Staff

As the headmaster of The Sarasota Military Academy, I am very proud to share the biographies of the incredible faculty and staff assembled for our school. They are people of unsurpassed quality and commitment. I hope you enjoy the time you spend examining these brief glimpses into the lives of the professionals who work with our cadets. We welcome your interest in SMA. Our every effort is devoted to making this an experience that will prepare each cadet for a lifetime of success! We could not have achieved accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the designation as a U.S. Army Honor Unit with Distinction without the people whose outstanding achievements are detailed below.

COLONEL DANIEL F. KENNEDY, Headmaster

B.A. University of Kentucky, Business/Education/Economics
M.A. University of Kentucky, Vocational Education
Rank One Education Administration, 30 credit hours post M.A., University of Kentucky
Principal, Sarasota High School 1994-2001
Teacher, dean, assistant principal, Sarasota District Schools 1978-1994
Teacher and assistant principal in Kentucky 1968-1978
Married to Mary Stewart Kennedy 40 years
Member of the Sons of the American Revolution
Member of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge

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SUSANNA AUSTIN, Librarian B.A., Music Education, Covenant College

Teacher of music and computers

Organized SMA library beginning September 2003 to completion

Pursuing Master’s Degree in Educational Media, Nova Southeastern University

Married 25 years with 2 sons

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WILLIAM F. BROCKMAN, Department Chair, Social Studies

Teacher, Economics/American Government

B.S., Secondary Education, Texas Christian University

MBA, Vanderbilt University

Teacher in Manatee County 1996-2002

Adjunct instructor, Economics and Management, Central Florida Community College

Served as a hospital chief executive officer in Tennessee, Virginia and Florida

Commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant, USA as an Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate

Served with the Army Recruiting Command, 101^st Airborne Division, and Military Assistance Command, Vietnam and the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center

Currently serving on the Southeast Region staff, Civil Air Patrol and Director of the CAP Civics Leadership Academy

Started the first middle school CAP program in Florida

MATT M. CALLIHAN, Teacher of Mathematics

B.A., International Relations, Vanderbilt University

8^th grade mathematics teacher, Brookside Middle School

Adjunct teacher, Chattanooga State Technical Community College

Teacher of computer science, technology and business, Chattanooga and Franklin, Tennessee

Systems engineer and administrator, IBM Corporation

JOSEPH COLLIS, Teacher, Physical Education

B.S., Physical Education, Brewton-Parker College

Teacher, Lakewood Ranch High School, Manatee County

Head baseball coach, junior varsity and assistant varsity golf coach, Lakewood Ranch High School

Owner/operator, Joe Collis Lawn Service

United States Coast Guard, Machinery technician, Second Class 2000-2004

MICHAEL COLLIS, Teacher of Military Science

B.A. in History/Government, Columbia College

Sergeants Major Academy and over 30 additional military schools covering leadership, drill and ceremonies

Red Cross Certified Aid Instructor

U.S. Army Drill Sergeant and Military Instructor

U.S. Army Drill Sergeant of the Year, 1985

Noncommissioned Officer of the Year

Numerous published articles in military journals

U.S. Army for 28 years culminating as Infantry Battalion Command Sergeant Major

Army JROTC Instructor, Riverview High School

ERNIE FORCHETTI, Technology Coordinator, Dept. Chair

Over 25 years experience in television news and production

Print photographer, video journalist, non-linear editor, and manager

Employed, Sarasota County School Board in tech support and network administrator, 1999-2002

Maintained and managed a Windows 2000 network at Sarasota High School

Develops campus computer policies

Provide training for teachers

SNN Channel 6, 1995-1999

News operations manager

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SYLIVA GILLOTTE, Teacher of English, Dept. Chair

B.A., University of South Carolina

Juris Doctorate, University of South Carolina School of Law

Former staff attorney for the Governor’s GAL Program in South Carolina

Teacher/trainer for professionals connected with the legal system in child advocacy

Recognized by the South Carolina State Legislature for her work as a child advocate

