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Everyone is Different. Everyone Belongs.

For over 12 years, families from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties had been making the daily drive to the Pinnacle Academy located in Lakewood Ranch.  The Academy provides a highly specialized, alternative education for students who have been diagnosed with a variety of developmental conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Language Impairment, Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other learning differences. In August 2012, the Pinnacle Academy opened its doors in South Tampa, piloting a program to meet the needs of the Tampa Bay community. In 2018, Tampa Pinnacle Academy established itself by moving to its current location on Davis Islands. The new school allowed for the Academy to expand its landmark program and customize an education to meet the needs of exceptional students.  The program is particularly known for offering a blended therapy approach to education and treatment.  The interdisciplinary team model offers a combination of proven methods of instruction and lends to the success of students who are affected by more than one diagnosis.  Challenged areas of learning, sensory integration, executive functioning, social development, and social communication are all incorporated into the daily curriculum. 

 

Mission & Philosophy

The Pinnacle Academy is dedicated to understanding and educating students who have learning differences. In our small classes, their learning differences are accepted and individually supported. However, it is their strengths, interests, and talents that are at the forefront of a Pinnacle education. We are opportunity-makers.


Our Mission
• To empower students with language and learning differences to become independent and successful learners
• To provide a unique and incomparable education that delivers a blended model of multi-sensory, brain-based, and project-based learning approaches that supports the theory of multiple intelligences in learning
• To provide a model program of excellence in the field of alternative, exceptional education and best-practice methods in teaching

Our Philosophy
The Pinnacle Academy was started in 2001 with a clear vision of a private school that could offer an outstanding, special education in a structured, yet nurturing atmosphere. Years later, the school offers a private education to over 100 students and continues to grow and change with each passing year. Today, Pinnacle Academy provides its students with the instruction, inspiration and opportunity to learn and achieve at their highest potential. The school is unique among programs of exceptional education in that it offers a blended approach to teaching and thus, is able to adapt to the unique needs of its diverse learners. We are committed to teaching and treating exceptionalities through research-based, best-practice methods. We continually assess our program and make enhancements to reach our student’s goals and to ensure that our program offers an eclectic approach to learning. We are blessed with teachers who go above and beyond by giving a great deal of personal attention to every one of their students. We are proud of our students and celebrate their individual strengths, talents, and interests which will guide them to succeed at a higher level of academic and personal accomplishment. We believe that a student should look forward to coming to school every day. We also believe that parents should feel a sense of “family” throughout our school’s campus.

Above all, we believe we’ve created an educational institution where students feel confident and motivated to learn, where they are understood and empowered, and where parents are taught to turn obstacles into opportunities. We hope that you will come and visit us.

 

Our Team

Marissa Guagliardo Sander, Director

Marissa is the Director and Owner of Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has over fifteen years of experience in the field of Child Development. Marissa studied Communication Sciences and Disorders in her undergraduate program. She is a licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant. Marissa attained her Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education. Marissa is a certified instructor in Orton Gillingham through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. Marissa combines her background in speech and language with behavior management techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in her students and clients. After more than five years studying under Dr. Ordetx as the Program Director for the Pinnacle Academy’s South Tampa pilot program, Marissa established Tampa Pinnacle Academy in 2018.

Dave DeVore, Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Dave DeVore is excited to be starting his first year at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. Dave is a graduate of Boston College with a B.A. in mathematics with a computer science concentration. He is also one class away from completing his Masters degree and is also trained in Orton Gillingham. Before teaching, Mr. DeVore worked in software design where he started his own software design company for the telecommunication industry. Dave has five years of teaching experience, three in Special Education, where he taught all subjects. He also tutored students in math and science. Dave promotes growth mindset encouraging students to succeed beyond their expectation by believing in them and helping them realize their potential through dedication and hard work

Madeline Effertz, Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Madeline is beginning her first year as a middle school teacher at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has 6 years of experience as a special education case manager and teacher for students in 5th-10th grade. Madeline graduated from Creighton University in 2015 with her bachelor's degrees in elementary education and special education. She is a certified elementary and special education teacher in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Florida. Madeline is also professionally trained in Orton-Gillingham curriculum. She is passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters a sense of intrigue and excitement for learning. Madeline strongly believes in the concept of "educating the whole person" - she is eager to work as a team with students, parents, and staff members to ensure that students experience growth as learners and as individuals. 

Amanda Olson,

Ms. Amanda has been an educator for over 20 years. She received her bachelors degree from Columbia College and her Master’s Degree from USC. She began her career as a Kindergarten / 1st grade teacher and has taught at all levels K-8th. Continuing education is extremely important to her, so she attends conferences yearly. She is trained in Orton Gillingham, Math Their Way and Handwriting Without Tears. She developed an Edible Math program and presented to the GISA Conference in 2013. Ms. Amanda has a passion for helping all children reach their potential by incorporating hands-on, unique experiences to enhance learning. She loves to challenge students to be curious, creative and take chances. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, theatre and all things pink.

 

Ali Flasher, Elementary Teacher

Ali Flasher is a new elementary teacher this school year at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience in Special Education from Kindergarten through 8th grades, including inclusion in general education classrooms and self-contained settings. Ali graduated with her bachelor’s degree from University of South Florida and is a Florida Certified Elementary Teacher. Additionally, Ali is a professionally trained instructor in Orton Gillingham. She is seeking certification as a Registered Behavior Technician and believes strongly in applying research-based principles in order to identify the unique needs of students. Ali is passionate about creating a nurturing and caring environment that fosters a positive learning experience. She values the importance of a healthy body and mind and strives to help students find the best version of themselves.

Kris Giesen-Tyler, Elementary Teacher

Kris G-Tyler has over 20 years of educational experience. Kris holds a BA in Literature and Creative Writing, a 5-12 license from Bethel University, an MA in Curriculum Instruction, and Design from Walden, and several graduate credits in further educational instruction from MSUM. Kris is a certified instructor in Orton Gillingham though the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. Kris has taught in pull-out elementary programs, on a Native American Reservation, and in traditional schools.  Kris embraces the attitude that learning should be both fun and accessible for everyone.  She is excited to help students accomplish their goals and for them to be proud of their successes. 

Jessica Deutsch, K-1 Teacher

Ms. Jessica is beginning her first year as an elementary teacher at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has over 8 years experience in the field of Special Education. Ms. Jessica recently relocated from Long Island, New York. She graduated with her bachelors from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where she was also a DII women's lacrosse player. Ms. Jesica went on to receive her Masters in Special Education from St. Joseph's College on Long Island. She is also professionally trained in the Orton Gillingham curriculum. Ms. Jessica believes strongly in applying research-based principles to identify the unique needs of students. She believes that everyone has the ability to learn with the proper tools. This school year your child will learn the tools they need to be a successful student. Ms. Jessica is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming learning environment that fosters a positive learning experience. She values the importance of independence and strives to help students become the best version of themselves.