Staff

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 second 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 lead our 4-H Meadow Makers Flagship and 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

6th & 8th Grade Science, Art, 4-H Meadow Makers

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 Algebra 1

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.

April Johnson

Drama 1, Drama 2, Creative Writing, Troupe Director

April is a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts where she majored in Vocal Music and began her journey into the world of musical theater. She moved to New York City, where her first play, The Product of X and Y, was produced at The Duplex Theatre. She earned her BA and MA in English at the University of North Florida, where she won the Creative Nonfiction Writing Award from the Academic Center for Excellence. April also managed and directed a group of student actors for FACES Teen Theater in Jacksonville. She penned six original plays during her time there which were performed for teen audiences throughout Duval County. April taught Dual Enrollment, Early College, English, and Creative Writing for ten years as an educator with Duval County Schools. She’s currently in her second year of study in the David Lynch MFA in Screenwriting Program at Maharishi International University. She’ll be teaching Drama 1, Drama 2, Creative Writing, and serving as Troupe Director. April is over the moon to be working with Teri and the wonderful staff and students at The Pioneer School.

Franklin Johnson

STEAM Class: Tech & Tinker; Odyssey of the Mind Coach

Hi, I’m Franklin, and I’m thrilled to be joining the Pioneer community to lead our new STEAM course, Tech & Tinker, and serve as an Odyssey of the Mind team coach! I’ve spent the last several years in sales, training, and operations, but I’ve always had a passion for tech, creativity, and helping people learn in fun, hands-on ways. I’ve always enjoyed teaching and coaching. There’s nothing better than seeing that lightbulb go off when someone finally “gets it.”

In the STEAM course, we’ll dive into digital storytelling, 3D modeling (3D printing), and beginner-friendly game design. The course is all about encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and confidence with tech tools.

Outside of class, you’ll probably find me 3D printing something fun, designing games, or building automations just for the challenge of it. I can’t wait to share that passion with Pioneer School students and watch their ideas come to life.