Mr. Larry Robison
Head Master

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

Ms. Patsy Mahoney
Director of Curriculum

Midwestern born and educated, Patsy’s career in education has ranged from instructing elementary, middle, high school, and university level students to administering and coordinating curriculum for public and private schools in Illinois. Since living in Florida, Patsy has served Florida children and adults through work with the State of Florida, Florida community college system, and public schools. She joined Saddlebrook Prep five years ago as an instructor and more recently, as Director of Curriculum. Patsy has been an active member of professional educator communities fulfilling several leadership roles. In addition, Patsy has logged flight hours as a commercial pilot, with both instrument and instrument instructor ratings. She has continued to extend her academic credentials through doctoral studies.
pmahoney@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Mark Shepherd
Director of Student Services

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

Mr. Nick Koulamanis
Guidance Counselor

Nick Koulamanis's biography coming soon!
nkoulamanis@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

A native of Miami, Florida, Kathryn Smith is our Academic Administrative Assistant. She became a member of the Saddlebrook Resort staff in 2002, transferring from Human Resources to the Preparatory School in 2006. Kathryn enjoys the dynamic and diverse student population, outstanding colleagues, and beautiful environment found at the school.
ksmith@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Dawn Lewis
Administrative Assistant

Dawn Lewis's biography coming soon!
dlewis@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

Ms. Nona Wagh
Admissions & Tournament Coordinator

Nona came to the United States in 2001 on a tennis scholarship to Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. She first came to Saddlebrook in the summer of 2003 to work on her internship. After graduating in 2004, she returned to Saddlebrook and joined the Tennis Academy Pro staff and also served as a resident assistant in the Saddlebrook Preparatory dorms. She ran the Adult Tennis program for nearly three years. During her stint as Adult Tennis Coordinator, the Saddlebrook Adult Program was rated Top 5 on www. tennisresortsonline.com. She most recently joined the Saddlebrook Preparatory as Tournament and Admissions Coordinator. Nona’s future goals include promoting Saddlebrook educational and sports opportunities to aspiring student athletes as well as earning an advanced college degree.
nwagh@saddlebrookresort.com