Meet the Faculty & Staff of Educational Pathways Academy

Molly Arthur

Founder & Head of School

Molly Arthur is the Founder and Head of School of Educational Pathways Academy. Mrs. Arthur holds a degree in Specific Learning Disabilities from the University of South Florida. She has over 30 years of teaching and administrative experience in various areas of special and mainstream education in both private and public schools. Mrs. Arthurs’s vast teaching experience has exposed her to the significant struggle with reading, writing, and spelling that affects approximately twenty percent of students. These students struggle despite having high intelligence, motivation, and a quality education. This ignited a passion in her to seek additional knowledge and training in learning disabilities and in the field of Dyslexia. In order to serve the needs of these students, Mrs. Arthur started a private tutoring company in 2015 called Educational Pathways, Inc.

A year later, Mrs. Arthur led a team to develop a school that provides a comprehensive program with proven methods for students with language-based learning differences. On August 16, 2017, Mrs. Arthur founded that school in Naples, Florida called Educational Pathways Academy. In 2022, Mrs. Arthur’s school expanded with the opening of a second campus in Estero, Florida.

Kristy DeRienzo

Principal & Reading Specialist | Doris Frey Campus

Kristy DeRienzo brings many years of experience and knowledge to her position as Educational Pathways Academy’s Principal and Reading Specialist. She has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a dual Master's Degree in Reading and Special Education. Additionally, she holds a Reading Specialist Certification, is  a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (an affiliate of the International Dyslexia Association) and is a Certified Orton Gillingham Educator through the Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE).

Her over twenty years of experience include teaching at a school dedicated to students with dyslexia in New York, Elementary Education teacher, High School Reading and Special Education teacher, and Private Reading Tutor. As Principal, Mrs. DeRienzo leads the Doris Frey Campus in our mission to serve EPA’s students, families, and educators with excellence. She provides support for teachers in all subjects with the implementation of researched-based practices and professional development. Mrs. DeRienzo places great importance on facilitating strong relationships with our partners in education, the parents & families of our students.

AMANDA DAVISON

Principal | North Campus

Amanda Davison began her teaching career in 1997. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University and achieved a Master’s of Education in Exceptional Student Education and a Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia Education, emphasizing Orton-Gillingham methodology, from Southeastern University. Mrs. Davison holds her State of Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Exceptional Student Education, Language Arts, Elementary Education, and Physical Education. Additionally, she holds her Association of Christian Schools International Professional Certification in Education. She is trained in the Institute of Multisensory Education Orton Gillingham Comprehensive approach to reading, Nanci Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing Language Comprehension and Thinking, Thinking Maps, and Write from the Beginning and Beyond.

As Principal of EPA’s North Campus, Mrs. Davison leads with the belief that all students are celebrated as God-created masterpieces, capable of great learning and serving in God’s Kingdom. She supports teachers with effective, research-based teaching strategies, professional development, and encouragement. Mrs. Davison believes that EPA’s faculty and staff are truly a team and an example of the Body of Christ as we partner with parents and students to provide an innovative program to strengthen the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual learning in students.

Joshua Wead

Vice Principal & Dean of Students | North Campus

Joshua Wead brings 18 years of experience in education and youth ministry. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership and has extensive experience working with children with diverse learning differences. Passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments, he partners with families to support each student’s personal growth through compassionate guidance and respect.

Before joining EPA, Mr. Wead served as a residential life supervisor and Dean of Students at an international Christian boarding school, overseeing student life, discipline, and staff coordination for a diverse, multilingual community. This leadership experience equipped him with the relational and managerial skills that now strengthen his work with EPA’s students and faculty.

Mr. Wead is deeply invested in the school’s mission and is committed to helping students, faculty, and staff reach beyond their potential and thrive.

Candace Johnson

Director of Advancement | Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Candace Johnson brings over 20 years of experience in advancement, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership, serving educational and arts organizations in both California and Southwest Florida. Since relocating to Naples in 2018, she has continued her commitment to philanthropy while actively volunteering and serving on community boards.

Candace earned her bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach, a Fundraising Management Certificate from UCLA, and a Master of Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also a member of Leadership Collier Class of 2026. Candace is passionate about the mission of Educational Pathways Academy and is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy that will transform the lives of students and families for generations to come.

Kelly Grimm

Director of Admissions | Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Office Manager | Doris Frey Campus

Kelly Grimm is passionate about the well-being of EPA’s students, focused on supporting children and families through advocacy, resource access, and care. With a background in education administration, emergency medical services, and community outreach, Mrs. Grimm brings a compassionate perspective to our students and families.

