Alpha Kappa Chapter, Florida in Tallahassee
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
Key Women Educators
 
Nikki Abels earned her BA in Special Education at FSU and her MEd in Administration and Supervision at FAU. She began her teaching career in 1971 in Broward County, Fl. She taught middle school ESE classes comprised of students with developmental delays, and learning and behavioral issues. After eight years in the classroom, she went on to become a Program Specialist. Her job involved assisting ESE students, teachers and parents in a variety of settings to include pre-k to secondary schools. Nikki did this for 15 years. At that point in her career, she wanted and needed a change. She was given the opportunity to become part of a team that screened and evaluated pre-school children aged birth through 5 for possible placement in ESE pre-school programs. Nikki was the developmental specialist and teamed with a speech pathologist to complete the assessments. She was also an adjunct professor for twenty plus years at FAU. She taught a variety of courses in the ESE department ranging from general special education topics and assessment and was the university supervisor for students in their practicum and student teaching terms. During her career, Nikki attended yearly CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) International Conventions and had the privilege of presenting several sessions on various topics. She is now retired, but still keeps her teaching skills alive working at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science and mentoring at Kate Sullivan. Nikki is involved in her church singing and ringing bells. She is also a member of Voces Angelorum, a local women's singing group. She enjoys reading, walking and supporting her FSU Seminoles. She especially enjoys spending time with her grandson whenever possible. Nikki was sponsored for membership in DKG by Rhonda and currently serves as Alpha Kappa's recording secretary.
 
Anne Black taught at the Marvin Pittman Laboratory School at Georgia Southern University before coming to the FSU Demonstration School (Florida High) where she taught for 25 years. She retired after 34 years in the classroom, then worked 26 years for the Florida Legislature, totaling 60 years in the workplace. She was Teacher of the Year in the Appling County Georgia school system in 1959. In 1973 she co-authored Florida: Its Heritage and Horizons, Trend House, which was revised in 1983 by Buchan Publications and was a state-adopted textbook for Florida fourth graders. She has been a member of Alpha Kappa Chapter since 1961 and was honored for 50 years in Delta Kappa Gamma. For many years she served as AK Treasurer. She served as president of the Half-Century Club at Mercer University in 2002-2003 and has taught Sunday School for 63 years. For the last 56 years, she has served as a deacon and on various committees at East Hill Baptist Church. In addition, she has traveled in all 50 states and on five continents, some trips she organized and represented both the domestic and world-wide agencies.(In memorium)
 
Jacque Clemens - After many years of teaching, Jacque retired from Leon County Schools. She then managed her own consulting business for three years after which she worked 8 years for TCC part-time. She has been a member of Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma since 1979, serving as President from 1988-90. She is involved in many other activities as well. She stays busy with coordinating the Flower Ministry and Altar Linens at St. Peter's Anglican Church. She is Vice President of The Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross, a religious society for Anglican Women in the USA and Canada. She serves on the Provincial (USA and Canada) Council of the Order as the Membership Chairman. There are more than 1100 members. She is a certified Master Gardener and regularly volunteers at the Leon County Agriculture Extension Office. She actively participates as a member of the Canopy Oaks Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America. Jacque holds a lifetime membership in the National Association for Young Children, and its local, regional, and state affiliates.
 
Ginny Densmore came to Tallahassee from Chattanooga, Tennessee as a transfer student in 1959 and earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from the Florida State University School of Music. She taught elementary music at Sabal Palm Elementary School from 1961-1967 and the Florida State University School from 1967 – 1991. She was awarded District Teacher of the Year 1986-1987 and the Thirteen Year Club Teacher of the Year Award 2002. She became a member of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in 1972 and served as President 1982-1984. Since retiring from teaching, she has served on the boards of the Capital City Music Club, the Tallahassee Music Guild (Gridley Award 2009), the Artist Series (Merit Award 2002), the Big Bend Community Orchestra (co-founded in 1994), and FSU's University Musical Associates. She has worked as a volunteer for the Tallahassee Symphony Society (O'Meara Award 2009) and St. Francis Wildlife Rehabilitation. She has played clarinet in the Capital City Band from 1966 – 2012, the Tallahassee Winds since 1997, the Big Bend Community Orchestra since 1994, the Big Bend Woodwind Quintet since 1995, and the All-Florida Community Band when performances occur. Ginny has been married to Gene Densmore since 1968 sharing many hobbies over the years including photography, swimming, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, and flying a private airplane. She has also enjoyed his other hobbies including theater, amateur radio, and antique cars. They share their home with an out-of-control panda bear collection and two cats.
 
Dr. Monica Hayes is a consultant in education, health, and mental health. Dr. Hayes has served in leadership positions since her arrival in Tallahassee from the Northeast in 2001. She had interesting experiences serving as the first Director of the Office of Equity and Access (DOE), Director of Operations for Bond Community Health Center, Inc, the Deputy Director of the Florida Office of Minority Health, and, most recently as the Deputy Director of Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative. Dr. Hayes provided courses in Spanish Conversation while in several of these positions including teaching Governor Jeb Bush's senior staff. In between there were great teaching experiences at FAMU and Tallahassee Community College. Much of the seasoning for Dr. Hayes came from her long-ago experiences at the Greater Bridgeport Community Health Center where she was a Senior Clinician. Dr. Hayes served as the NYC Transit Authority's first AVP for Medical Services, the Operations Manager for the Kings County Adult Emergency Department, and the responsibilities she had as the Manager for Psychological Services at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.

Dr. Hayes has earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Vermont, a master's in clinical social work from the University of Connecticut, and a doctorate in education from the University of Phoenix. Dr. Hayes is bi-lingual, bi-cultural by training in Spanish.

Dr. Hayes currently is a member in good standing of DKG, Alpha Kappa, a distinguished Association for Female Educators. She is a board member for the Rotary Southside Club and is a new board member for the Capital Area Healthy Start Coalition.

