all over the world like: Thailand,
France, Belgium, Australia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, Canada,
Hungary, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Norway, England, Ireland, Switzerland,
Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, Argentina, Chile and
all over the United States. This past summer they bought their first home
in Denver, Colorado.
Megan Wallin
SK alum
Attending the Out-Of-Door-Academy
(ODA) from Pre-K to eighth grade influenced
Megan’s life immeasurably; the most
profound effect was self-confidence. At
Out-of-Door, students learn to speak and
perform in front of crowds of people. They
are encouraged to express their opinions
articulately, think critically and logically,
and surpass academic benchmarks and
expectations. Looking back, my experience
at ODA helped me develop leadership skills,
and the desire to succeed, I exceled in both academics and athletics. After high school, I accepted a full athletic scholarship to play volleyball
at Michigan State University. I was elected captain of the team my
junior and senior years of college. When I was inducted into the hall
of fame, it wasn’t for my athletic talents, but rather my character and
leadership abilities. These traits are directly attributable to the learning
environment fostered by Out-of-Door and its outstanding faculty. She currently resides in Sarasota, Florida, and met her fiancé, Matthew
Brockway, on Siesta Key. Matthew is an attorney at Icard Merrill
and practices in the areas Land Use and Real Estate Law,as well
as Intellectual Property Law. Their wedding is planned for May 2014 in
the Bahamas. Megan is a professional beach volleyball player and publisher
of SpikeKey Beach Magazine, an annual magazine. Her website,
www.SpikeKey.com is dedicated to beach volleyball and the beach
lifestyle. For the past six years, she has trained on the powdery sands of
Siesta Key, driving past the quaint, horseshoe shaped school where she
spent most of childhood days, a constant reminder of the foundation on
which she built her career and success.
Molly Klauber - Siesta Key Alum 1999
Molly currently owns and operates Go
To Girl (www.mygotogirl.com) and is the
assistant General Manager of her father’s
restaurant, Michael’s On East (www.
bestfood.com). Molly has experience in
the fine dining restaurant industry as well
as the catering, marketing, retail, and
sales industries. Molly says of her new
venture, “I have had the great fortune of
being raised in the hospitality industry
with several prominent family owned and
operated businesses in which to gain my
experience such as Michael’s on East, Pattigeorge’s, Polo Grill and Bar,
and the world-renowned Colony Beach and Tennis Resort.” Restaurant
management roles at other outstanding establishments such as Selva
Grill, Zoria, and Libby’s Cafe and Bar allowed Molly to further hone her
team leadership, productivity oversight, marketing, and creative skills.
Molly’s work in large-scale concert and event catering with Schmooze
Inc., followed by nearly a year in disaster relief catering after the
devastating Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf Coast, allowed for her to
develop a highly efficient and valuable service “on-the-go” and help to
inspire her new business.
Molly got engaged to Ethan Biter in August. Ethan is the son of Tina
and Richard Biter, also of Sarasota. An intimate Spring 2014 wedding is
being planned. Katie Baraona – SK alum (attended 1994 –
1997)
Katie currently resides in Sarasota, Florida
where she is an assistant third grade teacher
at Out-of-Door. She graduated from the
University of Central Florida in 2011
with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary
Education. Katie spent the last two years
teaching in Orlando, Florida where she was
a seventh grade reading teacher and most
recently, a fourth grade teacher at an inner
city school. She is enthused to have moved
back to her hometown of Sarasota to fulfill
her lifelong dream of teaching at Out-of-Door. She hopes to further her
education by obtaining her Masters in Reading Education in the spring
of January 2014.
The Out-of-Door Academy 1
Class Notes
Class of 1999
Kaye Warr
Kaye Warr currently lives in Sarasota and is F & B Supervisor at
Hotel indigo. She is also a contributor at ThisWeekInSarasota.
com and contributor/writer at Edible Sarasota. She previously
worked at The Table and Hampton Inn in Sarasota. Kaye studied
Hospitality Management at the University of South Florida and lived
in Johannesburg, Gauteng. She enjoys going to extreme boot camp at
Fifth Alarm Fitness.
Carrie Smith Collins
Carrie Collins currently lives in Port Charlotte, Florida and works
as Head Athletic Trainer at Sarasota Sports Medicine. She lived in
Huntington Beach, California and is married to Mathew Collins. Carrie
studied at the University of South Florida and worked as athletic trainer
at Out-of-Door.
Adam Reed
Adam Reed currently lives in Boulder, Colorado and is on the research
faculty at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI,
CU-Boulder) and is owner at West Gate Kun Fu School. He attended the
University of Oxford, Southern Methodist University, and studied law at
University of Colorado Boulder. Adam is engaged to Tamsen Francis.
Class of 2000
Lindsay Alvarez
Lindsay Alvarez currently lives in Sarasota and is married to
Christos Gavrilis. Lindsay was a professional figure skater for Feld
Entertainment from June 2000 to August 2003. She attended the
Academy of Design Tampa, New College of Florida, and studied interior
design at International Academy of Design and Technology.
