Kym Elder
Executive Director All IVMS Programs

Kym Elder, Executive Director of Island Village Montessori Charter and Early Childhood Programs, was founder and first President of the IVMS Founding Board. Kym has Montessori educator certification from the American Montessori Society in both early childhood and elementary levels and has taught students from three years old to eighth grade in Montessori environments for close to 15 years.

She is a graduate of both Pine View School and New College. She has been a Sarasota County resident for most of her life, living also in New Orleans, upstate New York, and Michigan. Kym holds a master's degree in charter school educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University as well as Florida professional certifications in educational leadership, elementary education (K-6), integrated middle school curriculum (5-9), and exceptional student education (K-12). Kym also holds a Florida early childhood director's credential.

Kym has returned to NOVA in the Doctorate in Education Program with a concentration in Internet Technology and Distance Education. In addition to school administration duties, she is project director of Montessori Live, an Internet-based Montessori lesson library and teacher training program developed at IVMS as well as Montalign, an Internet-based student tracking software also being developed at IVMS. Both projects are to forward the quality of Montessori programs in the United States and abroad. Kym has been a speaker at Montessori and Florida Charter School conferences.

Kym has two children, Brooks and Jade, and is married to Don Elder, a local fine arts and antiques dealer. Brooks was a member of IVMS's first graduating class in June of 2003 as well as the first graduating class of Island Village Middle School in June 2006. Jade is currently a middle school student at IVMS.

Michelle Vitiello
Financial Director All IVMS Programs

Michelle has her Bachelors in accounting from the University of South Florida and has been a Sarasota County resident since 1990. Michelle and her husband Bob have one child, Nicole, who has been a student at IVMS since 2004.

Jan Pearman
Director of Marketing and Enrollment
Aftercare Director South Campus

Jan is the Administrative Assistant/Director of Marketing and After-School Programs. She was also the first President of the IVMS parent's group, PAC. Before semi-retirement, Jan and her husband, Bob, operated a custom home-design construction company. Currently, Jan continues the operation of her energy conservation company. "Having six grandchildren, three of school age and three in preschool is what brought me to Kym's side and to become actively involved with IVMS. I want for my grandchildren as well as for all children the opportunity to receive a quality education and enjoyment of the learning experience IVMS provides." Besides enjoying her time at IVMS, Jan also loves gardening, decorating, her cats and time with her family.

Gail Biroscak
Registrar All IVMS Programs

Gail Biroscak joined IVMS as our registrar for all IVMS program in 2006. Gail worked as registrar for charter schools at the district level and as a school based registrar for many years. Gail is test coordinator for FCAT testing, and coordinates attendance and field trips for the south campus.

Lisa Gifford
Administrative Assistant Middle School

Lisa was born and raised in Illinois on a farm.  She moved to Florida in 1982 after graduating.  Lisa is married to Steve and they have a daughter Danielle.  They enjoy, as a family, boating and camping.  Lisa joined the IVMS staff in 2002 and works in the administration department.  Before that she worked at Verizon for 14 years and attended MCC.

Kristin Comeau
Administrative Assistant/Transportation Coordinator

Kristen Comeau joins IVMS an office assistant and support person for our faculty. Kristen and her two children have been involved with IVMS since our opening year in 2001.

Jeannine Ball, RN, MSN
Clinic Venice Campus

Jeannine has served in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps. She brings to IVMS her broad experience in nursing and leadership as she manages the clinic. She has been a nurse consultant, has earned her Master of Science in Nursing, and has taught nursing in RN programs at the college level. She has two Middle School students at IVMS.

Randy Nixon
Maintenance Director All IVMS Programs

Randy Nixon joins IVMS as assistant registrar, network troubleshooter, and head of our maintenance department. Randy has worked for Sarasota County Schools in maintenance, and received certification in both computer networking and registration. He also brings continuity from his district experience. We look forward to Randy’s leadership and knowledge in all the above areas.

Bill Koss
Maintenance

Bill Koss joined the IVMS maintenance staff in 2007. He worked as a restaurant manager for many years. Bill is certified as a Red Cross First Aid and CPR instructor and helps our IVMS middle school students obtain their First Aid certifications. Bill is also participating in training from the school district to become a school resource officer.

René Arthur
Island Village Montessori Early Education Director

René Arthur moved from Pennsylvania in 1982, graduated college in 1986 and worked at a veterinary hospital as a certified veterinary technician for 11 years. In August 2001 she changed careers and went back to school to earn a CDA and the Florida Directors Credential to become the IVM Early Education Director. In 2005 the program was awarded the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Her daughter is one of the original toddlers of the early educational program and now attends the IVM Charter Elementary School. She is rewarded everyday by smiles and hugs from the children on the early education campus and our graduates now at the charter school.

Judy Antell
Elementary School Principal

Judy comes to us from New England and is licensed as a Paralegal with an Associates in Accounting. She is our Assistant Director and her office is in the Annex Building (the small building you pass as you come into the driveway to the school). She is also a Notary. She loves living in Sarasota on her horse ranch with her husband, Bill, and two teenage children, Tucker and Chelsea. Her son is a world-class Saxophone Jazz musician and her daughter shows horses. Her husband is an Engineer for Porter Construction.

