Meet the Faculty & Staff of Educational Pathways Academy

Molly Arthur

Founder & Head of School

Molly Arthur is the Founder and Head of School of Educational Pathways Academy. Mrs. Arthur holds a degree in Specific Learning Disabilities from the University of South Florida. She has over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in various areas of special and mainstream education in both private and public schools. Mrs. Arthurs’s vast teaching experience has exposed her to the significant struggle with reading, writing, and spelling that affects approximately twenty percent of students. These students struggle despite having high intelligence, motivation, and a quality education. This ignited a passion in her to seek additional knowledge and training in learning disabilities and in the field of Dyslexia. In order to serve the needs of these students, Mrs. Arthur started a private tutoring company in 2015 called Educational Pathways, Inc.

A year later, Mrs. Arthur led a team to develop a school that provides a comprehensive program with proven methods for students with language-based learning differences. On August 16, 2017, Mrs. Arthur founded that school in Naples, Florida called Educational Pathways Academy. In 2022, Mrs. Arthur’s school expanded with the opening of a second campus in Estero, Florida.

Kristy DeRienzo

Principal & Reading Specialist | Doris Frey Campus

Kristy DeRienzo brings many years of experience and knowledge to her position as Educational Pathways Academy’s Principal and Reading Specialist. She has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a dual Master's Degree in Reading and Special Education. Additionally, she holds a Reading Specialist Certification and has extensive training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and spelling. Her over twenty years of experience include teaching at a school dedicated to students with dyslexia in New York, Elementary Education teacher, High School Reading and Special Education teacher, and Private Reading Tutor. Additionally, Mrs. DeRienzo is certified as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association).

As Principal, Mrs. DeRienzo leads the Doris Frey Campus in our mission to serve EPA’s students, families, and educators with excellence. She provides support for teachers in all subjects with the implementation of researched-based practices and professional development. Mrs. DeRienzo places great importance on facilitating strong relationships with our partners in education, the parents & families of our students.

Tara Bialek

Head Administrator | North Campus

Director of Business & Admissions | North & Doris Frey Campus

Tara Bialek brings many talents and years of experience to Educational Pathways Academy. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education from St. Joseph’s College in Connecticut with certification in Family Consumer Science and a Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. She has also completed courses in Special Education. For 9 years, Mrs. Bialek taught high school before starting on a journey to run her own independent health & wellness business in 2015. As a parent, educator, and business owner, Mrs. Bialek is well-suited for her administrative roles at EPA!

Joshua Wead

Dean of Students | North Campus

Joshua Wead has 18 years of experience working in education and youth ministry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Southeastern University. Prior to working at Educational Pathways Academy, Mr. Wead was the Dean of Students at an international Christian boarding high school in Oregon. While in this executive administrative role, he oversaw the day-to-day functions of the school, as well as the daily emotional, physical, and spiritual care of over 130 students from around the world.

Mr. Wead’s eldest daughter attends EPA. His desire is to create an atmosphere where EPA’s students, faculty, and staff can reach beyond their potential and thrive.

AMANDA DAVISON

Director of Curriculum & Instruction & Language Arts | North Campus

Amanda Davison began her teaching career in 1997. She has taught a variety of subjects during this time including math, language arts, Bible, drama, and physical education in both elementary & middle school settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University and achieved a Master’s of Education in Exceptional Student Education and a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia Education emphasizing Orton-Gillingham methodology from Southeastern University. Mrs. Davison holds her State of Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Language Arts, Elementary Education, and Physical Education. She also holds her Association of Christian Schools International Professional Certification in Education. Mrs. Davison is very thankful to be a part of the EPA family where all students are celebrated as God-created masterpieces, capable of great learning!

Beth Howe

Office Manager & Accounts Coordinator | North Campus

As Educational Pathways Academy’s North Campus Office Manager, Mrs. Howe’s smiling face is the first thing you will see when you enter the school! Mrs. Howe manages EPA’s North front office and is well-versed in the many responsibilities of the position.  She has worked as the Office Manager of Family Ministries at a local church for 2 years and prior to that was the Office Manager at a local private school for 7 years. Mrs. Howe attended Ball State University where she studied Business and holds Administrator’s Credentials from National Institute of Child Care Management. She loves serving not only the students of EPA, but their families as well!

