K-5th Faculty

Mrs. Johanna Myers - Kindergarten-A

This is Mrs. Myers’ second year at Royal Palm Academy as one of our Kindergarten teachers. Johanna graduated in 2001 from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics. After graduating, she moved to Connecticut where she taught middle school math for four years. She then moved to Chicago in 2005 where she taught students with emotional disabilities.

Mrs. Christine Theriault - Kindergarten-B

Mrs. Theriault is returning for her 11th year at Royal Palm Academy. She will once again be one of our Kindergarten teachers this year. Chrissy graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Alabama where she earned a triple major in Early Childhood Development, Elementary Education K through 6th, and Special Education for mild learning and behavior disabilities.

Mrs. Meriwether Buchheit - Kindergarten Teacher Aide

Mrs. Meriwether Buchheit is returning for her third year as Kindergarten Teacher Aide. Meri graduated from East Tennessee State University in 2000 earning a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Sciences with a concentration in Child and Family Studies, as well as Elementary Education. After completing a post graduate internship at the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, working with chronically ill and terminally ill children, Meri worked as a Preschool Teacher and Director for six years.

Mrs. Erin Brady - First Grade-A

Mrs. Brady is returning for her sixth year at RPA. She was one of our Kindergarten teachers for her first three years and this will be her third year in First Grade. Erin will also continue as our Reading Coordinator for grades K - 2. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Fredonia State University in New York and her Master’s Degree in Literacy from Canisius College in New York.

Miss Jennifer Landry - First Grade-B

This will be Miss Landry’s third year as one of our 1st grade teachers. Jennifer is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Prior to joining us, she was a Camp Director at the YMCA for three years and currently volunteers their as a basketball coach for three and four year olds and helps with fundraising events. Miss Landry plans to begin her Master’s work this spring.

Miss Tara Partica - Second Grade-A

This will be Miss Partica’s second year at Royal Palm Academy as one of the 2nd grade teachers. Before joining RPA, she taught for three years in Lee County Public Schools, and was the Kindergarten Team Leader at her pervious school. Tara is a graduate of Ferris State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with Minors in Biology and Language Arts.

Joy Savenas - Second Grade-B

This is Mrs. Savenas’ second year at Royal Palm Academy as one of our 2nd grade teachers. She taught second grade for two years in Collier County and twelve years in Michigan. Joy is a graduate of Western Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Elementary Education, and her Master’s Degree in Administration. She has worked as a Title I reading specialist and was involved in Science Olympiad, Student Council, Coaching Cheerleading, and creating a radio broadcast for her previous school.

Miss Renee DiSerafino - Third Grade - A

Ms. DiSerafino was the first teacher hired at RPA when it was established in 1997, making this her 12th year with us, continuing as our 3rd grade teacher. Renee graduated from Gwynedd-Mercy College in PA with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Renee holds certification from New Jersey and Florida. She attended Catholic schools from elementary through college, and this year begins her 30th year of teaching in Catholic education. Renee taught 4th grade for 18 years in Newark, NJ. and during that time was named "Teacher of the Year."

Mrs. Heather K. Miles - Third Grade - B

This will be Mrs. Miles’ first year at Royal Palm Academy, teaching Fifth Grade until Mrs. Anderson returns from maternity leave in January. Mrs. Miles graduated from Troy University with a B.S. in Social Sciences. She is K-6 certified, as well as being certified in early childhood education. A mother of three boys, Heather has been teaching preschool off and on for the past fifteen years. She has enjoyed coaching middle school girl’s volleyball and soccer at the Community School of Naples, as well as coaching youth soccer for the Optimist Club of Naples.

Marybeth Dee - Fourth Grade

Ms. Dee is from Sag Harbor, NY and this will be her second year at RPA as our 4th grade teacher. Ms. Dee earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University in 1994, and a Master’s Degree from Fordham University in NYC in Early Childhood Education. She taught for six years at the Epiphany School in Manhattan, 5th grade in Brooklyn for one year, and eight years on Long Island in Sag Harbor.

Mrs. Christina Anderson - Fifth Grade

Mrs. Anderson returns for her third year at Royal Palm Academy as our 5th grade teacher. Christina has seven years teaching experience including teaching 6th grade math and reading. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida in Business Management and received her Master’s Degree in 2005 in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. Last year, she was nominated by the Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida as a top ten finalist for the Golden Halo Award.