Administration

L. Shannon Graves Head of School shannon.graves@vanguardschool.org

  • Mr. Graves began his career in education as an Upper School English teacher and basketball coach in Cincinnati, Ohio. Since then, he has served as an English Teacher, Director of Residential Life, Lower and Middle School Principal (Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Big Island, Hawaii), Upper School Principal, and Assistant Head of School (Admiral Farragut Academy, St. Petersburg, Florida) and Head of School at Island School on Kauai, Hawaii 2015-2020. He served on the Hawaii Association of Independent School Board of Directors from 2016-2020. He was appointed by the Board of Trustees as Head of School at The Vanguard School in 2020. His family includes his wife Maria and children Sara (English/Reading Teacher), Joshua (College Student, Arizona State University '24), and Koa (Vanguard '27). In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, golfing, reading, and watching Xavier basketball and Tampa Bay Lightning hockey. He earned his M. Ed Administration at Xavier University, as well as his English Teaching Certification, and his B.A from Morehead State University Communications, Journalism.

Dr. Jae Allen Academic/Residential Director,
6-12th Principal, Athletic Director jae.allen@vanguardschool.org

  • Jae provides leadership in the areas of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and planning. He oversees all academic and boarding operations. This includes ensuring the school's academic program appropriately aligns with state and accreditation requirements. He works collaboratively with the administration team to create school-wide goals and objectives, related to student learning in order to encourage the growth and success of our students. He has his undergraduate degree in Health Science Education, completed his Graduate studies in Biomedical Engineering, and a Doctorate of Education. He is an alum of The University of Florida and maintains teaching certificates with endorsements in various grade levels and subject areas including Exceptional Student Education K-12. He enjoys all things Florida Gators, food, watching movies, listening to music, live music, and the beach/ocean.

Susi Vacek
Admissions and Marketing susi.vacek@vanguardschool.org

  • Susi works with schools, families, therapeutic partners, and consultants to increase opportunities to serve students and families and the larger education community. She ensures all admissions and marketing developments best promote program benefits and school culture. In her free time, she enjoys trying new cuisines and spending time with her daughter and cat.

Dan Zwerski Development Director dan.zwerski@vanguardschool.org

  • Dan has over 25 years of marketing, sales, and business development experience. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Central Florida and a Digital Marketing Certificate from Georgetown University. Originally from Gainesville, he made his way back to the sunshine state from Switzerland, where he was the Director of Marketing and Recruitment at Surval Montreaux International School in Switzerland. His tenure as an Executive Committee member and Chairperson of Membership at the American International Club of Geneva, highlights his ability to grow membership and acquire sponsorships within a culturally diverse international environment. As Vanguard's Director of Development, he leverages his marketing expertise, international experience, and development skills, to secure financial contributions and support the school's growth. Outside of work, he enjoys aviation, a passion that stems from his childhood.

Tim Knavel
Chief Financial Officer tim.knavel@vanguardschool.org

  • Tim comes to the Vanguard School after a long career in collegiate athletics as the Business Manager/CFO, which covered stops at various institutions, including Austin Peay State University, Ohio University and Towson University. He has a BBA in Accounting from Niagara University and a Masters in Human Resources Development from Towson University. He, his wife, and children moved to Florida to be closer to family. Tim is an avid sports fan and enjoys the outdoors.

Ashton Holliday
Registrar, Academic Curriculum Coordinator, Academic Faculty- Middle School Science, Residential Advisor ashton.holliday@vanguardschool.org

  • Ashton graduated from Samford University in 2019 with a bachelor's in Sports Medicine and is planning on getting her Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology in the future. She loves spending time with her son, sports, reading, and exploring new places.

John Swanson
IT Manager
john.swanson@vanguardschool.org

  • John manages all networks, computers and supervises the maintenance of the campus. He has also been a Microsoft Certified Engineer for several years. He enjoys working at Vanguard, as he feels the school is always striving to be better than the previous year.