Mrs. Grimm holds a B.A. in Psychology from Florida International University and is pursuing her Master’s Degree through the University of Central Florida. Mrs. Grimm is also a parent of a student with dyslexia and understands navigating the educational system and advocating for students.

Jessica WEad

Director of Marketing| Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Jessica Wead holds a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies and brings extensive experience in marketing and communications across diverse sectors. Her background spans digital strategy, content development, branding, and community engagement, giving her a versatile perspective on how to connect organizations with their audiences.

Mrs. Wead is passionate about raising awareness of learning differences and advancing EPA’s mission through clear, engaging, and impactful communication.

Beth Howe

Office Manager & Accounts Coordinator | North Campus

As Educational Pathways Academy’s North Campus Office Manager, Beth Howe’s smiling face is the first thing you will see when you enter the school! Mrs. Howe manages EPA’s North front office and is well-versed in the many responsibilities of the position.  She has worked as the Office Manager of Family Ministries at a local church for 2 years, and prior to that, was the Office Manager at a local private school for seven years. Mrs. Howe attended Ball State University, where she studied Business and holds Administrator’s Credentials from National Institute of Child Care Management. She loves serving not only the students of EPA, but their families as well!

sarah Messenger

Business & Technology Manager| Doris Frey Campus & North Campus

Sarah Messenger serves EPA as Business & Information Technology Manager for both the Doris Frey Campus & North Campus. She was born and raised here in southwest Florida, and holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida. She has a wide variety of abilities in many fields, allowing her to provide assistance to the staff, students and families at EPA in multiple ways.

Amy Arnold

High School History, Government/Economics, and 8th grade Social Studies/Science Teacher | North Campus

Amy Arnold brings more than 30 years of teaching experience from Collier County Public Schools and EPA. Throughout her career, she has taught a broad spectrum of subjects, including Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. With many years of experience in exceptional student education, Mrs. Arnold is adept at addressing diverse learning needs. Amy graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia College.  She holds Florida State Certification in Elementary Education (K-6) and Varying Exceptionalities (K-12), along with a Gifted Endorsement. Her extensive expertise and commitment to educational excellence make her an invaluable asset. Empowering Students to achieve their personal best is Amy’s passion.

Erin Fredrickson

Academic Support | North Campus

Erin Fredrickson has long been committed to serving children and families in her community, whether through being a foster parent, volunteering in children's ministry at her church, or guest teaching in Lee County Public Schools. She joined EPA North Campus in 2023 as a General Aide and building substitute, later stepping into the role of Upper School Language Arts instructor in 2024. Now in her third year at EPA, Erin is excited to help launch the school’s first Culinary Arts program, where she brings over six years of hands-on experience from managing and working in her husband’s family-owned French bakery café in Boulder, Colorado. She also serves as Lunch Coordinator and continues to support students academically across multiple areas.                                                  

Erin holds a Science degree in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and recently celebrated 25 years as an AMTA alumnus. Her passion for health, hospitality, and nurturing whole-person wellness informs her work in and out of the classroom. Her deep love for the Lord, heart for serving others, and commitment to TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) strategies shine through in everything she does to support the students and staff at EPA, especially those experiencing life difficulties.

Ally Griffith

Mathematics Teacher | North Campus

Ally Griffith graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, achieving a double major in Mathematics Education and Biblical Theology. She then moved to Florida and earned her state teaching certification from the Florida Department of Education in Mathematics (6-12). With almost 15 years of experience working with children, she has developed a deep understanding of how to engage and inspire young learners. Miss Griffith has also tutored students with language-based disabilities in math. She is dedicated to fostering a love for mathematics and aims to create a classroom environment where students feel valued and encouraged to learn from mistakes, think critically, and develop the confidence to solve problems both in and out of the classroom. Miss Griffith loves bringing her passion for teaching and math into her role at EPA.

MaTT HARPLE

Mathematics & PE/ STEM Teacher| North Campus

Matt Harple graduated from Kent State University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 2015. He is an Ohio native who joined the EPA Team after God called him to move to Florida in 2023 with his family to join in planting a new church in Lee County. Mr. Harple has 10 years of teaching experience, with four years as an ESE Intervention Specialist. He holds Florida Professional Teacher certifications in both Exceptional Student Education K-12 and Physical Education K-12.