Russell Dan Anderson
Dan Anderson currently lives in Sarasota and works as a baker for
Publix. Dan attended the University of Central Florida and currently
attends the University of South Florida. Dan is married to Stacey
McLeod Anderson.
Karen Close Clark
Karen Clark currently lives in Manhattan, New York and is a realtor
associate with Balmer Parc Realty LLC. She previously worked as a
legal recruiter for Update Legal in New York. Karen graduated from
Amherst College in 2004.
2 The Banyan
Alana Keddie Hiles
Alana Keddie Hiles currently lives in Sarasota and is a Senior Events
Specialist at The Opulent Event Group LLC and Events and Promotions
Manager at Red Hot International. Alana attended the University of
Buckingham and studied Event Management at Event Management
Training Ltd.
Jenny Lytle
Jenny Lytle currently lives in Sarasota and works as a Junior Sales
Associate for Taylor Morrison. Jenny attended Lynn University and
studied Fine Arts at Florida Atlantic University.
Amanda McEleavy Roach
Amanda currently lives in Sarasota and works at Sarasota Memorial
Health Care System. She has four children; Cameron Scott Roach – age
7, Olivia Jade Roach – age 4, Victoria Lynn Roach – age 2, and Nicholas
Joseph Roach – age 7 months.
Alec Miller
Alec Miller currently lives in Orlando, Florida where he has worked
for Del Frisco’s Prime Steak and Lobster and Del Frisco’s Steakhouse.
Alec studied Acting and Stand Up Comedy at the University of Central
Florida.
Sergio Molinari
Sergio Molinari currently lives in Sarasota and is an attorney with
Robinson & Cole LLP. Sergio graduated from the University of Miami
and Rutgers University School of Law.
Danielle Pitts
Attended 1995 -1999
Danielle graduated with honors from the
University of South Florida with a Bachelor
degree in Elementary Education in 2005.
Since graduation from college, she has been
teaching in Sarasota County. She has taught
many different grade levels at several local
elementary schools. Three years ago she
pursued her ESE certification, as she wanted
to teach children with exceptionalities. She
was recently promoted to be the ESE Liaison
at Tuttle Elementary. This means that she
will be working with all the ESE students and teachers, while overseeing
the entire ESE department. Last year, she was featured in the Sarasota
Herald Tribune in an article about teachers who work multiple jobs.
In her free time, Danielle rides and competes on her horse Scarlet.
Class Notes
Scarlet was a rescue horse and has been a
part of her life for 10 years. They participate
in event shows around Florida. It has been a
very rewarding experience for Danielle.
Danielle has very fond memories of her time
at ODA. She remains very close with her
friends, and she loves the fact that her mom
still works at ODA. She continues to feel a
part of the ODA family.
Elizabeth Rees
Elizabeth Rees currently lives in Coral Springs, Florida and works as
an Assistant Recruiter at CHG Healthcare – RN Networks, Boca Raton,
Florida. Elizabeth studied Legal Studies at the University of Central
Florida and previously worked for the Oliver Law Group.
Forrest received his BS degree in Marketing from the University of
Tampa. He is currently an National Account Manager with American
Products in Tampa.
The two met from mutual friends and dated for three years before
marrying. They currently reside in Tampa, FL but plan on one day
moving back to Sarasota to raise a family and of course, “send our
children to ODA!”
Travis Garner
Travis Garner, of the Graduating Class of
2001, and Amy Kahr Sgro are the proud
parents of a baby girl. Selkie Alyssa Garner
was born in Sarasota, Florida on September
12, 2012.
Gyasi Taylor
Gyasi Taylor currently lives in Medellin, Antioquia. Gyasi attended
Vanderbilt University and studied at The University of Colorado at
Boulder.
Class of 2002
Omar Akashah
Jason Wolfe
Jason currently lives in Sarasota and is a night auditor at Hampton Inn
& Suites-SRQ Airport. He previously worked at American Hotel &
Suites in Sarasota and the Lexica Centre of European Languages. Jason
attended the University of Florida and studied Fire Science at Sarasota
County Technical Institute.
Class of 2001
Michelle Lynn Alecci
Michelle, daughter of Richard and Marilyn
Alecci of Siesta Key, FL, married Forrest
Michael Tatlock, son of Patti and the late
Merrill White Tatlock of Tennessee, on
Saturday October 19th. The ceremony was at
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Tampa and
the reception was at the St. Pete Museum of
Fine Arts. Lauren Edwards and Nicole BorelSaladin, also from the class of 2001, were in
the wedding party.
After graduating from ODA high school Michelle attended Villanova
University and then received her BS degree in Finance and Marketing
and her Masters in Business Administration from the University of South
Florida. She is currently a Project Manager on the National Champions
Team with Kforce in Tampa.
Omar Akashah attended the State College of
Florida and studied nursing at the University
of South Florida. He is a former personal
Trainer at the YMCA.
