Eager teachers are welcoming young pupils back for another year of school. Aug. 13 marked the first day in the classroom for students and some new teachers and staff leading the charge at Upper Keys schools. Teachers took a break from the classroom setup and instructional plans to answer some questions the Upper Keys Weekly posed regarding their backgrounds, teaching styles and hobbies.
Robert L. Sax, 9-12 band
Coral Shores High School
Where did you get your degree? I have a bachelor’s in jazz piano performance from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts; a master’s in conducting: instrumental winds from the American Band College & Sam Houston Texas State.
How long have you lived in the Keys? For 43 years – I moved here to open a donut shop in 1982. Southern Maid Donut, a chain out of
Garland, Texas. We were located in Tavernier in what was originally a Ranch House
Restaurant. After we closed, it was a Scooters and is currently The Italian Food Company.
How would you describe your teaching style? Adaptive – I don’t know until the kids arrive what instrumentation or skill level I am
working with. The biggest mistake I can make as a teacher is to assume pre-existing
knowledge my students do not possess. So the best thing I can do is change constantly to
adapt to the needs of the students and situation.
Do you have a special talent? I am a “cat whisperer.”
Natalie ‘Lexi’ Sosa-Ortiz, fourth-grade math
Key Largo School
Where did you get your degree? Bachelor’s degree from University of Florida; master’s degree from Florida International University.
How long have you lived in the Keys? I am beginning my third year of teaching in the beautiful Florida Keys, while commuting daily from Homestead.
How would you describe your teaching style? I would describe my teaching style as engaging, dynamic, fun and deeply meaningful. I strive to create a student-centered learning environment where curiosity and collaboration are encouraged, mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth, and mathematics feels accessible to all students. My approach involves thoroughly breaking down mathematics concepts at all grade levels while maintaining rigor and encouraging students to stretch their thinking.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? I have photographic memory, so I can recall any face I have ever encountered or quickly memorize long sequences of numbers.
What are your hobbies? I truly enjoy playing sports – basketball in particular. In my limited leisure time, I take pleasure in playing video and board games with my fiancé and friends. I also appreciate traveling and sightseeing, creating lasting memories with my loved ones.
Ms. Michelle Bennett, 11th-12th grade ELA
Coral Shores
Where did you get your degree? Tusculum University, Greeneville, Tennessee.
How long have you lived in the Keys? 20 years.
How would you describe your teaching style? I teach with compassion and high expectations, balancing kindness and structure while maintaining a focused learning environment.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? My special talent is turning challenges into opportunities.
What are your hobbies? My hobbies include interior design, traveling Europe to visit UNESCO world heritage sites and art museums.
Lauren Valdes, first grade
Treasure Village Montessori
Where did you get your degree? Florida International University.
How long have you lived in the Keys? 10 years.
How would you describe your teaching style? Fun, encouraging, interactive and energetic.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? I grew up in California where I learned to surf and snowboard.
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my kids, boating, and camping with my family.
Kari Hartlaub, middle school science
Treasure Village Montessori Charter School
Where did you get your degree? I graduated from University of South Carolina with a pre-
medical science degree, and have since obtained five teaching certifications in the state of Florida: general science grades 5-9, biology grades 6-12, mathematics grades 5-9, elementary education grades K-6, and exceptional student education (ESE) grades K-12.
How long have you lived in the Keys? Almost six years — I moved here a few months before the Keys closed down during Covid, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I love our community.
How would you describe your teaching style? I believe science is not just a subject — it’s a way of thinking, discovering and connecting with the world around us. You don’t need to wear a lab coat to be a scientist — science is everywhere and everyone uses it daily regardless of your career path. I want to make learning science fun and relatable for everyone.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? Only a few special students I met last year know that I have magical powers, which led them to nickname me the “Mystical Magical Calming Unicorn.” I hope I can use this talent in middle school.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy spending time with my new husband and two dogs, and I love everything that makes the Keys lifestyle so special – especially paddleboarding, boating, snorkeling, sunsets, fishing and exploring the nature and beauty of this area. I am also a huge college football fan — Go Gamecocks!