Author of training material for legal and other related professionals

Served as presenter at numerous national conferences

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DOUGLAS HEWINS, Teacher of Science

M.A., Colorado College, Secondary science

B.A., University of Missouri, Journalism

B.A., University of Colorado, Environmental Biology

Teacher, Air Academy School District 20, A.P. biology, astronomy, journalism, photography

Department head, division officer, reserve training officer, United States Navy

Real Estate Sales, office manager, Breckenridge, Colorado

Peace Corps volunteer

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VERA MCCLAUGHERTY, Department Chair, Foreign Language, Teacher of Spanish

ESOL Liaison

B.S., Education, Florida International University

State certified in Education, Spanish, ESOL

Accredited by the American College of Musicians; fluent in Spanish, English and French

Mentor teacher, Sarasota County Induction Program

Over 20 years teaching experience in Sarasota County

Unit Commander, Civil Air Patrol, SMA Squadron

Faculty sponsor, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, SMA

CEO/Program Director, Swim America of Sarasota; coach since 1994

Member, National Fraternity of Student Musicians, National Guild of Piano Teachers, American Swimming Coaches Association, USA Swimming

SMA Teacher of the Year, 2004-2005

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REBECCA PAQUETTE, Teacher of American Sign Language

B.A., Psychology, University of South Florida

Cum Laude graduate of Manatee Community College and USF

17 years of sign language experience with the deaf and hard of hearing communities

Sign language for the Deaf Service Center

Active participant in deaf and hearing impari4ed speech competitions throughout Florida

RIESS PELLEGRINO, Teacher of Military Science

U.S. Army, 1^st sergeant, 1982-2005

Drill Sergeant, Jackson, South Carolina

Platoon Sergeant, Edgewood, MD

Chemical staff (The Old Guard), Washington, D.C.

Squad Leader, Carson, Colorado

Served in Germany and Korea

Recipient of Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon

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PENNY A. SCHROEDER, Teacher of Mathematics

M.S., Nova Southeastern University

B.A. Business administration, accounting minor, Eckerd College

B.A. equivalent courses, Biology, Eckerd College and USF

National Board Certification, Mathematics

Teacher of mathematics, Bayshore High School and Sarasota Middle School

Teacher and science department chair, Out-Of-Door Academy

English teacher, New Speak School, Takamatsu, Japan

Director, Sarasota Regional Science Fair

KENNETH P. STOKES, Department Chair, Physical Education, Teacher of Physical Education/Personal Fitness

B.S. Psychology, Florida State University

B.S., Physical Education, University of South Florida

A.A., Physical Therapy, St. Phillips College

Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, Ret. 22 years service

Coached basketball, soccer and baseball

Married with 2 boys

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RACHEL WASSERMAN, Teacher of Social Studies

B.A., Magna Cum Laude, English, State University of New York

B.A., Magna Cum Laude, History, State University of New York

Florida certification, English and Social Studies

Teacher, Venice High School and McIntosh Middle School

Presidential Medallion for Outstanding Academic Achievement

Phi Beta Kappa International Honor Society, May 1996

Literacy Council member

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JOSEPH V. CIRIECO, Teacher of Latin, Comparative Religion, Philosophy

B.S.S., Fordham University

M.A., Georgetown University

M.Ph., New York University

M.A., Barry University

U.S. Army veteran plus 10 years in the reserve

Teacher since the 1960’s in New York City, Sarasota, Manatee Community College

Taught history, economics, psychology, comparative religions, Latin, Spanish, Italian

Married 42 years with 2 sons

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TERRY M. FUGATE, Teacher of English/Speech and Debate

B.A., University of South Florida

Taught at Manatee Community College-Creative writing, freshman English

Teacher, Riverview High School 1975-1994

Film and drama critic for Scene Magazine

Married with 6 children, 8 grandchildren

Active member of Church of the Redeemer

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ISHMAEL KATZ, Teacher of Guitar

