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Robert Edward Adamowicz, Jr.
Assistant Principal, Highlands Elementary School

I am proud to serve as Assistant Principal at Highlands Elementary, where I strive to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. With a background in classroom teaching and leadership, I bring experience in school-wide discipline, restorative practices, and curriculum development.

Previously, I served as Dean of Students at Idyllwilde Elementary and was honored as 2021 Teacher of the Year at South Seminole Middle. I’ve also contributed to school safety initiatives and participated in the Florida Supreme Court Fellowship. I hold a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UCF and am passionate about mentoring students and staff.

Outside of school, I enjoy traveling with my wife and daughter and cheering on our favorite teams—the UCF Knights, Yankees, Giants, and Magic.

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I am proud to serve as the Math Instructional Coach, bringing 24 years of teaching experience to support students and teachers. I graduated from Vanderbilt University (Go 'Dores) and hold a master's degree from the University of Kentucky (Go Cats). I'm passionate about helping students build confidence and curiosity in math. Outside of school I enjoy traveling, swimming, and reading. Additionally, I'm the parent of three amazing children, along with one very large lovable dog.

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When my family and I moved to Florida 21 years ago, we were told by a relocation specialist to come to Seminole County because this was where the best schools in Florida were. My children attended ITMS and WSHS, and I have been proud to call myself a Highlands Husky since the day I moved down here. When I am not with my school family and amazing students, you can find me with my 2 precious grandsons, on the tennis court with my husband, or reading with my dog curled up beside me. Highlands staff, students, and families are, hands down, the Best of the Best!!! I will be at my home away from home, until the day I retire.

My name is Sandy Simon and I’ve been an elementary educator since 1999. I graduated from Barry University with a BS Degree in Elementary Education and then returned for my Masters in Education. I absolutely love working with students, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family-That’s where I recharge and find inspiration for the week ahead!

Hello! My name is Shannon DiLecce. I’ve been an elementary teacher for 5 years, and I have been at Highlands Elementary for all of those years. I graduated from UNF with a BS Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology in 2020. I absolutely love working with primary students and teaching them to read! I am both reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all types of learners. I am a new wife, and married my husband Ben in 2023! We love traveling and doing life together. When I'm not teaching, you can find me at the pickle ball courts, at any local coffee shop, or at the dog park with my puppy!

My name is Ehren McMichael and I have been teaching in Seminole County over 20 years! I have 3 children Brayden will be a senior, Hannah will be a Freshman, and Ronin will be here at Highlands as a 5th grader. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 5 years and just love it!! My husband and I enjoy traveling and playing sports. Looking forward to another great school year here at Highlands!

My name is Victoria DeQuattro and I teach first-grade at Highlands. My favorite thing about teaching first-grade is watching my students grow and gain confidence throughout the school year. My favorite subject to teach is math, and I enjoy making learning fun and engaging for all students. Outside the classroom, I stay active by playing pickleball, I cherish spending time with my family and friends, and I love to cheer on my favorite sports teams.

My name is Lauren Berglund and I am heading into my fifth year of teaching. I taught one year of second grade with Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia and three years of first grade with Highlands Elementary. I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a Bachelor of Science degree and soon after I received a Master's of Education degree with Regent University in VA Beach, VA. In the summer of 2022, I moved to Florida with my fiancé and got married in June of 2024! Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places in FL and across the country, and soaking in the HOT Florida sun at Disney World!

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Mrs. Kimberly Ferraro is thrilled to join the Highlands Elementary family! She holds a Master’s in Education from Florida State University, is K–12 certified, and brings 14 years of teaching experience from both Florida and Georgia. Originally from Long Island, NY, she’s passionate about creating safe, caring, and fun classrooms where kids love to learn. Mrs. Ferraro and her husband have two children—Parker (5th grade) and Clementine (2nd grade)—who will also be roaming the Highlands halls this year. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her running, reading, enjoying the beach, or chasing her two goldendoodles (and cat) around the house. She believes every good day starts with music and coffee—and she’s rarely without both! She can’t wait to make this school year one to remember!