Dr. Hayes is an accomplished public speaker with a wide array of experiences presenting to audiences large and small on a range of topics including K-20 issues in education, closing the achievement gap, and cultural and linguistic competency.
 
Candace Gautney lives in Tallahassee with her husband, Chris, who is also in the education field. He currently teaches 8th grade Social Studies at Griffin Middle School. They are parents to a wonderful 8 year-old girl, Rylee, who is a third grader in Leon County Schools. Candace serves as the Testing Coordinator for Godby High School in Tallahassee. She is a wearer of many hats. Not only does she serve as the Testing Coordinator, but also as the Business Partner Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Mentor Coordinator, and National Honor Society Sponsor for Godby High. She actively engages the students she loves as an academic advisor while serving as part of the guidance department. Candace graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University in 2004, and began her teaching career at Ruediger Elementary school as a 5th grade teacher. This is the school where she also completed her internship. Throughout her nine years at Ruediger, she taught 5th grade and 3rd grade, departmentalized, self-contained, and teaming.

Candace decided to pursue her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, hoping to eventually move into a position in administration at one of the local Leon County Schools. She achieved this dream in 2013, when she graduated from St. Leo University. After her tenure at Ruediger, she moved into a district position where she served nine different elementary schools as the Gifted and Talented Science Teacher in Title I. She traveled from school to school serving the gifted and talented population through hands on science instruction. This was the first time a program such as this was put in place in Leon County. Before this program, Title I schools did not have individualized gifted services, and the identified gifted and talented students were only serviced by their classroom teachers. She is very proud to have been part of the team that made this vision a reality. Two years after helping to start the Gifted and Talented program in Title I, Candace accepted her current position at Godby High School. Serving the students at Godby has been a blessing. Many of the students currently in attendance at the school were taught by Candace as elementary students at Ruediger, and many more have been taught by her husband in middle school. The bond she is able to have with these students is unmatched. Candace Gautney was named 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year for Godby High School, and was a Top 5 Finalist for Leon County. Candace has been a member of Alpha Kappa since 2014.
 
Michelle Y. Jones – Gayle, Ph.D. is first and foremost a Child of God. She is a native of Gainesville, Florida who is married to a remarkable man, Gary Gayle. She is the mother of three awesome young men. Dr. Gayle is a proud graduate of Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She earned her Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Currently, Dr. Gayle serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Leon County School District. She is the first woman in the history of Leon County Schools to serve as the Deputy Superintendent. In addition to being a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Key Women Educators Dr. Gayle is the Immediate Past President of the Beta Delta Sigma Alumnae Chapter in Tallahassee, Florida. She serves as the president of the National Association of University Women – Tallahassee Branch, The Rotary Club of Tallahassee Southside, Leadership Tallahassee, The Leon County - Tallahassee Council on the Status of Women and Girls, and numerous other civic organizations. She is also a member of several community service Boards including the Children’s Home Society, Girls on the Run of the Big Bend, and others too numerous to name. She firmly believes in being a blessing to others just as so many have blessed her during her lifetime.

Dr. Gayle taught at the elementary school level for six years before entering the administrative ranks. She was able to develop strong leadership skills by serving in various roles such as grade level chairperson, SITE chairperson, beginning teacher mentor, and district trainer for several innovative educational initiatives. She has served as a successful and effective elementary, middle and high school administrator. Dr. Gayle completed her administrative internship at Lillian C. Ruediger Elementary School. Her first principal assignment was at Griffin Middle School. She was honored to work with the students, dedicated teachers/staff, and the caring parents to enable the school to earn an “A” Florida School Accountability Grade during her first year as a principal. Further, she was honored to be recognized as the Leon County School District’s Ida S. Baker Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year while serving as a first-year principal at Griffin Middle School. Griffin Middle School continued to earn high Florida School Accountability Grades. This success has been attributed to creating a shared vision of excellence, empowering all stakeholders with data to drive decisions and instructional practices, and working together to ensure success for every learner.

Dr. Gayle was honored to serve as the proud principal of James S. Rickards High School from 2008 – 2012. Again, she was able to work with all stakeholders to enable the school to earn back- to-back “A” Florida School Accountability Grades. It should be noted that this was historical in every sense of the word for the James S. Rickards High School community. Once again, she was able to work with incredible educators, parents, students and community members to create a shared vision of excellence, empowering all stakeholders with data to drive decisions and instruction, and working together as a team to ensure the success of every scholar. Dr. Gayle has been honored to be recognized within the district, throughout the state and the nation for various accomplishments in educational leadership and community services. She is a past recipient of the Jo Glick Principal of the Year Award for the Leon County School District. She has served as a Lead Principal for Secondary Schools as well as serving as the first minority President of the Leon County Principals and Assistant Principals Association. She was honored to be named the Leon County District recipient of the University of Florida’s Distinguished Educator. Dr. Gayle is very proud to have been recognized as a member of the 2019 Class of 25 Women that You Need to Know. She was also featured in the 2019 – 2020 TCC African American History Calendar. She is a member of the Leadership Tallahassee Class 38 which embodies the leadership of our community. She has served on various state educational committees and has earned state certification as a trainer for several educational initiatives including training teachers to work with beginning teachers and interns. She has been quoted and highlighted in several educational journals, websites, and books. She is currently working on a book that focuses on educational leadership and trends in the new millennium. Dr. Gayle is a passionate instructional leader who prides herself on empowering others to allow them to realize their goals. “The mark of a leader is found in empowering others to become leaders...because there is a leader in all of us”.
Nancy Henning was born at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Being raised in a military family meant they moved frequently and created many wonderful memories along the way. Before her Dad's retiring to Tallahassee, she had lived in Texas, Illinois, Washington DC and the Philippines.

Nancy has been in Tallahassee since 6th grade, having attended Kate Sullivan Elementary School, Elizabeth Cobb Junior High School and graduating from Leon High School. She was quite the middle of the road student with interests in fine arts classes that were available. While in high school she participated in the choral music program and was a member of Thespians (the theater troupe).