Performer, composer and teacher for over 20 years

Performed on national radio and TV in USA and Canada

Performed on National Public Radio’s, All Things Considered

Recorded 2 CD’s of original songs

Currently plays at The Spring Water Café in Sarasota and Fogartyville Café in Bradenton

JODI KOPACZ, Teacher of English

B.A. English literature, West Chester University, PA

M.Ed. Magna Cum Laude, multicultural education

certification 6-12, Eastern College, PA

Ed. Specialist, educational leadership, Cum Laude, Nova Southeastern,

Teacher of language arts grades 7-8, St. Martha's School

Teacher and department chair, language arts, Sarasota

School of Arts and Sciences

Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2005-2007

Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Nominee 2006-07

Phi Beta Kappa International Honor Society

USA Level 1 national triathlon coach

Ironman triathlete, races include Thailand,

Australia, Cancun, Bahamas, and throughout

the U.S.

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PAMELA LYON, Teacher of Art

B.A., Painting and Sculpture, Ringling School of Art

Professional artist and educator for over 20 years

Studied painting at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston

Formerly employed by Walt Disney World/Orlando as an illustrator and portrait artist

Participant in over 75 juried shows in Florida

Operates Blue Door Studio on Siesta Key

Founding member of the Society of Portrait Artists

Member, Pastel Society of America and New York Society of Portrait Artists

Married

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RODDY MACDONALD, Pipe Major

Played bagpipes for the 8^th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and the Inver Gordon Distillery pipe bands

Winner of the Prince Charles Trophy for musical composition

Began the Delmar and District Pipe Band and won in the U.S. and in Canada

Won the North American competition twice in Ontario

Played for the dedication of the Clan Donald Museum

Taught bagpipes for the famed Kiltie Band at Riverview High School

Married

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SOHPIE PEMBLETON, Teacher of Equestrian

B.S., Biology, University of South Florida

A.A., Manatee Community College

Owner, Circle W Ranch

Extensive experience in various disciplines of riding

Member, Silk and Sable Drill Team

Married

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1SG LISA-MARIE THOMAS, Teacher of Military Science

· 20 years’ service in the US Army as a Military Policeman, Paralegal and Court Reporter, Drill Sergeant, and First Sergeant

· M.A., Public Administration, Troy University, Alabama

· B.S., Management, University of Maryland

· Relevant Military Schools:

Primary, Basic, and Advanced Leadership Schools/US Army 1SG Course/
Drill Sergeant School/Master Fitness School/Combat Lifesaver Course/
Instructor Training Course/Equal Opportunity Representative Course

· Major Awards and Decorations:

Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal w/4 Oak Leaf Clusters (OLC); Army Commendation Medal w/ 3 OLC; Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with 3 OLC; Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award); National Defense Service Medal w/1 Star; Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ 3 Bronze Service Stars; Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait); Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia); Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; US Army Drill Sergeant Badge

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Born in Wilson, NC, CSM Thomas moved with his family to Brooklyn, NY, in 1965. A year after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army at Fort Hamilton, NY. CSM Thomas retired from active military service in 2001, completing nearly 28 years in the US Army. After retiring, he fulfilled a boyhood dream, driving 18-wheeled trucks for Schneider National. Embarking on a new challenge, he began teaching JROTC at Sarasota Military Academy in 2002.

CSM Thomas’ assignments include two tours in Germany and Korea. Before becoming the Post Command Sergeant Major of the US Army Training Center at Fort Jackson, SC, he was the CSM, 1^st Brigade, 2^nd Infantry Division, Camp Casey, Korea. His other assignments include CSM, 2^nd Battalion, 9^th Infantry Regiment, Camp Casey, Korea and Sergeant Major, Army Research Laboratory. He also served as the First Sergeant for B Co, and Honor Guard Co, 3^rd US Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), Fort Myers, VA, and B CO, 1^st Battalion, 506^th Infantry, Camp Greaves, Korea. CSM Thomas has held NCO leadership positions in the 101^st Airborne Division, 3^rd Infantry Division, has served as a Drill Sergeant, and US Army Instructor at Fort Benning, GA, and as a Senior ROTC Instructor at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC. He’s a graduate of Class #41, US Army Sergeants Major Academy. CSM Thomas is married to the former First Sergeant Lisa M. Sexton. He has a daughter, Latasha Y. Thomas and two sons, Charles L. Thomas Jr, and Shaquille C. Thomas.

