MEET THE STAFF

 

Ms Kathy Moss Kelly Reading Specialist I have a Masters Degree in Education with Sixteen years Classroom Experience. I spent three years as a Principal and ten years as a Preschool Director. I became an educator because of the influence of my maternal grandfather. He was a teacher in a one-room school house in rural Ohio at the beginning of his professional career. He was passionate about classical music, helping others and instilling in them a love of learning. Grandpa Miller lived to be 93 years old. He spent his life serving others and never lost his classroom. When my sisters and I were small he lived with us. We sometimes had grammar lessons for dinner! What a treat it was to hear him talk about the things he did as a teacher and the influence he had on those who entered his classroom. He was an avid reader and attended the symphony until he was eighty. He was a man of God and an encourager. Grandpa enjoyed making people smile. He had a tremendous impact on my life and I have chosen to pass along his legacy to my children, my nieces and nephews and all of those who have entered my classroom door year after year. One thing that I remember most is that Grandpa was one of the most generous people I ever knew. He was generous with his resources and most importantly with his time. Grandpa was quick to slip us quarters for a job well-done. He always had time for a question, time to help with homework, time for a bowl of ice cream with the kids or time for a hug. He made time for the important things like knowing what was going on in the world, time for listening to the classical music station on the radio, time for exercise. Well past the age of 90, he was walking up a country road to the mail box for no other reason than because he could! He had a great sense of humor and never failed to find the good in everyone. When I was just a small girl, I always played school with my dolls and my reluctant younger sister. I always knew that when I grew up, I wanted to be just like Grandpa.

 

Missy Richards Speech Teacher In 1991, I graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology. Right after graduating, I moved to Florida to begin my career adventure. Along the way, God gave me a wonderful husband and two terrific children who are now 12 and almost 10. We are active in our church and volunteer in our kids’ public schools. As a Speech Language Pathologist, I have experience working with children who have difficulty with articulation (speech production/pronunciation), problems with receptive language (listening/understanding), difficulties in expressive language (speaking), stuttering, and social communication disorders. I have worked for private clinics, hospital clinics, and the public schools. I enjoy helping children learn communication skills that can help them succeed academically and socially.

Mr. Trezza Part time Minister for GRAD Academy My name is John Trezza and I am the Part time Minister for GRAD Academy. I was recently ordained by the Alpha & Omega Christian Network in St.Petersburg and have made my services available to GRAD Academy. I am here to minister to the teachers, administrators, staff, parents and students. Anyone in need of prayer or council is what I am making myself available for. If you need someone to pray with or need prayer for anyone please contact me at Phone # 239-7517 leave a message if you get my answering machine. I am also available for communion and home visits as needed. Anyone who is sick or can not leave their residence I am also available to help. I know firsthand the pain of loosing loved ones. I have recently lost the last of my family two years ago with the early death of my sister Diane. She lost a long battle with ovarian cancer at only 58 years of age. I was so thankful to know that I could help her to leave this earth knowing that I will see her again because she knew our Lord Jesus Christ. I have had several very close friends pass away and I know as I get older the sting of death will only come more frequently. But I know that the grave will come up empty handed one day when Jesus will come and take us all away. I am here to minister in anyway I am called to. All of my family know the LORD Jesus Christ. This is the most important knowledge that anyone can have and needs before they leave this earth. This is my goal to share this knowledge with anyone who will listen. A little bit about myself. I recently retired from Honeywell where I worked in the Aerospace business for over 35 years. I am a member of the Largo Historical Society, and teach Bible Study and minister on call at Pine Creast retirement community in Largo. I also volunteer my time in support to "Celebrate Engineering" a yearly banquett for various engineering societies. I am the father of 6 children one of which is with the Lord. All my children are grown and I find myself in a new area of my life serving the Lord where and when ever He needs me. I am currently an elder at International Church of Clearwater and working in many of the duties and ministries that need me at this time. I am offering myself up to whatever HE would have for me to do for HIM and the furthering of HIS kingdom. I feel I am more than qualified to work with children given the fact that I had 6 children of my own, I also have served in the Army National Guard as an Officer and have had many opportunities through youth groups, Scout leader, camp out fellowship with youth etc. etc. I love to collect toys, and have a very large train collection that I love to share with children and with adults. Please feel free to call me anytime for prayer. God Bless Sincerely, John Trezza

Mr. Dimmick Technology/Computer Network Administrator Hi, my name is Jeff Dimmick. I am the technology/computer network administrator here at GRAD Academy. I am very proud of what we are able to provide here at GRAD Academy. Not many private schools have a desktop computer and/or a laptop computer available for EACH student to use. All of which are networked together with filtered internet access (this means that, even accidentally, the students will not be able to access undesirable web sites). This internet access is very important for helping students to develop the critical skills needed in todays fast pace world to be able to search for and find the information needed to be successful. I have an Associates Degree is Specialized Technology (Electronics) and I hold the following certifications: MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional), ACACN (Avaya Certified Associate in Communication Technology), CTP (Converged Technology Professional), NET +. I am a former employee of Avaya Communications Inc. and was with Avaya for 23 years. Avaya is the world leader in voice over IP technology and also monitors and manages large corporations’ voice and data networks. I have extensive experience in building computers and computer networks. In addition to putting together the network here at GRADAcademy. I also have some experience in building web sites as you can see at www.gradacademy.com. I also enjoy helping the students with their work by showing them how to use Microsoft word when doing their reports and showing them how to search for and gather information on the internet for their reports. We also have the students do thier own year book using Microsoft power point.

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