Her higher education was provided by Florida State University. She earned four degrees, all in the educational field. Her teaching certificate includes many areas including Early Childhood Education, Middle Grades Mathematics and Science, and Educational Leadership. While at FSU she became a member of the Women's Glee Club (ladies singing ensemble) and Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority.

She began her teaching career the Monday morning after graduation (BS) at Sopchoppy Elementary School in Wakulla County. She took over a Kindergarten class for a teacher on maternity leave. She stayed in Wakulla county for 7 years where she taught 5th grade and Title I Math at Crawfordville Elementary School and had the privilege to teach at Wakulla Middle School it's opening year. That year at Wakulla Middle School she was the team leader and taught Reading, Language Arts, Math and Science.

Nancy's teaching career then went "home" when a Math position at Cobb Middle School became available. She taught 6th and 7th grade math until becoming the Dean of Students. From this point until retiring, she was doing administrative work, with a class thrown in here and there to keep her in the reality of the everyday life of teachers and students. Fast forward 20 years, Nancy now was at Fairview Middle School where she continued until she retired in 2015. Her biggest professional accomplishment while at Fairview was being the 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinator for a federally funded program providing after school educational instruction and services to students and their families. Her last year in teaching she went back to her roots in the classroom full time, teaching 7th grade Math. It was the best year ever and she left with wonderful, happy memories.

Nancy was brought into The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International by Linda Walker, her Assistant Principal of Curriculum in 1982. She says that it has been an honor to be able to participate and serve in this wonderful society. Serving, she finds, is the key to fully getting the benefits that this society offers. She has served at the chapter level as Membership Chair, Treasurer, Program Chair, Vice President and President. She was the District I Director in 2006-2008. At the state level she has served on numerous committees and as chair of the Program of Work Committee(now EEC). Currently she serves as President of the Florida State Organization, previously having held the elected offices of Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, 2nd Vice President and 1st Vice President. While she has not served on any International Committees, she has attended and presented at numerous conferences and conventions.

Being a newer member of Alpha Kappa, she looks forward to serving and contributing to the work we do for our society, community, teachers and students.
 
Melanie Hester has contributed in many ways to education. She graduated from Florida State University School, as a 13-year student. Several of her mentors from FSUS are Alpha Kappa members. Mel was inducted into Alpha Kappa in 2014 and is already a member of the Board as the Assistant Treasurer. For 27 years as a teacher, with the last 19 at FSUS, Mel has contributed to her students, teachers, pre-service teachers, and has authored materials for the classroom. Her achievements have been recognized by her colleagues as she has been named District Teacher of the Year twice, once in 2007 and again in 2015. In addition, her professional achievements and personal drive have been rewarded by achieving the rank of University School Full Professor, one of only two faculty on campus to have achieved this rank. Her primary classroom responsibilities are teaching Advanced Placement Biology and Honors Biology. She also teaches Anatomy and Physiology, the foundation of the schools successful Health Science Program. She embraces social media and her organization skills to ensure all of her students are aware of current events. She believes students learn in multiple ways. To facilitate their learning, she employs the use of interactive notebooks, group work, discussion posts, social media posts, and social media inspired assignments, to name a few. She is continually seeking new methods to stimulate her students to become involved in their own learning.

Mel also participates in a variety of student activities i.e., Student Government Sponsor, class level sponsor and National Honor Society adviser. Her involvement includes fund raising, organizing school carnivals and homecoming activities, prom adviser and planning the Senior Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Mel supervises pre-service teachers, interns, and observers to support and inspire the future generation of educators. Her door is always open and welcoming to others. As a presenter at Education Conferences, she demonstrates the methods used in her classrooms to encourage teachers to use creatives ways to instruct without sacrificing content or classroom management. In addition, she grows professionally by learning about innovations other educators are using to motivate and energize students to become engaged in learning. One of Mel’s greatest accomplishments was her participation in a grant which ultimately led to the publication of the Argument Driven Inquiry Books a series of resource books for teachers from NSTA Press. Mel is officially listed as an Author on two of those books, Argument Driven Inquiry in Biology and Argument Driven Inquiry in Life Science. She has been invited to speak at national conferences about using ADI in the high school and middle school science classroom. She also has served as Teacher expert in training sessions for learning about the ADI process. Mel is constantly reflecting on how to be more effective in the classroom to inspire her students to be involved, so they may be successful in the classroom and in their future endeavors. Through her teaching, involvement in student activities, supervision of pre-service teachers, research, writings and teacher education, Mel is a life-long learner who seeks to find innovative methods as a professional educator to inspire her students, at all levels, to be successful. We are so proud she is an Alpha Kappa Sister!
 
Katherine "Kitty" Hoffman had a nearly 88-year relationship with Florida State University - first as a student-athlete-scholar at the Florida State College for Women in the mid-1930s, followed by a nearly 40-year career as a chemistry professor, and later as a philanthropist. Hoffman was 105 and would have celebrated her 106th birthday on Aug. She lived at Westminster Oaks.

A garnet and gold life. She was a chemistry major at FSCW, but she also had an appreciation for the liberal arts. She was a grassroots recruiter for FSU and always talked up the quality of the institution and how it was growing in stature. Then named Katherine "Kitty" Blood, her relationship with FSU began in the mid-1930s, when the Winter Haven native entered the Florida State College for Women. She earned free meals serving fellow students as a "Dining Room Girl" and also served as president of the Student Government Association, captain of the baseball and volleyball teams, wrote for The Flambeau, and earned membership in Phi Beta Kappa and numerous other campus and honorary organizations. Hoffman received her undergraduate degree in bacteriology from FSU in 1936, earned a master's degree from Columbia University, and was accepted to the medical school at Duke University. At that time, however, Duke required female medical students to remain single.