EXPERT INFANTRYMAN BADGE, AIRBORNE WINGS, AIR ASSAULT BADGE,DRILL SERGEANT IDENTIFICATION BADGE, FRENCH COMMANDO BADGE,MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL(4^th OLC), ARMY COMMENDATION MEDAL(5^th OLC), ARMY ACHIEVEMENT MEDAL (2^nd OLC), GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL(9^TH AWARD), NATIONAL DEFENSE MEDAL, NCODP RIBBON (4^TH AWARD), OVERSEAS SERVICE RIBBON (4^TH AWARD) AND THE ARMY SERVICE RIBBON.

Thirty one years of experience in the U.S. Army. Proven leader, team member and problem solver. Worked at the highest staff levels of both the Army and Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Technology, University of Southwestern Louisiana

Advanced military education includes the Army’s Command and General Staff College and War College Defense Strategy Course.

Military Commendations: Legion of Merit w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC); Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal w/4 OLCs; Army Commendation Medal w/2 OLCs; Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal w/2 OLCs; National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/Gold Hourglass device; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge; Army Staff Badge; Recipient of the National Infantry Association’s highest recognition - Order of Saint Maurice - Primicerius; Member of the US Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia

Professional publications - College Text, College Placement Test, Journal Articles, Poetry

Florida Literacy Coach Representative - Sarasota, Lee, Charlotte, and Manatee Counties

MSG Browning was born in Danville, Illinois in June of 1969. After spending a vast majority of his youth as a part of a military family, he joined the U. S. Army in August, 1987. He Selected the Infantry as his Military Occupational Specialty and completed Basic Training (One Station Unit Training) at Fort Benning, GA in November of 1987. After 20+ years of service, he chose to separate from the Military and pursue his next career as a Junior ROTC Instructor.

MSG Brownings’ assignments include: Two 2 year tours in Germany (Schweinfurt, 2-64 Armor and Mainz,3-8 INF)as an 11C Gunner, and Squad Leader for 4.2 mortar system ; 1 year at Camp Hovey Korea in 1-9 Infantry (M) as a Chief Computer; 3 years as a Drill Sergeant, 1-34 INF at Fort Jackson, SC; 12 years at Fort Campbell, KY in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Brigades.

MSG Brownings’ combat deployments include two tours of duty to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF V and OIF VII) with the 3^rd Brigade RAKKASANS of the 101^st Airborne Division (AASLT). He has logged hundreds of combat patrols in and around the cities of Baghdad, Baji, Mosul and numerous others throughout the country. He served his first tour with 1-33 Cav (formerly 3-187 Inf) as the Alpha Troop 107mm Mortar Platoon Sergeant. His Second tour of duty was as the Headquarters, Headquarters Troop (HHT) First Sergeant. Halfway through his second tour of duty in Iraq, 1SG Browning was moved to the Squadron Headquarters and although still an E-8 (MSG) made the Squadron Operations Sergeant Major which was the last position he held up until the day he retired in June of 2009.

Sergeant Major Dennis Richardson SR is an instructor in the JROTC Department at Sarasota Military Academy, presently teaching freshmen cadets. Sergeant Major Richardson career began as a cannoneer in Field Artillery In September 1976 where he attended and completed Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at FT. Sill, Oklahoma. In March of 1980 Sergeant Major Richardson changed career field. He attended and completed Advanced Individual Training as a Finance Specialist at FT. Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. Prior to my arrival at SMA in June 2009, Sergeant Major Richardson performed duties as an instructor in the JROTC Department at Seminole Ridge High School in West Palm Beach Florida. Previous to this Sergeant Major Richardson served his last seven years of a 31 year career as The Senior Enlisted Advisor in a Joint Service Command, Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force at Pearl Harbor Hawaii, and retired in September 2007.