Kelly Grimm

Office Manager | Doris Frey Campus

Mrs. Grimm worked in education administration in Collier County for 10 years before joining EPA. She has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from FIU and is currently pursuing her Master's in Social Work at UCF.  Mrs. Grimm understands the diversity of the students that EPA serves and loves being a part of the EPA team!

sarah Messenger

Business & Technology| Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Mrs. Messenger serves EPA as Business & Information Technology Manager for both the Doris Frey Campus & North Campus. She was born and raised here in southwest Florida, and holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. She has a wide variety of abilities in many fields, allowing her to provide assistance to the staff, students and families at EPA in multiple ways. 

Amy Arnold

Social Studies & Science | North Campus

Amy Arnold has over 26 years of teaching experience at EPA and Collier County Public Schools. Over those years, she has taught every subject including Language Arts, Reading, Math, and History. Mrs. Arnold spent 4 years teaching exceptional student education in reading and language arts and is Florida State Certified in Elementary Education (K-6) and Varying Exceptionalities (K-12).  Additionally, she is Gifted Endorsed, which will help us keep the “great minds” of our students challenged! 

Jennifer Keller

Reading Intervention & Language Arts | North Campus

Jennifer Keller began her teaching career in 2000 and holds a BA in Education from Miami University Oxford, Ohio and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching in Curriculum Instruction and Assessment from Mary Grove College in Detroit, Michigan. She holds her Florida Professional Educators Certificate in Elementary Education K-6. She comes to EPA with 14 years experience in the public, private and charter schools. Additionally Mrs. Keller has taught in special needs inclusion classrooms. This past summer, Mrs. Keller completed Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education.

Mrs. Keller has also spent many years being a foster and adoptive parent to children with special needs. Her personal experience has given her the compassion that makes her the perfect fit for EPA!

MaTT HARPLE

Upper School Mathematics | North Campus

Matt Harple graduated from Kent State University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 2015. He is an Ohio native who joined the EPA Team after God called him to move to Florida with his family to join in planting a new church in Lee County. Mr. Harple has 8 years of teaching experience with 4 years as an ESE Intervention Specialist. He holds Florida Professional Teacher certifications in both Exceptional Student Education K-12 and Physical Education K-12.

Mr. Harple’s passion for spreading the love of God was evident in his previous teaching years when he established a first-time after school youth ministry, bringing fellowship and hope through the word of God to his High School students. Mr. Harple looks forward to continuing to share the Love of Christ while meeting the individual needs of the amazing students of EPA.

Hana Kim

Director of Creative Arts & Art Instructor | North Campus

Hana Kim is EPA’s North Campus’ Director of Creative Arts and Art Instructor. Mrs. Kim holds a Master of Graphic Design Degree from Nova Scotia College Of Art & Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Photography and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature. Mrs. Kim has a vast amount of experience in the Arts, including Elementary & Middle School Art Teacher at Naples Adventist Christian School, Art Director at Livingwater Church in Berkeley, CA, Senior Graphic Arts Designer & Art Director at SUM Bible College in CA, and Graphic Designer & College Instructor at University of the Nations in Lailua-Kona, HI.

Mrs. Kim has a strong faith in the Lord and loves to share that with our students. Mrs. Kim helps our North Campus students explore and strengthen their God-given talents in the world of Creative Arts!

JOSHUA Kim

High School Science & Performing Arts | North Campus

Joshua Kim teaches High School Science & Intro to Performing Arts. Mr. Kim attended college at University of Florida where he studied Engineering for 3 years, before changing his major to Theater Arts. After graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Theater, he worked for Disney World Entertainment, until God called him to become a pastor. After graduating from Reformed Theological Seminary, Mr. Kim spent the next 19 years pastoring churches. Throughout that time he filled the roles of youth pastor, college pastor, and lead pastor. He uses his talents to present engaging, hands-on lessons and biblically integrates God’s truth into lessons.