My name is Jessica Carlin and I’ve been teaching for 13 years. This will be my 3rd year at Highlands and I am so happy to be a Husky!! I graduated from UCF in 2012. GO KNIGHTS!! I absolutely love being a primary teacher and enjoy being around my students everyday! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at Disney with my two children and husband!

My name is Valerie Allen and I’ve been an elementary educator for 36 years, and I have been at Highlands Elementary for 14 of those years. I received a bachelor's degree in Specific Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education from Florida Southern College and my master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of North Florida. I am also certified in ESOL and have my gifted teaching endorsement. This allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. I love teaching second graders and feel privileged to do what I love each day! When I am not teaching or planning fun things to do at school I enjoy spending time with my family, reading a good book, or hiking in the mountains.

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My name is Rita Laughlin and I’ve been an elementary educator for 25 years, and I have been at Highlands Elementary for 22 of those years. I graduated from UCF with a BS Degree in Elementary Education in 2000. I absolutely love working with third graders, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family-That’s where I recharge and find inspiration for the week ahead!

My name is Samantha Perez, I am a third grade teacher at Highlands elementary. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with my BS degree in elementary education, I am reading and ESOL endorsed. My favorite subject to teach is Science, I am passionate about fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. I am committed to helping students develop a love for learning and building strong foundational skills for academic success. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, shopping, and running!

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My name is Jennifer Thomas and I’ve been an elementary educator for 25 years. I've had the blessing to be at Highlands Elementary for all 25 years. I graduated from UCF with a BS Degree in Early Childhood in 2001.Go Knights! I've taught Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades. I’m reading, gifted and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and provide them with the best possible instruction. In my free time, I enjoy crafting, going on walks with my dog and spending time with my family.

My name is Jamie Treen, and I have been a teacher at Highlands Elementary School since 2002. I have taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th Grades. I graduated from UCF with a degree in Elementary Education. I am a Gifted and ELL endorsed teacher. I enjoy working with students to create a positive, kind, respectful, and hard working learning environment. Together, we persevere through problem solving mathematical concepts and learning knew strategies. When I'm not teaching, I like to go to the beach and hang out with friends and family.

My name is Jessie Burton and I have been teaching at Highlands for 4 years! I graduated from UCF with a bachelors in Elementary Education. I absolutely love teaching 4th grade and I am very passionate about the content that I teach (reading, writing, social studies). I am also ESOL and Reading endorsed, so that helps me to work with students at any stage of their learning. I think that 4th grade is the sweet spot and cannot imagine being anywhere other than Highlands! In my free time, I enjoy reading, going out on the boat, and spending time with my 3 dogs and fiance!

My name is Dawn Trenholm and I’ve been an educator for 28 years, and I have been at Highlands Elementary for 7 of those years. I attended K-12 in Seminole County and graduated from Lake Mary High School. I attended USF and earned my BS Degree in 1996. I absolutely love working with fourth graders, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m ESE certified and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the beach and cruising. I love spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Denise Kobryn and I currently teach fourth grade. I've been teaching for over 31 years and am deeply passionate about nurturing a love of reading. Throughout my career, I have taught a wide range of learners. I am proudly endorsed in Reading, Gifted, and ESOL instruction. These endorsements have allowed me to support diverse students each with unique strengths, challenges and learning styles. My greatest joy as an educator comes from seeing students grow in confidence and discover the power of literacy! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends!

I have been a classroom teacher for 32 years teaching grades 2-5. Helping and guiding students in their education inspires me to give 100% dedication to my effort each day. I have two adult children, Courtney and Chelsea, who both attended Highlands. It's OUR place where their education all begun, therefore, I have strong ties to the school. I am proud to be a Highlands Husky!

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My name is Marci Gould. I was born in Rhode Island, and I'm the proud daughter of a Coast Guard veteran. I grew up near Buffalo, New York where I graduated from from Houghton College with a BS Degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Psychology. Teaching fifth graders is my jam, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and lounging by the pool with my three canine "kids" and my husband of 23 years. If you put a book in my hands, I'm the happiest girl on the planet! Unless it's football season. Then you'll find me cheering on Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. One of my favorite mantras is borrowed from him, "Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills!"