Josh Graves
Residential Director, Athletic Coach
josh.graves@vanguardschool.org

  • Josh mentors our Residential Advisor staff and Crosscountry, Basketball, and Track students. He ensures that staff and students receive the guidance they need to thrive in their personal and professional development. Josh comes from a private school upbringing living on campuses across the country with his family of educators. He has lived at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Admiral Farragut Academy, and Culver Academy. He graduated from Island School (HI) and attended Ripon College to study biology and run track. He will continue working on his B.A. this year while mentoring our students. He is passionate about his work, homesteading, and enjoys trying new restaurants.

Rafael Martinez
Director of Facilities rafael.martinez@vanguardschool.org

  • Rafael and his team ensure our Vanguard grounds and maintenance needs are always covered. Before coming to Florida, he lived in Massachusetts and worked for 27 years in maintenance. In his free time, Rafael loves woodworking and spending time with his wife and son.

Peter Konneh Counselor peter.konneh@vanguardschool.org

  • Peter works with Vanguard students, ensuring they have the mental health support they need. He has a broad experience in the healthcare industry, as he’s worked with individuals who endured sexual assault, domestic violence, substance abuse, depression, and provided mental health rehabilitation for trauma survivors. He enjoys working with children and families and his approach is evidence-based therapy. He has training in cognitive based theory, trauma focus therapy, solution focused and emotional focus therapy. He has a Bachelor’s in Human Services from Springfield College and a dual Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College. In his free time, he spends his free time playing various instruments at churches.

Administrative Staff

Cheryl Quinn Executive Assistant cheryl.quinn@vanguardschool.org

  • Cheryl is a native to Lake Wales. She has a BBA in management and marketing from Northwood University and over 20 years of experience in College/University Admissions. She also has experience in Project Management, Life and Health Insurance, and Financial Planning as a Client Service Associate. The beach is her "happy place" but she also enjoys, reading, music, mission work, and all things Gator football.

Stacy Robinson Residential Life Operations Manager/Travel Coordinator stacy.robinson@vanguardschool.org

  • Stacy supports international students by helping them to obtain and maintain their F1 Visa status during the enrollment process. She is a native of Lake Wales and has her Associate's Degree from Polk State Community College.

Natasha Pokhai
Business Office Manager
natasha.pokhai@vanguardschool.org

  • Natasha works with all aspects of the Business Office. She attended LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, NY receiving her AAS. She's passionate about enjoying each day and each moment with her Vanguard family, friends, and love ones. She is a firm believer that we should always try to perform one act of kindness each day.

Cathy Ciccone
Marketing and Admissions Associate
cathy.ciccone@vanguardschool.org

  • Cathy is passionate about being an advocate for the Vanguard community. She supports families, students, and staff through creative storytelling on social media and the admissions process. She attended Molloy University in Long Island, NY, where she obtained a B.A. in Professional Communications. She loves music, trying new food, and spending time with friends and family.

Academic and Residential Faculty

Hannah Bell Residential Advisor hannah.bell@vanguardschool.org

  • Hannah obtained her B.A in Communication with a minor in Marketing from Warner University. She is originally from O’Fallon, Illinois, and has also lived in Cincinnati, Ohio during part of her college experience. While in college, she completed an internship at the Lake Wales Care Center and played on the volleyball team. In her free time, Hannah loves to do DIY projects, take pictures, and spend time with her dog.

Cooper Brennan Residential Advisor cooper.brennan@vanguardschool.org

  • Cooper, a former Vanguard student, is a Residential Advisor. He is currently attending Webber International University, studying general business. He is also on the Webber bowling team. Cooper enjoys spending time with his family, and his two dogs Bo and Bubba.

Xzaria Carr
Residential Advisor xzaria.carr@vanguardschool.org

  • Xaria loves helping students find their passion and making new connections. She developed into a student leader and proctor while working at Vanguard's summer camp, where she continued to cultivate her leadership skills. She discovered her love of baking and business and is earning a combination of degrees in both fields. She enjoys planting, games, and anime.

Sara Cristobal 
Academic Faculty- Reading, Residential Advisor
sara.cristobal@vanguardschool.org

  • Sara grew up on boarding school campuses in Hawaii and Florida. Home and school merged, prompting an academic path in education. She has a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Linguistics, and a Master’s Degree in Education. She has been teaching for the past four years at various levels 3rd-12th. Her passions are grammar, reading, writing and running.

