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.

AMANDA DAVISON

Principal | North Campus

Amanda Davison began her teaching career in 1997, instructing various subjects such as math, language arts (including high school language arts), Bible, drama, and physical education in elementary and 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, and she is also certified in K-12 Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Additionally, she 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!

Joshua Wead

Vice Principal & Dean of Students | North Campus

Joshua Wead brings 16 years of experience in education and youth ministry, complemented by a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Southeastern University. During his tenure as Dean of Students at an international Christian boarding high school, he developed essential skills in executive administration. This included overseeing daily school operations and ensuring student well-being through management of discipline, counseling, and student life programs.

Mr. Wead’s eldest daughter attends EPA. His desire is to foster a supportive environment where EPA’s students, faculty, and staff can reach beyond their potential and thrive.

Beth Howe

Office Manager & Accounts Coordinator | North Campus

As Educational Pathways Academy’s North Campus Office Manager, Beth 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

Director of Admissions | Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Office Manager | Doris Frey Campus

Kelly 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

Sarah 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

High School History & Middle School Social Studies & Science | North Campus

Amy Arnold brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience from EPA and Collier County Public Schools. Throughout her career, she has taught a broad spectrum of subjects, including Language Arts, Reading, Math, and History. With 4 years of experience in exceptional student education, Mrs. Arnold is adept at addressing diverse learning needs. Amy holds Florida State Certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Varying Exceptionalities (K-12), along with a Gifted Endorsement. Her extensive expertise and commitment to educational excellence make her an invaluable asset, particularly in social studies and science instruction.

Ally Griffith

Lower School Mathematics Instructor | North Campus

Ally Griffith graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education (5-12) and a double major in Biblical Theology. With over 12 years of experience working with children, she has developed a deep understanding of how to engage and inspire young learners. Miss Griffith has tutored students with language-based disabilities in math and is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Certified Educator. She is dedicated to fostering a love for mathematics and aims to create a math classroom where students feel valued and encouraged to learn from mistakes, think critically, and develop the confidence to solve problems both in and out of the classroom. Excited about her transition from public schools to EPA, Miss Griffith looks forward to bringing her passion for teaching and math into her new role.

Jennifer Keller

Reading Intervention, Language Arts & Lower School Social Studies & Science | 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.

AleKsandra Hila

Literacy Teacher| North Campus

Aleksandra 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.  

Hana Kim

Director of Creative Arts & Art Instructor | North Campus

Hana Kim holds a Master of Graphic Design degree and a Post-Baccalaureate in Design from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.

Mrs. Kim's extensive experience in the arts spans various roles, including teaching art at the elementary and middle school levels at Naples Adventist Christian School. She has also worked as an Art Director at Livingwater Church in Berkeley, CA, Senior Graphic Arts Designer & Art Director at SUM Bible College in California, and as a Graphic Designer & College Instructor at the University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona, HI.

Deeply committed to her faith, Mrs. Kim is dedicated to sharing her love for the Lord with her students. At EPA’s North Campus, she plays a pivotal role in helping students discover and develop their God-given talents in the creative arts, fostering an environment where creativity and faith flourish together.

JOSHUA Kim

High School Science & Performing Arts | North Campus

Joshua Kim began his higher education at the University of Florida, studying Engineering before transitioning to Theater Arts and earning a Bachelor’s Degree. Following his time with Disney World Entertainment, Mr. Kim pursued a calling to ministry, studying at Reformed Theological Seminary. With 19 years of experience as a youth pastor, college pastor, and lead pastor, he now brings his diverse background to the classroom, delivering engaging, hands-on lessons that seamlessly integrate biblical principles.

Amanda SCOTT

Mathematics, Social Studies, & Science | North Campus

Bible Coordinator | North & Doris Frey Campus

Amanda Scott earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is certified by the Florida Department of Education to teach grades K-12 in Special Education and grades 6-12 in Mathematics. Her experience includes serving as the Kids Ministry Director at Summit Church, working as a Registered Behavior Technician in ABA Therapy at Stepping Stone Kids Therapy, and working as an ESE Resource Teacher at Spring Creek Elementary, where she supported students with various exceptionalities such as language impairments and learning disabilities. God has placed a specific desire on Mrs. Scott’s heart to care for vulnerable children. She is grateful to be able to fulfill that through being a foster parent and a teacher.

Shelby Wandrey

Director of the Art Career Education Studies Program (ACES) & Art Instructor | North Campus

Shelby Wandrey has been a commissioned portrait artist since the age of 14 and has an extensive background in the arts. She attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she graduated with the Outstanding Visual Arts Senior Award. She continued her education at the Kansas City Art Institute and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Mandarin.

With over four years of teaching experience, Mrs. Wandrey previously managed her own art business in California, offering private lessons, after-school programs, homeschool classes, and community events for both children and adults. She is dedicated to helping young people discover their artistic talents, guiding them in monetizing their skills, and sharing their creative gifts with the world.

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

Erin 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

Rena 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.

Sabrina Lagace

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

Sabrina 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

Lower School Reading & Mathematics|Doris Frey Campus

Jenny Merino earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Florida Gulf Coast University and holds a Florida Teacher’s Certification in K-6 Education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE), along with an Exceptional Student Education Endorsement. She is trained in Touch Math and has extensive training in Phonological Awareness, Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham, and Morphology through The Institute of Multisensory Education (IMSE), having additionally earned the IMSE Orton-Gillingham Fidelity Certification. With 15 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools, including mainstream and ESE positions, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As a parent of two children with learning differences, she also brings personal understanding and passion to our mission.

Lisa Panzarella

Mathematics | Doris Frey Campus

Lisa 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

Cary Tronnier studied at the Columbus College of Art and Design and brings 20 years of teaching experience to EPA. Her deep passion for art and education empowers her to nurture the unique creative talents of each student, helping them build self-confidence and unlock their inner creativity. A resident of Naples since 1972 and a proud mother of three, Ms. Tronnier is a valued member of the EPA community and is dedicated to fostering a love of art in all her students.

Stephanie VANG

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

Stephanie Vang holds a B.A. in ESOL Education K-12 and is currently pursuing an M.A. in Literacy. With 11 years of experience in education, she is a dedicated educator and instructional leader who is passionate about literacy instruction and supporting students to achieve outcomes that benefit them as lifelong learners. Mrs. Vang's extensive training includes Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham and Morphology training through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education, LETRS Certification (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and expertise in Thinking Maps and the Writing Revolution. Throughout her career, she has served 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.