But Hoffman didn't buy into that. She married Harold "Hank" Hoffman in 1938 and started a teaching career. The family moved to Tallahassee in 1940, where she began instructing at Florida State. During her nearly 40-year tenure at FSU as a member of the chemistry department faculty, Hoffman authored several textbooks and many articles, and was widely recognized for her scholarship and commitment to the advancement of her field. "Kitty Hoffman was truly a treasure," FSU President John Thrasher said Monday. "She loved Florida State University and dedicated her life to supporting FSU students. As a pioneering scholar, faculty member and dean, she was an excellent role model for generations of women in the sciences. After her retirement, she continued to actively serve the university through her generous gifts and service on university boards.' From 1967 to 1970, she also served as FSU's Dean of Women, and then as president of the Faculty Senate from 1980 to 1982. After her retirement from teaching in 1984, the chemistry department dedicated the Katherine B. Hoffman Teaching Laboratory in her honor. She and her husband established the $100,000 Katherine Blood Hoffman Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry.

A Trailblazer with Passion - In retirement, Hoffman served as a board member for the FSU Alumni Association and trustee for the FSU Foundation; chairwoman of the Emeritus Alumni Society; and co-chairwoman of FSU's Sesquicentennial Celebration. One of her proudest moments came in September 2007 when the university bestowed upon her an honorary Doctorate of Science. FSU Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Sally McRorie said, "As FSU completes renovations and expansions to the Hoffman Teaching Labs, we commemorate in brick and mortar her pioneering lifetime of achievements." Kitty was a member of Gamma Eta DKG, transferring to Alpha Kappa in 2017. She was a true Key Woman Educator. (In memorium)
 
Delores Yvonne Hudson, M.S. CCC-SLP has worked in varied educational settings over the last 47 years. During her tenure, she has served as a school speech language pathologist including being assigned to W. T. Moore, Caroline Brevard and Desoto Trail schools. During her work in the schools she received recognition from the Florida Speech Language Hearing Association by being featured in one of their monthly Spotlight columns. Additionally, while working in the schools she received the Florida Master Teacher award and was awarded a Best Fund grant for her innovative “speech club” program. During the second part of her career, Delores worked as a faculty member in the role of a clinical educator in the Florida State University Communication Disorders program. She had the opportunity to teach clinical practicum to undergraduate students and to supervise graduate students at the L. L. Schendel Speech and Hearing Clinic. Over the years as a part of this experience, Delores has had a hand in teaching approximately 300 up and coming speech/language pathologists. Also, while in this setting one of her mentors, Carole Jo Hardiman, invited her to DKG membership.

Over most recent years of Delores’ work life, Delores engaged in a private practice with emphasis on her strong interest in fostering school success for all students. The majority of her private clients have moved on to greater school success by becoming more efficient and skilled readers. Now Delores is retired and spends her days involved in family and volunteer activities; including tutoring at a Saturday program that is held at the B. L. Perry Library, serving in various roles including that of steward at her church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, and helping care for her elderly mother. Delores also teaches new members class and a 7-9th grade church school class at her church. Delores also enjoys many leisure activities including reading, aerobics, walking, piano, and sketching. Her membership in DKG, also adds an interesting component to her life and she enjoys the opportunities provided. For example, In 2017 Delores attended the Jesslyn McBride Leadership Conference which was a highlight of her Delta Kappa Gamma experiences. New ideas about her teaching skills and personal life are always filling Delores’ mind. In summary, this member of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma is an experienced, enthusiastic key woman educator. She has served in the offices of corresponding secretary and Vice President. She enjoys getting to know other members of her chapter even better and to broadening her overall involvement in the society.
 
Dawn James has been a teacher for twenty-two years. She currently teaches kindergarten at DeSoto Trail Elementary, but taught twelve years at Fort Braden and three years in Texas. Dawn was inducted into Alpha Kappa in 2005 and has served as recording secretary, President-elect, and President for Alpha Kappa. She earned her National Board Certification in 2004. Dawn supervises pre-service teachers, interns, and observers from FSU and Flagler to support and inspire the future generation of educators. She has served as a facilitator for Leon County Schools First Year Teacher Program and the Systematic Vocabulary Initiative. She has had the honor of being selected three times, by her principals, to participate in the Superintendent's Teacher Leadership Team. Her colleagues have also recognized her achievements by naming her Teacher of the Year for Fort Braden School in 2006. Dawn has enjoyed being team leader and a grade level mentor to members of her kindergarten team throughout the years. She loves working with young children and is continuously looking for ways to develop and enhance her students' learning. The "Aha Moments" her children experience fill Dawn with immense joy.

Dawn has been married to Danny for over 18 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Kaleigh (junior, 16) and Lauren (seventh grade, 12). Dawn enjoys watching Kaleigh on stage (not lately ??) and watching Lauren play soccer and judo. In their spare time, the family enjoys traveling to Blue Ridge, GA. They hike, ride horses, and take in nature.

She has had the privilege of spending two summers in Romania with fellow DKG member, Melissa Olson. They taught Vacation Bible School to orphans. Dawn has also traveled to Hungary, Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.

When Dawn is not teaching, she enjoys cuddling up to a good book. Her favorite author is Nicolas Sparks. Dawn has remained active in DKG through the zoom meetings. She looks expectantly to her remaining years in education and with Alpha Kappa.
 
Connie Culp Lane Lewis - Education: Received BS in PE at University of South Florida in Tampa, served as Student Director of Women's Intermurals, MS in PE and Dance (graduate assistant award), and Computer Science Certification at Doctoral level at Florida State University. Teaching: USF 1969-70 - subjects: dance, archery, rhythmic exercise, and gymnastics; FSU 1972 - PE methods and dance (adjunct position); and FSUS (Florida High)1971-2004 - K-5 PE, rhythmics, tumbling, and Computer Science/Technology (levels 9-12 Web Design) with Webmaster Certification (2001). Trainer for TESA-Teacher Expectations and Student Achievement. Coach for High School Track and Field and Cheerleaders, choreographer for HS musicals. Retired in 2004 after 35 years of teaching.

