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    Team Member

    Professional Bio

      

     Mrs. Lea Bellon, Ed.S.


     Director

     

    Lea Bellon

     

     lea.bellon@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718
     

     

    A lifelong resident of Gulfport and graduate of Gulfport High School, Lea Bellon has served as an educator in the Gulfport School District for over 25 years. She holds a Specialist's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Mississippi and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree from William Carey University. 

    Lea began her career in Gulfport as a teacher’s assistant while working on her degree at the University of Southern Mississippi.  Upon graduating from USM, she served as classroom teacher for 10 years.  As teacher, Lea was awarded Teacher of the Year and Master Teacher for both Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math.

    Currently, Lea Bellon, serves as Director of Instructional Programs and Professional Development for the Gulfport School District.  She also serves as the District Test Coordinator and the 504 Coordinator.  Previous administrator roles included Principal of 28th Street Elementary, Assistant Principal of Pass Road Elementary, and Administrator of the Nathan Walker Academy at Bayou View Middle School.  As Principal, she was named Administrator of the Year during the 2014-2015 school year. Lea serves as President on the Board of Directors for Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and as member of the Board of Directors for United Way of South Mississippi. 

     

    		  

     

    Trina Brenot, M.Ed. 

     English Language Arts

      Curriculum Specialist

     Trina Brenot

    trina.brenot@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4614

    Fax: 228.865.4718

     

     

    Trina Brenot has served as an educator with Gulfport School District for over 12 years. During her years with the district, Trina has taught English Language Arts and social studies. Additionally, she served as the Reading Coach at Bayou View Middle School. Prior to teaching, Trina worked served as a counselor for teens in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson counties.

    Trina earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s in Education with a specialization in reading and literacy from Capella University. Trina is certified to teach reading, English, psychology, and middle school social studies.

     

    		  

      

     Carol Davis, M.A.T. 

     Mathematics

      Curriculum Specialist

     

     Carol Ladner

       

     carol.davis@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4616

    Fax: 228.865.4718
     

     

    Carol Davis has over 9 years of experience in the field of mathematics. Carol worked with the Mississippi Department of Education as a Professional Development Coordinator, Secondary Mathematics for two years. During this time, Carol was also a Middle School and High School Mathematics coach for Greene County and Kemper County.  Carol began her teaching career with Northwood Christian Academy where she taught Grades 4-10 mathematics. In 2010, Carol transferred to Harrison Central High School to teach grades 9-12 mathematics.

     

    Carol holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of South Alabama and a M.A.T. from William Carey University.  She is certified to teach Mathematics and Science, Grades 4-12, in Mississippi. Carol was also a STAR Teacher in 2013.

     

    		  

      

     Jane Thompson, M.Ed.

    Science

    Curriculum Specialist

     

    Jane Thompson

      

    jane.thompson@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4619

    Fax: 228.865.4718

      

     
    A former high school science teacher, Jane Thompson currently serves as the Science Curriculum Specialist for the Gulfport School District. Jane began her teaching career at Gulfport High School in January 2012 where she taught a semester of physical science and four years of chemistry.
     
     
    Jane earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education and a Masters of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi.  She is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in STEM education from Texas Tech University. Jane is certified to teach chemistry, physics, psychology, and general science.

     

    		  

      

    Crystal Wade, M.Ed.

    ESL Specialist 

     

     crystal

       

    crystal.wade@gulfportschools.org

    Office: 228.865.4614

     Fax: 228.865.4718

    		  Ms. Wade was born in Madrid, Spain to two Air Force veterans from Arizona and Tennessee.  In her early childhood she lived in San Diego, California and Reno, Nevada. Later, from 6th grade to 11th grade, she moved to Cairo, Egypt.  Her senior year she relocated to Ohio and attended The Ohio State University where she attained a dual major in Communication Analysis and Practice along with Spanish Linguistics. In 2009, she joined the Teach for America organization and began her career in Greenwood, Mississippi. Since then, she has had the opportunity to work in various schools across the state in various capacities.  She is excited to
    call Gulfport home.   Ms. Wade has three core beliefs and they are:
    • Every person has value.
    • Education has the power to transform lives.
    • Reading provides access and opportunity.
    Ms. Wade is passionate about serving children as the Gulfport School District's ESL Coordinator
    and should you need anything do not hesitate to contact her
    at crystal.wade@gulfportschools.org or 228-865-4600.

     

    		  

     

     

     

    Gulfport School District Mentor Teachers

     

     Sheila Brachear, M.Ed.

    Mentor Teacher

     

    Sheila Brachear

     

    sheila.brachear@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718

     

     

     

     

     

    Sheila Brachear has 9 years experience in education with a focus in 4th grade ELA.  She is an alumni of the Gulfport School District and holds a Master's degree in Education from William Carey University.  She has spent time teaching students at Central Elementary, Pass Road Elementary, and Gaston Point Elementary.  She is currently pursing her National Board Certification.  
       

    Kasey Kelley, M.Ed.  

    Mentor Teacher

     

    Kelley

     

    kasey.kelley@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718

    		  

    Kasey Kelley is a graduate of Gulfport High School and has been serving the students of Gulfport for 17 years as an educator.  She obtained her undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Southern Mississippi and recently graduated from Mississippi College with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  She has experience teaching grades first through fourth and has served students at Anniston Elementary, Bayou View Elementary, and Central Elementary.  She is currently serving as an Instructional Mentor at Twenty-Eighth Street Elementary.

     

    		  

     

     

    Miral Patel, M.Ed.  

    Mentor Teacher

     

    Miral Patel

     

    miral.patel@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718

     

     

    Miral Patel has 7 years of teaching experience in kindergarten and third grade. She began her teaching career at Pass Road Elementary. She holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from William Carey as well as an administrator's licensure through MAPQSL. She is currently pursuing her National Board Certification. 

     

    		  

     

     

    Trish Stoll 

     Mentor Teacher 

     

    Trish Stoll

     

    trish.stoll@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718

     

     

    Trish Stoll has served as an educator for over 14 years.  She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in literacy and science from Alcorn State University.  She also has endorsements in visual arts and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Art.  Stoll is currently enrolled at William Carey to pursue a Specialist’s Degree in Instructional Leadership.  Her instructional roles include 1st and 2nd grade teacher, PreK-5th grade visual arts teacher, reading interventionist, and Reading First Literacy Coach.  Trish is currently serving as an instructional mentor. 

     

    		  

     

     

    Jacqueline Wintruba, M.Ed., NBCT

      Mentor Teacher

     

    Jacqueline Wintruba

     

    jacqueline.wintruba@gulfportschools.org

     Office: 228.865.4610

    Fax: 228.865.4718

     

     

     

    Jacqueline Wintruba has 34 years of teaching experience in K through fifth grade in Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland, and Mississippi. She obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Master's Degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of Southern Mississippi, and National Board Certification in Middle Childhood Generalist. Jacqueline has served as a mentor teacher for the past seven years with the ATOMS2xp and IMPACT2 programs in conjunction with the Mississippi State Extension Service training Mississippi teachers in math and science.