And just like that, summer break is over. Aug. 12 marked the return of students to the classroom and the arrival of new teachers and staff at Upper Keys schools. Amid the hustle and bustle before the first bell rang, teachers took a moment from the classroom prep and instructional plans to speak with the Upper Keys Weekly about their teaching styles, hobbies and more. 

Coral Shores High School

Rachael Clark

Grade/subject teaching: AVID

Where did you get your degree? I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Arizona State University.

How long have you lived in the Keys? I was born and raised on these beautiful islands! I’m a proud graduate of both KLS and CSHS.

How would you describe your teaching style? Student-centered. I believe students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process and have opportunities to build independence and take ownership of their learning.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I would say finding the good in everyone. I’m naturally enthusiastic and love encouraging others and bringing positive energy to the people around me.

Laughing! I laugh easily and love finding humor in everyday moments.

What are your hobbies? Snowboarding, traveling, learning new things and spending time with family and friends.

Key Largo School

Amy Giardiniere

Grade/subject: First grade.

Where did you get your degree? State of Florida.

How long have you lived in the Keys?  I’ve been coming to the Keys since 1980 … moved here full-time December 2025.

How would you describe your teaching style? My teaching style is calm and structured. In daily practices, I like to use hands-on activities, guided practice, independent work time and collaborative learning structures. It’s important for students to receive frequent movement breaks, visual supports and differentiated instruction. My goals are to nurture a love for reading, independence and build a strong classroom community.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? Baking.

What are your hobbies? Boating and traveling.

Bobbi Burson

Grade/subject teaching: Fifth grade sciences.

Where did you get your degree? University of Southern Maine at Portland/Gorham/Auburn.

How long have you lived in the Keys? 24 years.

How would you describe your teaching style? I value inquiry-based learning that encourages students to explore concepts through questioning, critical thinking and discovery. I enjoy incorporating purposeful, hands-on learning opportunities through science labs, allowing students to actively investigate scientific concepts, apply their knowledge and develop problem-solving skills in an engaging and meaningful way. 

What is your special talent that no one knows about? One thing that surprises people about me is that I spent several years working in a research laboratory studying the effects of fish farming on the local ecology. That experience strengthened my scientific background and deepened my appreciation for environmental science and research.

Outside of science, I have a passion for sports — especially basketball. I played basketball in college and have been coaching the sport for more than 10 years. Coaching has helped me develop leadership, teamwork and mentoring skills that I bring into the classroom every day.

What are your hobbies? In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball with my husband and children, making it a fun way to stay active and spend quality time together. I also have a passion for gardening, with a particular interest in hydroponics and exploring innovative ways to grow plants. Another favorite hobby is hiking and rock hounding in Maine, where I enjoy searching for gemstones such as tourmaline and amethyst. 

Lorena Salgueiro Gonzalez

Grade/subject teaching: Fourth and fifth ESE.

Where did you get your degree? University of Florida. 

How long have you lived in the Keys? 6 years.

How would you describe your teaching style? Encouraging and energetic.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? Scuba diving.

What are your hobbies? Paddle boarding and pickleball.

Matthew Carver

Grade/subject teaching: Seventh and eight grade math, algebra and geometry.

Where did you get your degree? I have a bachelor’s in biology from Hampden-Sydney College and a master’s in molecular physiology and biological physics from the University of Virginia.

How long have you lived in the Keys? Since 2023.

How would you describe your teaching style? I do, we do, you do. 

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I can roll my eyes independently.          

What are your hobbies? Coaching tackle football.

Ocean Studies Charter School

Diana Hutchens

Grade/subject teaching: Fourth and fifth grade in the Sharks room.

Where did you get your degree? Indiana University. (Go Hoosiers!)

How long have you lived in the Keys? One month.

How would you describe your teaching style? Student-centered, hands-on and relationship-driven. I want school to be engaging, relevant and memorable.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I recently began performing in local theater. I am excited to see what kinds of opportunities the Keys have to offer. 

What are your hobbies? Reading, I love snorkeling and can’t wait to get dive certified, and traveling.

Hillary Cassel

Grade/subject teaching: Kindergarten and first grade.

Where did you get your degree? I received my undergrad degree in psychology from the University of Florida and my master’s in special education from the University of West Florida.

