ESE Department:
Tommy Pollock, Guidance Counselor
Degree(s) Earned: B. A. Business – University of South Florida,
M. A. Counselor Education – University of South Florida
Certification Areas: Currently in the National Board Process for School Counseling
Family: 11 nieces and nephews
Years of Teaching Experience: 21
Years at Kathleen Elementary: 16 (not counting the 6 years I attended here as a student)
Other Employment: Vacation Home Rental Business
Volunteer Service: Bible Study teacher at Kathleen Baptist Church, Adult English Class Teacher, Math tutoring
Hobbies: Travel to 5 continents, farming, photography, taking care of my pet peacock.
Mrs. Romanov, ESE
Degree(s) Earned: B.A. Communication Disorders, M. E.d. Special Education
Certification Areas: ESE K-12
Years of Teaching Experience: 8
Years at Kathleen Elementary: 7
Professional Goals: My goal as an educator is to keep learning and trying new strategies to help my students succeed.
Hobbies: I love to spend time with family and friends, travel, and scrapbook.
Mrs. Yurdin, ESE
Mrs. Lindemann, Alpha
Degree(s) Earned: BA
Certification Areas: Elementary Ed, Gifted and ESOL
Years of Teaching Experience: This is my 33rd year!
Years at Kathleen Elementary: 18
Professional Goals: To survive getting from one school to the other
Hobbies: I love to read. I read everything from fiction to non-fiction as well as lots of magazines and of course the newspaper everyday. I am somewhat crafty and like to decorate and change my house around. It drives my husband nuts. I love water aerobics and spending time with my family.
Ms. Smith, Speech
Ms. Radano, Occupational Therapist
Special Area Teachers:
Ms. Coonce, Music
My Name is Amy Lee Coonce, and I recently graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and German, cum laude. I am certified to teach Music K-12, and am eligible to be certified in German K-12. This is my first year teaching, and I’m glad that it is at Kathleen Elementary School. I would eventually like to earn a Masters and PhD in German or Music, and my long term goals include teaching overseas. I have lived and studied in Germany, and eventually I would like to return.
Mr. Hall, PE
I grew up in Lakeland, and graduated from Lake Gibson High School. Then, I received my Bachelor's Degree from Florida Southern College. After graduating, I traveled the continent for two years as a consultant for my fraternity (for which I am still a frequent volunteer). Then, I moved to Miami and received my Master of Science in Elementary Education Degree from the University of Miami. While I did my graduate work down in Miami, I also started my teaching career and became certified to teach Elementary Education (K-6) as well as Physical Education (K-12). Also, I am ESOL endorsed.
Now, I've moved back home to Lakeland and I'm working at a great school! I chose to help elementary school students grow in their education, because I feel I have a great chance to help them shape their happy and healthy lives during these formative years. I know my students will be eager to learn and I look forward to this school year!
When I have a free day, I attend church, or I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee at Lake Parker Park, racquetball at Duff field, or beach volleyball at St. Pete. During weekends and summers, I also work for a local wedding planning business, Angelic Weddings.
"Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong." - John F. Kennedy
Mrs. Selfridge, Art
I attended the University of South Florida where I earned a B.F.A. in Fine Art. My areas of certification are Art K-12 and Elementary Education K-6. I am beginning my fifth year of teaching in Polk County and my fourth year at Kathleen Elementary. My interests outside of school are creating art, travel, and reading.
Degree(s) Earned: B.S. in education from the College of New Jersey, Masters degree from University of South Florida in Education specializing in library science
Certification Areas: Secondary social studies, elementary education, library media specialist
Years of Teaching Experience: 36
Years at Kathleen Elementary: 25
Professional Goals: to develop in children a lifelong love of reading and books
Hobbies: reading (like President Thomas Jefferson said “I cannot live without books”), working with the Kathleen Area Historical Society to establish a “1890s Cracker Farmstead” in the north Lakeland area for school children and others to visit, visiting historical places, helping animals, working with Delta Kappa Gamma Society of women educators to provide scholarships for women entering the education field, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and cooking.
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