Staff
Administration
Dean
Testing Coordinator
Michelle Kerstein-Dix
Testing Coordinator
michelle.kersteindix@polk-fl.netBio
Office & Support Staff
Counselor
Special Services Area
Language Arts
Jatericka Connelly
6th Grade Language Arts
jatericka.connelly@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 MWF & 3:00-6:00 T ThBio
Molleen Maloney
Language Arts
molleen.maloney@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 1:00-4:00 MWF & 11:00-2:00 T ThBio
Teone Simmons
6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
teone.simmons@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-12:00 M-FBio
Haley Barrow
8th Grade Language Arts
haley.barrow@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 1:00-4:00 M-FBio
Shikha Sahay
6th Grade Language Arts
shikha.sahay@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 3:00-6:00 M-FBio
Tracy Zielinski
7th Grade Language Arts
tracy.zielinski@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 1:00-4:00 M-FBio
Lauren Thomas
8th Grade Language Arts
lauren.thomas@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-12:00 M-FBio
Reading
April Gately
Reading Teacher
april.gately@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 11:00-2:00 M-FBio
Cherell Alexander
6th Grade Reading Teacher
cherell.alexander@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 8:00-11:00 M-FBio
Vanessa Edison
6th Grade Critical Thinking/7th Grade Intensive Reading
vanessa.edison@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 8:00-11:00 M-FBio
I am currently teaching 6th grade Critical Thinking and 7th grade Intensive Reading. I have been at Kathleen Middle School since 2016. I am a Georgia native and am pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. My prior teaching experience includes 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Intensive Reading and Language Arts in Haines City, Lake Alfred, FL, and Albany Georgia). In addition, I have taught Adult Basic Education and General Education Development (Tampa, FL and Albany, Georgia).
Yolanda Webster
8th Grade Reading
yolanda.webster@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Hi, I’m Mrs. Webster
I graduated from Saint Leo University with a master’s degree in Business Administration. I have a certification in Business Education grades 6- 12 and a Reading Endorsement endorsed from the State of Florida Department of Education. I started my journey as a Reading Teacher at Kathleen Middle School in 2016. I am excited to educate students currently in the 8th grade.
I believe that the true gifts of teaching are those experienced in the classroom (traditional and virtual). My own child has taught me to look at the individual, not to assume anything, and to be flexible toward change. We're in this journey together; please feel free to communicate with me about your child’s reading development.
You can reach my email at yolanda.webster@polk-fl.net.
Google Classroom codes:
1st period – gv2mhif
3rd period – fpzcabw
4th period - jlfecun
5th period – x54ws4g
6th period – bz6cybb
7th period – 3hl3ef2
Special Ed. Teachers
Berlinda Acosta
ESE Teacher/Learning Strategies
berlinda.acosta@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
I currently teach Learning Strategies for 6th grade, and I am a first year teacher. I am originally from Massachusetts and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Technical Writing.
Kim Hicks
ESE Facilitator
kim.hicks@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 1:00-4:00 MWF & 11:00-2:00 T ThBio
Yesenia Lora
ESE Teacher
yesenia.lora@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Jasmine Singleton
ESE Teacher
jasmine.singleton@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Resource Teachers & Electives
James Cornelius
Chorus Teacher
james.cornelius@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:30-11:00 & 2:00-3:30 M-FBio
Amanda Fleming
Art Teacher
amanda.fleming@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00am -1:00pm M-FBio
Google Classroom codes
2nd Period-cwvxbw2
3rd Period- lkvv4ko
4th Period- cxbkyoc
5th Period- 3derpk7
6th Period- 5wqdvny
7th Period- pmolo4h
Joseph Weyers
Network Manager
joseph.weyers@polk-fl.netBio
Mr. Weyers works on the computers for Kathleen Middle School and assists with Technical needs in and around the classrooms.
Manuel Rodriguez
ESOL/Spanish
manuel.rodriguez@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Zachary Dardis
Band
zachary.dardis@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Teresa Yearicks
Critical Thinking & TV Production Teacher
teresa.yearicks@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 & 4:00-5:00 M-FBio
Mrs. Yearicks is originally from Southern New Jersey and has lived in Lakeland, Florida for the past 17 years. This is her second year teaching Critical Thinking at Kathleen Middle School.
Before KMS, Mrs. Yearicks taught TV Production at Mulberry Middle School for 5 years. She also taught at Griffin Elementary for 10 years as an ESE teacher and the school Network Manager.
Mrs. Yearicks earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Special Education at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ. She is certified in Exceptional Education VE K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Business Education 6-12.
Eric Nettles
Power Academy Teacher
eric.nettles@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 8:00-11:00 M-FBio
Monique Smith
Math Interventionist
monique.smith@polk-fl.netBio
Greetings, I am Monique Smith, Math Interventionist and Title 1 (Parent Contact)
Attributes:
- Newly Wed
- 2019 Teacher of the Year
- 6 years teaching Mathematics
- SEU Flame
- Supervisor of Fruit Gathering
Selena Paul
Agriculture Teacher
selena.paul@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 8:00-11:00 MW & 5:00-8:00 Th & 1:00-3:00 FBio
Academic Coaches
William Hill
Math Coach
william.hill@polk-fl.netBio
Hello, I’m Bill Hill this is my first year as the Math Coach at KMS. I enjoy working with the Math Team and together we are able provide students with the meaningful lessons.