Mr. Harple’s passion for spreading the love of God was evident in his previous teaching years when he established a first-time after-school youth ministry, bringing fellowship and hope through the word of God to his High School students. He has continued that ministry here by launching and hosting EPA’s first-ever after-school youth group called “The Armory” happening by-weekly at our North Campus. Mr. Harple’s heart is to share the Love of Christ while meeting the individual needs of the amazing students of EPA.

Ali Pilz

Reading Teacher | North Campus

Ali Pilz graduated from Anderson University with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education. She taught and coached volleyball in Indiana before moving to Southwest Florida with her family in 2024.

Mrs. Pilz holds her Florida teaching certificate in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Mathematics. She is also trained in the Institute of Multisensory Education Orton Gillingham Comprehensive and Morphology Comprehensive approach to reading. With over 10 years of experience working with children, Mrs. Pilz is passionate about teaching with purpose, leading with grace, and helping children grow in confidence and knowledge. 

Mrs. Pilz loves to create engaging learning experiences and celebrate every step of the journey. She will be teaching reading with our multimodal OG program. She loves to teach with a hands-on, whole-brain approach. She is thrilled to bring her love for Christ and reading to EPA.

Hana Kim

Director of Creative Arts & Art Teacher | North Campus

Hana Kim holds a Master of Graphic Design degree and a Post-Baccalaureate in Design from the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design in Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.

Mrs. Kim's extensive experience in the arts spans various roles, including teaching art at the elementary and middle school levels at Naples Adventist Christian School. She has also worked as an Art Director at Livingwater Church in Berkeley, CA, Senior Graphic Arts Designer & Art Director at SUM Bible College in California, and as a Graphic Designer & College Instructor at the University of the Nations in Kailua-Kona, HI.

Deeply committed to her faith, Mrs. Kim is dedicated to sharing her love for the Lord with her students. At EPA’s North Campus, she plays a pivotal role in helping students discover and develop their God-given talents in the creative arts, fostering an environment where creativity and faith flourish together.

JOSHUA Kim

High School Science & Mathematics Teacher| North Campus

Joshua Kim began his higher education at the University of Florida, studying Engineering before transitioning to Theater Arts and earning a Bachelor’s Degree. Following his time with Disney World Entertainment, Mr. Kim pursued a calling to ministry, studying at Reformed Theological Seminary. With 19 years of experience as a youth pastor, college pastor, and lead pastor, he brings his diverse background to the classroom, delivering engaging, hands-on lessons that seamlessly integrate biblical principles.

Laura Lecy

Lower School Language Arts, Science, & Social Studies Teacher | North Campus

Laura Lecy is a joyful, caring, and dedicated elementary educator who brings over 15 years of teaching experience, creativity, and enthusiasm to EPA.

As a neurodiverse learner herself, Laura’s calling to this work runs deep. Many in her family have dyslexia and neurodiverse learning challenges. Her mother (now retired) was a passionate dyslexia tutor who taught Orton-Gillingham, so Laura has seen firsthand how transformative the right support can be. These personal experiences fuel her desire to help students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences feel smart, capable, valued, and loved by Jesus, knowing they were created with purpose.

Mrs. Lecy holds a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies/Elementary Education from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, with minors in Pre-Primary Education and Bible, and she holds a Florida Teacher Certificate. She is also trained in Nanci Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Language Comprehension. Mrs. Lecy has taught across elementary grades, Pre-Kindergarten, middle school, special education, music, and art, and has also served five years as an Assistant Center Director.

She has taught across elementary grades, Pre-K, middle school, special education, music, and art, and has also served as an Assistant Center Director. She is the founder of RoundWreath.com, a creative small business whose designs have been nationally featured and commissioned by organizations including the U.S. Navy.

Born and raised in the Midwest, she recently relocated to Florida with her family. Her two sons also attend EPA North Campus.

Mrs. Lecy is deeply thankful for EPA’s whole-child approach and feels truly blessed to join the North Campus team. She looks forward to contributing to a Christ-centered community where students can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.

Leia Ruff

Upper School Language Arts Teacher | North Campus

Leia Ruff graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama, and went on to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing in 2001. She spent nearly a decade working as a Registered Nurse before transitioning into education, where she has now spent over seventeen years working with children in both homeschool and classroom settings.

From 2010 to 2019, she served as Tutor and Director for a Christian cooperative homeschool program supporting more than 100 local families. She went on to teach at Fort Myers Christian School, where she designed and taught a structured Honors program for grades 3-5, promoting student engagement and exploration of their world. Mrs. Ruff also homeschooled all three of her own children from kindergarten through high school graduation, including her youngest, who was diagnosed with ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, and early Auditory Processing Disorder - an experience that deepened her understanding of how to reach learners who need a different path to the same destination.