Recognition: District Teacher of the Year at FSUS in 1988 and District Technology Coordinator. Discipline Based Art Education (DBAE)in Florence, Italy. Awarded Florida Retrofit for Technology Grant for $200,000. Finalist Alan Shepard Technology in Education Award (2001). Other: Dissemination via Art Education and PE presentations at conferences(local through international level), grant writing, publications, consulting, and website development. Service: Coached track and field and sponsored cheerleaders, choreographed for middle school and high school musicals. Presented a Managerie of Movement and Music at Tully Gym for K-5 parents, 322 elementary students participated and demonstrated developmental skills they were learning in classes.

Professional Organizations: State Membership chair for Florida Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance (FAHPERD), given State Service Award in 1980.  Representative For FSUS as District Technology Director to Florida Education Technology's Annual Conferences (FETC). Beta Beta chapter of Phi Delta Kappa - newsletter editor. Joined AK Chapter in 1978 - Served as Chapter President (1990-92). 1985 Recipient 1985 of Delta Kappa Gamma International Scholarship ($3500.00), 1984 Recipient, Big Bend Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship, and 1983 Recipient, Maude E. Cook Mu State Scholarship ($1500). Currently serve as Communication Chair and Webmaster of Alpha Kappa.

Connie is married, has 2 children and 4 grands. She has traveled to 11 countries, some for fun, some for study, including Greece, England, Scotland, Germany, and Italy. She enjoys her work with the FHS Retired Teacher's Group, editing books,and playing the piano. Having been raised on Davis Island in Tampa, FL, she is a "waterbug" and loves the beach.
 
Janie Register - Teacher Inspires Herself and Others to do Better. For over 20 years Janie has been teaching students with disabilities ranging in ages 3 to 21. In addition, she has also mentored student teachers through Florida State University's Teacher Education program and taught adjunct courses through FSU and Kid's Incorporated of the Big Bend.

Achievements include: Master's and Bachelor's Degree in Exceptional Student Education from Florida State University; Endorsement in Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities from the University of Florida; Envision Credit Union and Foundations for Leon County Schools Grant Recipient; National Board-Certified Teacher from 2003-2013; Wakulla Pre-K Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008 as well as Crawfordville Elementary School Teacher of the Year for 2003-2004. As an educator, Register has had the opportunity to serve on both local and state level advisory councils including: Wakulla Pre-K; Crawfordville Elementary School; Oak Ridge Elementary School Advisory Councils and the Florida's State Advisory Committee for the Education of Exceptional Students. While working at the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, Register also contributed to the following publications: Technical Assistance Paper - Exceptional Student Education Eligibility for Infants, Toddlers and Prekindergarten Children, 2013 and Developing Quality IEPs - provided input regarding prekindergarten children with disabilities, 2015, as well as served as a presenter at the One Goal Summer Conference in 2014 and 2015. Register feels her greatest accomplishment in education is building relationships with students and faculty alike. Both have kept her encouraged and inspired throughout her career.

She has met countless people over her 20 years in education. Her top priority is to ensure that each student, colleague and mentee feels included and valued. "Every student has inspired me as I hope to have inspired them," Register said. "The ones I teach and have taught will leave my classroom with a new found feeling of professionalism and yearning to learn more." Register's students have helped her become more in tune with her work and career path, as well as her husband helping to keep her focused and motivated. Some of her hard times were aided by her husband's motivational talks and love through it all. Rhonda Work, another associate of hers, has stated that the many times she has worked with Register that she has always left feeling like she learned something new or found a new passion. "I found that whenever I met with her about a problem, she always seemed to know a solution," said Work. "She has never let any of her students or faculty down." Throughout her career she has done many things for both families, students and faculty by helping them to improve their lives with career choices, guidance and many words of encouragement.
 
Nancy Rosenbaum - Nancy is a 5th Grade Science Teacher at Florida State University Schools (FSUS). She received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Early Childhood Education, both from Florida State University, and has been teaching since fall 2006.

As a passionate science educator, she is involved with the National Science Teachers Association as a manuscript reviewer for the professional journal Science and Children, serves as the President of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, an International Society for Key Women Educators, is a member of the Board of Directors for the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, chairs the Elementary Science Committee at FSUS, coaches the FSUS Student Astronaut Challenge teams, co-created the STEMinoles Summer Camp at FSUS, and holds the rank of FSUS Associate Professor.

Nancy also works in the FSU-Teach Program with the FSU College of Education, Flagler College, and Gulf Coast State College. She mentors student teachers and supervises student interns. It is her desire to find unique ways to engage students in science, creating a life-long interest in the subject.

Nancy was honored as the 2014 and 2017 FSUS Elementary Teacher of the Year and was the 2013 and 2019 recipient for the FSUS Director's Award for Leaders Who Inspire. In addition, she was accepted to and attend the 2011 Mickelson ExxonMobil National Teachers Academy and received the 2018 June Scobee Rodgers Innovative Educator Award, presented by the Challenger Center.

Nancy has lived in Tallahassee for over 20 years since she moved here for college in 1997. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kent. Together they enjoy nature. They like to go surf fishing at the beach, finding unique trails to hike, and watching the birds and butterflies in their yard. Nancy and Kent also have an 18-year-old dog named Lucy.
 
Ninamarie Sapuppo Ninamarie's 27-year career as a Mathematics instructor began with a Bachelor of Science in Statistics, a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics, and a National Board Certification in Secondary Mathematics. For the last twenty years, she has taught a variety of Middle and High School math classes at Florida State University Schools. Her interest in STEM activities and other leadership opportunities have added to the diverse roles she has held at FSUS.

She enjoys engaging with her students outside of the classroom and for ten years served as the Key Club Sponsor. During that time, she was awarded the "Southwood Volunteer of the Year" for her clubs' service to the community. Other student-led volunteer activities include a three-year position as Director of Engineering for the Student Astronaut Challenge which takes place yearly at Kennedy Space Center. After her first year, she was asked to develop the middle and high school competition engineering problems. Prior to COVID, she was able to share creative teaching ideas by presenting at various conferences such as T3 International, the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics (FCTM), CPALMS, and FSU's Learning Systems Institute (LSI).