Cass Anderson
Cass Anderson lives in New York, New
York and works as Director of Marketing
at Woven Digital and Director of Online
Marketing and Outreach at Guyism.com, a
website that he co-founded. Cass studied
psychology at Florida State University. Cass
and Lindsay Goldberg live in So-Ho with
their Bernese Mountain Dog, Millie Grace.
Phillip Crouse
Phillip Crouse currently lives in New
York, New York where he is Beverage
Maker at Cup & Compass. Phillip attended
Washington University in St. Louis and
Columbia Business School.
The Out-of-Door Academy 3
Class Notes
Eboni Curry
Eboni Curry studied Liberal Arts at the
University of Florida and currently works for
ENC Stain.
Chris Duffy
Ross Mabbett currently lives in Brooklyn,
New York.
Stephanie Malloch
Stephanie Malloch currently lives in Palo Alto, Caifornia.
Chris Duffy currently lives in Sarasota . He
graduated from Florida State University.
Beth Marcantonio
Bennet Hammer
Beth currently lives in Sarasota and is a
certified Vet Tech at Braden River Animal
Hospital. She studied Veterinary Technology
at St. Petersburg College.
Bennet Hammer received a Business
Administration/Management degree and an
MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University,
and a PhD in Information Systems from
Nova Southeastern University.
Guzin Hikmet
Guzin received a BS in Business
Management from the University of South
Florida in Tampa.
Regan Johnson
Regan Johnson currently lives in Dallas,
Texas. Regan studied Business Marketing at
the University of North Texas.
Maxwell Levene
Maxwell Levene currently lives in Boynton
Beach, Florida and is a resident physician at
JFK Medical Center. Maxell attended the
University of Miami and Temple University.
4 The Banyan
Ross Mabbett
Randall Morris
Randall currently lives in Chicago, Illinois
and works as Design Director at Hugecity
and as Associate Creative Director at Ogilvy
& Mather. He previously worked for
Arthur & Julia and Push. Randall studied
at Corcoran College of Art and Design and
studied Brand Design at Ringling College
of Art and Design. Randall is married to
Andrea Morris.
Victoria Nosal
Victoria Nosal currently lives in New York,
New York. She studied at the University of
Miami and at Fordham University at Lincoln
Center. Victoria is married to Josiah Miller.
Lisa Rubinsak
Lisa Rubinsak is currently an OB/GYN
Resident at VCU Health System. She
studied at Wake Forest University and
Florida State University.
Class Notes
Jessica Savidge
Jessica Savidge currently lives in Orlando,
Florida. She graduated from Vanderbilt
University and Barry University School of
Law.
Keeley Smith
Keeley Smith currently lives in Orlando,
Florida. She graduated from Vanderbilt
University and is currently in her final
semester of law school at Barry University
School of Law.
Alicia Stritz-Charbonneau
Alicia currently loves in North Port, Florida
and is in her fifth year of teaching primary math
and science at the Imagine School of North
Port. She studied Elementary Education at the
University of South Florida and is currently
studying for her Master’s Degree. Alicia is
married to Cliff Charbonneau and they have a
15- month-old baby girl named Alyssa.
Constantine Pavlakis
Constantine currently lives in Dallas,
Texas where she works as a Unit Manager
for HSBC. She earned a BA in Business
Finance/Economics from Franklin &
Marshall College.
Kelly Pittl
Kelly Pittl currently lives in San Antonio,
Texas and is an attorney working as a
prosecutor with the District Attorneys office
in San Antonio. He studied at Furman
University and St. Mary’s Texas. Kelly is
married to Theresa Pittl and enjoys playing
soccer and just ran a half marathon last fall.
Brett Vining
Brett Vining currently lives in Honolulu,
Hawaii. Brett studied Systems Engineering
at the US Naval Academy and worked for the
United States Navy.
Danielle Wallace Lazear
Danielle currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio
where she works as a Clinical Pharmacy
Specialist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Medical Center. Danielle studied Pharmacy
at the University of Kentucky. She is married
to Robbie Lazear.
Lynn-de Williams Smuts
Lynn-de currently lives in Miami, Florida
where she works at Coastal Construction
Group. She studied at the University of
Colorado Boulder and the University of
Miami. Lynn-de is married to Michael
Smuts.
Class of 2003
Lofton Alvarez
Lofton Alvarez currently lives in Gainesville,
Florida. Lofton graduated from Villanova
University and moved to New York City
where he worked for Ernst & Young LLP,
obtained his CPA designation, and worked for
Goldman Sachs. He is currently pursuing his
MBA at the University of Florida – Hough
Graduate School of Business. He enjoys
staying active, playing competitive sports,
fishing, personal investing, Gator football,
and spending time with his family and friends.
The Out-of-Door Academy 5
Class Notes
Edward Crouse
Edward Crouse currently lives in Durham,
North Carolina and works for Whole Foods
Market. He worked previously at Mikuni
Wild Harvest and Bouchon Bistro.
Edward attended Furman University.
Amanda Kuzma
Amanda currently lives in New York,
New York and works at Morgan Stanley.
