Faculty and Staff

The people who know your child.

Our teachers are musicians who have toured with Grammy winners, a retired Air and Missile Defense colonel, a marine scientist, a historian with a doctorate, and a principal named Florida's Reading Leader of the Year. They stay because the classes are small enough to teach the way they always wanted to.

An Ohana teacher working with students at an art table

Leadership

Lettye Burgtorf

Founder and Executive Director

Lettye created Ohana Institute's multi-sensory program and its purpose-built campus. Growing up in Spain and Puerto Rico gave her a deep appreciation for different cultures and approaches to learning, and she still draws on it to shape a school where every child has a personalized path.

As Executive Director, Lettye continues to nurture Ohana's vision of holistic, student-centered education. Guided by her belief that every child deserves a personalized path, she is dedicated to an innovative and caring school community where all students can grow and thrive. Read her letter to families.

Ellie Spivey

Principal

Ellie brings 40 years in education, including five at Ohana and 25 as a principal. She has been recognized as Florida's Reading Leader of the Year and Bay District Principal of the Year, and she and her husband Bill built and still support a school in Tanzania.

Originally from Andalusia, Ellie earned her master's in Educational Leadership from Florida State University and her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. She often describes Ohana as her educational utopia, inspired by the dedication and passion of its teachers.

Elizabeth Vinson-Phan

High School Administrator

Elizabeth has over 15 years of teaching experience across many subjects and a decade at Ohana, helping students, parents, and teachers navigate new programs and find meaningful learning opportunities.

Julie Martin

Admissions and Marketing Specialist

Julie has more than 20 years in education, including five years teaching at Ohana and five supporting educational partnerships through Ohana Solutions. She now leads school growth, outreach, and community initiatives, and she is the first person most families meet.

Outside of work, Julie enjoys family time, painting, tennis, and cheering for her UGA Bulldogs.

DeeDee Cantrell

Financial Administrator

DeeDee has worked in education for more than 15 years, in classrooms, front offices, and district payroll. She joined Ohana when her daughter became a student and now manages tuition and operations.

Having learned accounting alongside her mother at a young age, DeeDee brings both skill and heart to keeping the school running smoothly as it grows.

Tanika Bland

Director of Counseling and Student Services

A Panama City native, Tanika earned her bachelor's in Criminal Justice and master's in Counseling from Florida A&M University. She has been a school counselor since 2005 at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Tanika values strong relationships between home and school and is passionate about helping students grow into happy, balanced, and successful individuals.

Jonathan Mitchell

Fine Arts Lead, Rock on the Road, Living off the Land and Water

Jonathan moved from Atlanta in 2011 to help launch Ohana, becoming the school's first teacher and founding its band program. In 2015 he created Rock on the Road, which takes students across the country to use music to give back.

Jonathan holds a degree in Elementary Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University and toured nationally with his band, Georgia, after graduation. He is passionate about helping students discover their voices and share their creativity. Outside the classroom he enjoys family, faith, golf, and the outdoors.

Stacy Harrington

Student and Family Support

Stacy brings more than two decades of experience working with children and families in a variety of educational and support roles. Having lived throughout the Southeast, she values building strong relationships and creating welcoming environments.

Taylor Greenwald

Elements Lead, Kindergarten Teacher

Born in New Orleans, Taylor earned her undergraduate degree from Loyola University and is a certified reading specialist with a master's in education. She loves sharing her passion for reading and discovery with her youngest students.

Outside the classroom, Taylor spends her time with animals, especially dogs, and can often be found pet-sitting or caring for her own.

Jennifer Kennedy

Foundations Lead, 6th Grade ELA and Science

Jennifer has more than 24 years in education, including the last three teaching 5th and 6th grade at Ohana. She is passionate about meaningful learning experiences, a love of reading, and the "light bulb" moments when a concept clicks.

Jennifer earned her degree from Indiana University. Outside of teaching, she enjoys time with her husband and three children, the outdoors, travel, and animals.

