Team Member

Professional Bio

 Mrs. Lea Bellon, Ed.S.

 Director

 lea.bellon@gulfportschools.org

 Office: 228.865.4610

Fax: 228.865.4718

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 on the Board of Directors for Lynn Meadows Discovery Center as the Vice Chair and Chairperson of the Education Committee. 

Trina Brenot, M.Ed. 

 English Language Arts

  Curriculum Specialist

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 Ladner, M.A.T. 

 Mathematics

  Curriculum Specialist

 carol.ladner@gulfportschools.org

 Office: 228.865.4616

Fax: 228.865.4718

Carol Ladner 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.

 Jane Thompson, M.Ed.

Science

Curriculum Specialist

jane.thompson@gulfportschools.org

 Office: 228.865.4619

Fax: 228.865.4718

Jalea Adams, M.Ed.

ESL Specialist 

jalea.adams@gulfportschools.org

Office: 228.865.4614

 Fax: 228.865.4718

Jalea Adams is a native of Gulfport, Mississippi and a graduate of Gulfport High School. Her passion for the youth motivated her to attain a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Upon her college graduation, she began teaching in the Gulfport School District where she was awarded the Mississippi Power Outstanding New Teacher Award. Over the past 9 years, she has taught both 3rd and 5th grade. Shortly after beginning her career, she decided to pursue an advanced degree by earning a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from her alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.  She is currently enrolled at William Carey University where she will complete her Specialists Degree in Higher Education in Fall 2018.

Gulfport School District Mentor Teachers

Sheila Brachear, M.Ed.

Mentor Teacher

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.  

Miral Patel, M.Ed.  

Mentor Teacher

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@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@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.