Amanda SCOTT

Mathematics & Social Studies/Science | North Campus

Bible Coordinator | North & Doris Frey Campus

Mrs. Scott graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, and in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Special Education. Mrs. Scott is certified by the Florida Department of Education to teach grades K-12 Special Education and grades 6-12 Mathematics. Over the past few years, she has worked at Summit Church as the Kids Ministry Director, at Stepping Stone Kids Therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician, and at Spring Creek Elementary as an ESE Resource Teacher, where she worked with students with varying exceptionalities such as language impairments and learning disabilities. God has placed a specific desire Mrs. Scott’s heart to care for vulnerable children. She is grateful to be able to do that through being a foster parent and a teacher.

AleKsandra Hila

Literacy Teacher| North Campus

Mrs. Hila earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and her Master’s in Special Education Degree from Montclair State University.  Her 13 years of teaching experience include teaching for the Educational Service Commission of New Jersey to provide intervention services for students with learning differences, Elementary & Title 1 Teacher at a private Christian school, as well as Teacher of Exceptional Students Education in Lee County Public Schools.  She is a Florida State Certified Teacher in K-6 education and ESE (Exceptional Student Education ) K-12.  

Lauren Tudor

Language Arts & Reading Intervention | North Campus

EPA welcomes Lauren Tudor to the literacy team where she will be teaching Language Arts and Reading.  Mrs. Tudor moved from her home state of California to Florida almost 4 years ago. She and her husband live in Lee County and are both passionate about sowing into kids & the youth in Southwest Florida.

In 2010, Mrs. Tudor earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interpersonal Communication from Cal State East Bay in Hayward, California. Not long after, she felt God calling her into teaching.  She began her career by serving for three years as a Bible teacher and an educational paraprofessional for elementary & middle school levels at a private, Christian school in California. During that time, Lauren earned her CBEST certification (California Basic Educational Skills Test) and began to teach in public schools. She now has over 6 years of teaching experience in a variety of different settings, subjects, and grade levels - at both public & private schools.  Her experience includes the teaching of  Critical Thinking, Intensive Reading, Dance, and Science.  Most recently she has taught 7th grade Language Arts & reading at a public Middle School in Collier County prior to joining the team at EPA.

Mrs. Tudor is thankful to be teaching in a Christ-centered environment.  She is excited to be able to talk openly with students about the love of God, the power of faith, and the wisdom in the Bible. Her aim is to weave this fundamental faith-filled thread through every subject she teaches.

MYRIAM WEAD

Math Lab | North Campus

Myriam Wead serves as the instructor of Math Lab at North Campus. Mrs. Wead has many years of experience in education including teaching elementary education in France, tutoring students in upper levels in various academic content, and leading in youth ministry.  

Mrs. Wead assists students in acquiring mathematical skills and strengthening their fact fluency. She supports student through a program that is uniquely designed for students of varied learning styles or knowledge levels to fully grasp fundamental mathematical ideas. Mrs. Wead is instrumental in producing more confidence in students as they become more skilled in their mathematical journey.

Erin Fredrickson

General Aide | North Campus Substitute Teacher

Mrs. Fredrickson has been committed to serving children in the community through being a foster parent, involved in children’s ministry at her church, and serving as a guest teacher for Lee County Public Schools. She joins EPA North Campus as a General Aide and building substitute teacher for the North Campus. Her love for the Lord and for serving others shines through in the many ways she supports the students and staff at EPA!

Nancy Batelli

Literacy Lab | Doris Frey Campus

Nancy Batelli serves EPA as the Literacy Lab Instructor for Lower & Upper School. Mrs. Batelli holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with dual specialization in Industrial Organization and Clinical Counseling from Moravian College. Her past experience includes Director of Human Resources for many large corporations, managing her current family business, and over 17 years of substitute teaching for local private schools in grades PreK-8. Mrs. Batelli’s wide skill set allows her to serve the students, families, and faculty of EPA in many ways.

Rena Clark

Substitute Teacher & Instructional Assistant | Doris Frey Campus

Ms. Clark has  been in the field of education for the past 24 years. She possesses a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition, she  recently completed the Florida Director’s Credential  Course  at Nova Southeastern University. She has worked in Exceptional Student Education for both Collier County and Lee County Schools. She has extensive experience educating students with learning disabilities and varying exceptionalities.  Since Ms. Clark has had challenges with reading in the past and is dyslexic herself, she has a passion for helping children who have similar learning differences.