Brenden Cristobal  
Academic Faculty- Culinary, Blacksmithing, Woodworking, Athletic Coach, Residential Advisor brenden.crisotbal@vanguardschool.org

  • Brenden’s roots stem from Hawaii, where he became a professional blacksmith. He has experience working for high end restaurants for a decade, where he enjoyed meal planning and personal training. He is excited to share his knowledge with his students. In his free time, he loves spending time with his family, dog, playing video games, and being outdoors in nature.

Diego Fant
Academic Faculty- Intro to Technology, Graphic and Game Design, Digital Imaging, Residential Advisor diego.fant@vanguardschool.org

  • Diego loves helping people rise up and see what they are capable of. When he is not in the classroom. you’ll see him coaching Archery, Cross Country, and J.V. Basketball. He also tutors students in the residential program. He attended George Mason University and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Visual Technology. In his free time, he loves to spend time outdoors, by the ocean , practicing yoga and taking pictures.

Rosa Figueroa Academic Faculty- High School Spanish rosemary.figueroa@vanguardschool.org

  • Rosa has been an administrator, teacher, and teacher coach. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Rosa has had the ability and the passion to reach at-risk students who face a variety of barriers to learning. She earned a B.A in Business Administration, minoring in Human Resource Management. She has also earned a Provisional Certificate with the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools. In her free time, she enjoys music and spending time with her family.

Mariah Frasco
Academic Faculty- Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry
mariah.frasco@vanguardschool.org

  • Mariah is committed to creating a classroom environment that supports students developmentally, provides an opportunity to celebrate their successes, and ensures equity. She has several years of experience teaching math in middle school and secondary school. She has a B.S. in Psychology with a concentration of Child Psycholog and an M.S. in Psychology with a concentration of Teaching. She also holds a certification in Middle School Math and Professional Teaching. She enjoys spending time with her dogs, reading, and spending time behind the camera while running her Photography business.

Patricia Hamill
Academic Faculty- Language Arts, Financial Literacy
patricia.hamill@vanguardschool.org

  • Patricia is committed to helping students find a love of language, an appreciation of fiction and nonfiction, and understanding the challenges that come with creating poetry and drama. She wants to ensure students understand the importance of scrutinizing the financial choices they make and know that they have realistic options and ways to achieve their goals. With her experience as an educator, writer, and editor for 20 years, her teaching experience began with composition and literature courses at the college level. She then worked with middle and high school students to prepare them for college and the workplace. She has a BA in Liberal Studies from Pace University with a focus in medieval English literature, and a minor in religious studies. She has a masters in English from NYU, holds a temporary certification ESE K-12 in Florida, and is Reading Endorsed in Florida. In her free time, she enjoys weaving, rug hooking, and felting. She is also an avid writer and editor, where she blogs and works on short stories and helping aspiring writers find their voices.

Mark Johnson Residential Advisor mark.johnson@vanguardschool.org

  • Mark ensures our students on campus are safe and sound. He wakes the students up in the mornings to make sure that they are prepared for the school day. He was an Atlantic City High School graduate, and has certificates in Security, Process Server, and Private Investigations. His hobbies include Dj-ing events and playing sports.

Ramanbir Kaur  Academic Faculty- Algebra 1 & 2  ramanbir.kaur@vanguardschool.org

  • Ramanbir can read, write, and speak three languages. She received her education in India and has done MSc Mathematics, BSc B Ed (Physics and Chemistry.) In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, exercise, playing tennis, and loves to cook for her family.

Isaiah King
Residential Advisor isaiah.king@vanguardschool.org

  • Isaiah King is a Vanguard alum who is interning with residential in Berry Hall and our facilities management team while pursuing his B.A. degree at Polk State.

Amber McEvoy
Academic Faculty-Apex, College and Dual Enrollment Counselor, Residential Advisor amber.mcevoy@vanguardschool.org

  • Amber enjoys developing strong connnections with students and their families. She has a background in social emotional learning and working abroad in Turkey, where she gained valuable experience in a multicultural cummunity. She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology from Bahcesehir University and is currently earning her Masters of Social Work from Walden University. She loves reading, crafting, Disney, and all-things spooky.