She studied Government at Georgetown
University. Amanda is engaged to David
Ambrose.
Stephanie Fuhr
Stephanie currently lives in Sarasota and works at the University of
South Florida Sarasota-Manatee. She studied at Florida State University
and the University of South Florida.
Isis Graham
Isis Graham currently lives in Stockholm,
Sweden where she is studying for an MA in
Curating Art with a focus on Management
and Law. Isis graduated from the University
of Colorado with a BFA in Film Studies.
She then moved to Stockholm to work as
an au pair. Isis is engaged to Alexander
Johansson and they have wedding plans for
this fall.
Chloe Lipp
Chloe currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia
where she works at Motion Picture Industry.
She formerly worked at IATSE Local 479
and Four Fellas Productions, LLC. Chloe
studied at the Savannah College of Art and
Design and at SCAD-The University for
Creative Careers.
Michael Mei
Michael currently lives in Orlando, Florida.
Michael studied Management at Stetson
University and worked at Café Baci in
Sarasota. He is married to Nicole Mei.
Fondren Griffin Watts
Fondren currently lives in Sarasota and is
married to Danny Watts.
Vicky Haddow
Vicky Haddow currently lives in New York,
New York. She studied Finance at Florida
State University and is a former Equity
Trader at T-3 Capital.
Kent Hayes
Kent currently lives in Sarasota where he is Construction Services
Coordinator at Tandem Construction. Kent studied at the University of
Florida as well as Bentley University and Royal Holloway, University of
London. Kent is married to Lauren Hayes
6 The Banyan
Lesley Merrill
After attending Out-of-Door from
Kindergarten through 12th grade graduation,
Lesley left Sarasota to attend Elon University
in North Carolina. Elon provided her with
the opportunity to explore my interests, study
abroad in Spain and Peru and meet life-long
friends and her fiancé, Clayton.
Since Lesley’s college years at Elon
University, she has been working in
marketing and PR and currently lives New York City. Following college
graduation, she moved to Charlotte, NC and spent five years working for
Comag Marketing Group, a former Hearst - Condé Nast joint venture. At
Comag, Lesley developed sales and marketing strategies and programs
for leading magazines like Cosmo, GQ and Vogue. In 2012, she moved
to New York where she currently works for Chamberlain Healthcare PR.
She has really enjoyed the fast-paced environment of PR, which seems
to offer something new every day. Last fall, her fiancé, Clayton proposed
at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Rooftop Garden on the Upper East
Side of Manhattan. They were married at the Gasparilla Inn in Boca
Grande, Florida on October 26th!
Class Notes
Rachel Morris
Rachel currently lives in Los Angeles,
California.
Shannon Neill McCoy
Shannon currently works at ResortQuest
SEFL. She studied at Elon University.
Shannon is married to Brian McCoy.
Peter Dobosz
Peter currently lives in Windermere, Florida
and is a Pastoral musician at Diocese of
Orlando and Costume Inventory Manager at
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Peter studied
theatre at the University of Central Florida.
Michael Dobry
Michael studied Dance and Healing at the
University of Florida. He is engaged to
Kristine Festa.
Daniel Byers
Kara Sosa
Kara currently lives in Tampa, Florida
where she works as an attorney. She studied
at Smith College and Barry University
School of Law. Kara is engaged to Blake
Fredrickson.
Daniel works as a Merchandiser at The
Home Depot. He studied Marketing at the
University of South Florida.
Michael Cummins
Michael currently lives in Heraklion, Greece and works as a Sound
Engineer/Event Promotions & Management at Starbeach. Michael
studied Communications at the University of
South Florida.
Brittany Warman
Gregory Dechow
Brittany currently lives in Columbus,
Ohio where she is a Graduate Teaching
Assistant in the English Department at The
Ohio State University. Brittany studied
at George Mason University and National
University of Ireland, Galway. She currently
studies English/Folklore at The Ohio State
University.
Gregory currently lives in Sarasota and is a
Senior Graphic Designer at Aso LLC. He
studied Illustration at Ringling College of Art
and Design. Gregory is engaged to Sonika
Fourie.
Class of 2004
Alison Aster
Alison works as an educator at BSCS. She
attended Stetson University, The University
of Edinburgh, and studied English Education
at the University of Florida. Alison is
married to Matt Kearney.
Adam Fergeson
Adam currently lives in Los Angeles,
California. He attended the University of
South Florida and
studied Recording
Arts at Full Sail
University.
MacKenzie Foote
MacKenzie currently lives in Sarasota. She
studied Cosmetology at Meridian College.
The Out-of-Door Academy 7
Class Notes
Jonathan Gerard
Jonathan currently lives in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania and studies Optometry at
Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He
attended Union College. Jonathan is married
to Victoria Gerard.
Rachel Kashner
Rachel currently lives in Hoboken, New Jersey. Rachel studied
Elementary Education at the College of Charleston and worked at North
Star Academy Charter School.
