Collier appoints, promotes principals at 8 schools ahead of upcoming school year
Rachel FradetteEight Collier schools will have new leadership this upcoming school year.
The appointments and promotions by the school district come as students and teachers prepare to return on Aug. 19, a week later than originally planned.
More:First day of school in Collier delayed one week, student start date now Aug. 19
School principals adapted from focusing on on-campus learning to their to connecting their teachers and staff while schools were closed in the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic.
More:With empty schools and scattered school communities, Collier principals are supporting from afar
Collier Public Schools has since announced its intention to reopen brick and mortar schools this fall while also providing virtual options with more details still forthcoming.
Last year:12 Collier schools will have new principals on the first day of school
Laurel Oak Elementary, Brian Castellani
Castellani started his education career in 1991 as a teacher prior to becoming an assistant principal in Georgia schools.
Castellani, who grew up on Long Island, spent the past 18 years as a principal in Collier's district. He served as Osceola Elementary's principal for seven years.
Marilou Andrews, Laurel Oak Elementary's former principal, retired at the end of the school year.
Osceola Elementary, Diana Little
Little started at Collier schools in 2008 after spending 15 years teaching in Ohio schools.
She received a bachelor's degree from Wright State University and a master's degree of educational leadership from the University of Dayton.
Little served as principal at Big Cypress Elementary for six years.
Big Cypress Elementary, Brandon Carter
Originally from Chicago, Carter joined Collier schools in 2011.
Carter received his law degree from the University of Indiana's School of Law and his master's degree at American College of Education after attending the University of Michigan for his bachelor's degree.
He worked as an assistant principal at Big Cypress Elementary.
Herbert Cambridge Elementary, Sarah Woofter
Woofter first joined Collier schools 17 years ago after moving from Ohio.
She worked in various roles within the district including teaching and leadership.
Woofter is in her final year to earn her doctorate in educational leadership at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Herbert Cambridge Elementary is one of Collier's new elementary schools opening this fall. Woofter will be the school's first principal.
More:Two new elementary schools planned for Golden Gate
Lavern Gaynor Elementary, Susan Jordan
Jordan has held positions as a teacher, assistant principal and principal during her 22 years in Collier schools.
Before her new role Jordan served as a principal for Pinecrest Elementary.
Lavern Gaynor Elementary is one of Collier's new elementary schools opening this fall. As an educator of 30 years, Jordan will be the school's first principal.
More:Collier names schools for prominent black educator, longtime Naples philanthropist
Pinecrest Elementary, Laura Mendicino
Born and raised in Naples, Mendicino attended Collier schools.
After graduating from Florida Gulf Coast University, Mendicino started her education career started in 2003 at Naples Park Elementary.
Mendicino has worked as a teacher, specialist, assistant principal and principal.
She worked as director of professional learning and digital innovation for the district.
Mike Davis Elementary, Melissa Stamper
Born and raised in Naples, Stamper started working in Collier schools in 2004.
Stamper worked for her bachelor's degree and master's degree at the University of Florida where she studied education.
Tamie Stewart, Mike Davis Elementary's former principal, retired at the end of the school year.
Denise Lindheim, eCollier Academy
One of Collier's four options for parents this fall includes eCollier Academy, which is full-time virtual learning for students.
Lindheim will be the new school's first principal.
From a large family of educators, Lindheim is from Ohio where she earned her bachelor's degree at Youngstown State University.
She received her master's degree and doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.
Lindheim has held various roles in Collier schools including as a middle school teacher and assistant principal.
Rachel Fradette is an education reporter for the Naples Daily News. Follow her on Twitter: @Rachel_Fradette, email her at rfradette@gannett.com.
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