By Anthony Guntert
Stanley Switlik Elementary is welcoming a dozen new faces at the Middle Keys for the 2021-22 school year. They range from newly credentialed locals to transplants. If you see them at the grocery store, give them a Keys welcome.
Miriam Hribar
- Class: Pre-K, 3-4 years old, Headstart Teacher
- Hometown: I am from Argentina, but I’ve been a citizen since 2003. I’ve lived in Marathon since 2000.
- Degree from: bachelor’s in natural science, Argentina / master’s of education in TESOL, Miami SUASM-University of Turaloo (Puerto Rico)
- How long have you been in the Keys: 21 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I decided to become a teacher when I was a teenager; I love to teach science!
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Discover the world, take care of it because it’s our home.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: I love to travel, spend time with my friends, draw whatever is around me and watch my novelas.
Regla Calandra
- Class: 5th Grade
- Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Degree from: Nova Southeastern University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 3 months
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: To instill a love of learning
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Building connections and helping to both guide and inspire lifelong readers.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, softball, beach
Misty Reininger
- Class: 3rd Grade
- Hometown: Poplar Grove, Illinois
- Degree from: Eastern Illinois University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I’ve always enjoyed spending time with kids and it’s why I want to guide them toward academic success.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: I believe in connecting with each individual student on some level, then tailoring my teaching to fit their needs.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: My hobbies include spending time with my husband and three kids outside, on the water or at baseball games.
Roxy F. Murphy
- Class: ELL / Reading Intervention
- Hometown: Odessa, Ukraine
- Degree from: Mechnikov National University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 12 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I come from generations of professional educators and teachers.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Staying true.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Mastering the art of doing nothing.
Jesika Ban
- Class: Computer lab manager
- Hometown: Marathon, Florida, born and raised
- Degree from: Currently working towards bachelor’s at FIU.
- How long have you been in the Keys: My whole life.
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: My teaching style is very open and engaging, ensuring everyone gets what they need.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Outside of school I enjoy relaxing with my family.
Tom Ballanger
- Class: 5th Grade, Emergency sub for Ms. Gonzalez
- Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Degree from: Northeastern State University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 1 month
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love helping young people succeed.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: The school is the student’s, I’m just a facilitator.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Reading, running, SCUBA
Selena Gonzalez
- Class: Nurse Technician
- Hometown: Marathon, Florida
- Degree from: College of the Florida Keys
- How long have you been in the Keys: My entire life.
- Why did you decide to become a nurse tech: I just graduated nursing school and I have a passion for helping children and I wanted to explore the area of scholastic nursing.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy spending time with my husband and family and playing with my dogs.
Amelia Buchanan
- Class: Title 1 Interventionist
- Hometown: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Degree from: St. Petersburg College
- How long have you been in the Keys: 5 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I have always enjoyed helping others. Becoming a teacher means I get the opportunity to work with and help kids become the best they can be.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: I wholeheartedly believe everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams with the right amount of support, hard work and perseverance. I am lucky enough to help kids reach their goals every day.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: I enjoy being out on the water. I also enjoy trying out new recipes at home.
Bill Eller
- Class: Guidance Assistant
- Hometown: Reading, Pennsylvania
- Degree from: Berk’s Technical Institute
- How long have you been in the Keys: 1 year
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: Everyone should enjoy watching children learn and develop. It’s exciting to watch them grow!
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Every child is an important part of our community, we must pay close attention to each and every one!
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Football, fishing, boating, snorkeling, exploring
Annette Maxwell
- Class: K-2 ESE
- Hometown: Port Huron, Michigan
- Degree from: Central Michigan University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 4 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: To help children learn and grow.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Learning follows trust in the teacher. Love your students and make them feel safe.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Fishing, reading and driving my 1993 Jeep YJ
Regina Saller-Paskiewicz
- Class: 4th Grade
- Hometown: Marathon, Florida (Originally New Jersey, but have lived in Marathon since I was a kid)
- Degree from: St. Thomas University
- How long have you been in the Keys: 40 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I enjoy being around children and seeing them light up when something “clicks.”
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: Since this is my first full year teaching, my style/ philosophy is a work in progress. Respect for self and others will be a big theme this year.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: I like to read, spend time with my husband and kids, and boating.
Tracy Garcia
- Class: Kindergarten
- Hometown: Grantsville, West Virginia
- How long have you been in the Keys: 35 years
- Why did you decide to become a teacher: I love working and spending time with children and I want to make a difference in their lives.
- What is your teaching style/philosophy: I believe all children learn in different ways so I use large groups and hands-on learning to ensure all children learn.
- What are your hobbies outside of school: Baseball games, volunteering in the community and spending time with family and especially my grandbabies