Ryan McEvoy
Academic Faculty- History, Residential Advisor, Athletic Coach
ryan.mcevoy@vanguardschool.org

  • With several years of experience as a teacher and coach, Ryan looks forward to creating positive relationships with students in the classroom and on the court. He has a B.A. in History, B.S. in Education, and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Connecticut. He enjoys playing darts, traveling, and music.

Desiree Nziramasanga Residential Advisor desiree.nziramasanga@vanguardschool.org

  • Desiree is dedicated to making an impact on students by helping them grow socially, emotionally, and mentally. She brings experience as a camp counselor and student mentor. She attended Oklahoma Wesleyan University, where she obtained a B.S. in Psychology. She is passionate about sports and enjoys games, music, and learning about others.

Luke Portal
Residential Advisor luke.portal@vanguardschool.org 

  • Luke Portal is a Vanguard Alum. Luke graduated from Vanguard in 2021 and since then has been attending Saint Pete College for AutoCad . While Luke continues to work towards this, he decided to return to Vanguard to give back to the community that helped Luke grow! Luke enjoys animals, sports cards, and movies.

Mary Quinn  Academic Faculty- English, Residential Advisor
mary.quinn@vanguardschool.org

Edward Rauscher  
Academic Faculty- Integrated Classroom  ed.rauscher@vanguardschool.org

  • Ed has been a certified teacher with the Vanguard School since 2007. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the Plattsburgh State University of New York and a Master’s degree in Psychology from Walden University. When not a Vanguard, he enjoys teaching psychology at Polk State College. In his free time, he likes playing guitar, home improvement projects, and spending time with his wife children.

  • Destiny graduated from The Vanguard School in 2022. She is enrolled in Polk State College to obtain her associate's degree. After getting her associate's degree, she plans on pursuing her bachelor's degree. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Chapo.

Destiny Saez-Nales
Residential Advisor destiny.saez@vanguardschool.org

Brittany Smith
Residential Advisor brittany.smith@vanguardschool.org

  • Brittany is a 2019 Vanguard graduate. She looks forward to supporting students as a mentor, just as faculty and staff did with her. In the future, she is interested in pursuing a degree in Special Education.

Angela Starnes Academic Faculty- High School Science
angela.starnes@vanguardschool.org

  • Angela is committed to creating a classroom where every student feels supported, heard, and valued. With several years of experience in teaching and early childood education, she aims to inspire students to explore the world around them. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Horticulure from Auburn University and studied at Boston University's School for Field Studies in Costa Rica. She is ESOL Certified and reading endorsed in the state of Florida. She enjoys her small homestead that has a variety of fruit bearing trees, cooking, gardening, her dog, Brooks, relaxing at home, and spending time with family.

Olivia True
Academic Faculty- Algebra and Reading
olivia.true@vanguardschool.org

  • Olivia is devoted to ensuring her students have an inclusive and supportive experience while learning. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Polk State and has a certification in General Education and Math. She also carries endorsements in Reading and ESOL and is working towards earning her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida State University. She is passionate about education, where she likes researching new classroom and intervention strategies. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time outside, and cooking.

Cheri Tysver   Academic Faculty- Fine Arts cheryl.tysver@vanguardschool.org

  • Cheri has a B.A. in Music (Voice) from F.S.U. and has 17 years of experience in theatre. When she sees and feels the joy in a student, once riddled with anxiety, who accomplishes what they never thought possible, it reinforces her purpose. In her free time, she loves laughing with her friends and family.

Rebecca Venable Academic Faculty- High School English and Economics, ACT Prep rebecca.venable@vanguardschool.org

  • Rebecca is a seasoned classroom teacher and is proud to help build Vanguard's community. She enjoys planning activities for her students. and is currently pursuing her Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from Walden University. This is the same university where she completed her Masters's Degree in Education in 2011. She is an alumna of Abilene Christian University, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in 2007. She is an avid reader, gardener, and Walt Disney World visitor.

Medical and Mental Health

Dr. Dawn Barnes
Nurse Practitioner

  • Dawn earned her BSN from the University of Florida, her Master's in Family Health Nursing and Oncology, and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice, Residency, Endocrinology from the University of South Florida. She joins us through our partnership with Heartland Counseling Center. She has extensive experience in Family Practice/Endocrinology in Florida.

