Administration

Administration

Mr. Larry Robison, Director of Curriculum
Mr. Mark Shepherd, Director of Student Affairs
Ms. Donna Claggett, Administrative Manager
Ms. Annie Diego, Admissions & Tournament Coordinator
Ms. Kathryn Smith, Academic Admin Assistant
Ms. JoAnn Toppa, Administrative Assistant
Mr. Joe Andersen, Director of Student Life/RA
Mr. Jerry Couzynse, Vice President & Director of Golf, Saddlebrook Resort
Mr. Howard Moore, Director of Saddlebrook Tennis

Instructional Staff

Administration

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 36 years. During Larry's last 33 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

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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

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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. dglaggett@saddlebrookresort.com

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Ms. Kathryn Smith Academic Admin Assistant Kathryn Smith's biography coming soon! ksmith@saddlebrookresort.com

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Ms. JoAnn Toppa Administrative Assistant JoAnn Toppa's biography coming soon! jtoppa@saddlebrookresort.com

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Mr. Joe Andersen Director of Student Life/RA Born in Gainesville, Florida, Joe Andersen split time in his youth between Tampa and the Washington D.C. area before pursuing degrees in Psychology and Marketing at both the University of South Florida in Tampa and the University of Florida in Gainesville, respectively. Before graduating in 1992, Joe taught tennis at local clubs and interned at the Law Offices of Holland & Knight in Tampa. During this time, Joe also served as President of the Tampa Amateur Jai-Alai Association while he trained in the Amateur Program in pursuit of a professional career. jandersen@saddlebrookresort.com

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Mr. Jerry Couzynse Vice President & Director of Golf, Saddlebrook Resort The golf operation at Saddlebrook Resort specializes in group play and Jerry is the driving force. Jerry is a graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program, and was elected to PGA membership in 1989. Jerry has over 17 years experience at prestigious golf facilities and has been responsible for creating and administering thousands of golf tournaments from informal to PGA Tour events. As a PGA Class-A member, Jerry is proficient in all aspects of the golf business, to include golf instruction, merchandising and playing ability. jcouzynse@saddlebrookresort.com

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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

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Instructional Staff

Mrs. Anavictoria Campos Spanish/Life Mngmt/Home EcBS Originally from Costa Rica, Mrs. Campos has lived in the United States for more than 20 years. She holds degrees in Elementary and Preschool education as well as the Science of Education from the University of Costa Rica. Mrs. Campos has extensive teaching experience both in the US and abroad. She is the Spanish teacher for all levels and also teaches various electives. Mrs. Campos is faculty advisor of the Student Council. acampos@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Ms. Andree Conrad English/Humanities BA,MA,MFA Andree Conrad is a published writer, translator and editor as well as an educator. Her career as a book editor in New York City and as a magazine editor in Miami and Atlanta involved working for such firms as Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Hachette Filipacchi, and Fairchild Publications. She taught as an adjunct at Vassar College and Columbia University, and has an M.A. and "ABD" in art history from New York University as well as an M.F.A. in creative writing from Florida International University. aconrad@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Ms. Christine Bushong Media Specialist & French Christine Bushong lived in California, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Hawaii, Washington state, and Japan before coming to the Tampa area fourteen years ago. She attended Mary Washington University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and majored in Political Science and French. During her junior year abroad at the University of Bordeaux, she enjoyed visiting many other countries and experiencing the various cultures. After working as a travel agent and paralegal, as well as raising a family, Christine earned her Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. While there, she was honored to be inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Mrs. Bushong first worked as a media specialist at Berkeley Preparatory School in their Middle and Upper Division library before joining the faculty at Saddlebrook Preparatory School. Christine is enthusiastic about providing resources and services to the faculty and students of Saddlebrook Preparatory School. Having traveled throughout Europe and Asia, she especially looks forward to interacting with international students. Mrs. Bushong envisions the Media Center as the learning hub of the school. cbushong@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Mr. Bob Hatfield History Robert Hatfield was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and his Master of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida with additional post graduate work at the University of South Florida. Mr. Hatfield retired from the Pasco County School District after 35 years experience as a teacher, administrator and golf coach before joining the Saddlebrook staff. His interests include: golf, travel, community activities and is a member of Rotary and the Masons. bhatfield@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Ms. Diantha Koehler Elementary Diantha Koehler is originally from New England, but has lived in Florida for 20 years. Ms. Koehler has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida, and has previously taught in Escambia County. She also holds an International Fitness Certification in Health & Fitness, and has been a health and fitness consultant with corporate wellness companies for the past several years. dkoehler@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Mr. Mark Eddins Math Mark Eddins graduated Magna Cum Laude from Indiana University with a B.S in Mathematics and Minor in Computer Science. He worked as a professional in the Computer industry as a programmer, consultant, project leader and senior manager. Mr. Eddins published numerous articles and presented at major computing conferences around the country. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer he conducted courses in advanced technology for other computing professionals and clients in the Fortune 100. As the Chief Technology Officer at his consulting firm he was responsible for guiding the technical direction of the firm and all 200+ technical consultants reported into his organization. This combination of real-world experience and education provides a solid practical foundation for teaching students mathematics and computer science at Saddlebrook Prep. meddins@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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Dr. Barbara Castro Science BS, MS, PhD I graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry and education. I went on to earn a Master’s degree and a doctorate degree in education. I’ve worked at Saddlebrook Preparatory School for the past seven years as a Math and Science teacher. Before coming to Saddlebrook in February 1998 I taught science at Palmer Tennis Academy for 3 years. I moved to Florida in March 1994 after having worked for many years in the public schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma. bcastro@saddlebrookresort.com Lesson plan.

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