Staff
Administration
Dean
Testing Coordinator
Michelle Kerstein-Dix
Testing Coordinator
michelle.kersteindix@polk-fl.netBio
Hello, I'm Mrs. Dix
I have the privilege of being the testing coordinator at KMS. I have been teaching in Polk County for 9 years. I have a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from University of South Florida and a Master’s in Ed Leadership from Florida Southern College. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with an amazing administrative team and dedicated staff. I look forward to assisting the staff and students throughout the school year.
Office & Support Staff
Counselor
Special Services Area
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.
Language Arts
Jatericka Connelly
6th & 7th Grade Language Arts
jatericka.connelly@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Teone Simmons
6th Grade Language Arts Teacher
teone.simmons@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Stephen Greene
7th & 8th Grade Language Arts
stephen.greene@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Shikha Sahay
6th & 7th Grade Language Arts
shikha.sahay@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Tracy Zielinski
7th & 8th Grade Language Arts
tracy.zielinski@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Jennifer Trusty
7th & 8th Grade Language Arts
jennifer.trusty@polk-fl.net CampusBio
Reading
Cherell Alexander
6th Grade Intensive Reading Teacher
cherell.alexander@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Melissa Santana Pacheco
ESOL Reading Teacher/ Beg Spanish
melissa.santana@polk-fl.net eLearningBio
Vanessa Edison
7th & 8th Grade Intensive Reading
vanessa.edison@polk-fl.net CampusBio
I am currently teaching 7th and 8th 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
7th & 8th Grade Intensive Reading
yolanda.webster@polk-fl.net eLearningBio
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 I am Reading Endorsed by 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 7th and 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
Special Ed. Teachers
Ariel Beermann-Young
Special Education Teacher
ariel.beermann-young@polk-fl.net campusBio
Terry Millican
Self Contained ESE Teacher
terry.millican@polk-fl.net CampusBio
Leslieann Diaz
Self Contained ESE Teacher
leslieann.diaz@polk-fl.net CampusBio
Resource Teachers & Electives
James Cornelius
Chorus Teacher
james.cornelius@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Teresa Yearicks
Critical Thinking & TV Production Teacher
teresa.yearicks@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
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 Campus & eLearningBio
De’Oni Dew
AVID
deoni.dew@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Hello, I’m De’Oni Dew your friendly teacher and Athletic Director. I teach AVID grades 6-8. I genuinely have a great regard for all of my students, and I want you to succeed.
Attributes:
- Previously taught Math and History
- Teaching since 2017
- FSU Seminole
- Clinical Mental Health Counselor (2021)
- General School Mom
Email: deoni.dew@polk-fl.net
Selena Paul
Agriculture Teacher
selena.paul@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
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
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
- 7 years teaching Mathematics
- SEU Flame
- Supervisor of Fruit Gathering
Science Teachers
Elizabeth Soto
7th Accelerated & 8th Grade Science
elizabeth.soto@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Jheremiah Simon
8th Grade & Physical Science
jheremiah.simon@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Aaron Duff
7th Grade Science & Accelerated
aaron.duff@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Mary Knox
7th Grade & Accelerated Science
mary.knox@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Patricia Stepp
6th Grade & 6th Grade Accelerated Science
patricia.stepp@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Math Teachers
Joseph Black
Intensive Math Teacher
joseph.black@polk-fl.net CampusBio
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
- Degrees in Business, Law, & Sports Management
- BCU WildCat
- FSU Seminole
Kristen Felgar
7th Grade Math
kristen.felgar@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
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.
Kayla Ritter
6th Grade Math
kayla.ritter@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Hi Everyone!
I’m Mrs. Ritter. I teach 6th Grade Math. I am thrilled to be teaching at KMS! Go Tigers! This is my 8th year teaching and I am excited to meet you! I graduated from Florida Southern College and I love camping, coffee, and chocolate.
Email: Kayla.Ritter@polk-fl.net
Chenel Simonville
6th & 8th Grade Math & Alg 1
chenel.simonville@polk-fl.net Campus & eLearningBio
Hello, I’m Mr. Simonville. I teach 6th & 8th Grade Math and Algebra 1.
Attributes:
- 9 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 Campus & eLearningBio
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:
- 8 Year Veteran Teacher
- 6th Year at Kathleen Middle
- Entrepreneur
- FAMU Rattler
- UF Gator
- Certified Nerd
Social Studies Teachers
Jessie Saylor
Ancient World History and US History
jessie.saylor@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
Ryan Tarbett
7th Grade Social Studies
ryan.tarbett@polk-fl.net campus & eLearningBio
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!