Porter Harris
Porter currently lives in Sarasota. Porter
studied at the University of South Florida and
the School of Automotive Machinists. He
was former crew at Scranton Brothers Racing.
Porter is married to Hallie Harris.
Wendy currently lives in Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida and is a Design Coordinator
for Viking Sport Cruisers. Wendy studied
at Rollins College, the Hotel Institute
Montreux, Switzerland and studied Science
of Organizational Leadership at Palm Beach
Atlantic University. Wendy is married to
Tom Carroll.
Philip Sandland
Philip currently lives in Sarasota and is a
Technical Writer/Auditor at Global Organic
Specialty Source, Inc. Philip studied
at Florida State University and studied
Professional and Technical Writing at the
University of South Florida.
Kevin Sullivan
Jesse Kane-Hartnett
Kevin lives in Austin, Texas. He attended
Santa Clara University and currently studies
at the University of Texas in Austin.
Jesse currently lives in Brooklyn, New
York. Jesse is CEO and founder of Ravelling
Productions, LLC and Associate Director at
A Festival of Fools. Jesse studied Acting at
Emerson College.
Amanda Petruzzi
Bryan Montgomery
Amanda currently lives in Stamford,
Connecticut. She attended Quinnipiac
University and studied Public Relations at
Iona College.
Bryan studied Business Management at
Florida Gulf Coast University and works as a
Sales Representative for Southern Wine and
Spirits.
Terri Musall
Terri currently lives in Myakka City, Florida and is married to Matthew
Kotuby.
8 The Banyan
Wendy Petrik
Samuel Rega
Sam currently lives in Miami, Florida where
he is an editor for the production company
Rakontur. He is editing a four part miniseries called “The Tanning of America” that
will air on VH1 in February. Sam studied at
the University of Miami.
Class Notes
Aaron Romm
Aaron currently lives in Urbana, Illinois
where he is finishing a doctoral degree in
trumpet performance and literature at the
University of Illinois. He is on the trumpet
faculty at the Conservatory of Central
Illinois and works as a freelance trumpeter
in the Champaign-Urbana area. Aaron also
performs concerts and clinics with his parents in The Romm Trio. Aaron
also studied at Vanderbilt University.
John Werner
John currently lives in Sarasota. He serves
as a Research Assistant at the University of
Central Florida College of Engineering and
Computer Science. John studied Industrial
Engineering the University of Central
Florida.
Class of 2005
Mark Curtis
Mark currently lives in Sarasota. He attended
Barry University and studied International
Business at the University of Nevada. Mark
is engaged to Alexandra Leonard.
Stacey Cutmore
Stacey currently lives in Denver, Colorado.
Stacey is married and lived formerly in
Heighington, Darlington, United Kingdom.
Ashley Franco
Ashley currently lives in Sarasota. She
studied Communications at the University of
Colorado, Boulder.
Brittany Fuhr
Brittany currently lives in Sarasota and works
at Abercrombie & Fitch. She studied at Saint
Leo University.
Leigh Alvarez
Leigh currently lives in Point Pleasant Beach,
New Jersey and works as a self employed
entrepreneur and at Martell’s Tiki Bar.
Leigh studied Public Relations at Villanova
University.
Brian Bercaw
Brian currently lives in Orlando, Florida
and works as a deputy sheriff at the Orange
County Sheriff’s Office. Brian studied at the
University of North Florida and Florida A &
M University College of Law.
Elizabeth Crampton
Elizabeth currently lives in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania where she works as a
Standards Associates at B. Corporation.
She previously worked for the Sustainable
Business Network of Greater Philadelphia
and Sound Experience aboard the Schooner
Adventuress. Elizabeth studied at
Swarthmore College.
Ashley Hawkins
Ashley currently lives in Sarasota and is an
Interior Designer at Trade Mark Interiors.
Ashley studied Interior Design at Ringling
College of Art and Design.
John Hissett
John currently lives in Rehoboth Beach,
Delaware and works as a sales consultant at
Apriori Beauty and insurance producer at AFLAC. John studied at West
Virginia University.
Barry Hutter
Barry currently lives in Pompano Beach,
Florida. He studied Telecommunications at
the University of Mississippi.
The Out-of-Door Academy 9
Class Notes
Courtney Keller
Joseph Meszaros
Courtney currently lives in Tampa and works
in marketing at First Security Investments of
Southwest Florida. She previously worked
for TresKoi Public Relations.
Joseph currently lives in Sarasota and is
a Broker/Owner at Rent Siesta Key. He
studied International Business at the
University of North Florida.
Emily Krouse
Emily currently lives in Syracuse, New
York and works as a Judicial Clerk for the
Honorable Terese Wiley Dancks. She studied
at Miami University, Syracuse University, and
studied Law at Syracuse University College
of Law. Emily is engaged to Samara Shuter.
Erik Milkovich
Erik currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.
He studied at Florida State University and
received a BA in Finance at Michigan State
University.
