The Out-of-Door Academy 1

Class NotesClass Notes

Siesta Key AlumniMaria 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.

Class Notes

2 The Banyan

Class of 1999Kaye 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 2000Lindsay 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.

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 PittsAttended 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.

The Out-of-Door Academy 3

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.

Gyasi Taylor

Gyasi Taylor currently lives in Medellin, Antioquia. Gyasi attended Vanderbilt University and studied at The University of Colorado at Boulder.

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 2001Michelle 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 Borel-Saladin, 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.

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.

Class of 2002Omar Akashah

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.

Class Notes

4 The Banyan

Eboni Curry

Eboni Curry studied Liberal Arts at the University of Florida and currently works for ENC Stain.

Chris Duffy

Chris Duffy currently lives in Sarasota . He graduated from Florida State University.

Bennet Hammer

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 HikmetGuzin 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.

Ross Mabbett

Ross Mabbett currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Stephanie Malloch

Stephanie Malloch currently lives in Palo Alto, Caifornia.

Beth Marcantonio

Beth currently lives in Sarasota and is a certified Vet Tech at Braden River Animal Hospital. She studied Veterinary Technology at St. Petersburg College.

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.

The Out-of-Door Academy 5

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 playingsoccer 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 2003Lofton 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.

Class Notes

6 The Banyan

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

The Out-of-Door Academy 7

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.

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.

Brittany Warman

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.

Class of 2004Alison 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.

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

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.

Gregory Dechow

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.

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.

Class Notes

8 The Banyan

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.

Jesse Kane-Hartnett

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.

Bryan Montgomery

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.

Wendy Petrik

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

Kevin lives in Austin, Texas. He attended Santa Clara University and currently studies at the University of Texas in Austin.

Amanda Petruzzi

Amanda currently lives in Stamford, Connecticut. She attended Quinnipiac University and studied Public Relations at Iona College.

Samuel Rega

Sam currently lives in Miami, Florida where he is an editor for the production company Rakontur. He is editing a four part mini-series called “The Tanning of America” that will air on VH1 in February. Sam studied at the University of Miami.

The Out-of-Door Academy 9

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 2005Leigh 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.

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.

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.

Class Notes

10 The Banyan

Courtney Keller

Courtney currently lives in Tampa and works in marketing at First Security Investments of Southwest Florida. She previously worked for TresKoi Public Relations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joseph Meszaros

Joseph currently lives in Sarasota and is a Broker/Owner at Rent Siesta Key. He studied International Business at the University of North Florida.

Erik Milkovich

Erik currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. He studied at Florida State University and received a BA in Finance at Michigan State University.

Julie Mishner

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

Erica currently lives in Sarasota and studies Nursing at State College of Florida. She previously attended the University of Vermont.

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.

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Class Notes

Class of 2006Hannah 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 Wisconsin-Madison. She is married to Spencer McCoy.

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.

Michael Caliendo

Michael currently lives in Sarasota. He attended Florida Gulf Coast University.

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

John currently lives in Miami, Florida. John attended Lehigh University and studied at the University of Miami School of Law.

Mike Harvey

Mike currently lives in Jacksonville, Florida and works at Total Military Management. Mike studied Criminal Justice/Business Administration at the University of North Florida.

Class Notes

12 The Banyan

Chris Hayes

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.

Andrew Salzberg

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

The Out-of-Door Academy 13

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!

Class of 2007Kevin Mercier

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,

FYZICAL.

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 2009Heather KennonAttended 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

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.

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 2010Mike 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.”

Class Notes

14 The Banyan

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 2011Danni 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.

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 2012Nicolai 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 Out-of-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-of-

Door 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