Kym Elder
Curriculum Director Elementary Program

Kym Elder, Executive Director of Island Village Montessori Charter and Early Childhood Programs, was founder and first President of the IVMS Founding Board. Kym has Montessori educator certification from the American Montessori Society in both early childhood and elementary levels and has taught students from three years old to eighth grade in Montessori environments for close to 15 years.

She is a graduate of both Pine View School and New College and has been a Sarasota County resident for most of her life, living also in New Orleans, upstate New York, and Michigan. Kym holds a Master's Degree in Charter School Educational Leadership from NOVA University and Florida professional certifications in educational leadership, K-6 elementary education, and integrated middle school curriculum grades 5-9. Kym holds a Florida Early Childhood Director's credential.

Kym has returned to NOVA in the Doctorate in Education Program with a concentration in Internet Technology and Distance Education. In addition to school administration duties, she is project director of Montessori Live, an Internet-based Montessori lesson library and teacher training program developed at IVMS as well as Montalign, an Internet-based student tracking software also being developed at IVMS. Both projects are to forward the quality of Montessori programs in the United States and abroad. Kym has been a speaker at Montessori and Florida Charter School conferences.

Kym has two children, Brooks and Jade, and is married to Don Elder, a local fine arts and antiques dealer. Brooks was a member of IVMS's first graduating class in June of 2003 as well as the first graduating class of Island Village Middle School in June 2006. Jade is currently a middle school student at IVMS.

Sherry Evans
Guidance

Sherry Evans, who moved to Venice in 2003 from Virginia, has worked for 31 years with children and families. She has a B.S. in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. Sherry developed the elementary counseling program at Grafton Elementary in 1989. She worked there until 2003, serving grades K-5. She has also worked as a middle school counselor, visiting teacher, Head Start social service director, and as a member of child study teams. She emphasizes teaching children skills, such as peacemaking, friendship, confidence building, citizenship, and cooperation.

Jennifer Sessa
ESE Liaison

Jennifer Sessa joined the IVMS staff in 2006 as an ESE Educator. Jennifer has been a parent at Island Village since 2003. She looks forward to her new position as ESE Liasion and ESE Educator. Jennifer graduated with a BA in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University and a MS in Quantitative Analysis. She holds a professional certificate in Elementary Education K-6 and Exceptional Student Education K-12. She is also working on Montessori classes through Montessori Live.

Jennifer moved to Florida in 2001 from Connecticut with her family. She is married to Tom and they share three children, Dylan, Zack and Toriana.

Louise Vare
Speech/Language

Louise Vare started in 2002 with IVMS, having worked, at various times over the last 25 years, in the Sarasota school system. Originally from Stamford, Connecticut, she graduated with high honors from the University of Florida and holds a degree in speech pathology and audiology through the College of Education. Louise is also certified as a speech/language therapist through the State of Florida. She and husband Bob have five children ranging from elementary school through college years. Louise enjoys the ability that our charter school provides to work with smaller group settings for speech and language therapies. She is also a parent at IVMS.

Judy Antell
Elementary School Principal

Judy comes to us from New England and is licensed as a Paralegal with an Associates in Accounting. She is our Assistant Director and her office is in the Annex Building (the small building you pass as you come into the driveway to the school). She is also a Notary. She loves living in Sarasota on her horse ranch with her husband, Bill, and two teenage children, Tucker and Chelsea. Her son is a world-class Saxophone Jazz musician and her daughter shows horses. Her husband is an Engineer for Porter Construction.

Jennifer Ocana
Curriculum Director Elementary Program

Jennifer Ocana has been at IVMS since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Emerson College in Fine Arts, and certification by the American Montessori Society at the elementary I level.

Jennifer previously taught for almost 10 years at Oak Meadow Montessori School in Littleton, Mass and for a year at New Gate School in Sarasota in the 9 - 12 year old class before joining IVMS. Jennifer enjoys environmental and nature studies with her students. Jennifer received her Florida K-6 elementary teaching certificate and is completing requirements for exceptional student education.

Jennifer will also take on some administrative duties this year as the upper elementary coordinator.

Sherry Evans
Guidance

Sherry Evans, who moved to Venice in 2003 from Virginia, has worked for 31 years with children and families. She has a B.S. in Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of Virginia. Sherry developed the elementary counseling program at Grafton Elementary in 1989. She worked there until 2003, serving grades K-5. She has also worked as a middle school counselor, visiting teacher, Head Start social service director, and as a member of child study teams. She emphasizes teaching children skills, such as peacemaking, friendship, confidence building, citizenship, and cooperation.

Gloria Koss
ESE Liaison and Educator

Gloria Koss graduated from University of South FL with a BS in Education. She is certified in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and looks forward to working on her Montessori training through the Montessori Live courses.