Since FSUS is structured as a University School affiliated with its higher educational institution, Florida State University (FSU), many collaborative opportunities exist. A former supervisor invited her to take a one-year sabbatical to work on the Mathematics Formative Assessment Systems (MFAS) grant with a small team. During that year, she closely examined the then new Common Core Standards for Mathematics, and her team published over one hundred research-based Algebra and Geometry Formative Assessments on Cpalms. Helping the next generation of teachers has been her pleasure and she has worked closely with leaders at FSU-Teach to mentor student teachers in that program. These relationships led to a research collaboration with FSU on a National Science Foundation (NSF) computer science and mathematics grant, CSIMMS which published teaching modules for integrating coding with middle school mathematics.

For several summers, she worked with a team from the Learning Systems Institute (LSI) at FSU on the integration of middle school math and science lessons using 3D-printed manipulatives. Her role was to share teaching strategies and provide support for understanding geometric concepts. She also trained participants to use a 3D printer so they could effectively teach corresponding lessons to their students. Another summer program involved Geometry standards training and reviewing teacher-created lessons for publishing on Cpalms. For several years, she assumed the role of Research Coordinator at FSUS, connecting FSU researchers with FSUS teachers. During this time, she was awarded a grant of five 3D printers from Cpalms to share with elementary math teachers at FSUS. The goal was to incorporate printed manipulatives and integrated math lessons from My Stem Kits, LLC. The Summer Institute for this past summer introduced Florida's new B.E.S.T. standards for mathematics and the new Civics standards. Kindergarten through grade 12 teachers were asked to create interactive mathematics lessons centered around the new Civics standards. Ninamarie's position was to review the lessons for accuracy and standards alignment to prepare them for publication. Offering her experience in developing teachers, and aligning curriculum and standards has enriched her professional development over her educational career. She is excited to develop new friendships with the amazing women of Delta Kappa Gamma and to serve members as the Education Excellence Chair of the Alpha Kappa chapter.
 
June Townsend grew up the daughter of a United States Air Force officer. She enjoyed living/learning all over the World, including Texas (where she was born), Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, and New Jersey, as well as the Philippine Islands, Germany, and France. Her first two years of college she attended the University of Maryland (Bavarian Campus in Munich, Germany), while her family was stationed in France. After returning from Europe, she earned her A.S. degree at Palm Beach Junior College in Lake Worth, Florida. She then transferred to Florida State University in January 1966, where she met her future husband in her first Monday morning class-chemistry. He was also a military kid, whose parents at the time were still in France, only 60 km from where she had lived in Chateauroux. In 1967 June earned her B.S. degree, in Vocational Home Economics Education/Home Economics Extension Education, and continued at FSU and to complete her M.S. in Vocational Home Economics Education in 1969. After graduation, she was employed as a Home Economist for Florida Power and Light Company in Stuart, FL. She and Charles (Chip) P. Townsend, Jr. were married in September 1969.

Upon completion of his active duty in the US Army Reserves, they returned to Tallahassee. With boxes still piled high in their apartment, she interviewed for a teaching position on Monday and started work on Tuesday at the brand, new Fairview M.S. She spent the next 32 years working for Leon County Schools in a variety of roles including, teacher-7th grade science at Fairview M.S., secondary Home Economics -- Food & Nutrition, Clothing & Textiles, Family Economics, and Housing & Home Furnishings at Rickards H.S., (where she was Future Homemakers of America Advisor, and Dressmaking at Lively Vocational Technical School. She then served as Districtwide coordinator of Home Economics, Project Manager for Adult Countywide Home Economics, Community Education Coordinator, and Assistant Principal at Adult & Community Education, until her retirement in 2002. During that time they had two daughters, Carole and Cheryl, who unlike their parents were born and grew up in one place--Tallahassee. Happily, both of them have returned home, after beginning their careers in Jacksonville and South Florida.

June was invited to membership in Alpha Kappa by Leonora Lawrence and initiated into Alpha Kappa in November, 1976. She has been an active member ever since and served Alpha Kappa in a variety of positions, including Treasurer and President, and several different committee chairmen over the years. She also served on the Mu State Headquarters committee both during the acquisition phase--working with realtors and seeking a suitable property in the State Capital-- and again in 2000-2002 and on the State World Fellowship Committee. In 1981, she was a delegate to the Mu State Leadership Growth Seminar, and in 1988, she was a presenter. June has received many awards during her illustrious career, but none as meaningful to her as an "Outstanding Service Award" from the FSU College of Home Economics, and being inducted by Adult and Community Educators of Florida into the Florida Administrators of Adult and Community Education Hall of Fame.

June has always been involved in the community, serving on the board of the Healthy Start Coalition for ten years, including as president and secretary, the American Heart Association, as president, secretary and chairman of the inaugural CPR Rally, held at the civic center, the Leon Vocational Association, and the FSU Home Economics Alumni Association, serving twice at its president. Since her retirement June has become an accomplished stained-glass artist and loves to create customized panels for friends and charities. She has fully enjoyed retirement, with membership at Premier Health & Fitness center, and a home-based business, encouraging individuals to take control of their own health and improve their wellbeing. She became active in BNI (Business Networking International), the Women's Prosperity Network, the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and the Leon-Wakulla Retired Educators' Association, where she has twice served as president. She and Chip are members of St. Paul's UMC. June and Chip have also become art collectors, and love to cruise and travel. They are looking forward to cruising again post-pandemic. Her free time is spent with her daughters, and especially enjoy their time together in Carole's pool.
 
