Adjuncts
Dr. Crystal Amado Kucharski
Dr. Crystal Amado Kucharski is a product of the School District of Palm Beach County, a graduate of FAU’s Educational Leadership Master Program, and earned her terminal degree from Lynn University. She has had many leadership experiences in her career working with diverse stakeholders and is currently a principal.
Dr. Amado believes in building relationships and facilitating collaborative evidence-based practices are the foundation of a positive instructional experience. She knows that teaching is the ultimate calling for a person, and because of this, leaders have a responsibility to be prepared to support staff to meet the needs every student brings into the building. All decisions are to be made on behalf of students, and it is the responsibility of leaders to continue to explore innovative ways to meet the challenges students and teachers face daily.
Her advice to aspiring leaders is to never stop learning, focus on goals, and be the light.
Dr. Jesus Armas
Dr. Jesus Armas’ career trajectory in education has found him in many roles throughout the years. Starting as a chemistry teacher, with some time spent as a basketball coach and athletic director he found himself in the role of assistant principal eventually leading to his current position of principal.
His journey into education was serendipitous. Education was the path he started on, and he decided he would follow the natural progression of his career. His leadership is guided by the idea that you should treat people with respect so as to create a culture of trust and be the best mentor possible to help others fulfill their career goals.
His advice to aspiring school leaders is to find the best mentor possible. Be loyal, hardworking, and competent in that order and if you have chosen correctly that person will help you with your career goals.
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Dr. Debbie Battles
Dr. Debbie Battles has served in many roles throughout her career in education. She currently serves in the role as principal of Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8. Always considering herself a lifelong learner, she reflects on her daily actions and adjusts her practice to continuously seek improvement.
She was inspired to become a school leader because, making an impact on children has always been a goal of hers. She knew early on that her positive impact would be compounded significantly over the years by reaching a greater number of students and families. It is her belief that everyday should start with intention, and she lives by a quote from late poet, Maya Angelou, “To make a difference is not a matter of accident, a matter of casual occurrence of the tides. People choose to make a difference.”
Her best advice for aspiring school leaders is, when making tough decisions, always consider what is in the best interest of kids and you will never go wrong!
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Dr. James Campbell
James Campbell is an adjunct professor in the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University where he teaches Educational Research and Statistics as well as Adult Learning. Dr. Campbell teaches in the ExEq Program, a partnership between Florida Atlantic University and The School District of Palm Beach County in which educators pursue an Educational Leadership degree tailored toward preparing them for a career as a K-12 school leader. Dr. Campbell earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Florida Atlantic University in 1996, a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2003, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University in 2017. Dr. Campbell’s research interests lie in the areas of student and teacher engagement and the ways in which school leaders can support their staffs to improve educational outcomes for all students.
Dr. Campbell began his educational career as a science teacher at Suncoast Community High School in Riviera Beach, Florida in 1997. He taught biology, chemistry, and anatomy and coached football, basketball, and baseball and was the school’s assistant athletic director.
In 2000, Dr. Campbell transitioned from classroom teacher to administrator when he became an Instructional Materials Specialist where he oversaw the review and selection of all textbooks for The School District of Palm Beach County.
Dr. Campbell returned to the school level in 2004 to serve as the dean of students at Osceola Creek Middle School in Loxahatchee, Florida for its inaugural year. The following year, he became an assistant principal at Seminole Ridge Community High School in Loxahatchee, Florida where he was part of the school’s first ever administrative team for its opening in 2005.
After 2 years as an assistant principal, Dr. Campbell was selected to be the principal at Acreage Pines Elementary School in Loxahatchee, Florida. It was at Acreage Pines where Dr. Campbell first experienced the benefits of trusting and supporting teachers. Although a successful school, Acreage Pines needed to improve its students’ writing scores. Dr. Campbell worked with his teachers to implement a new writing program which led to a 68-point increase (12%) in its school grade for the 2009 school year. Following two successful years at Acreage Pines, Dr. Campbell was appointed principal at Eagles Landing Middle School in Boca Raton, Florida. During his two-year stint as principal, Eagles Landing earned consecutive A grades from the state of Florida.
In 2011, Dr. Campbell had the opportunity to return to Seminole Ridge Community High School as principal. Dr. Campbell led Seminole Ridge for 11 years. While there, he oversaw the implementation of the Cambridge AICE program which resulted in a fourfold increase in funding from the state prior to its beginning. Dr. Campbell also nurtured the school’s construction academy as it built 10 houses for Habitat for Humanity. He led the revamp of the school’s automotive academy which was able to earn its coveted NATEF certification. His proudest accomplishment as principal was improving the school’s graduation rate 15 points to a school record of 97% in 2021. During his tenure at Seminole Ridge, Dr. Campbell was named Adult and Community Education Principal of the Year and the Educational Media Specialists Association Principal of the Year.
