We are pleased to announce that we have hired our four core teachers. Let's let them introduce themselves...
My name is Rachael O'Brien. I am eagerly looking forward to teaching the Social Sciences and sharing my background in mindfulness training with the Resilience Charter School community. I have served as an assistant public defender for almost eight years. As an attorney representing some of the most socially and economically disadvantaged members of our society, I have witnessed first-hand the profound structural inequalities that exist in America. Only through studying and understanding the historical and economic causes of these inequalities can we become effective catalysts for social justice and peace. However, if our ambition is to build a society of peace, mere knowledge is not enough. We must each of us train to become peacemakers. For my part, I have trained for many years to develop tranquility and insight through greater mindfulness. I hope to bring the benefits of this training to the classroom so we may meet the challenge of building a more just world with maturity and dispassion. |
Hello, my name is Makeda Meeks and I will be teaching English Language Arts at Resilience Charter School. A Florida native, and a graduate of the University of Utah, I am honored to be a part of the Resilience family and to have the opportunity to teach your child. I am an optimistic and energetic person who enjoys the company of young people and believes that gaining students’ trust and respect is a gift. I believe that a caring teacher can transform the school experience, especially for students who face challenges or difficulties, and the greatest thing that a teacher can do is to care and understand. I have lived in Florida for well over 20 years and received my Associate's degree from Salt Lake Community College in International Business. From there I attended the University of Utah receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies and Master’s in Educational Leadership and Policy with an emphasis in Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Program Development, an experience which has prepared me to create a fun and educational classroom. I have taught English in China and Brazil, as well as served as the Director of Student Services at Florida National University. I have two wonderful Chihuahuas, Todd & Coco, and enjoy being an active part of the Gainesville community. This year I plan to lead by example and encourage students to have a love of learning, in a fun and healthy environment. My students will be a welcomed part of Resilience Charter School, sharing what they have learned with their families and community. |
Introducing our Math instructor, Kevin Jones. Mr. Jones was educated in the public schools of Michigan and Texas and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University and a master’s in electrical engineering from Florida A&M University. He has worked in industry as a systems and software programmer and a digital designer. He is certified to teach secondary math as well as information technology.
He has worked as a substitute teacher for Alachua County Public schools for the past two years. He believes everyone can learn math and he wants to teach with interesting real-world applications such as personal finance, electronics, programming and probability & statistics. He is looking forward to embarking on this new adventure and desires to develop effective and efficient uses of technology to engage and teach students. He is a long time resident of Gainesville, Florida, is married to an Alachua County teacher, and has three children who have all attended school in Alachua County.
He has worked as a substitute teacher for Alachua County Public schools for the past two years. He believes everyone can learn math and he wants to teach with interesting real-world applications such as personal finance, electronics, programming and probability & statistics. He is looking forward to embarking on this new adventure and desires to develop effective and efficient uses of technology to engage and teach students. He is a long time resident of Gainesville, Florida, is married to an Alachua County teacher, and has three children who have all attended school in Alachua County.
I am Cat Diaz and am thrilled to have been selected as Resilience Charter School’s Science Instructor. Scientific inquiry requires the power to think objectively about a subject from many angles in order to form a judgment. Science has always been my greatest instrument for teaching Students to think critically. By encouraging them to explore our natural world with a curious and open mind they engage with great scientific principles at work all around. Since Graduating from UF in 2008, I traveled throughout Europe, Asia and South America. I assisted in student study abroad trips to Archaeological excavations and Cultural exchanges, volunteering in animal sanctuaries and teaching English. During this transformative time in my life, I was offered an Internship as Enrichment Researcher at the Smithsonian National Zoo in DC, working with Western Lowland Gorillas and Orangutans. There, I was able to conduct my own research as well as assist other researchers on collaborative ongoing behavioral studies. After being away from home for six years, I moved back to Gainesville to begin my teaching career and raise my daughter. I have been a teacher with Alachua County Public Schools and was on a curriculum writing committee for the district’s Twenty First Century grant. When I discovered Resilience, I felt inspired and hopeful of what can be accomplished when a group of people is determined to meet a real need. This next chapter in my life is proving to be the most exciting and rewarding yet. Resilience Charter School is an example of what is possible when a community collaborates on creating higher standards for future generations, both to serve the emerging generations and to bring our community together in new promising ways. I am so grateful to be a part of it and looking forward to everything to come. |