Susan Vinson - It's early in the morning, and 18 nine-year-olds are reciting the pledge of allegiance. It's a typical beginning of the day for teacher Susan Vinson. Yet no day is really typical says Mrs. Vinson. Each day brings its own unique moments and challenges. Susan is beginning her 30th year of teaching, with 25 of those years spent teaching third grade. When asked how she became an educator, Susan  said, "When I sat down to pick a major from all the options at Stetson, I narrowed it down to something I considered worth doing." She wanted to do a job that she felt could make a difference. She did several other jobs before teaching. She said, "For a while after I graduated, I was working for my dad's business, doing bookkeeping. I enjoyed it but eventually I realized I wanted to do something with more of a benefit for others." She enjoys teaching and learning too. She has earned National Board certification and a master's in Educational Leadership. But for her, it's all about increasing the knowledge and confidence of her students. Her goal each day is to help students grow as citizens and members of a classroom community. She doesn't feel that learning has to be made fun- because learning is naturally fun. You can tell that she has a passion for reading, because her classroom is packed with books in every genre. She says, "I want to move my students from reading just to meet a goal - to reading for their own pleasure."

She said, "I've got parents who keep in touch with me, and some who have written me years later, and told me they are very appreciative of what I've done with their kids." Over the years, she taught three children from the same family. Her passionate way of teaching has left lasting effects on these particular children. Their mother, Jennifer Taylor, said that Susan's teaching adapts to meet the needs of each student. She said, "Mrs. Vinson was able to instill in all of them a wonderful set of work and study habits and the love of learning." Her daughter, Belle, struggles cognitively, but felt happy in the class. Jennifer Taylor said, "To help a little girl feel accepted and not "dumb" and make them feel as smart as everyone else is the sign of a great teacher, and human. Mrs. Vinson is the best of both." She also loves sharing her craft with other teachers. She has led many trainings for teachers, in a variety of areas- including science and new technology programs. She is an active member of the Big Bend/ Leon Association for Science Teachers, the Technology Chair for her school, Killearn Lakes Elementary, and part of the Elementary STEM Leadership for Leon County. "When I'm teaching others, I learn a lot myself, so it really benefits me too!" she says.
 

Dr. Allyson L. Watson serves as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Floriida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She served as dean for the College of Education at Florida A&M Univeristy since 2019. Prior to her arrival at FAMU, Dr. Watson served as interim chief academic officer and dean at USF St. Petersburg, and at Northeastern State University assistant dean and the first-named endowed chair. Her educational background includes a master's (M.Ed.) and doctoral (PhD) degree in educational administration, curriculum, and supervision from the University of Oklahoma. Her baccalaureate degree is from Bethune-Cookman University in Elementary Education. Dr. Watson served as assistant director at the University of Oklahoma-Center for Educational & Community Renewal (now K-20 Center). Additionally, her educational career and experience include teaching 1st-8th grade in urban areas.

Dr. Watson has focused her research on urban education, faculty of color in higher education, and urban school and university partnerships. She is a full professor and tenured graduate faculty with a substantial amount of teaching experience in courses such as educational research, advanced educational measurements and statistics, public school relations, and instructional strategies. In 2010, Dr. Watson founded Teaching & Urban Reform Network (TURN), a program to prepare pre-service teachers in urban education and encourage effective pedagogical practices. This work has served as a platform for the successful acquisition of grants, research presentations, and numerous research manuscripts and publications. Dr. Watson is a 2014 Pinnacle Woman of the Year awardee from the Mayor's Commission on the Status of Women, a recipient of the "40 under 40 Most Influential People in Oklahoma" award from Oklahoma Magazine and the 2012-2013 recipient of the College of Education Outstanding Faculty in Service award from NSU.

In 2015, Dr. Watson coordinated a team of educators from across the US to help establish the first-ever robotics lab for girls in north Haiti. This sustainable work has empowered girls and women in STEM. Through this innovative initiative, Haiti sent the first competitive girls team in the history of the nation to compete in the VEX World Championship Robotics Competition. In the Summer of 2018, USFSP College of Education launched an inaugural STEM robotics camp for students in 5th through 8th grade to enrich academic and experiential learning within the St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay region.

Dr. Watson was named the Girls, Incorporated STEM Woman of the Year for 2018. Following that prestigious recognition, USFSP's College of Education celebrated the grand opening of a state of the art innovative STEM lab for all future educators, educational leaders, and organizational partners to engage and experience creative and innovative discovery first hand. In 2020, FAMU College of Education designed a state-of-the-art STEAM Lab to prepare urban educators and leaders in STEAM integration. Dr. Watson was the recipient of the 2019 Legacy Award in Education at the Legacy Gala in St. Petersburg, Florida. Additionally, was a 2019 Woman of Distinction from the St. Petersburg, Florida community. Dr. Watson is an inaugural alumnus of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, former (2010-13) national alumni president and 2014 past president of the Gates Millennium Scholars Alumni Association. She is a general member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated and is actively involved in the local community. Community roles include Leadership Tallahassee Class 38 alumna, Challenger Learning Center Board of Directors, the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and program co-chair for the Tallahassee Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.
 
Nancy Watson - Ciao! I am sitting here preparing for two exciting events in my life. In May, my husband, Frank, and I are taking a trip to Italy to celebrate our retirement. Although I have had a few international trips (i.e. Germany, Italy, South Korea, and cruising the Caribbean), Frank has never crossed an Ocean. He is humoring me, with some trepidation, but looking forward to seeing Tuscany, the Italian Riviera, Rome, and particularly the Colosseum, Pompeii and Vesuvius. The second exciting event is preparing to be the President of the Delta Kappa Gamma, Alpha Kappa chapter. The preparation has already begun with lots of brainstorming and reflecting. By the time July rolls around we should be ready for a year of projects, programs, and social events. Your input is important because the success of an organization is meeting the needs and interests of its members so you will have opportunities to speak up. I must say that it was a bit intimidating when I was asked to be President-elect. There are many members of Alpha Kappa that have years of historical knowledge and have shown great leadership. I was delighted to find that they have been very supportive and continue to help shape the future of our organization.