She is also trained in Nanci Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing Language Comprehension. Mrs. Ruff loves bringing her experience and passion for education into her role at EPA.

Chef Geoff Thomas

Director of Culinary Arts| North Campus

Geoffrey Thomas brings more than 20 years of culinary leadership, business ownership, and hospitality experience to Educational Pathways Academy. He earned his Culinary Arts diploma from Connecticut Culinary Institute and his Associate of Science degree in Culinary Operations and Management from Le Cordon Bleu University in Scottsdale, Arizona. Throughout his career, he has served as an executive chef, culinary director, consultant, entrepreneur, and educator, leading successful culinary teams while mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Having navigated ADHD throughout his life, Chef Geoff understands that students learn differently and believes those differences can become strengths when nurtured with patience, creativity, and encouragement. As someone whose own life was transformed through culinary education, he believes the kitchen is more than a place to learn recipes—it is a classroom where character, confidence, discipline, healthy living, servant leadership, and God-given purpose are developed.

Shelby Wandrey

Director of the Art Career Education Studies Program (ACES) & Enrichment Outreach Program, and Art Teacher| North Campus

Shelby Wandrey has been a commissioned portrait artist since the age of 14 and has an extensive background in the arts. She attended the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she graduated with the Outstanding Visual Arts Senior Award. She continued her education at the Kansas City Art Institute and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a minor in Mandarin. In 2025, she furthered her jewelry fabrication education at Accademia Delle Arti Orafe in Rome, Italy. During the summer of 2026, she continued her studies at the GRS Training Center in Emporia, KS where she took advanced stone setting and engraving classes.  

With over six years of teaching experience, Mrs. Wandrey previously managed her own art business in California, offering private lessons, after-school programs, homeschool classes, and community events for both children and adults. She is dedicated to helping young people understand their intrinsic worth in Christ. Mrs. Wandrey leads students by helping them to discover their artistic talents, guiding them in monetizing their skills, and sharing their creative gifts with the world.

MYRIAM WEAD

Literacy Lab Instructor | North Campus

With a wealth of experience in education, language, and leadership, Myriam Wead is passionate about helping students with learning differences build literacy skills and confidence. She has taught elementary education in France, tutored students at all levels, and specializes in supporting students to develop fluency and mastery of reading. Her personalized approach is tailored to each student’s unique learning style, ensuring they gain the foundational skills necessary for long-term success.

Before joining our school, Mrs. Wead served as executive director in support of her husband’s work as a New York Times bestselling author and motivational speaker. While accompanying him internationally, she occasionally joined him on stage encouraging people to reach their full God-given potential. Together, they also engaged in humanitarian efforts and contributed to the community of an international boarding school.

Fluent in French and experienced as a translator and tutor, she brings a global perspective and educational expertise to every student she serves.

Nancy Batelli

Literacy Lab Instructor | Doris Frey Campus

Nancy Batelli serves EPA as the Literacy Lab Instructor for Lower & Upper School. Mrs. Batelli holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with dual specialization in Industrial Organization and Clinical Counseling from Moravian College. Her past experience includes Director of Human Resources for many large corporations, managing her current family business, and over 25 years of substitute teaching for local private schools in grades PreK-8. Mrs. Batelli’s wide skill set allows her to serve the students, families, and faculty of EPA in many ways.

Natalie Donahue

Upper School Language Arts, Science, & Social Studies Teacher | Doris Frey Campus

Originally from Michigan, Natalie Donahue is a longtime Naples resident and a seasoned, committed educator. 

Ms. Donahue brings over 20 years of teaching experience to EPA. Most recently, she served as a middle school language arts teacher at Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, and she has previously held roles as a guidance counselor and resource teacher at Saint Ann Catholic School. Her diverse background includes teaching kindergarten, third grade, fourth grade, middle school English, and 8th–10th grade integrated studies online.

Ms. Donahue’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Social Studies major as well as a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy. Additionally, she holds certifications in Early Childhood Development, Orton-Gillingham, Lindamood-Bell Visualizing and Verbalizing, Social Emotional Learning, and Clinical Educator Training.

Ms. Donahue is a lifelong learner and service-oriented individual.  She has a passion for integrating  Social Emotional Learning and faith building into the classroom. Ms. Donahue is thrilled to be a part of the EPA Family!