Stryder Smith

Middle Years Lead, History and Civics

Stryder teaches World Geography, U.S. Civics, and U.S. History with a focus on practical learning and student empowerment. He is a U.S. Army veteran and former corporate leadership trainer with a master's in Education.

Stryder earned his B.S. in Religious and Biblical Studies and M.Ed. in History from Liberty University. Outside the classroom he enjoys family time with his wife and two daughters, staying active, reading, and his favorite sports teams.

Kylie Bucalo

High School Lead, Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry

Kylie has a bachelor's in Horticultural Science and a master's in Biology, with 12 years of lab experience at Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Botanical Garden. In her tenth year at Ohana, she also leads the high school team.

Faculty

Julia Mead

1st Grade

Julia is in her third year at Ohana and has taught Pre-K through 3rd grade. She is passionate about helping students grow academically and socially in a supportive environment, and enjoys family time with her husband and two daughters.

Brittany Willenborg

2nd Grade

Brittany has taught 2nd grade at Ohana for nine years and is a reading specialist with a master's from the University of Florida. She loves helping students discover the joy of reading and watching their confidence grow.

Kristen Lowell

3rd Grade

Kristen holds a bachelor's in Psychology from Auburn University and an elementary and early childhood certification from Southern Methodist University. In her sixth year at Ohana, she meets each student where they are.

Kate Dicker

Foundations Math, 3rd through 5th Grade

Kate holds a bachelor's in Finance from Southern Methodist University and joined the Ohana family in 2021 when her family moved from Dallas and enrolled both of her sons. Her corporate background brings real-world math into the classroom.

Having taught youth tennis in Dallas, Kate brings the same team-first mindset, resilience, and strategic thinking to her students, helping them build confidence, strengthen critical thinking, and develop a love for learning.

Missy Herrington

Art and STEM with Coding, Technology Coordinator

Missy holds dual BFAs in Graphic Design and Photography from Miami University in Ohio and a master's in Elementary Education. She is passionate about metacognition, helping students understand how they learn best.

Outside of school, Missy enjoys beach sunsets, long walks with her dog, and cheering on her two children, a Gator at UF and a law student at Belmont University.

Beverly Johnson

Middle Years English Language Arts

Beverly has over 20 years of experience and is known for combining humor with academic rigor, a love of Southern Gothic literature, and clever puns. She builds a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to find their voice.

Alex Barth

Middle Years Science, Spanish II

Alex holds a bachelor's in Biology and a master's in Marine Science, with research experience in shark ecology and conservation, and helps students explore science and world languages through hands-on learning.

Outside the classroom, Alex enjoys travel, hiking, scuba diving, reading, gardening, and art.

Michael Sturdivant

STEAM, K through 5

Mike has 35 years of experience teaching in university, K to 12, and corporate settings, and has been part of Ohana for over a decade. He brings science, technology, and new ideas into the classroom and inspires students to explore.

Outside of teaching, Mike enjoys surfing, cycling, and bikerafting, and is actively involved in community initiatives.

Brandon Marolla

Physics, Middle Years Science and Math

Brandon brings more than 15 years in education, with a background in teaching, counseling, and college and career development that gives him a unique perspective in the classroom.

Brandon enjoys time with his wife, Becky, and their two daughters, as well as surfing, traveling, and making family memories.

Brian Peterson

HOPE, Outdoor Education, Student Activities

Brian has been part of the Ohana community since 2013, teaching H.O.P.E. (Health Opportunities through Physical Education), electives, and team sports while coordinating student activities and games.

Brian holds a degree in Kinesiology and Sports Management from Troy University. Outside the classroom, he enjoys family life with his wife Kristen, travel, and time near the beach.

Randy Baker

Geometry, Algebra I

Randy has over 32 years of experience teaching math to gifted students and supporting children with special needs. In his second year at Ohana, he is passionate about helping every student reach their full potential.

Shana Bartholomew

Aerospace, Robotics, Rocketry

A retired Air and Missile Defense colonel, Shana brings over 27 years of military and instructional experience to Ohana's STEAM program. After six years supporting robotics and the NASA Space Program, she guides students through aerospace technologies, rocketry, and hands-on innovation.

