Dolores “D” Gore, Kindergarten Teacher - I am thrilled to be reunited with my Rowlett Family! I taught 2nd and 3rd grade here from 2008-2022. I initially took time off to raise my young children and recharge as a teacher. While away, I fell into teaching PreK part-time. I absolutely loved it and it rekindled my love of teaching. I am excited to join the kindergarten team and step into a new grade level.
Dana Perez, 1st Grade Teacher - I’m proud to be part of the Rowlett Elementary family! I’ve been teaching for 18 years and still find joy in every school year. I graduated from USF but, I bleed Orange and Blue - Go Gators! Building strong positive relationships with my students and colleagues is one thing I value most about being an educator. Outside the classroom, I enjoy traveling, spending quality time with my family, and hanging out with my two handsome labs, Bison and Moose.
Mindy Boyd, 1st Grade Teacher - I am so excited to join Rowlett and be a part of this wonderful community! I have a passion for education and strive to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for my students. I believe in fostering curiosity and a love for learning through interactive and hands-on activities. I look forward to partnering with parents and the Rowlett community to support our young learners’ growth and success!
Yania Jaime, 1st Grade Teacher's Aide - We’re excited to welcome Yania to the Rowlett staff! She’s been a dedicated Rowlett parent for years, and now we’re thrilled to have her join our team. Her daughter, Aerilyn, is off to RMA, and her son, Joel, will be starting kindergarten this year. We’re lucky to have her on board!
Jaclyn Lane, 3rd grade Teacher - I’m thrilled to return to Rowlett Academy- a place that has profoundly shaped my journey as an educator and leader. With almost a decade of teaching experience, including roles in exceptional education and instructional leadership, I bring a student-centered, collaborative approach that aligns with Rowlett’s mission. My passion for innovative learning began here, where I was first inspired to lead creative projects like student performances, a tradition I proudly carried forward. Most recently, I’ve served as an Exceptional Student Education Teacher and Team Lead across nine campuses in Pinellas County, supporting individualized instruction and staff development. I’m honored to once again be a part of a community so deeply committed to empowering student and nurturing leadership.
Heather Dickens, 3rd Grade Teacher - I am thrilled to be a member of the Rowlett Academy team! I earned a BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. I am certified in SS K-12, Elementary Education K-6, and Reading Endorsed. I have worked with children of all ages and their families in various capacities and taught for over 10 years in diverse educational settings including IB, Arts Integration, Title 1, and Montessori schools. I strive to be a conscientious collaborator in creating a community rooted in relationships that reflect respect and responsibility.
Kira Steffensen, 3rd Grade Teacher - I’m so excited to join the Rowlett team and be surrounded by such an incredible and accomplished group of educators. However, I truly believe that one of Rowlett’s greatest strengths is the supportive team environment, and I’m eager to learn and grow alongside my colleagues. I’m excited to contribute my creativity, enthusiasm, and passion to my team, knowing that every person plays an important role in helping the team thrive. I’m looking forward to collaborating, learning, and making a positive impact at Rowlett!
Sharon French, 4th grade Teacher - I am excited to join the Rowlett team and bring my experience in elementary education and leadership to this amazing school community! Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in various leadership roles, including team leader, member of the Instructional Leadership Team, and founder of a Science Committee. I’ve also earned my Clinical Education certification, which has allowed me to mentor new teachers and support professional growth. I’m passionate about collaborating with colleagues to strengthen instructional practices and foster a positive, supportive school culture. I can’t wait to get started and be part of the Rowlett family!
Alexis Morehead, 5th Grade Teacher - It is with great pleasure that I return to the Elementary Campus as part of the 5th grade team. While I have worked for both campuses, my last 3 years, I served at RMA where I gained valuable experience teaching both Intensive Reading and Accelerated 6th Grade Math. Working across both campuses has given me a deeper perspective and allowed me to support a diverse range of learners. I am passionate about teaching and building meaningful connections with my students. Creating and
maintaining Raving Fans—among students, families, and colleagues—is at the heart of my approach. I’m truly excited to begin this new chapter and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
Jimmy Houle, 5th Grade Teacher - I’m thrilled to be joining the Rowlett family and bringing my energy, creativity and love for literacy to a school that truly celebrates student voice and innovation. With experience teaching both 3rd and 5th grade, I’ve worked with diverse learners- including ESE. ELL, and twice-exceptional students-using research-based strategies, data-driven instruction, and a lot of heart. Before the classroom, I served as Director of Leadership at Florida Southern College, where I helped design professional development and growth opportunities for student leaders. I’ve also presented at state and national conferences on literacy and school-university partnerships-but nothing beats the joy of a great read-aloud or a lightbulb moment with a student. I’m also really excited to be closer to the beach (sunshine and saltwater are my love languages), and even more excited to grow roots in such a vibrant and welcoming school. I can’t wait to collaborate, learn, and add to the magic that makes Rowlett such a special place!
Julia “Julie” Garcia Meza, School Support Aide - I am excited to join the REA family! I have two children, my oldest is going into 4th grade at REA and my youngest is starting VPK this year. I am a sports mom and love being my boys’ #1 Fan! I previously worked as a paraprofessional supporting 1st grade students and teachers for three years. I cannot wait to support the staff and students of REA!
Kealey Lampton, Instructional Support Aide - After subbing at Rowlett Academy for four school years, I am excited to be joining the team full-time this year. I have enjoyed working with students in various capacities and getting to know our Rowlett family throughout the years. I am looking forward to seeing our students continue to make gains throughout the upcoming school year. My son is a 4th grader and my daughter is also joining the family this year as a Kindergartner. We are Better Together!