Mr. Larry Robison
Director of Curriculum

The man credited with starting Saddlebrook Academy (now Saddlebrook Prep.) in 1992, Mr. Robison has been an educator for over 39 years. During Larry's last 36 years, he has served as a Principal/Head of School and, in 1992, on loan from a local high school, he created the curriculum for Saddlebrook Prep. Mr. Robison has served on numerous statewide educational committees and many civic organizations. His personal goal is to continue to assist students reach their highest potential.
lrobison@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Mark Shepherd
Director of Student Affairs

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1987 and Master of Arts in 1990 in the Social and Behavioral Sciences with a major in Political Science from the University of South Florida. My background in education leadership and instruction includes the following:

After matriculating from high school I spent two years serving the South African Defense Force. Here I achieved the role of Infantry Instructor (platoon sergeant). I became qualified to instruct and lead a platoon in conventional and counter insurgency warfare.

In 1983 I moved to United States, entering the University of South Florida with a full athletic (soccer) scholarship. In 1991, I was offered a teaching role in the International Studies Department and continue this role today. My role at the university was expanded in 1996 to include an advisory and counselor position. And in 1997, I was offered and accepted the directorship of the university’s Off-Campus Term Program.

In 1998 I departed from the university to accept the principalship at the Palmer Preparatory School and Tennis Academy. In March 2002, I accepted a teaching position at Saddlebrook, and the following year returned to the administrative realm as Dean of Students. In addition to the foregoing, I am involved in coaching youth soccer. I have been a professional trainer since 1996 and currently serve as the Director of Coaching at the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer Club. My coaching experience also includes assistant coach for the men and women’s soccer teams at the University of South Florida.
mshepherd@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Donna Claggett
Administrative Manager

Born and raised in Florida, Donna Claggett joined Saddlebrook Resort in February of 1982. During this time she has held the positions of Front Desk Supervisor, Rental Manager at the Lakeside Village and Office Manager at Hopman Tennis. Since 1997 she has been the Administrative Manager at Saddlebrook Preparatory School. Donna brings together considerable experience with Resort, Hopman and Prep School operations and expertise in organizational matters.
dclaggett@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Kathryn Smith
Academic Admin Assistant

Floridian, Kathryn Smith was raised in Miami and educated in Tallahassee, Florida. She joined the Saddlebrook Resort staff in 2002, following a long and rewarding career in the insurance industry. Gaining a working knowledge of the hospitality business via Hotel Reservations and the Human Resources Department, she joined the Saddlebrook Prep staff in January of 2006. Kathryn takes great pleasure in reading, gardening and spending time with her family.
ksmith@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Mark Hirschey
Certified Instructor/Junior Program Director & PGA Member Class A

Mark joined the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy in 1999. Before coming to Saddlebrook he was a Head Professional in the Georgia Section for nine years. He was elected to the Professional Golfers Association in 1988.

Originally from Minnesota, Mark attended Bemidji State University where he played on the golf team. He has competed successfully both as an amateur and as a professional. Mark has been teaching golf at all skill levels for over fifteen years through clinics and individual lessons. He is also the Director of Junior Golf for the Saddlebrook Preparatory Program here at Saddlebrook Resort, working with young golfers and helping them to take their game to the next level. Mark is the Boy's High School Team Coach.
mhirschey@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Howard Moore
Director of Saddlebrook Tennis

As a young junior, Howard was coached by the late Australian Davis Cup coach, Harry Hopman and then joined his staff from 1978 until March of 1986. Howard ran the Harry Hopman International Tennis Club, Balonia, Italy. Howard holds a BA in Hotel Management, Florida International University. He is also a P-1 with the United States Professional Tennis Association. Howard has been in the capacity of Program Director of Saddlebrook International Tennis since 1986.
hopman@saddlebrookresort.com