Lindsay Goldberg
Lindsay has been living in New York City
for the last 3 years, and is working at a
digital performance marketing company
called Fluent Inc. (http://www.fluentco.
com/) helping to develop new products and
new ways to monetize and maintain their
relationships with publishers and clients.
Currently enjoying life in the city with fellow
proud ODA alumnus Cass Anderson, class
of 2002, and our not-so-tiny puppy. She graduated in 2009 from the
University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring
in Psychology and Sociology.
Julie Mishner
I have many a fond memory at ODA and it’s tough to choose just one
since I spent 13 years of my life there! Highlights include mini-mester
trips (from Sea Camp to Amelia Island to Searching for Soul Food), free
period antics, and driving the rascal through the breezeways after I had
ankle surgery.
Erica currently lives in Sarasota and studies
Nursing at State College of Florida. She
previously attended the University of
Vermont.
Julie currently lives in Tel Aviv, Israel
where she previously worked for a private
intelligence company called Terrogence.
Julie attended the University of South
Florida and studied International Affairs
at Florida State University. She enjoys
spending time with her dogs at the beach and
exploring Israel.
Erica Morse
Meagan Lannigan
Meagan currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts and is a sales manager
at The Capital Grille. She previously worked for The Charles Hotel and
Small Potatoes Catering & Events. Meagan studied at Florida State
University.
Patrick McArdle
Patrick has joined the Sarasota office of Grossman Roth and Partridge,
part of Grossman Roth PA, as an associate attorney. The Sarasota native
is a third-generation trial lawyer and a graduate of Stetson College of
Law. He focuses his practice on catastrophic personal injury, product
liability and medical malpractice.
10 The Banyan
Pamela Pomeroy
Pamela currently lives in Crystal Beach,
Florida and is a bartender at Peggy O’Neill’s
Irish Pub & Eatery. Pamela studied at
Florida State University and the University
of South Florida.
Class Notes
Class of 2006
Hannah Bowers
After graduating from the University of
Miami with a master’s degree in Marriage
and Family Therapy, Hannah accepted
admittance into the University of New
Mexico to obtain her PhD. For the past year,
she feels as if she has been learning how
to be a doc student. This means balancing
the roles of student, teacher, researcher, and
therapist in addition to maintaining a sense
of sanity. In addition to her progress in academia, she is a marriage and family
therapist at Southwest Family Guidance Center, a community-counseling
agency in Albuquerque. Her practice focuses on adolescents from ages
12 to 18 and their families.
For fun Hannah tries to take advantage of all that Albuquerque has to
offer. New Mexico has such a wonderful mix of culture, vast landscapes,
and great outdoor activities.
Mercedes Brown McCoy
Mercedes currently lives in Madison,
Wisconsin where she is a Project Manager at
Epic Systems Corporation. Mercedes studied
Business at the University of WisconsinMadison. She is married to Spencer McCoy.
Austin Dailey
Austin currently lives in Athens, Georgia.
He attended the University of Florida and
studied at the University of Georgia School
of Law.
Christopher Dechow
Christopher currently lives in Sarasota and
works in Sales and Marketing at Mojito
Boats. He previously worked at The Polo
Club of Boca Raton. Christopher studied at
the University of South Florida.
Katie Dobosz
Katie is currently living in Manhattan and
beginning her M.S. in Global Affairs at
NYU. This is a two-year program with
amazing opportunities to network as the
majority of professors are still working
in their respective fields ranging from
non-profit and the private sector to the UN,
IMF, and World Bank. Katie will also have
the chance to study abroad in some of our
world’s most volatile regions including
Cuba, South Africa, Cambodia, India,
Northern Iraq, and Afghanistan. Katie is looking forward to this new
adventure and to reconnecting with many ODA alumni here in New
York, several of whom she has seen already!
John Eagan
Michael Calamaras
Michael currently lives in Sarasota and is a
Founding Member at Bros 4 Bras, a Financial
Advisor at MetLife and an Instructor at Lee’s
Traditional Tae Kwon Do. Michael studied
Civil Engineering at the University of Miami.
John currently lives in Miami, Florida. John
attended Lehigh University and studied at
the University of Miami School of Law.
Mike Harvey
Michael Caliendo
Michael currently lives in Sarasota. He
attended Florida Gulf Coast University.
Mike currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida
and works at Total Military Management.
Mike studied Criminal Justice/Business
Administration at the University of North
Florida.
The Out-of-Door Academy 11
Class Notes
Chris Hayes
Andrew Salzberg
Chris currently lives in Washington, D.C. He studied Sports
Administration at the University of Miami and was a faculty member
and coach at Out-of-Door.
Harrison Hoffman
Harrison currently lives in Seattle,
Washington and works as a Group Product
Marketing Manager at Microsoft. He studied
at the University of Miami and the American
University of Paris.
Gabe Huntting
Gabe currently lives in Orlando, Florida. He
is a former Manager at Roof on theWit Hotel and theWit Chicago. Gabe
studied at Miami University.
