Administration

Margaret A. Richardson, Ed. D.

Acting Head of School

Dr. Margaret Richardson has worked with our system of schools since 1998, serving as Academic Dean, Principal, and Education Director. Dr. Richardson has over 25 years experience in education, in the classroom, as an administrator, and as a curriculum developer. Several of her professional development courses have been published. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from State University of New York at Albany, her Master’s Degree from Georgia State University, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Scott Baier, MA

Dean of Students and Catholic Formation

Mr. Baier is returning for his tenth year at Royal Palm Academy, and his thirteenth year working in the field of education as 5th grade teacher, ESL instructor, and Dean. Before becoming an educator, he served as an Intelligence Analyst for the U.S. Army in Arizona, Germany, and Bosnia-Hercegovina. Mr. Baier holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, a M.A. in Human Relations from Oklahoma University, and is nearing completion of a M.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Dayton. This year, Scott will serve as Dean of Students and Catholic Formation instructor for the Middle School.

Mrs. Elizabeth Schmidt

Business Manager

Mrs. Schmidt is returning for her fifth year as our Business Manager. Liz is originally from Kenya and graduated from Strathmore University in Nairobi with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. After graduating, she worked for African Safari Club in Mombasa Kenya, as an accountant for two years before moving to the United States in 2001. Prior to joining Royal Palm Academy, she was a staff accountant at Liberty Healthcare in Naples for five years.

Ms. Susan O\\\\\\\'Malley

Admissions and Marketing Coordinator

Ms. O\\\\\\\'Malley joined RPA as a permanent substitute teacher for our fifth graders before becoming the Admissions and Marketing Coordinator. Ms. O\\\\\\\'Malley earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in Teacher Education from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey. From 1998 until 2005, Ms. O\\\\\\\'Malley taught grades second through sixth at the George L. Hess Educational Complex, a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School in Mays Landing, New Jersey. There, she implemented the co-teaching models for Math and Language Arts, served on the Language Arts Management Committee, and co-chaired the Character Education Committee for which she organized the program\\\\\\\'s meetings and guest speakers. Ms. O\\\\\\\'Malley moved to Naples to teach third grade at The Community School of Naples for four years. Prior to teaching, Susan spent 14 years in Hotel Management in Washington, D.C. and New York City.

Mrs. Karen Evans

Business Department & Events Coordinator

Mrs. Evans is returning for her fifth year at Royal Palm Academy. Karen is originally from New Jersey, and moved to Florida 12 years ago. Prior to joining RPA, she was an Administrative Assistant at St. John Neumann High School for six years. Karen now works in the Business Office and also assists the PVO coordinating school events. Before moving to Florida, Karen worked at her husband’s dental practice.

Mrs. Pat Bolser

Receptionist & Administrative Assistant to the Principal

Mrs. Bolser is returning to RPA for her 11th year. She is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio where she attended the University of Cincinnati, majoring in elementary education. Pat moved with her family to Naples in 1973. She joined the RPA team in 2000 assisting in the Admissions Office. For the last nine years Pat has been our Receptionist and this will be her second year as Dr. Richardson’s Administrative Assistant. Prior to joining RPA, she was the bookkeeper for her family owned and operated business here in Naples for 21 years.