After 17 years as a school administrator, Dr. Campbell took his current position as Director of Construction/Principal Liaison in the Chief Operating Office for The School District of Palm Beach County. In this role, he shares his experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels to ensure that that school perspective is included in the design and construction of new and existing schools in the district.
Dr. Campbell grew up in Belle Glade, Florida and currently lives in Riviera Beach, Florida with his wife, Zori, where they enjoy traveling and spending time with their friends and family including their 4 children, Josh, Jordan, Jessica, and Jacob and granddaughter, Eiley.
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Dr. Joshua Davidow
Dr. Joshua Davidow is honored to have had the opportunity to serve as School Principal of three of the highest performing schools in Florida; Don Estridge High Tech Middle, Addison Mizner School and Waters Edge Elementary. Davidow has proven track record of being able to not only maintain but increase already high academic performance levels. As Principal of Don Estridge, Davidow increased the school grade earning a National Blue Ribbon from the U.S. Department of Education for the first time in the school’s history. At Addison Mizner School, Dr. Davidow not only maintained the school’s A rating but increased the school grade to its highest A in the last seven years. While serving as Principal of Waters Edge Elementary, Davidow is credited with moving the school to the 20th highest performing elementary school in the state of Florida. As a school leader, Dr. Joshua Davidow works diligently to empower his staff without infringing on instructional freedoms and is driven to create a positive, welcoming climate and culture where people want to work and parents want to send their children to school.
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Dr. Annmarie Dilbert
Dr. Annemarie Dilbert began her career in education as a Kindergarten teacher at a Title I school in New York. She currently holds the position of principal at Crosspointe Elementary School.
Having been dissuaded from pursuing her own academic and career goals, Dr. Dilbert’s mother has been her inspiration. She says her mother has been her sole motivator in her educational career and is the reason she pursued her doctoral degree. Listening and valuing everyone’s opinion is her leadership maxim. Everyone has something to bring to the table and together that is how great outcomes happen.
Her advice for aspiring leaders is to never stop learning. Every day is an opportunity, so take advantage of it!
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Dr. Jennifer Galindo
Dr. Jennifer Galindo has been an educator in Palm Beach County since 2001 and serving in educational leadership since 2007. Currently she is the principal of Polo Park Middle School. She was inspired to become a school leader because she truly wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. She believes that as a leader you have the potential to impact great numbers of students by developing teachers and providing learning communities that will forever imprint on the future of children.
Her leadership is guided by the philosophy that students must always come first. If you lead with the question, “What is best for kids?” then everything else falls into place. It is essential that doing what is best for children be the core of your why. This ensures that when things get tough, you stay focused and committed.
Her advice for aspiring school leaders is to expect the unexpected and be flexible. She believes, no matter where you are on your leadership journey, you will always be learning and growing. Surround yourself with people who possess different strengths from you and be confident enough to be questioned. As a leader, you are setting the example for others, so your approach and attitude always matter.
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Dr. Carl Gibbons
Dr. Carl Gibbons is a Palm Beach County native-son, whose professional career and academic endeavors reflect his dedication to quality educational leadership, scholarship, and community involvement.
Dr. Gibbons has become distinguished, both professionally and academically. To his credit, Dr. Gibbons is a highly respected educator and school administer with over 28 years of extensive work experience and expertise in secondary curriculum, educational leadership and school administration and supervision in Palm Beach County. Moreover, Dr. Gibbons received both a Doctorate and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He also holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from Bethune–Cookman College.v
Dr. Gibbons is very active in the community on the local level and serves on numerous advisory boards of professional and civic organizations. Dr. Gibbons boasts of proud membership and active involvement with the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Gibbons is the Principal at Lake Shore Middle School in Belle Glade Florida. Dr. Gibbons is the father of two children Mya Ariel; Carl John II, whom he considers his “greatest achievements”.
Dr. Carl Gibbons’ extraordinary personality, keen character; professional success; and his commitment to education and community are testaments to the fact that he is fulfilling a purpose-driven life.
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Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Dr. Gastrid Harrigan is a Principal at Broward County Public School and an Adjunct Professor of Education at Broward College, Colorado State University–Global Campus, and Florida Atlantic University. He is also a frequent speaker at leadership and mentoring conferences. Before education, Dr. Harrigan worked as a software engineer. He has previously worked as a high school math teacher and assistant principal at various levels including elementary, middle, high, and non-traditional. Labeled an at-risk student and retained for 2 years, Dr. Harrigan experienced and overcame personal struggles and setbacks to graduate in the top 5 percent of his graduating class and pursue an engineering degree with a full academic scholarship. He has dedicated his life to mentoring and adding value to at-risk students and young adults.