Joshua Israileff
Joshua currently lives in Sarasota and
works as a Sales Executive at ASBA USA.
Joshua attended Rollins College and studied
Marketing at DePaul University. (Pictured on
the right.)
Kelsey Johansson
Kelsey currently lives in Charleston, South
Carolina where she works as a Recovery
Agent at Workers’ Compensation. Kelsey
studied Nursing at the University of South
Florida.
Scott McMurry
Scott currently lives in Sarasota and works
at American Aldes. Scott studied Business
Administration at Florida State University.
Julie Rega
Julie currently lives in Brooklyn, New
York where she works as a Graphic & Web
Designer at Victoria’s Secret Pink. Julie studied at the University of
Miami.
12 The Banyan
Andrew currently lives in Sarasota and works as Operations Manager at
John Maben Rare Coins. Inc.
Amanda Steele Hancock
Amanda currently lives in Lake Mary,
Florida and works as a Sales Representative
at Lynch Oil. Amanda studied Rehabilitative
Studies at Stetson University. She is married
to Gary L. Hancock, Jr.
Ashley Udell
Ashley currently lives in Myakka City,
Florida and is a horse trainer and riding
instructor at Self-Employed. Ashley studied
at the University of Central Florida.
Molly Whalen
Molly currently lives in Sarasota and
works as an Online Sales Concierge at
Neal Communities, Sales Associate at Neal
Communities and Sales Associate at ERA
Waterside Realty. Molly attended Flagler
College and studied Religion at Southeastern
University.
Danica Wuelfing
Danica currently lives in Boston,
Massachusetts. She attended Hamilton
College.
Stacy Yonker
Stacy is currently pursuing a career in
Energy Technology Management, which
focuses on sustainability and renewable
energy practices. She aspires in her future to
design a more efficient solar panel! Energy
conservation begins through teaching
the young generation about sustainable
practices, and she hopes to be able to teach
a renewable energy class to high school
Class Notes
students in the future. Aside from work, Stacy enjoys doing Zumba, in
which she hopes to become an instructor within the next year or two. She
recently moved back to Sarasota to be closer to her family after the birth
of her son Ryan. Stacy hopes to send Ryan to Out-of-Door in the future!
lives back on track. Next, she plans on soon attending the University of
Cincinnati for their nationally ranked Criminal Justice Master’s Program.
Once that is complete, she wants to further her education with either a
degree in law or a Ph.D. in Criminology. Heather’s ultimate goal is to
work for the ACLU or NAACP in their Racial Justice Department.
Class of 2007
Kevin Mercier
FYZICAL.
Kevin graduated Stetson University with
a Bachelor of Business Administration
in Finance and Management Information
Systems. He is currently working for
BizZoom in Sarasota, FL, which identifies
entrepreneurs with a successful business
model and applies our proprietary intellectual
equity to build an international branded
identity. BizZoom is currently in the process
of franchising a physical therapy company,
Kevin and his fiancé, Heather Carboy have been a couple since their
freshman year of college. Kevin proposed to Heather on their five-year
anniversary. Heather works in the Human Resources department for
Tervis in Venice, FL.
Class of 2009
Heather Kennon
Attended 1999 – 2006
Heather has attended the University of
South Florida (USF) for the last four years;
she graduated this August with a degree
in Criminology. Last year, she received
an amazing internship through Educations
Research Solutions. The internship involved
going to Falkenburg Juvenile Detention
Center’s Mental Health division and
working with incarcerated juveniles to
improve their social skills, professional development, etc. One of her
greatest achievements at USF was that she was accepted as a member
of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, also known as Alpha
Phi Sigma. As a member, she was eligible to graduate with honors in
Criminology. As a graduate, Heather has become passionate about
making a difference in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice
system.
Now that Heather has graduated, she recently accepted a job as a
Probation Officer for Hillsborough County. While troublesome at times,
she enjoys the opportunity to help and encourage local citizens get their
Alex Shames
This past year has been a busy one for Alex
at Florida State. He prepared for his senior
recital, the final presentation to his professors
of his musical growth and development,
which was really nerve wracking. He never
lost sight of completing his classes and
ensembles in order to graduate! Alex was
heavily involved in the jazz department,
participating in both on and off campus
performances with the Jazz Ensemble and a faculty jazz combo, as well
as the Student Jazz Society. Alex also had a “gig” with his own groups
around the Tallahassee/Big Bend area. Playing in so many venues proved
to be challenging, and rewarding. Such is the life of a working musician.
On May 4th, Alex graduated from the Florida State University.
He plans to apply for graduate school for Fall 2014. His top choices/
prospects right now are Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, USC
(California), and of course FSU.
Krystal Young
Krystal graduated in May 2013 from Florida Gulf Coast University with
a bachelor degree in Community Health. At FGCU she played for the
Women’s Club Soccer Team where she was the Treasurer her sophomore
year and the Vice President her junior and senior years. Krystal also
took part in the National Leadership Society called Sigma Alpha Pi.
