The Florida Union Free School District has welcomed seven new members to the team this year! Learn more about them below:
Scarlet De Los Santos – Spanish teacher at S.S. Seward
Education:
I earned a bachelor’s in Spanish adolescent education from SUNY New Paltz and a master’s in educational technology from Long Island University.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I became a teacher because of the amazing teachers I had growing up. They inspired my love for learning and showed me how important education is. I want to create a positive space where students feel safe and excited to learn. It’s rewarding to see them understand new ideas and grow. My goal is to help students discover their potential and develop a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love dancing – it’s a fun way to stay active and express myself. I also like to relax by watching Netflix and discovering new shows. Cooking is another passion of mine; I enjoy trying out new recipes. Most of all, I love to travel. Exploring new places and cultures gives me fresh perspectives that I enjoy sharing with my students.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m really passionate about fostering a positive learning environment. I believe in building strong relationships with my students and creating a space where everyone feels included and valued. I’m always looking for ways to grow as a teacher and support my students in reaching their goals.
Artisha Ellison – Nurse at Golden Hill
Education:
I went to Southern Connecticut State University where I earned two bachelor’s degrees, one in public health and the second in nursing.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I always knew that I wanted to help people. I worked in a hospital for about eight years and I wanted something different. I’m a mother of two and in becoming a school nurse I get to combine my love for kids with my nursing knowledge.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to engage my creative side through my event planning business. I also enjoy spending time with family, exercising and cooking.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m very excited to be here!
Danielle Fassman – Chemistry Teacher at S.S. Seward Institute
Education:
I hold a master’s in teaching from SUNY New Paltz, a medical degree from St. George’s University and a bachelor’s in biochemistry from Hofstra University.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy cartooning and spending time with my dog and cat.
Angelica Gomulka – Personnel Assistant in the Business Office
Education:
I studied business administration at SUNY Cobleskill and graduated in 2018.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
The opportunity to learn new things and take on new challenges.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my two kids who love the outdoors.
Joshua Kane – School Counselor at S.S. Seward
Education:
For my undergraduate degree, I went to Rutgers New Brunswick and double majored in psychology and cinema studies. For my graduate degree, I attended Arkansas State University online, gaining a master’s in school counseling with a crisis and trauma concentration.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
Like most people, the pandemic caused me to stop and take stock of what was really important to me and where I fit in the world. Reflecting back, my most rewarding experience was working as a mentor to high school students at the nonprofit City Green. School Counselor is also a career where being a jack-of-all-trades comes in handy.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
When I’m not working, I am mostly trying to keep alive the two small humans that live in my house. Beyond that, I love hiking, kayaking and birdwatching. I’m also a bit of a foodie.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am from New Jersey, but hope people don’t hold that against me.
Jacqueline Pascale – Pre-K teacher at Golden Hill
Education:
I studied early childhood and childhood education at SUNY Cortland for my undergraduate degree. I studied literacy education through SUNY Oneonta for my master’s degree.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I always loved school and I had so many great teachers growing up that inspired me to become a teacher! I love working with children and seeing them reach their goals over the course of the school year.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love being active whether it’s at the gym, hiking outdoors, or walking my dog. I enjoy visiting new places. It’s my goal to visit all 50 states and hike all the national parks!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m so happy to be a part of this amazing community! We are having so much fun in pre-k!
Shauna Smit – Teacher Aide at Golden Hill
Education:
I studied criminal justice at SUNY Orange.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I started at Golden Hill as a substitute two years ago. Before that, I was a stay at home mom with my kids, and now that they’re grown, I thought I would give this a try. I truly love it. It’s honestly the best thing I’ve stepped into in my life.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Doing anything with my family – my husband and three kids. It doesn’t matter what we are doing as long as we’re doing it together!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’m so excited to be part of this community and watch the kids grow.