|
fLms Executive Board |
| Andrew Olson, Executive Director Dr. Drew Olson, Ed.D., is a transformational leader, professor, and leadership coach who serves as President of the Leadership Development Network (LDN) and brings decades of experience in K–12 education, higher education, and organizational leadership. A former district leader and principal, he is nationally recognized for leading successful school turnarounds and now teaches educational leadership at Stetson University while preparing future leaders through practical, research-based instruction. Through his work in leadership development, Dr. Olson is committed to helping individuals and organizations build high-performing, inclusive teams that achieve lasting results. |
Amy Miller, Conference Director Amy Miller is a highly experienced middle school educator with over 20 years of teaching social studies through engaging, student-centered instruction, and she currently teaches at Corbett Preparatory School of IDS, an International Baccalaureate school. She has served as a National Trainer and Implementation Specialist for Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) since 2004, training thousands of educators nationwide, and has earned recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher and Teacher of the Year in Hillsborough County. Amy holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Communication Studies and is currently pursuing further studies at the University of Florida, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to educational excellence and leadership. |
| Danell Tills, Professional Development/Program Chair Danell Tills has over twenty years of experience in education, all within Volusia County Schools, where she began teaching middle and high school social studies before moving into a district-level role as a resource teacher. She currently serves as a curriculum specialist, a position she has held for nearly three years, supporting instructional practices and curriculum development. Danell holds master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from Stetson University and in Social Science Education from Nova Southeastern University, and is a proud graduate of Seminole County Schools. |
| Alicia Harp, Awards & Recognition Chair Alicia Harp is honored to serve on the board of the Florida League of Middle Schools and brings 18 years of experience as a middle school educator across North Carolina, Arizona, and Florida. She also serves as the Florida State Director for the National Forum’s Schools to Watch program, supporting school improvement and excellence. Alicia is passionate about building strong relationships and fostering positive, consistent environments where students and teachers can thrive and achieve long-term success. |
| Christopher DeRosier, Student Voice/Spotlight Lead Christopher DeRosier is an educator and instructional innovator focused on middle school redesign, alternative scheduling, and student-centered STEM learning, with over two decades of experience in education. Since 2011, he has served at Galaxy Middle School as Media Specialist and Digital Learning Teacher Leader, where he has led impactful initiatives in technology integration and directed the highly successful Galaxy STEM Academy. He also holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida and is a founding board member of Teacher Driven Innovation Inc., supporting teacher-led initiatives and the development of TDI STEM Academy. |
Emma Sandifer, Marketing and Social Media Chair Emma Sandifer is an 8th grade history teacher in Pinellas County Schools and a proud graduate of the district, later earning her degree in Secondary Social Science Education from the University of South Florida. She is passionate about engaging students through inquiry-based learning and helping them connect meaningfully with the past. In addition to teaching, Emma serves as a Lead Mentor supporting new educators and is excited to help promote the impact and excitement of middle school through FLMS. |
.jpg) | Akeim Young, Membership Chair Akeim Young is a graduate of Alabama State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Education, and he later received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Jones International University, graduating Magna Cum Laude; he also played basketball at Alabama State and professionally in the Euro League. As principal of Giunta Middle School, he partnered with the University of South Florida’s Psychology Department to implement Cares Coaching, providing classroom support that motivates students and helps teachers recognize trauma impacting learning. He was named Transformer of the Year by Hillsborough County Public Schools’ Transformation Network, and under his leadership, Giunta has reduced discipline incidents while increasing student proficiency in reading, language arts, math, and civics. |
| Keisha Dixon, Registration & Attendee Experience Lead Keisha Dixon is an accomplished educational leader with more than 23 years of experience in Hillsborough County, including over 15 years in school administration as a middle school principal, adult school administrator, and high school assistant principal. She is recognized for her expertise in instructional leadership, professional learning, instructional coaching, and supporting diverse student populations, while also serving as a Master Mentor and Facilitator in Hillsborough County's Assistant Principal Induction Pipeline. A doctoral candidate at the University of South Florida and a Florida League of Middle Schools Board member, Ms. Dixon is committed to developing effective school leaders and advancing practices that help middle school students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. |
Anabel Guichardo-Martinez, Volunteer Coordinator Anabel Guichardo-Martinez is an experienced educator and school leader with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to strengthening instructional systems and improving student achievement. Her career has included leadership roles in New York and Florida as a classroom teacher, lead teacher, assistant principal, and currently Community School Administrator at Lennard Adult Education Center, where she serves as the acting principal and fosters strong school-community partnerships. Throughout her career, she has been committed to developing effective instructional practices, collaborative leadership, and expanded educational opportunities that support student success. |
| Jacquese Copeland, Vendors & Partners Chairs Jacquese Copeland is a passionate educational leader with more than 20 years of service in Volusia County Schools, where she has served as a teacher, academic coach, assistant principal, principal, and now Executive Director of Exceptional Student Education (ESE). She is recognized for her student-centered leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education. Through her leadership, Ms. Copeland promotes excellence in educational services while fostering strong partnerships that support student success. |
| Jessica Ruppen, Vendors & Partners Chairs Jessica Ruppen has dedicated 23 years to Volusia County Schools, serving as a classroom teacher, academic coach, assistant principal, and currently as an ESE Specialist, with a career focused on instructional excellence and student success. She has been recognized as a Top 5 Teacher of the Year finalist, helped lead Southwestern Middle School from a "C" to a "B" school grade, and successfully secured the Futures in Focus grant to expand postsecondary opportunities for students with disabilities. In her current role, Jessica provides professional learning for more than 700 ESE paraprofessionals while working to ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction and meaningful pathways to future success. |
| Michael Bobo, District & Outreach Chair Michael I. Bobo is a lifelong educator, leadership mentor, and minister with more than 30 years of ministerial leadership and 18 years of experience in middle school education. Through his consulting firm, MIB Dynamics: Mentoring Through Leadership, and his work as a regional trainer for the National Institute of School Leadership (NISL/NCEE), he provides leadership coaching, mentoring, and professional development for educators. Guided by the belief that strong relationships are the foundation of effective leadership, Michael is dedicated to helping leaders grow through mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful connections |
.png)
| Eric Basilo, Governance & Board Development Chair Dr. Eric Basilo has more than 31 years of experience in education, serving as a mathematics teacher, dean, middle school assistant principal, college adjunct professor, and educational consultant. A nationally recognized school leader and past president of the Florida Association of School Administrators, he has been honored for expanding advanced learning opportunities and developing innovative Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that increase student engagement. Dr. Basilo earned all three of his degrees from the University of Central Florida and continues to support schools through leadership development while serving as assistant principal at Markham Woods Middle School. |
.jpg)
| Melissa Olson, Website & Communications Coordinator Melissa Olson is an accomplished operations leader, former educator, and licensed Florida REALTOR® with a passion for developing people, building relationships, and creating systems that help organizations thrive. As Vice President of Operations and Managing Member of Leadership Development Network (LDN), she oversees client relations, operations, training logistics, marketing, and organizational strategy, drawing on her extensive experience in education and leadership development. A former Reading Teacher, Reading Coach, and Media Specialist, Melissa holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of South Florida with Reading and Library Media certifications, and remains committed to serving schools, supporting educational leaders, and helping individuals and organizations achieve lasting success. |
