As with everything in the world today, Covid-19 has impacted Academy’s high school faculty and staff. While we were not able to offer them a proper sendoff, we do want to welcome our new members to the Academy community with open (albeit distanced) arms!

In the English department, we welcome Colleen Obremski. She previously taught in Ohio, and most recently at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Fla. Obremski takes the place of Alison Jussaume, who left at the end of the year. We also welcome Angela Leavens, who previously taught at Plant City and Leto high schools. She takes the place of Virginia Pendleton, who moved out of state. Additionally, we welcome Christina Long, who most recently taught abroad in China and Korea. Long will also teach in the social studies department.

In the social studies department, we welcome Damian Wulff. His teaching experience includes positions at Spoto and Riverview high schools. Wulff takes the place of Devan Adams, who moved out of state.

In the art department, we welcome Jessica Ens. Ens takes the place of Sr. Lisa Perkowski, who is taking on a new role: director of mission and ministry. Ens has a Masters of Science in art education from Florida State University.

In the science department, we welcome Taryn Kendig, who was most recently a science instructor at Cristo Rey Tampa High School. Taryn takes the place of Kellie Mounce, who has taken a position at another school.

In the world languages department, we welcome Diana Rodriguez, who in the spring served as a long-term Spanish substitute. Prior to joining the Academy, she most recently was a teacher at the University of Tampa. Rodriguez takes the place of Jose Ruano, who retired.

In the computer science department, we welcome Tyler Mokris. He graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in engineering, and has been an engineer at Hazen and Sawyer for the past three years. Mokris takes the place of Jessica Lamm, who relocated.

In the religion department, we welcome Sofia Curry A’16. She recently helped with the Kairos retreat, and has also done ministry work at St. Lawrence and Saint Leo University. Curry takes the place of Jaime Meyer, who retired.

In the guidance department, we welcome Lisa Hauser as a college counselor. Hauser joins us from Florida State University, where she was a regional officer in the admissions office. She takes the place of Athena Dicus, who is pursuing other opportunities. We also welcome Oddny Bakke, who has 13 years of counseling experience abroad and in the States, as well as Mary Beth Adams, who most recently served as a counselor at Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School. Bakke and Adams take the place of Emily Pantelis Martyak A’07, who will stay home with her soon-to-arrive baby, and Sr. Mary Glavin, who will work with the alumni office.

In the high school office, we welcome Angelita Dupree, mom of Tress A’20 and Nyla A’18, as administrative assistant. She takes the place of Lynn Hathaway, who retired. Dupree was previously an administrator at Morehouse College, and most recently worked for the Family Resource Center. We also welcome Bailey Queensland as an additional administrative assistant. She recently graduated from the University of Minnesota, where she worked in the College of Liberal Arts in scheduling and event planning.