Dr. Harrigan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University. He also has a Doctorate of Education in Administrator Leadership for Teaching & Learning from Walden University. Dr. Harrigan is an active lifelong volunteer for various causes, especially education-related activities.
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Dr. Deborah Maupin
Dr. Maupin has served as an Assistant Principal for 7 years and have been the Principal of Melaleuca Elementary for the last 7 years. She served as a classroom teacher for approximately 12 years in ESE and general education classrooms in both middle and elementary schools. She believes that a leadership is an unique privilege and that leaders must lead not only by example, but through action as well as they inspire others to accomplish the goals and vision of the organization. It is imperative that schools have effective leadership, and it is important that one realizes that leadership is service. "Our goal," she says, "as leaders, is to create positive change in the lives of others."
Dr. Moneek McTier
Dr. McTier, a former Teacher, School Counselor, Principal, and now Instructional Superintendent for the Glades Region, certainly understands the importance of quality education accompanied with a support system that encourages continuous growth and personal development. Dr. McTier has shown a passion and commitment to consistent school transformation, acceleration and excellence. She strongly believes in the power of education as a conduit for change, equality, and an opportunity to enhance the quality of a person’s life. She also values the impact of an effective teacher and has consistently assembled dynamic teams of educators to meet the diverse and challenging needs of the learning communities that she serves.
Dr. McTier and her learning communities have experienced various forms of growth and success.
At Northboro Montessori, they maintained a positive climate and a culture of high performance and A ratings. At Pleasant City Elementary, they consistently progressed from a school grade of D to an A over a period of 3 years. At Roosevelt Middle, Dr. McTier and her dedicated team created a culture of high expectations and continued to increase student achievement. More recently, Dr. McTier is extremely proud of the growth of Glades’ Region Elementary Schools. Four of the seven schools improved their 2019 school grade, resulting in no Elementary Differentiated Accountability Schools. This data resulted in a historical moment and a first for the Glades Region since the inception of school grades beginning in 1999. As a 29 year educator, Dr. McTier vows that if strong leadership supports effective and impactful teachers, then positive student achievement will occur.
Dr. McTier has been recognized as a State of Florida Title I Distinguished Principal for Closing the Achievement Gap, Administrator of the Year from the School Counseling Association, University of Florida’s Distinguished Educator, a finalist for the National Life Group’s Life Changer Award, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s, Inc. 2016 Educator of the Year and most recently, one of Legacy’s 2019 South Florida’s Top Black Educators.
Dr. Adam Miller
Dr. Miller has served as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal and principal. He taught 5th graders at J.C. Mitchell Elementary how to love learning and reading. He believes that leadership is a responsibility to take care of those who follow you. He believes they will, in turn, take care of you and the work. Dr. Miller believes education is the key to the future, and he says he has “found that key at FAU.”
Dr. Jolande Morgan
Dr. Morgan has served the Palm Beach County School District as an educator, school-based leader, and attorney. Prior to her current position as a Senior Attorney in the Office of General Counsel, Dr. Morgan was a math coach, Response to Intervention Facilitator, and a fourth/fifth grade math and science teacher. Inspired to pursue education law based on her experiences at the intersection of law, policy, practice, and leadership, Dr. Morgan has a desire to positively impact the education field where praxis meets theory.
Dr. Morgan's leadership maxims revolve around a belief in the tenets of transformational servant leadership through innovation, empowerment, and growth. She believes aspiring school leaders should continuously seek opportunities to learn and develop as they strive to nurture the capacity of educators and staff who impact student success. Dr. Morgan's favorite leadership quote is, " Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished," by which she encourages school leaders to be creative and proactive in addressing the needs of students, families, and the community.
Dr. Morgan is a proud product and graduate of the Palm Beach County School District. She went on to become a quadruple Gator Graduate, earning her B.A. in Elementary Education, M.Ed. in Special Education, Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy, and J.D. from the University of Florida.
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Dr. Stephanie F. Nance
Dr. Stephanie Nance is a Georgia born, Florida native since the age of four. Her professional career and academic endeavors echo a sound belief – she is an educator who is committed to academic excellence, growing the next generation of educational leaders, scholarship and community service.
To her professional and academic credit, Dr. Nance is a dedicated and well-respected educator and school administrator with over 25 years of practice, experience and skill in secondary education, school administration, and educational leadership in Palm Beach County. Dr. Nance is a proud product of the Palm Beach County School District and received both a Doctorate and Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Economics from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Dr. Nance is an active community member and serves on several professional boards and civic groups. In addition, she is an active member of the renowned and award-winning Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Dr. Nance is the Principal of Crestwood Community Middle School in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Dr. Nance is married and the proud mother of a daughter, Taylor.
Dr. Stephanie Nance’s dedication and commitment to education and public service reigns true to her educational philosophy - “Every student is equipped with the light of knowledge. It is up to us as educators to ignite their flame.”