During his military career he served in many key leadership positions, only to mention a few. He served as a Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Detachment Sergeant, First Sergeant, and 18^th Airborne Corps Resource Management Sergeant Major culminating his career as the Senior Enlisted Advisor Defense Finance Accounting Service Pacific at Perl Harbor Hawaii.

Sergeant Major’s Richardson’s military and civilian education includes: Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course ; Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course ; Battle Staff Course ; First Sergeant Course ; United States Army Sergeants Major Course ; Drill Sergeant School ;Airborne School ; Recruiting School; Army Station Commander Course, and JUMPS-Army Management Training Course. He has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from TUI University in Cypress California.

My name is Abby Williams. I am originally from Milford, IN. I graduated from Purdue University. During my time at Purdue, I did an internship with the United States Olympic Committee in Colorado Springs, CO. After graduating from Purdue, I moved to California where I spent time working at a private school, interning with the Los Angeles Clippers and NBA and also working at Fox Sports Net-West and West 2. After leaving California, I ended up in the Sunshine state. I have been here for 3 years and loved every second. I taught at Booker Middle School for the past 2 years and coached track there both years . I love working with kids to help them gain skills to be productive and contributing members of society. Math is a subject that is used all the time in the “real world.” SMA is a fantastic place to be and I’m looking forward to a great year!

My name is Maria Clapp, this is my third year as a guidance counselor at SMA. Prior to this position, I worked as a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and certified addictions counselor (CAP) in several local community mental health organizations for 12 years.

I was born and raised in Spain. I have lived in the States for 14 years. I recently became a U.S citizen for which I am very proud!!

I graduated from La Universidad de Valencia, Spain with an equivalent to a B.A. in Psychology. I completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Sarasota in 1997 (Argosy University, today). I am currently enrolled in my last class of a doctorate program in Organizational Leadership (Ed. D.) at Argosy University. I will be starting my dissertation shortly, which will focus on youth leadership development.

Working at SMA is giving me the opportunity to work with teens and their families who pursue excellence through education and citizenship.

I love being a student. There are few things that thrill me as much as learning new ideas and stretching the bounds of my knowledge. Perhaps that is what motivated me to pursue my masters in the art of teaching thirteen years after obtaining my undergraduate degree. Throughout my life, I have always admired teachers because I saw them playing an invaluable role as facilitators in the learning process

I am a firm believer in active learning, and I try to maintain a very lively and interactive teaching atmosphere. I use the audio-visual equipment as well as the internet and other electronic resources. I am friendly, not intimidating, yet with appropriate boundaries. A conducive learning atmosphere has to be one of mutual respect. A sprinkling of humor and a willingness to laugh at myself, and with the students, goes a very long way. My objective as a teacher is to motivate my students toward a level of independence where they develop a desire to learn and think for themselves. I love being a student and I also love being around fellow students in the classroom where learning is an engaging, ongoing experience for everyone.

I am originally from Connecticut and taught my first 6 years in Greenwich, CT as a Biology and Marine Biology teacher. Since then I have been teaching in Florida since 2006. I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Biology at the University of Miami, FL and then received my Master's Degree in Education at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Throughout my years of teaching I have had the wonderful opportunity to develop a high school curriculum in the marine sciences and become certified to teach Advanced Placement Environmental Science. One of my passions is continuing education on the importance of enabling our children to become stewards of the environment.

B.A. Criminal Justice and Psychology, Saint Martin's University, Lacey, Washington

Title I Instructional Mathematics Coach, Henry County Schools, McDonough, Georgia 2008 - 2009

Athletic Director and Head Football Coach, Henry County Schools, McDonough, Georgia 2004 - 2006

Head Football and Baseball Coach, Bethel School District, Spanaway, Washington 2000 - 2004

US ARMY, Communications Chief and Civil Affairs Sergeant 1992 - 1996 and 911 - 2005