Elizabeth Beevers

French and Spanish

Els studied Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge and holds an MA in Law from the University of Law, London. She has taught languages from elementary to undergraduate levels.

Outside the classroom, Els loves hiking, baking, beach days, and the Officer Spouse community at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Amber Clark

High School English Language Arts

Amber brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience, a BA from William & Mary, an MFA from Queens University, and doctoral study at Faulkner University, plus a background in literature, publishing, and creative writing.

Outside the classroom, Amber shares her life with her niece, two dogs, six cats, and a squirrel named Hopscotch.

Cole Kaufman

High School English Language Arts

A lifelong creative, Cole loves writing, storytelling, and every form of art, and draws on a background that runs from molecular biology to history to build a classroom where students connect learning to life.

Outside of school, Cole enjoys foxes, speaks a little Korean, and treasures time with family and two younger brothers.

Luc Houle

High School U.S. and World History, Psychology

Luc holds a PhD in History from the University of Florida and helps students connect the past to the present while developing critical thinking skills.

Outside the classroom, Luc enjoys swimming, volleyball, creativity in teaching, and sharing stories and photos of his dog.

Michele Mathis

Intervention Specialist

Michele brings 28 years in education, teaching every grade from Pre-K through 12 and working in teacher training and administration, including 17 years in Alabama as a teacher, administrator, and coach.

Michele is passionate about helping students grow into the people they are meant to be. Outside of school, she enjoys family life with her husband Mike, their three sons, and her daughter-in-law, Hannah.

Beth Roberts

Middle Years and High School Art

Beth holds degrees in Business Administration and Studio Art and is in her second year teaching at Ohana. She creates a space where students can explore and grow both artistically and personally.

Outside the classroom, Beth leads a nonprofit supporting neurodiverse individuals and enjoys life with her husband and three children, who all attend Ohana.

Dan Herrington

Government, Personal Finance, Debate, AP Coordinator

Dan co-founded Grammy-winning Dualtone Records before coming to Ohana, where he oversees AP programs, service projects, student travel, Student Council, and the National Honor Society.

Dan is passionate about helping students think critically, apply learning to real-world challenges, and grow into confident, creative leaders, and he shares his expertise in music, business, and innovation along the way.

Ryan Cothran

Outdoor Education

Ryan has 25 years of teaching experience, including 14 at Ohana, and brings energy, creativity, and fun to the classroom. He is passionate about storytelling, character development, and helping students find their voices on stage and in life.

Outside of teaching, Ryan enjoys family time, the outdoors, and cheering for the Atlanta Braves with his wife Anna and their three children.

Jim Couch

Music

Jim has been a professional musician since 1983 and has spent the past 15 years teaching music to students of all ages, building music literacy, teamwork, and confidence through practice and performance.

Outside the classroom, Jim enjoys the outdoors, helping others, and finding practical ways to repair rather than discard.

Josh Fox

Music and Outdoor Education

A lifelong drummer who studied jazz at Eastern Illinois University and Columbia University, Josh has toured with Steel Magnolia, Buddy Guy, and John Oates and performs locally with Sunshine Ranglers and the Cosmic Rascals. Both of his daughters are Ohana students.

Deputy Ryan Hooks

School Resource Officer, Walton County Sheriff's Office

Deputy Hooks is in his fifth year serving as the School Resource Deputy at Ohana. With 21 years in law enforcement, he values strong relationships with students, families, and staff, and school safety is his top priority.

He also enjoys supporting learning through hands-on experiences with specialized Sheriff's Office units.

Join the team

Bring your passion, purpose, and creativity to Ohana. Send your resume and a note to info@ohanainstitute.org and let's start the conversation.

See it for yourself.

Most parents tell us the difference is something they could only feel once they were standing in our halls. Come walk the campus on a school day, meet the teachers, and get a clear, no-pressure picture of whether Ohana is the right fit for your child.

Schedule a Campus Tour Call 850-231-1140