How long have you lived in the Keys? I lived in the Keys from 2012-2021 and moved back in 2025.

How would you describe your teaching style? I believe students learn best through hands-on exploration and by being fully immersed in meaningful learning experiences. Above all, I strive to make learning engaging, exciting and fun so that students develop a genuine love of learning.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I create hand-cut stained glass mosaics inspired by Florida Keys wildlife.

What are your hobbies? Making mosaics and rescuing manatees (and all other creatures).

Nicole Snelgrove

Grade/subject teaching: K-8 art and creative design.

Where did you get your degree? I received my bachelor’s of science in molecular biology and chemistry at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado and my master’s in education at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. I was a mermaid living in the wrong state for a very long time.

How long have you lived in the Keys?

65 days! Moved here from Guanacaste, Costa Rica where I was running an ocean conservation school for the past six years. I am so excited to be part of the Ocean Studies Charter School community.

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style is heart-centered, contemplative, creative, whimsical, silly and promotes deep

thinking about nature, ourselves and our interconnectedness to all the beauty around us.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I can sing a mean Bolero.

What are your hobbies? Salsa dancing, snorkeling, diving, mermaiding, painting and poetry.

Taylor Nyman

Grade/subject teaching: First and second grade. 

Where did you get your degree? North American Montessori Center. 

How long have you lived in the Keys? 28 years 

How would you describe your teaching style? Fun, hands-on, and Montessori-inspired. I strive to create a classroom where students can explore, be independent and get excited about learning.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I have a talent for turning a messy space into an organized one. 

What are your hobbies? Gardening and baking.

Treasure Village Montessori

Chelsea Kelly

Grade/subject teaching: VPK paraprofessional.

Where did you get your degree? I am currently working on getting my exceptional student education degree with the College of the Florida Keys. 

Where do you live? I live in Homestead.

How would you describe your teaching style? TVM gave me the opportunity to begin my teaching career at their amazing school, so I can begin to understand and discover my teaching style. 

What is your special talent that no one knows about? A special talent of mine is I can find humor in everything. I truly believe that laughter is the best medicine. Life is serious enough, so why not have fun with it? 

What are your hobbies? Hobbies of mine include baking (I enjoy making sweets and breads) and also enjoy doing crafts with friends. 

Richard McGee

Grade/subject teaching: Middle school math.

Where did you get your degree? University of Florida.

How long have you lived in the Keys? One week.

How would you describe your teaching style? Structured, organized and cooperative. 

What are your hobbies? Fishing and music production.

Plantation Key School

Caroline Costa

Grade/subject teaching: Second grade.

Where did you get your degree? Palm Beach Atlantic University. 

How long have you lived in the Keys? Pretty much my whole life. I moved down here when I was 2 years old.

How would you describe your teaching style? I always try to make my lessons both fun and engaging. It’s never a dull moment in my classroom. 

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I’m not a competitive person … except on the pickleball court. 

What are your hobbies? All things playing pickleball and going to Disney.

Ami McNally

Grade/subject teaching: First grade.

Where did you get your degree? Baylor University, Stephen F. Austin University and Nova Southeastern University.

How long have you lived in the Keys? We have been doing a dual-residency between Colorado and the Florida Keys for five years now.

How would you describe your teaching style? Kid-centered, teacher-facilitated, structured and fun.

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I can still do a back-flip on my girls’ trampoline. 

What are your hobbies? Snow skiing, boating, hiking (essentially doing anything outdoors) and rooting on those good ol’ Baylor Bears (my alma mater) and the Oklahoma Sooners (where my youngest daughter is a cheerleader).

Lissette Castillo

Grade/subject teaching: K-8 interventionist.

Where did you get your degree? Florida Atlantic University.

How long have you lived in the Keys? 12 years.

How would you describe your teaching style? I would describe my teaching style as motivational, encouraging, positive and compassionate, with structure and high expectations. I believe students thrive when they feel supported and cared for while also knowing exactly what is expected of them. I encourage my students to work hard, believe in themselves and always strive to do their best. I hold them accountable while leading with patience, understanding and compassion. And above all, my number one rule is to smile — because a positive attitude can make all the difference in learning and in life. 

What is your special talent that no one knows about? I can pivot when plans change, stay positive and keep things moving by making “Plan B” feel like it was Plan A all along. 

What are your hobbies? Cooking and traveling.