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To love what you do and feel that it matters, how could anything else be more fun?
-Katherine Graham
School Administration
T.J. Mullarkey, M.Ed
Head of School
T.J. Mullarkey completed his Master’s in Educational Leadership at USF and has over 25 years of experience in various public/private educational and clinical settings. He most recently served for 7 years as the Associate Head of School for the Tampa Day School, and is certified in Math, ESE, ESOL, Elementary Education, and Educational Leadership. As an experienced educator, he has high expectations for staff, student learning, and parent/student satisfaction. He is passionate about understanding and accommodating students with learning differences and always strives to meet the needs of the whole child. He is a father of 3 wonderful children and looks forward to hours on the beach and spending time with his kids.
MaryBeth Taylor
Principal
MaryBeth Taylor joined Crestwell School in 2012 after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Florida and studying in a Master’s Program in Education. During that time, she served as Crestwell’s Middle School English and Literature Instructor Middle School Department Head. She took on the role of Assistant Principal in 2021 and Principal in 2023. She looks forward to developing a school-wide, cohesive curriculum for students and clear professional development paths for teachers that promote high standards of achievement while maintaining Crestwell’s philosophy, mission, and community.
Peyton Flanders, MBA
Director of School Operations
Peyton Flanders is the Chief Operations Officer at Clear Direction Education. At Crestwell School, Peyton works closely with the school’s leaders to develop operational strategy and processes that align with the school’s mission of providing a challenging, nurturing, and inclusive education for all students. Her experience in business strategy and operations enables her to provide valuable insights to Crestwell School as it strives to become a destination school for students, teachers, and families in Lee County. Peyton holds an Executive MBA from Rollins College and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.
Kris Grace
Assistant Principal
Kris Grace earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Salisbury University and began her teaching career in Delaware. She has been a dedicated member of our Crestwell staff for 23 years. Her experience with us includes IK and First Grade. She served as our Elementary Department Head for 5 years, Instructional Coach for a multi-sensory reading program for struggling learners, provided private tutoring, hosted Elementary Art Club, and coached Bitty Ball basketball and soccer. She has a passion for working with students, families, and teachers to support students’ individual needs and lead them to success.
Jennifer Neale
Director of Admissions and Events
Jennifer graduated from John Carroll University with a B.S. in Marketing and International Business. After an 18-year career in fashion merchandising, Jennifer transitioned into the educational realm to support our admissions and events initiatives. Her experience in leading international teams, driving high-level fundraising initiatives, and her role in the Fort Myers community for the past 10 years align with and support Crestwell School’s values and mission.
Board of Directors
Tori Telfer, PhD
chairman of the board
Tori Telfer has over 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families in both the community and private practice settings as a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director of mental health programs for children and families. She has extensive knowledge in child welfare and mental health services, having worked with the child welfare system for over 10 years as a clinician and then in management overseeing all clinical services and licensing for therapeutic and traditional foster care homes. Tori started her work in private education as a classroom teacher at an independent private school serving students with unique learning needs, and has spent the past 20 years volunteering on non-profit boards in the world of private education. She has three children ages 12, 9, and 4, all who attend independent private schools. She holds a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from UCF and a PhD in Counseling from Barry University.
Lonie Patterson
Board member
Lonie Patterson has spent the last twenty years working in private education, specializing in the areas of instructional technology, student activities, and fundraising. Lonie has extensive experience in the integration of technology in the classroom, Learning Management Systems and Student Information Systems, and improving the end-user experience for both students and teachers. She has a passion for student activities and community fundraising, and has been responsible for planning and organizing large-scale school events that have raised thousands of dollars for student programs. Lonie started her career in education as a parent volunteer after choosing independent private education for her son, Hunter, nearly 20 years ago.
Dr. Charaline Luna
Board member
Charaline Luna is a third-generation Private school administrator with nearly 50 years of experience with all ages of children in every aspect of school. During Dr. Luna’s tenure as President of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF) and Vice President and Director of Accreditation, she became known as a leading authority in standards and private school operations; having written, revised, and presented standards to state, national and government authorities in the public and private forum. It has been calculated that during her career she has chaired or been a significant part of approximately 3,000 public, charter, independent, and private school accreditations. She holds a PhD in Education as well as degrees in Curriculum and Instruction and Early Childhood. Her lifetime commitment to furthering the positive educational advancement of all children has garnered recognition such as being listed in Who’s Who in American Education; National Council for Private School Association’s (NCPSA): Leadership & Service Award; AISF’s: Richard & Dorothy Lear’s Distinguished Educator’s Award, & Alan O’Such Service Award; Holy Cross: The Crusader for Education Award.
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We believe every student deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and taught in an environment of support and love.
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