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Dr. Patricia Ordonez-Feliciano
Dr. Patricia Ordóñez-Feliciano holds a B.A. in Mathematics, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Ph.D. in Global Leadership. She has served as a secondary math teacher, Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal. Principal, and Director. Dr. Ordóñez-Feliciano was Principal at West Gate Elementary for nearly 10 years. Under her leadership, the school increased its State rating and was recognized statewide as one of the top 10 percent of schools, which improved their English Language Arts and Mathematics achievement. Additionally, her work with Social and Emotional Learning was featured locally and by the White House in 2019.
She is currently the Director of Administration and Compliance for the District of Palm Beach, and an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Florida Atlantic University. She has also served as internship supervisor for students completing their Master of Education in Educational Leadership at various universities in the U.S. Dr. Ordóñez-Feliciano co-facilitates the Linking Latinas Network events at the national level for the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents and is an Executive Board Member for the Florida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents. She is a recipient of the Hispanic Education Coalition (HEC) Educational Leadership Award and was inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry in 2023. She mentors future education leaders, encouraging them to lead with their heart and always keep students’ needs in mind when making decisions.
Dr. Joan Pierre-Jerome
Dr. Joan Pierre-Jerome has served the School District of Palm Beach County for over thirty years. Currently, Dr. Pierre-Jerome is the proud principal of J.C. Mitchell Elementary School. Prior to her principalship, she served as an elementary school teacher of students in ESE, as an AREA ESE Resource Teacher, and as an Assistant Principal at the high school level.
Dr. Pierre-Jerome is a native New Yorker who is proud of her Jamaican West Indian roots. She attended school in New York before relocating at the end of elementary school to Broward County, Florida. Dr. Pierre-Jerome received both her Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Florida. She earned her Specialist in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Lynn University.
Dr. Pierre-Jerome is married Dr. Reginald Pierre-Jerome, a fellow educator, and she is the proud mother of three children, Milan, Sebastian and Adrian. She believes that as educators it is our responsibility to bring out the best in our students every day.
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Dr. Laurie Riopelle
Dr. Laurie Riopelle is currently serving as the principal at Del Prado Elementary School in Boca Raton. Previously, she was the Director of Leadership Development for the School District of Palm Beach County working to provide professional growth and build leadership capacity for both current and aspiring leaders across the District. Prior to serving as a Director, she was the principal and instructional leader for over ten years at both the elementary and secondary levels in a variety of school settings including Title I, public and private schools. Throughout her educational career she has worked as a teacher, learning team facilitator, assistant principal, principal and director. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Florida State University and worked in advertising. Knowing that she was passionate about the field of education, she returned to Florida State and earned her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Dr. Riopelle received her certificate in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University and her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from Lynn University. Her advice for aspiring leaders is to do the right thing, even when it is difficult, listen with a caring heart and always be the bigger person.
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Dr. Diana Snider
Dr. Snider’s experience in education spans from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to Palm Beach County serving as a high school mathematics teacher, secondary mathematics program planner, and curriculum manager. Currently serving the School District of Palm Beach County as the Executive Manager in Performance Accountability, Dr. Snider works in collaboration with District leadership to ensure timely and accurate implementation of legislation. Grounded in the District Mission (to educate, affirm, and inspire each student in an equity-embedded school system), Dr. Snider leads appropriate and effective process changes and policy revisions to ensure compliance of new legislation and State Board rules.
Dr. Snider earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Marketing as well as her Master of Science in Mathematics and Science Education from the University of Tulsa and her Doctorate in Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Snider is a former President of the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM) and a former adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. Snider enjoys working and connecting with students, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Dr. Enrique Vela
An advocate for educational equity and inclusion, Dr. Enrique Vela has served for over 20 years as a public educator in New York City, Orlando, and Palm Beach County. Dr. Vela currently serves as the principal of Park Vista Community High School. He also works as an adjunct professor of Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University where he collaboratively designed the first Leadership for Social Justice Course. Throughout his career, others have supported his leadership aspirations and invested in his development. In turn, Dr. Vela takes pride in helping others maximize their potential, and in opening up doors of opportunity. In addition to his school-based leadership experiences, Dr. Vela has also served as a Supervisor of Special Education in New York City and as the Director of Professional Development in Palm Beach County.
Throughout his career, others have supported his leadership aspirations and invested in his development. In turn, Dr. Vela takes pride in helping others maximize their potential, and in opening up doors of opportunity. Serving as an FAUPPI mentor enabled Dr. Vela to revisit leadership lessons learned, and gain new perspectives from his mentee. It has made him a stronger leader and a continuous learner.
Dr. Vela is a resident of Palm Beach Gardens where he enjoys spending time with his wife Melody and newborn daughter Alaina Lucia.
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