Attributes:
- 24 Year Veteran Teacher in Polk County
- 3rd Year at Kathleen Middle
- 20+ years teaching Mathematics
- Varsity Football & Baseball Coach
- USF Bull
Science Teachers
Diane Jenkins
6th & 7th Grade Science
diane.jenkins@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-11:00 & 1:00-2:00 M-FBio
Jessica Hall
7th Accelerated & 8th Grade Science
jessica.hall02@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:30-12:00 & 1:00-2:30 M-FBio
Jheremiah Simon
8th Grade & Physical Science
jheremiah.simon@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-12:00 M-FBio
Maria Perez
6th Grade Science
maria.manriqueperez@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-12:00 M-FBio
Mary Knox
7th Grade Science, Accelerated, & Forensics
mary.knox@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-11:00 & 1:00-2:00 M-FBio
Patricia Stepp
7th Grade & 6th Grade Accelerated Science
patricia.stepp@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:00-11:00 & 1:00-2:00 M-FBio
Math Teachers
Joseph Black
7th Grade Math Teacher
joseph.black@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 8:30-11:30 M-FBio
Hello, Meet Joe Black! I teach 7th grade Math and 7th grade Intensive Math. I have a love of learning and discipline because I truly care about my students’ futures.
Attributes:
- Proud Father of 7
- Degrees in Business, Law, & Sports Management
- BCU WildCat
- FSU Seminole
Ricardo Henry
Intensive Math Teacher
Ricardo.henry@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 12:30-3:30 M-FBio
Hello, I’m Ricardo Henry. I teach Intensive Math.
Attributes:
- Teaching since 2017
- BCU Wildcat
- First Year at KMS
- Orlando Native
Kristen Felgar
7th Grade Math
kristen.felgar@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 12:30-3:30 M-FBio
Hello, I'm Ms. Felgar.
I have a bachelors degree in mathematics from Florida Southern college. I have a certification in math education grades 5-9. I have been a teacher at Kathleen Middle school since 2016. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach your students currently in 7th grade and advanced 7th grade math. I can be reached through my email at kristen.felgar@polk-fl.net to answer any questions or provide any necessary support.
Teresa Lara
6th Grade Math
teresa.lara@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 9:30-11:00 & 12:30-1:30 MWF & 12:30-3:30 T ThBio
Greetings, I am Teresa Lara. I teach 6th grade Mathematics and Intensive Math.
Attributes:
- UCF Knight
- 5th Year Teacher
- Love Reading
- Love Outdoor Activities
Chenel Simonville
8th Grade Math & Alg 1
chenel.simonville@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:30-11:30 & 12:30-2:30 M-FBio
Hello, I’m Mr. Simonville. I teach 8th Grade Math and Algebra 1.
Attributes:
- 8 Year Veteran Math Teacher
- Began teaching in Miami, FL
- Loves Sports Stats
- FIU Panther
- NOVA Shark
- Enjoys Family Time, Playing Pool, Basketball, Travelling
Mikia Kelly
8th Grade Math & Geometry
mikia.kelly@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 12:30-3:30 M-FBio
Hello, I’m Mikia Kelly. I teach 8th Grade Math and Geometry. I love to inspire my students to reach higher heights in math and personal development. I hope you all continue to reach for your goals!
Attributes:
- 7 Year Veteran Teacher
- 5th Year at Kathleen Middle
- Entrepreneur
- FAMU Rattler
- UF Gator
- Certified Nerd
De’Oni Dew
6th Grade Math
deoni.dew@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 12:30-3:30 M-FBio
Hello, I’m De’Oni Dew, your 2020 Teacher of the Year!! I teach 6th grade mathematics and I genuinely have a great regard for all of my students, and I want you to succeed.
Attributes:
- Math and History Teacher
- Teaching since 2017
- FSU Seminole
- Mental Health Councelor (2021)
- General School Mom
Office Hours are Mon – Fri 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Appointments can be booked on Website https://deonidew.wixsite.com/math
Email: deoni.dew@polk-fl.net
Taylor Brady
6th Grade Math
taylor.brady@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:30-11:30 & 1:00-3:00 MWF & 10:30-11:30 & 3:00-5:00 T ThBio
Hello! I’m Mrs. Brady. I teach 6th Grade Math. I have loved every minute of teaching at KMS and miss my students terribly! I am excited to start our new journey together through online learning.
Attributes:
- At KMS since 2017
- About to be a New Mom
- Star Wars Fan
- USF Bull
Contact Info:
Office Hours: MWF 10:30 to 11:30 & 1:00 to 3:00
TuTh 10:30 to 11:30 & 3:00 to 5:00
Email: taylor.brady@polk-fl.net
Phone: 863.510.7402
Social Studies Teachers
Robert Goff
Civics Teacher
robert.goff@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-11:00 & 2:00-4:00 M-FBio
John Swilley
Social Studies Teacher
john.swilley@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
Ryan Tarbett
7th Grade Social Studies
ryan.tarbett@polk-fl.net Office Hours: 10:00-1:00 M-FBio
My name is Mr. Tarbett and I am thrilled to be your child’s US History teacher this year! I am a Tampa native and earned my Masters Degree in Social Science Education in Spring of 2018 from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!). I am a strong proponent of cooperative learning as well as embracing technology both in and out of the classroom. Over the course of this year, I am confident that both your child and I will learn, grow, and succeed together!