Staff
Directors and Teachers
Meet Our Directors
Cristina Pope
Cristina Pope is the Principal of The Pioneer School. A brilliant and seasoned educator, Cristina is a graduate of Oxford University in the UK and has taught children and young adults of all ages. She is fluent in Spanish, devours literature, and is well versed in sustainable permaculture, history and so much more. Cristina demands excellence from her students and encourages them to set their sights high in all endeavors. She is also an expert in ’emotional intelligence’ and fosters these soft skills so important in adult life in all our Pioneer children. She will often say, “Be Epic!”
Teri Aboulafia
Teri Aboulafia is Administrative Director at The Pioneer School. Prior to founding The Pioneer School, Teri worked for 9 years supporting her children’s Montessori schools with marketing, networking, fundraising, a PTO, and substitute teaching. After her two children participated in an amazing ‘homestead camp’ with Cristina, Teri recruited her to be partners in starting a middle school for families wanting a more organic, engaging, and holistic educational experience. Together, they make a fantastic team that’s eager to bring out the best in their students!
Meet Our Teachers
Alicia Young
6th Grade Math and Language Arts; Creative Solutions (STEAM); Odyssey of the Mind Lead Coach
When I finally “escaped” middle school and moved to ninth grade, I vowed I would never again step foot in a middle school. Those years of my life were probably very much like the middle school experience most have, but I felt I was alone in thinking they were awful. The memory of those years led me to pursue a degree in Child Development and educate my children at home, which I did for many years. I’ve long had a passion for education and being a part of that “ah-ha” moment when a child understands a new concept. When I learned about The Pioneer School, I knew it was exactly where I wanted my own children to spend their middle school years. For the first time, I could see middle school as both beautiful and positive. Not only did I want my children to attend the school, I also wanted to be a part of the “magic.” I joined The Pioneer School in 2016 as a coach for the Odyssey of the Mind team and began creating new courses for some afternoon classes. Several years ago I helped to bring the IEW writing program to the school and trained to deliver the course. I now primarily teach our precious sixth graders math and language arts in the morning and have continued with my proprietary STEAM course and coaching Odyssey of the Mind in the afternoon. I love being a part of The Pioneer School and seeing joy in children through these tumultuous years. Being present for those “lightbulb” moments is still my favorite part of the job. When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my large family. Our favorite thing to do is to explore new parts of the country and world.
Shaylee Young
6th Grade Big History Project, 7th Grade U.S. History, Drama 2 Assistant, Administrative Support
My name is Ms. Shaylee, I am the oldest of 7 and grew up being homeschooled by highly educated parents. They instilled in me a deep love of history and the people of the world. As the oldest child, I always felt a mantle of responsibility over my younger siblings, and from a very early age I loved playing “school” with them. I guess I was destined for teaching! My second love (after teaching) is organization. I worked in various office administrative roles before Pioneer. Once I started teaching history to little minds, I knew I had found my place. I find joy every day seeing my students form connections and grow their understanding of people. I feel that history and social studies are such an integral part of growing up, and it is an honor to be a small part of that growth for the students at Pioneer. I have been blessed to wear many hats at Pioneer. I love stretching my administrative muscles, leading morning assembly, teaching 6th and 7th grade history, assisting in various afternoon classes, and stage managing for our fantastic drama plays; but the most fun I have is with our Spirit Squad- planning dances, parties, spirit weeks, creating the yearbook, and decorating for holidays. When I am not at Pioneer, I enjoy organizing my house, singing songs from musicals, traveling, watching movies, and reading. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family- especially my amazing siblings- who are still my best friends.
Maya Mehanna
6th/7th Grade Math and 7th Grade Science
I’m Maya Mehanna, an educator with over 20 years of experience in the field of education, spanning from elementary to middle school settings. My journey has included roles as a classroom teacher, administrator, and advocate for student success. I have a deep passion for teaching math and science, and I am committed to helping every student thrive in their learning journey. My career is dedicated to creating engaging, supportive, and effective learning environments where all students can reach their full potential.
Heidi Clay
7th Grade Language Arts; Accelerated Math
Hi folks! My name is Heidi Clay, and I’ve had a foot in the Pioneer School door, tutoring math, for many years. This is my first year to jump in full time, teaching the seventh grade Language Arts class, and the Accelerated Math class. In the afternoon, I’m excited to help students with 4-H and with Human Skills class.