Davina Hartsfield

Physical Education & STEM Teacher | Doris Frey Campus

Davina Hartsfield brings 16 years of K-8 experience in both public and private, Christian school education. Ms. Hartsfield holds a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Psychology from Liberty University. She holds her Florida Professional Educator's Certificate with specializations in Gifted and English Language Learners. Additionally, she brings 6 years of youth non-profit program development experience through her work with organizations such as Girls on the Run of Southwest Florida.

Ms. Hartsfield is grateful to be able to share her gifts & talents with the students of EPA, which include two of her very own children. Her aim is that each masterpiece grows more healthy, confident, and joyful along their EPA journey.

Sabrina Lagace

Lower School Language Arts, Social Studies & Science Teacher | Doris Frey Campus

Sabrina Lagace holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia, and studied Elementary Education at Florida Southwestern State College. She holds a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education (K–6) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

Since beginning her teaching career in 2006, Mrs. Lagace has gained extensive experience educating students in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, virtual education, and homeschooling. This diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of how to meet the unique needs of learners and help each child succeed.

Mrs. Lagace is a dedicated and student-centered educator who is passionate about creating engaging learning experiences, fostering a positive classroom environment, and supporting students through individualized instruction. She is trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing program, IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham program, and Handwriting Without Tears.

Mrs. Lagace considers it a privilege to partner with families in fostering academic excellence, strong character, and a lifelong love of learning. She is grateful to be part of the EPA community and is committed to helping students grow academically, socially, and spiritually.

Jenny merino

Lower School Reading & Mathematics Teacher |Doris Frey Campus

Jenny Merino earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from Florida Gulf Coast University and holds a Florida Teacher’s Certification in K-6 Education and Exceptional Student Education (ESE), along with an Exceptional Student Education Endorsement. She is trained in Touch Math and has extensive training in Phonological Awareness, Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham, and Morphology through The Institute of Multisensory Education (IMSE), having additionally earned the IMSE Orton-Gillingham Fidelity Certification.

With 18 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools, including mainstream and ESE positions, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. As a parent of two children with learning differences, she also brings personal understanding and passion to our mission.

Lisa Panzarella

Mathematics Teacher | Doris Frey Campus

Lisa Panzarella has 17 years of experience in private, Christian school education. Mrs. Panzarella earned a Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education from State College of Florida. She holds her Florida Professional Educator's Certificate. Additionally, Mrs. Panzarella is trained in Math-U-See,  Touch Math and Lindamood-Bell’s On Cloud Nine, Visualizing & Verbalizing for Math Program. Mrs. Panzarella is thrilled to be part of the EPA team of educators, using her gifts & talents to positively impact the students of EPA. Her heart's desire is to help each child see that they truly are God's masterpiece!

Karla Ribeiro

Instructional Assistant| Doris Frey Campus

Karla Ribeiro is proud to be part of the Educational Pathways Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Brasília, Brazil, and brings extensive experience in the field of education.

Mrs. Ribeiro is passionate about helping students recognize their strengths, build confidence, develop resilience and independence, and foster a lifelong love of learning. She values building strong relationships within the school community and is dedicated to supporting each student’s growth and success.

Outside of school, Mrs. Ribeiro enjoys spending quality time with her family, cheering on her daughter at volleyball tournaments, traveling, and staying actively involved in her community.

Hillary THomas

Reading Teacher | Doris Frey Campus

Hillary Thomas is an experienced educator with over 20 years in the field of education. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Cleveland State University and brings a strong foundation in instructional planning, curriculum development, and intentional teaching practices.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Thomas has held program leadership roles focused on curriculum development, instructional quality, and program growth. Her experience includes training and coaching educators and strengthening learning programs to better serve students with diverse learning needs.

Mrs. Thomas is proud to be part of the Educational Pathways Academy team and is dedicated to cultivating strong literacy skills while fostering curiosity and a love of reading. Through intentional, structured instruction, she creates learning environments where students feel safe, seen, and challenged as they build the confidence and independence needed for academic success.

Cary TronnieR

Enrichment Arts Specialist | Doris Frey Campus

Cary Tronnier brings 21 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for art to EPA. Her unwavering dedication to art education drives her to nurture the creative mind of each student who enters her classroom, with the goal of strengthening self-confidence and helping students unlock their unique creativity.

Mrs. Tronnier has been a resident of Naples since 1972 and studied Fine Arts at the Columbus College of Art and Design. She is a proud mom of three wonderful children and adores her sweet grandpups.

Ms. Tronnier is a valued member of the EPA community and is dedicated to fostering a love of art in all her students.