The Executive Director, Amy Arnold, M.S., has had a vision for the last fifteen years. That vision was to provide an educational opportunity like no other. The Monarch School is the product of her vision, combined with other professionals and specialists, to bring evidence based interventions and therapies to your child! She believes that every child can learn. She believes you should never limit a child’s potential. And she believes in NEVER giving up!
Children are products of their environment, and Mrs. Arnold firmly believes in creating an environment that is nurturing, loving, accepting, and consistently provides for the needs of each individual.
Mrs. Arnold earned her B.S. from the University of South Florida in 1994. She was a member of Golden Key Honors Society. As a single parent, Mrs. Arnold earned her M.S. in 2006 in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She has put her Ed.D. in Organizational Management and Autism from NSU on HOLD as she is enrolled in courses towards completing Board Certification in ABA. She married in 2008 and resides in Lakeland, Fl with her family.
The Associate Director, Misty Reed, is a long time resident of Lakeland, Fl. She will be pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Mrs. Reed has a heart for all children, but especially for students with autism. She was a major driving force in the development of The Monarch School. She is the CFO for the organization. Mrs. Reed resides in Lakeland, Fl, with her three children and her husband.
Ms. Matoaka Green is our Office Manager/Event Planner/ Administrative Assistant/Miracle worker! She brings professionalism and compassion to our office.
Miss Casey Cotter, the Lead Middle/High teacher, is in the internship phase of attaining her Licensed Mental Health Certification as well as her Guidance Certification and has completed her Masters in Counseling. She will be providing multiple services, including self-esteem, anger management and social skills programs. She will also be hosting parents trainings and support groups after school. Miss Cotter is entering her fourth year of teaching and is much loved by her students and coworkers.
Miss Ashley Kimes received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Southeastern College in Lakeland, Fl. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Guidance. She provides academics for middle and high school students at Monarch. Miss Kimes will also be assisting Miss Cotter with the parent training and support groups after school. Miss Kimes has an amazing relationship with her students. Her patience and consistency proves extremely effective, as evidenced by the growth in her students.
Mrs. Peggy Kimes, the Lead Elementary teacher, is a dedicated professional with 20 years experience in working with children with learning difficulties. Peggy's level of energy and her dedication to The Monarch School are much appreciated!
Mrs. Laura Asen is pursuing her degree in Early Childhood and has many years experience with children.
Mrs. Rebecca Jenkins has her Bachelors degree in British and American Literature, but has found her calling with the younger students.
Mr. Mark Salyer has his Master's degree in Religious Studies and intends to pursue his Doctorate in the coming semesters. He will be teaching a self contained middle school class.
Ms. Stefani Sellers comes to us from the Polk County school system with a specialty in educational technology. She is pursuing her Bachelors in Education and will be teaching a 3rd to 5th grade group.
Ms. Leslie Pezzo hails from New York where she worked with students on the spectrum at a prestigous educational program among behavioral specialists. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors in Special Education.
Ms. Jocelyn Duval has a diverse background including military experience and multiple trainings and certifications in mental health and crisis intervention. She is also studying for her Bachelors in Special Education.
Mrs. Stacey Way is a paraprofessional for the elementary school. She is so dedicated to the success of Monarch!
About us: We believe that the whole child must be addressed in education: physical, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual. We are a non-profit, faith-based, nondenominational school with an open heart.
