SPECIALTY STAFF
Connie Buckler-Gill
Lower Elementary Art Teacher
Connie has spent a lifetime dedicated to the arts. A graduate of Ringling College of Art and Design, with a degree in Fine Arts and a focus on sculpture, Connie has worked as a professional muralist for over 20 years. Her work shows in galleries in Sarasota, Martha’s Vineyard, and her own gallery Studio C, in Village of the Arts in Bradenton. Her experience teaching group and private lessons as well as working as a scenic artist, painter and sculptor for both the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice make her perfectly suited to be a Montessori art teacher.
Alicia Kennedy
Music and Band Director
A third generation Floridian, Alicia was born and raised right here in Manatee County. She graduated from New College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Alicia has received her Level II Orff Certification and also been trained in the High Scope approach to teaching music with movement. Alicia has taught music for over 25 years in both private and public schools. She has been at the Center since 2005 and loves the unique opportunity of teaching music to children from the toddler nest all the way through middle school. When she is not teaching music Alicia enjoys spending time with her family, her husband Pat, and her two children.
Paulina Kahn
Upper Elementary and Middle School Spanish Teacher
Spanish Teacher Paulina Kahn graduated as a Certified Public Accountant from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, in Caracas, Venezuela. Along with a certification in advanced marketing and an MBA, Paulina worked in a number of Venezuela’s top corporate companies. As her life took many turns, Paulina found herself in a new country, the USA. Here, she completed a certificate as an English to Spanish translator at Adelphi University, NYC, and worked as a substitute teacher in the New Jersey public school system for three years. Paulina also tutored children and adults in Spanish at a local language center over six years. While Paulina has worn many hats over the years, including relocation services manager and medical interpreter, Paulina loves working with kids and teaching them Spanish above all else. “I love to teach them while doing fun games and interactive activities. I give them attention and show them that I really care and respect them.” Other hobbies include running on the beach every morning with her family while watching the sunrise, “I consider this a blessing that we should not take for granted now more than ever.”
Donte Taylor
Physical Education Teacher
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PE Teacher Donte Taylor was born and raised in Manatee County. He graduated from Bayshore High School and attended Valdosta State University where he played football. A personal trainer and owner of TaylorMadeFit on 26th Street West, Donte has deep connections to the area. His passion for health and wellness and his love for children has led him to training local sports teams and is excited to be able to work with more young individuals at CMS. A father to three boys, Donte loves to spend his down time playing with them and spending time with family. He gained his nickname Lambo, because he is “fast like a Lamborghini” as the students say! Welcome Coach Lambo!
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