About our Bloggers

April Fleetwood, Director of Accountability, Research, and Measurement, manages university and internal research opportunities at FLVS that focus on best practices and student achievement in online learning for grades K-12. She started her career teaching high school English after graduating from the University of Florida with her Master of Education in 2007. She joined FLVS and received her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida in 2017.

Anne Flenner, School Counselor, has worked to meet the academic, social, personal, and professional needs of FLVS students since 2011. Previously a school counselor in Alachua County, she has received several awards and serves on multiple state counseling boards and committees. She has a Master's degree in Counselor Education from UF. Anne loves working with student athletes, supporting college and career readiness, and focusing on student mental health and wellness.

Dr. Amy Hall is a licensed mental health counselor with over 25 years of experience in both the mental health and K-12 arena. She has been a part of the FLVS family for over 3 years and resides in the Volusia County area. Dr. Hall works regularly with students and families to help them achieve their emotional and personal goals.

Amy LaGrasta, Flex School Counseling Senior Manager, helps students make informed decisions about courses, career and college options, and the study habits needed for online success. Prior to joining FLVS, she served as the guidance director at Estero High School in Lee County, FL where she was honored with the Teacher of Distinction award.

Caroline Lyles, FLVS 2016 Teacher of the Year, has been with FLVS since 2011 as both a Spanish instructor and curriculum writer. She has dual Master’s degrees in Spanish and Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction. A passionate believer in life-long learning, she has been instrumental in creating and designing Spanish courses at FLVS. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring historical sites and kayaking with her family.

Cara Piper loves teaching Kindergarten students online with FLVS Flex Elementary! She is a teacher mama, grammar aficionado, blogger, and collector of creative headbands to keep her students engaged during Class Time. Follow her on Instagram @virtualelementaryteachers.

Darcey Addo is a National Board Certified teacher who has been teaching at FLVS since 2009. She has a Master’s degree in Teacher Leadership and Urban Education and is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership, Policy and Change in Education. Darcey is an Examiner for the Florida Sterling Council and has a keen interest in process and performance improvement. In her local community, she serves as an adult member of the Youth Advisory Board to the Mayor, helping students get involved in local government and community activism.

Derek Stewart is the Driver Education Coordinator at Florida Virtual School. As Driver Education teacher with 25 years’ experience, he has logged thousands of hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with students. His mission is to help new drivers reduce risk by developing good driving habits.

Elizabeth Fulcher, Career and Technical Education Curriculum Specialist, joined FLVS in 2011 after 8 years in the traditional classroom. She owes a lot to CTE. She graduated from high school with a Gold Seal Scholarship and earned a Master's degree from UCF in CTE. She firmly believes CTE provides endless opportunities for students and prepares them for college and in-demand careers.

Elise Harris, FLVS 2015 Teacher of the Year, joined FLVS in 2008. As a middle school Social Studies teacher, she enjoys creating innovative and unconventional opportunities for student success and believes firmly that every student deserves the right to learn in their own way.

Dr. Jeanne Giardino, FLVS instructor, has a true passion for all things literacy. She enjoys the collaborative process in promoting reading in all aspects of virtual education. Having held a variety of positions with FLVS since 2006, she brings a global perspective to her current position. After 20 years in the field of education, she maintains a wealth of literacy knowledge and enthusiasm for student success.

Juanita Olarte is an 11th grade Oviedo High School student who supplements her learning with FLVS Flex. She is an active member of her school’s dance team and hopes to attend NYU to become a journalist. She recently interned at the New York Times.

Kayle Gattuso is a Talent Acquisitions Marketing Specialist for FLVS and FlexPoint, dedicated to bringing in the best team members to support the experience of our students and families. When she’s not working you can find her lost in a book or spending time with her family.

Mary Mitchell is an instructor who has held several positions at FLVS over the years. A National Board Certified Teacher, she has been recognized as a Teacher of the Year for FLVS, the United States Distance Learning Association, and Discovery Middle School in Orange County, FL. She has written articles on topics ranging from computer image processing to teacher training for the online classroom.

Matthew Munro is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator for Florida Virtual School, where he builds, researches, and plans out a robust CTE program that ensures student success. Prior to being the CTE coordinator at FLVS, he taught Programming for more than 10 years, where he found his passion for CTE and advocating for its importance.

Melodie Robelo joined the FLVS team in 2015 as an English 1 instructor, after 9 years in the traditional classroom. She has had a well-rounded career, having taught exceptional student education, language arts, and mathematics to students in grades 4-8. Her passion is helping students of all ages learn to express themselves and share their stories through writing. Above all, Melodie values relationships and is proud to work for an organization where students come first.

Sarah Hayner is going into her 5th year of teaching at Florida Virtual School. She taught 4th and 5th grades in the Full Time Elementary program and is currently teaching 5th grade in the Flex Elementary program. Her favorite thing about teaching virtual school is the relationships she has formed with her students and families.

Monica Cardoza is mom to 11-year-old Aiden Cardoza, and Sofia Borden is mom to 10-year-old Sylar Borden. They are a mother-daughter duo who raise their sons as brothers, though they are actually uncle and nephew, born just 11 months apart. Both Aiden and Sylar are FLVS Flex Homeschool Students. The boys also have their own nonprofit, Captain A TV, Inc., a 501(c)(3) to help save endangered animals and our planet.

Tiffany Ludwig, Elementary Program Lead Teacher, has taught multiple grade levels at both private and public schools. She joined FLVS in 2011 as a 7th grade math instructor. After becoming a Lead Teacher for 8th grade Pre-Algebra, she eventually found her way back to elementary students, joining the 5th grade team. She loves helping students explore what kind of people they would like to grow to be.

Tina Leslie, Career and Technical Education Curriculum Specialist, joined FLVS in 2008 after 4 years in the traditional classroom. Tina earned a Master's degree from University of South Florida in Career and Technical Education. She firmly believes CTE provides endless opportunities for students and prepares them for college and in-demand careers.

Tina Morris is a marketing and event professional at Florida Virtual School’s national arm, FlexPoint Education Cloud, who is inspired daily by her husband and their two sons. Her experiences in raising and advocating for a child with hearing loss has led Tina to her motto: A well-informed parent is a child’s best protection and best opportunity for a lifetime of success. In her free time, Tina enjoys mentoring parents, scenic drives, and the beach.