Gloria moved to FL in 1978 from Michigan. She is married to Bill, has 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren and a 3rd on the way...

Louise Vare
Speech/Language

Louise Vare started in 2002 with IVMS, having worked, at various times over the last 25 years, in the Sarasota school system. Originally from Stamford, Connecticut, she graduated with high honors from the University of Florida and holds a degree in speech pathology and audiology through the College of Education. Louise is also certified as a speech/language therapist through the State of Florida. She and husband Bob have five children ranging from elementary school through college years. Louise enjoys the ability that our charter school provides to work with smaller group settings for speech and language therapies. She is also a parent at IVMS.

Becky Morris
Principal

Becky Morris returns to Island Village as the middle school principal after a 1½ year deployment where she served as commander of a civil affairs unit in the Horn of Africa.  Her six CA teams helped to coordinate the building and refurbishing of schools, clinics, hospitals, and wells.  Prior to her activation, Becky was integral in the development and technical coordination of Island Village's first charter middle school and served as the school's principal and science teacher. 

Becky earned her BA in Biology at Westminster College in Fulton, MO where she was also commissioned in the US Army Reserves through its ROTC program. She has her Elementary 6-9 Montessori Certification and is completing her professional certification requirements through NOVA Southeastern University's graduate courses.

Becky has been an educator at Island Village since its inception and has also served as the school's Technology Coordinator and Webmaster.  Her three children have grown and thrived in IVMS's Montessori environment. She is looking forward to yet another wonderful year with Island Village and its community of students, families and friends.

Dr. Paul Czaja
Curriculum Director & Guidance

Dr. Czaja has been involved in the Montessori movement for over 45 years. He received his masters degree in philosophy and his doctorate in education from Fordham University. Dr. Czaja was on the founding faculty and, eventually, headmaster at the famous Whitby School the American Montessori Center, in Greenwich, Connecticut, from 1960 until 1978. He has been involved in Montessori teacher training for many years, and has worked with Montessori public schools as well as private schools.

Gloria Koss
ESE Liaison and Educator

Gloria Koss graduated from University of South FL with a BS in Education. She is certified in Exceptional Student Education K-12 and looks forward to working on her Montessori training through the Montessori Live courses.

Gloria moved to FL in 1978 from Michigan. She is married to Bill, has 2 grown children, 2 grandchildren and a 3rd on the way...

Lisa Gifford
Administrative Assistant Middle School

Lisa was born and raised in Illinois on a farm.  She moved to Florida in 1982 after graduating.  Lisa is married to Steve and they have a daughter Danielle.  They enjoy, as a family, boating and camping.  Lisa joined the IVMS staff in 2002 and works in the administration department.  Before that she worked at Verizon for 14 years and attended MCC.

Louise Vare
Speech/Language

Louise Vare started in 2002 with IVMS, having worked, at various times over the last 25 years, in the Sarasota school system. Originally from Stamford, Connecticut, she graduated with high honors from the University of Florida and holds a degree in speech pathology and audiology through the College of Education. Louise is also certified as a speech/language therapist through the State of Florida. She and husband Bob have five children ranging from elementary school through college years. Louise enjoys the ability that our charter school provides to work with smaller group settings for speech and language therapies. She is also a parent at IVMS.

Kym Elder
Principal/ESE Liaison

Kym Elder, Executive Director of Island Village Montessori Charter and Early Childhood Programs, was founder and first President of the IVMS Founding Board. Kym has Montessori educator certification from the American Montessori Society in both early childhood and elementary levels and has taught students from three years old to eighth grade in Montessori environments for close to 15 years.

She is a graduate of both Pine View School and New College. She has been a Sarasota County resident for most of her life, living also in New Orleans, upstate New York, and Michigan. Kym holds a master's degree in charter school educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University as well as Florida professional certifications in educational leadership, elementary education (K-6), integrated middle school curriculum (5-9), and exceptional student education (K-12). Kym also holds a Florida early childhood director's credential.

Kym has returned to NOVA in the Doctorate in Education Program with a concentration in Internet Technology and Distance Education. In addition to school administration duties, she is project director of Montessori Live, an Internet-based Montessori lesson library and teacher training program developed at IVMS as well as Montalign, an Internet-based student tracking software also being developed at IVMS. Both projects are to forward the quality of Montessori programs in the United States and abroad. Kym has been a speaker at Montessori and Florida Charter School conferences.

Kym has two children, Brooks and Jade, and is married to Don Elder, a local fine arts and antiques dealer. Brooks was a member of IVMS's first graduating class in June of 2003 as well as the first graduating class of Island Village Middle School in June 2006. Jade is currently a middle school student at IVMS.

Jolie Holman
Director/Administrative Assistant

Jolie Holman came to IVMS at its inception in 2001 as a parent and volunteer. She has been on staff working in our finance department. Jolie was an early childhood instructor for a number of years before coming to IVMS. She will use that experience to become our center director and administrative assistant at our Sarasota campus. Jolie holds a Florida director's credential.