LORETA DUGO

Physical Education Teacher| Doris Frey & North Campus

Loreta Dugo began her teaching career in 2022 and holds a BA in Special Education from Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, Illinois. She holds her Illinois Professional Educator’s License in Special Education K-12, which earns her reciprocity in receiving her Florida Certification. Prior to coming to EPA, she taught in self-contained Exceptional Student Education (ESE) classrooms, teaching children with moderate to severe needs.  Part of her responsibilities in her role as an ESE Educator was to plan and execute lessons involving physical activities aimed at strengthening gross & fine motor skills, coordination, and strength & endurance. Ms. Dugo has also played basketball, ran cross country, and track & field at both the high school and college level.  She is extremely active, loves the outdoors, and has a passion for physical fitness. 

Sabrina Lagace

Language Arts, Social Studies & Science - Lower School| Doris Frey Campus

Mrs. Lagace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia and studied Elementary Education at Edison College in Florida.  Mrs. Lagace possesses a Florida Professional Teaching Certificates in Elementary Education K-6 and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

Mrs. Lagace has over 10 years experience in the field of education. She is a dedicated and responsive educator with proven skills in classroom management, behavior modification and individualized support. Prior to staying home with her 2 children and homeschooling, Mrs. Lagace taught Elementary grades (K & 1st) at Collier County Public Schools for 5 years.  Additionally, she has 5 years of experience teaching as a virtual school teacher.

She is excited to be a part of the EPA Team where she can use her skills to boost educational success and inspire love of learning in our students!  

Jenny merino

Reading & Math - Lower School | Doris Frey Campus

Mrs. Merino teaches the Structured Literacy piece of instruction at Educational Pathways Academy’s Doris Frey Campus. Structured Literacy is a highly effective approach to teaching reading & spelling to students. The Orton-Gillingham Approach (often called OG) is Structured Literacy. OG includes explicit and systematic teaching of all important components of literacy. These components include both foundational skills (e.g., decoding, spelling) and higher-level literacy skills (e.g., reading comprehension, written expression).

Mrs. Merino earned her BA in Elementary Education from Florida Gulf Coast University and holds her Florida Teacher’s Certification in K-6 Education and in ESE (Exceptional Student Education). She is trained through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education in Phonological Awareness, Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham, and Morphology. She has 14 years of teaching experience including private and public schools. She also has experience in both mainstream and ESE positions. As a parent of two children with learning differences herself, she comes with personal understanding and possesses a passion to help EPA facilitate our mission with excellence. 

Lisa Panzarella

Mathematics | Doris Frey Campus

Mrs. Panzarella has 15 years of experience in private, Christian school education. Mrs. Panzarella earned a Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education from State College of Florida. She holds her Florida Professional Educator's Certificate, as well as a Director's Credential for early childhood. Additionally, Mrs. Panzarella is trained in Lindamood-Bell’s On Cloud Nine, Visualizing & Verbalizing for Math Program. Mrs. Panzarella is thrilled to be part of the EPA team of educators, using her gifts & talents to positively impact the students of EPA. Her heart's desire is to help each child see that they truly are God's masterpiece!

Cary TronnieR

Enrichment Arts Specialist | Doris Frey Campus

Ms. Tronnier shares her over 19 years of teaching experience and expertise with EPA to tap into the extraordinary talent of EPA students in many ways! She attended the Columbus College of Art and Design where she continued to expand her knowledge and expertise in the field of art. Her passion for art instills the necessary skills needed to unlock inner creativity and build self-confidence in young minds. Ms. Tronnier has been a Naples resident since 1972. She has three wonderful children and enjoys being a part of the EPA family as well!

Stephanie VANG

Language Arts, Social Studies & Science - Middle School| Doris Frey Campus

Stephanie Vang is a dedicated educator and instructional leader with ten years of experience in education. She is especially passionate about literacy instruction and supporting students to achieve outcomes that will benefit them on their journey as lifelong learners.

Throughout the last decade, Mrs. Vang has served in a variety of roles, including as an ESOL Teacher, reading interventionist, and middle school Language Arts, Science and Social Studies Teacher. Providing high quality instruction that is accessible to all students, while increasing student proficiency in reading, writing and speaking, are high priorities in her classroom.

Mrs. Vang recently completed LETRS Certification (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), holds a B.A. in ESOL Education K-12, and is working toward a Masters in Literacy.