After graduation, Krystal moved back to the Sarasota area to work at
Hurricane Medical, and to attend SCF to obtain a bachelor degree in
Nursing.
Class of 2010
Mike Auchter
Mike is in his senior year at UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina (formerly North Carolina School of the Arts, NCSA).
Pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Scenic Technology, he is
looking forward to a future as an entertainment industry professional.
“I would like to thank all of the faculty for creating such a melting pot
of encouragement and creativity for all of their students, each and every
one of us is lucky to have had an experience as enriching as ODA.”
The Out-of-Door Academy 13
Class Notes
Lauren Dobbins
After ODA, Lauren started classes at Wake
Forest University early in July right after
graduation. During her time at Wake, she had
the opportunity to partake in many diverse
clubs. She was a member of Phi Mu, and
Heather was one of the founding members
and research liaison of our chapter of Active
Minds, (a national organization for promoting
awareness of mental health issues).
Lauren was a competing member for two
horseback riding teams at Wake for a year. She then started a job riding
and training horses for a local barn. Heather was able to graduate form
Wake Forest in just 3 years with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology
and a minor in Biology.
Lauren moved this summer to Athens, GA with my shelter dog, Marty
McFly. I currently am a first year graduate student at the University of
Georgia working on achieving my PhD in School Psychology. My goals
for the future are to finish my PhD, publish many research papers, and
adopt another rescue dog.
Julia Rich
Julia had the opportunity to study abroad
this past spring semester with the Davidson
Classics Semester Abroad. She and eight
other Davidson students, and a professor
traveled to Greece, Turkey, and Italy. They
also spent time in London, Berlin and
Paris. They studied Classical Archaeology,
literature, history, and art.
Julia’s visit to Crete brought back memories
of Latin class with Miss Fafalios. Julia
stated, “Miss Fafafios was right about the color of the Aegean Sea, about
Homer’s Odyssey and the love for art”.
Class of 2011
Danni Frank
Danni is currently enrolled at Louisiana State
University (LSU) and is a double major in
Advertising, Flim and Media Arts with a
minor and Marketing. She is a member of
the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority where she wears
many hats as Intramural chair, philanthropy
chair assistant, and serves on five committees.
14 The Banyan
She is also the director of a television show on her school’s tv station,
Tiger TV. She writes the show, hires the staff, edits some of the content,
and coordinates the entire show. She loves going to LSU football and
baseball games, Mardi Gras, and enjoys spending time with my sorority
sisters and the great friends she has made at LSU.
Class of 2012
Nicolai Israileff
Nicolai is currently a sophomore at
Stetson University with a double major
in International Business and Finance
with a minor in Marketing. He is excited
for this coming year, because this will be
Stetson’s first year of football. Nicolai is also
gearing up for a great academic year! He
is involved with many extra-curricular
activities, which include being a member of
the fraternity Phi Sigma Kappa, a student
ambassador, and a member of the Student
Government Association. He is most proud of his role as a Student Brand
Representative Manager for Flomotion on campus – hosting events
around campus that represent the Flomotion clothing brand. Flomotion
is a Florida-based clothing company that embodies the laid back active
Floridian Lifestyle. Nicolai enjoys visiting the Out-of-Door Uihlein
campus and attending football games when he is in town.
Tucker Kittle
Tucker is currently a sophomore at Stetson
University in Deland, Florida. He has a
double major of management and family
enterprise. He chose Stetson for many
reasons; mainly because of its size and
award-winning faculty and staff. He had an
amazing freshman year where he learned
and experienced so many new things. Early
on he decided to join the Sigma Phi Epsilon
fraternity. Tucker has been involved in
campus inter-murals. Recently, he named
as the fraternity’s new member coordinator.
He is responsible for creating a curriculum for the new members. He
has met incredible people while attending Stetson. His overall college
experience has been incredible, and he credits his easy transition to Outof-Door. He was confident and well prepared.
Then...
and Now.
The Out-of-Door Academy has been Sarasota’s leader in educational innovation and
excellence for almost 90 years, preparing children for a lifetime of learning and placing our
school in the nation’s top 1% of public & private schools. From nurturing PreKindergarten
classrooms to rigorous senior courses, Out-of-Door inspires and challenges its students
to think beyond textbooks and tests, to think critically and develop the skills to excel.
Out-of-Door’s success is a direct result of the many individuals whom have created and
maintained a culture of philanthropy as well as a spirit of volunteerism which is prevalent
on both campuses. They are a big reason that The Out-of-Door Academy is one of the
premier schools in the State of Florida as a result of their support.
Our mission to provide an environment in which students strive to achieve high academic
goals and to build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts and
athletics, can only be accomplished by assistance from every member of the Out-ofDoor family: Trustees, Faculty/Staff, Parents, Grandparents, Alumni, Parents of Alumni,
and Friends of Out-of-Door - all contributing.
Please consider joining the many families who have already shown their support of
The Out-of-Door Academy and all of our students by making a charitable donation
today. Visit www.oda.edu/givetoday
www.oda.edu/givetoday