Cory Sullins
Nursing Assistant

  • Cory graduated from High Point University in 2006 with a bachelors in science. She is married to her husband who she met in college at HPU and has 2 daughters, ages 8 and 11. Cory is from North Carolina, but moved to Lake Wales, Florida in 2010 where her husband is from. She loves to exercise, fish, and hang on the boat or at the beach. Her family also loves to hike, camp, and pretty much do anything that is active. She also has a love for art and loves to paint and sketch.

Breanna Wilson
Certified Medical Assistant, Residential Advisor

  • Breanna is originally from Lake Wales and graduated from Lake Wales High School through the IB Program. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Health Science at Polk State College, is a trained lifeguard, and lifeguard instructor during the summer. Her favorite hobbies are going to the beach and going to the gym.

Sabrina Stratton
Mental Health Counselor Intern

  • Sabrina grew up in Alaska where she grew up on a horse farm and enjoyed seeing how they can help people. She served as a youth group leader for 5 years and likes working with teenagers. She began her academic career at Ecola Bible college in Cannon Beach, Oregon, where she received certificates in Biblical studies. She then earned her Bachelor's and Master's of science in counseling, with an additional focus in Biblical/theological studies from Clarks Summit University, where she provided Biblical counseling to clients. Her Master's studies included a student internship at the Center for Change in Orem, Utah. Certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, through PATH international, Sabrina has facilitated equine-assisted therapy for several years. She is passionate about incorporating horses into the counseling process to promote healing and enjoys making therapy experiential, hands-on, and applicable to everyday life.

Dr. Robert Allison, Jr. Licensed Psychologist

  • Robert has partnered with Vanguard school through the Heartland Counseling Center for many years. He received his education out West obtaining his Master’s of the Arts and Doctorate in the area of Clinical Psychology at Midwestern University. His education, training, and experience focused his energies on the family and the community. He has worked with general therapy clients including Psychological and Neuropsychology assessments, as well as working with Community Healthcare and Crisis facilities.

Wendy Warman Pragmatic Therapist (SLP)

  • Wendy has been at Vanguard for over 20 years and is a M.S. Certified Speech-Language Pathologist. She has had the privilege of working with students who will benefit from highly individualized programs for social and pragmatic communication skills and executive function training. She highlights that an important part of the success of her individualized programs is collaborating with the team at Vanguard. It brings her tremendous joy to watch her students improve and

    grow in these important skills that will help them be successful in their personal and professional lives. Wendy graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, canoeing, and hiking with her husband.

Care Team

Pictured left to right: Rafael Martinez, Yusimi Landazuris, Luz Maria Sanchez, Araceli Cardona, and Andrew Albritton

FLIK TEAM

Pictured left to right: Phillip Weinstein, Louisa Newcomer, Eri Verdesoto, and Maria Escobar Landeros

Phillip Weinstein: FLIK Manager

  • Phil is a seasoned culinary professional with a background as an Executive Chef for several years in New York. A proud alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, he has honed his skills in some of the finest kitchens, crafting creative dishes and leading culinary teams. With a deep passion for food and education, Phil now channels his expertise into his role at The Vanguard School, where he is dedicated to enhancing the dining experience for students. His commitment to quality and nutrition ensures that every meal is not just delicious, but an opportunity for learning and enjoyment. When he’s not working, he enjoys experimenting with new recipes, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, all things Disney, and sharing his love for cooking with his community.

Foundation Board

Victor Story, Jr., President

Cindy Alexander

Charles Baldwin

Albert James Hackl, Jr.

Tom Owen

Abbey Updike Skipper

Carl Reiser

Glen Strehle

Patricia Brutten

Chase Brutten

John Cryan

Dan Taylor

Board of Trustees

Charles Baldwin, President

Victor Story, Jr., Vice President, Treasurer

Susan Craig, Secretary

Robert J. Fine

Lois Harrison

Mike Murphy

Kate Rutledge

Amy Stettner

Rebekah Jahna

Pat Weber

June Ullman

Audrey Reichardt

Valerie Adair