As for my non-Pioneer life, I’m a local mama to four awesome kiddos, two of which are grown and flown, leaving my two teens to hug on when I can catch them at home. I also proudly go by ‘Mimi’ to my three fantastic grandkids. I’ve been fortunate to have been able to homeschool for 20 years, mostly within the Classical Conversations program. For the last decade, I’ve been enjoying teaching small groups of middle and high schoolers. While my focus has been mostly on Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Language Arts, I’ve been able to teach many fun subjects, from Latin to Debate to Geography and now Archery!
Camping and crazy hikes are right up my alley during spring and fall. I’m perfectly happy anytime, though, that I can curl up with a classic book. Add a cat on my lap, a dog at my feet and my chickens clucking out my window, and I’ll call it a Good Day!
Halie McConnell
8th Grade Math and Science, Creative Solutions, Odyssey of the Mind
My name is Ms. Halie. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Flagler College, doubling in Fine Arts and Psychology, and for my Master’s Degree, I attended University of Florida for Arts in Medicine. When I have free time, you will find me making art, looking for shark teeth at the beach, or relaxing with my French Bulldog named Leo, after Leonardo da Vinci of course!
Melissa Stanis
8th Grade Language Arts, Civics and Math; 4-H Club Leader
I have always been a teacher at heart. From teaching my brother to read when I was only 8 to tutoring fellow students while in high school and college, education has been a huge part of my life. I taught English in Spain and Russia for 4 years before obtaining my MBA in Barcelona. I joined a non-profit organization as the Director of Study Abroad, and then spent 7 years in the realm of legal marketing before homeschooling and road-schooling my own children for 15 years. Here at The Pioneer School I have taught a variety of subjects, including language arts, science, pre-algebra, algebra, and civics. I love teaching, and in my spare time I adore reading, hiking and traveling. I have run 5 marathons and over 20 half marathons, and I really hope to get back to running once all of my injuries heal.
Nancy Jacobsen-Smith
History and Science Teacher
I am originally from Northern Indiana. I graduated from IU Bloomington, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Painting & Graphic Design. After college, I spent a decade living and working in the Florida Keys where I met my future husband. In 2008, we relocated to Northeast Florida. We are raising three amazing daughters, ages 24, 17, and 15.
My passion for teaching comes from a genuine love of learning and a patient heart for kids. This will be my 11th year teaching. I decided to become a teacher because I enjoy building positive relationships and fostering academic growth. My hobbies include paddle boarding, hiking, swimming, walking, painting and photography.
I feel incredibly honored to be a teacher at The Pioneer School. I am deeply committed to the school’s success.
Meet Our Learning Support Professionals
Ashley Swestyn
Learning Specialist
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and graduated from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA with a Master of Science Degree in Special Education that focused on Autism Spectrum Disorders and the collaborative laws and processes of special education. Her graduate action research project focused on support for elementary students on the autism spectrum and prompting. She was the very first recipient of the Michel Miller Award of Excellence in Special Education at Drexel in 2016 for her work and dedication to the field.
Ashley was born and raised an hour south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has two daughters and two sons. She is the parent of children with Autism, ADHD, and PTSD. Her love of special education started with her grandfather. He could not read or write, but created family businesses that are well known in the tire and professional motocross arenas. These businesses still exist today. Ashley has seen that people with disabilities can do big things, despite the barriers that their disability creates. She has spent many years advocating for the needs of her own children.
Ashley has 13 years of experience in the field of special education. In addition to being Pioneer’s ESE Director, Ashley is the owner of Specially Designed Education Consulting, LLC.
Kathy Lloyd
ESE Paraprofessional
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School Hours
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7:40 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
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Phone
(904) 209-5891
Address
2299 Rolling Hills Dr., St. Augustine, 32086
All content © copyright 2024 The Pioneer School 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization
The Pioneer School is non-sectarian. We expect all students, faculty, and members of the school community to respect the personal beliefs and convictions of others, knowing that they may be very different from their own.
All employees and agents of a public school district, charter school, or private school have an obligation and legal responsibility to report misconduct by instructional personnel and school administrators which affects the health, safety, or welfare of a student. Failure to report misconduct may result in penalties up to termination of employment and revocation of an educator’s certificate. Misconduct includes obscene language, drug and alcohol use, disparaging comments, prejudice or bigotry, sexual innuendo, cheating or testing violations, physical aggression, and accepting or offering favors.
Reports of misconduct of employees should be made to Cristina Pope, [email protected][email protected]
Reports of misconduct committed by administrators should be made to Board President Gart Davis, [email protected].