To give you a sense of who I am, let me tell you a little about myself. I am a farmer’s daughter, the first to attend and graduate not once by twice from college – Go NOLES! As indicated above, my husband is Frank a retired television executive for WCTV, FOX 49, the Florida News Channel, and now with BNC, the Black News Channel. We have three children Michael, Matthew, and Julie and two lovely daughters-in law, Heather and Jennie. I earned a double major in History and Criminology. My first jobs were investigating child neglect and abuse in central Florida and directing programs for a youth services (e.g. volunteer programs, counseling and providing court support for youthful offenders). After a few years of this rather stressful work, I took off a few years to have a family and stay at home to have a hand at making sure they developed the kinds of values and attitudes that would serve them well in life. As they entered school, I began substitute teaching and fell in love with the idea of being a teacher. My early years of teaching were in Alternative Education. I recently retired from Chiles High School where I taught AP Human Geography and World History for 15 years. Prior to that I taught at Raa Middle School (8 years), BelleVue Middle School (3 years), Crystal River Middle School (2 years), and Suncoast Middle School & Caloosa Middle School (1 year each). I served as the Gifted and Pre-AP Coordinator at Chiles, as well as, the History Fair Coordinator for many years at Chiles and Raa. After starting the first AP Human Geography course in Leon County, I became a reader for the essay portion of the exam and was asked to serve on the College Board AP Human Geography Development Committee charged with developing the annual exam and curriculum for training teachers for the course. I served for 7 years, the last three as the co-chair of the committee. This was quite an honor, as the committee is made up of three secondary teachers and three university professors, the Chief Reader and a College Board and an ETS lead. It was a wonderful experience allowing me to travel and present at conferences and workshops. I made geography friends from coast to coast and across the world, which has fueled my love of travel and interest in world affairs. Now I have time for both. I look forward to Alpha Kappa’s new year. It will be fun to get to know everyone better and continue the strong tradition of engagement and professional service. I am depending on every member to get involved in some way that will strengthen our purpose and help us achieve our goals. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President. Ciao! (what a versatile word!)
 
Jean Williams was born in South Boston, Virginia and lived there until age 18. She came to Tallahassee and attended FAMU, later earning her Ph.D in Counseling at FSU. She taught Biology, Chemistry and General Science at Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, FL, worked at the Florida DOE for 25 years and at the Leon County Board of County Commissioners for 10 years. Currently she teaches classes on Getting Beyond Grief at TCCTC in addition to designing a distance education program.

She joined AK chapter in 2010 and has been actively involved. She volunteers at Tallahassee Christian College and Training Center, serves on the National Council of The Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross (an Anglican order), and is the Senior Warden of the Vestry at All Saints Anglican Church.
 
Susan Womble A member of Alpha Kappa since 2002, Susan is a National Board Certified teacher with a career of teaching grades K-12th in the areas of reading, special education, language arts, math, social studies, and the profoundly handicapped. Recently, Susan entered her new profession. . . . retirement!

While teaching overseas in Hohenfels, Germany, she traveled extensively throughout Europe. Inspired by issues she observed in her classroom. . . she wrote her first book with Newt, the hero who used a wheelchair, discovering what friendship is about and how to deal with bullies. This first novel "Newt's World: Beginnings" won her the 2008 Gold Medal in Children's Literature for the Florida Book Awards. It is also on the 2009-2013 Just Read Florida Recommended Reading List. Her writing credits also include "Newt's World Beginnings Workbook" (teacher's and student's editions), the second in the series entitled, "Newt's World: Internal Byte" and accompanying workbook.

Susan's experiences in Bavaria led her to write "The Wheel Series", young adult fiction. She continues to write. Bloodstone Legacy, is a Teen/Romance and her newest book The Countdown Deer - Count Harper, counts down the "sleeps" until a special event is to occur i.e., grandma comes to visit, Santa Claus arrives. She has added wonderful books to the library of children's literature. All of her books are available on Amazon.com
 
Rhonda Work spent 40 years in education as a speech-language pathologist. She came to Tallahassee as an employee of the Florida Department of Education from which she retired. She was initiated into Delta Kappa Gamma in Broward County, FL in 1961 and transferred to Alpha Kappa chapter in 1975. From 1984-86 she served as chapter president and has been treasurer since 2000. Rhonda has found many activities to keep her busy during retirement. Not only has she served Alpha Kappa, but she also has been financial manager of the Big Bend Coordinating Council since 2000. One of her loves is volunteering at the Florida Museum of History and Natural Science where she is an educator and animal presenter. She is active in her church singing in the choir and serving on several committees.

Recently, Rhonda became involved with the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory and serves on the Advisory Committee to the Board of Trustees. She is heading up an effort to develop a docent program for the Lab. Rhonda received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders at FSU in 2011. She was honored by TCC for contributions to education during Women's History Month in 2015. In 2017 she received the Silver Star Award from the Senior Center Foundation in recognition of her many contributions to the community. Rhonda lives with her two cats, Maddie and Olivia, and her small dog, Rosie. Life is good!
 
Gale A. Workman Ph.D., C-TEFL has been teaching professionals to be tighter, brighter communicators for 30+ years. She taught journalism at UF, UWF and FAMU. In 2015 Dr. Workman earned the rank of Professor Emerita at FAMU's School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. Dr. Workman (dba Tighter Brighter Communication) consults with individuals, agencies, associations, colleges and universities to solve with written and oral communication skills.

Dr. Workman earned bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from University of Florida, and the Ph.D. in higher education from Florida State University. She is certified as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Dr. Workman worked as a journalist for five daily newspapers and two television networks. She wrote for magazines and edited journals. Her essays are published in three books, including National Public Radio's "This I Believe" series.

Gale has been a member of Alpha Kappa since 2003. She is active in the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Sunrise, League of Women Voters, and Fulbright Association.

For business and pleasure, Gale travels the globe. She has visited 98 (and counting) countries on seven continents. She worked with USAID and Fulbright projects in the Ivory Coast, Armenia, Canada, Trinidad, Malta, Albania, Serbia and Malawi.

 

More to come. . . .
Last updated October, 2024