I have been a proud educator at Highlands Elementary for 21 years. I hold both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida, where I developed a strong foundation in education and desire for student success. Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about creating a positive, lively learning environment where every child feels supported, loved, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

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I have been an ESE Teacher for 28 years, spending the last 7 of those years at Highlands Elementary. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Coker University and my Master's Degree in Special Education from Florida International University. I have endorsements in Autism, Reading, and ESOL, and am always striving to learn the best way to support each of my amazing students. In addition to loving teaching, I also enjoy singing, reading and spending time with my husband and 4 children.

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Hi, my name is Danielle Brown. In my 16 years as an educator, I have been privileged to work with students in a variety of settings. I have been a support facilitator in SCPS for 9 years, with the past 2 years being at Highlands. I graduated with degrees in Elementary Education and Political Science. I currently hold certifications in Exceptional Student Education, Elementary Education and endorsements in ESOL and Reading. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family!

My name is Antonia Ehrhardt and I’ve been an elementary educator for 13 years. I began my teaching career at Highlands Elementary as an intern and later came back to join the staff. Highlands is the best place to be! I graduated from UCF (Go Knights!) with a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007. I am Gifted and ESOL endorsed, with certifications in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and Reading. I have also completed the Certified Instructional Coaching program from the University of Florida. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family. 

My name is Danielle Almaraz and I’ve been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 8 years. I have been lucky enough to spend all 8 of those years here at Highlands! I graduated from UCF with a masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. I love working with students of all abilities and grade levels. Outside of the classroom, I love going to Disney and sharing my passion for the arts (dance/theater) with others. I recently added the title of "mommy" to my resume with my daughter, Lyla's arrival in March 2025!

Hi! I'm Katie McCann, one of the speech-language pathologists at Highlands Elementary. The 2025–2026 school year marks my third year serving the incredible students and families at Highlands. I’m deeply passionate about helping every student find their voice. I believe every child has something important to say, and it’s my mission to support them in expressing it in a way that’s meaningful and accessible to them. I earned my degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UCF and am currently pursuing my master’s in speech-language pathology at FSU while working full time. I feel incredibly lucky to support such amazing students and families every day. Outside of work, you can usually find me relaxing at home, exploring new places on the weekends, or spending time with my family!

My name is Claire Saracen and I am the gifted and talent development teacher here at Highlands. I graduated with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and earned my Masters degree in Reading Education from UCF. Both my sons attend Highlands and we all love being here at Highlands. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, and being with my family and friends.

My name is Maria Arce. I have a B.S. degree from UCF in Elementary Education and my ESOL endorsement. I have been teaching for 32 years. Being a teacher is my calling and it brings me great joy. I began my career at Sterling Park Elementary. I had the honor of opening Highlands in 1996. I taught First Grade for 18 years and Second Grade for 12 years. I am currently starting my third year as the ESOL teacher at Highlands. The staff and students are amazing.

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My name is Griselle Torres. I have been working with the Department of Education for the past ten years, with the last three years serving as a paraprofessional in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). I have a deep love for working with children and find great fulfillment in supporting their growth and learning. Over the past year at Highlands Elementary, I’ve had a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally, and have learned so much from the students and staff. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially during gatherings. In my free time, I also love to read and sew, which help me relax and recharge.

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My name is Gladys Quiles, and I have been the Manager of Red Apple Dining at Highlands Elementary for the past three years. I have seven years of experience at Red Apple Dining. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. My greatest satisfaction is ensuring that every student who visits our restaurant has the best experience and enjoys our enriching food. Spending time with my son and my family is what I enjoy most!

My name is April Alt I have been with Red Apple dining for twenty years. I came to Highlands last year and I am happy I'm here with the elementary kids and this great staff! I was born in Omaha Nebraska. I came to Florida after I graduated and turned 18. I have a grown daughter and two four legged boys. The beach is my happy place, I also enjoy painting and working in the yard.