Ashten Huffman, ESE
Ocean Studies Charter School
Where did you get your degree? Florida International University
How long have you lived in the Keys? 5 years
How would you describe your teaching style? Supportive, collaborative, positive and encouraging.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? I can make gluten-free and dairy-free swaps that still taste amazing.
What are your hobbies? Spending time with my kids! Also, fishing, crossfit and cooking.
Krista V., ESE
Ocean Studies Charter School
Where did you get your degree? SUNY Albany (bachelor’s), Hofstra University (master’s) and Bank Street College of Education (literacy specialization).
How long have you lived in the Keys? Since summer 2025.
How would you describe your teaching style? I consider myself a strong advocate for students with special needs and design my instruction to be flexible and engaging for all learners.
What is your special talent that no one knows about? I have a talent for planning great trips.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy cooking, reading, water sports and traveling.
Brooke Parker, middle school ESE
Treasure Village Montessori
Where did you get your degree?
Bachelor of arts in philosophy and religion from Bridgewater College. Master’s of education in secondary education from Liberty University.
How long have you lived in the Keys?
One year.
How would you describe your teaching style?
I teach the whole child from academics to social-emotional to athletics and whatever interests them. Learning is a life skill and a muscle we should all be exercising, but when we are interested in a topic or can relate the topic to an interest, that innate and intrinsic motivation is activated, which is when tangible successes are evident.
What is a special talent that no one knows about?
I love baking homemade apple pie and cookies from scratch.
What are your hobbies?
Sports, exercising, being with my family (on the boat, at the ballfield or at the pool).
Nathan Collins, outboard marine service
Coral Shores High School
Where did you get your degree?
University of Florida (bachelor’s in mechanical engineering); Central Georgia Tech (marine engine technology diploma)
How long have you lived in the Keys?
12 years
How would you describe your teaching style? I like to relate my topic to the interest(s) of the
student(s). I am new to CSHS and hope to develop a blend of demonstrator, facilitator and
delegator.
What is your special talent that no one knows about?
I can bend my thumb to touch my arm. I can also make a water-drop sound with my mouth.
What are your hobbies?
Kayaking, snorkeling, boating, surfing, traveling, bicycling and nature walks.
Lynne Fallica, kindergarten-first grade
Ocean Studies Charter School
Where did you get your degree?
I earned a B.A. in child study at St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue, New York, and master’s degree in reading education at Long Island University, Southampton, New York.
How long have you lived in the Keys?
We have had a house in the Keys for about two years, and recently since June, decided to live here full time.
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is to implement all subject areas in a child centered environment, supporting each child in reaching his or her greatest potential. I believe hands-on learning is key, for the joy of discovering new information.
What is your special talent that no one knows about?
I enjoy dancing with my husband and making holiday pastries.
What are your hobbies?
I like to go boating and finding unique coastal art and treasures in small village shops.
Camryn Bancroft, kindergarten-first grade
Ocean Studies Charter School
Where did you get your degree?
Springfield College.
How long have you lived in the Keys?
Three months.
How would you describe your teaching style?
More student led and focus on building connections with my students to know what will help them succeed.
What is your special talent that no one knows about?
I have a really good memory.
What are your hobbies?
Playing volleyball, hiking, playing with my dog and reading.
Ashley Martin, fourth and fifth grades
Ocean Studies Charter School
Where did you get your degree?
University of Central Florida (UCF)
How long have you lived in the Keys?
3 ½ years.
How would you describe your teaching style?
Energetic, animated and engaging. I strive to motivate and inspire all students to reach their fullest potential.
What is your special talent that no one knows about?
I have a knack for memorizing song lyrics.
What are your hobbies?
Fishing, kayaking & SUP, yoga.
