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Our Team

Ray Polk

directOR
rpolk@NESTED.LIVE

EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts
St. Petersburg Jr. College & St. Leo University
Concentration: Elementary Education

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • 15 years as the Director at Academy at the Farm Dade City, FL
  • Educational Consultant & Account Executive for Pearson Digital Learning
  • Teacher & Technology Specialist for the Pasco County School Board
  • 14 years as Treasurer for Standard Auto Parts Inc. Dade City, FL

Anita Alexander

Director of Academics
aalexander@NESTED.LIVE

Education:

Master of Education
Mansfield University
Concentration: Reading Specialist

Bachelor of Arts
Oklahoma Baptist University
Concentration: Elementary Education & Psychology

Professional Experience:

STEM/STEAM Specialist &
Instructional Design Specialist
Pasco County School District

K-12 ELA Senior Curriculum Specialist & Lead Reading Specialist
Aiken County School District

Certifications:

School Management & Leadership, Elementary Education, Middle Level ELA, Reading Director

Career Highlights:

President of South Carolina Leaders of Literacy
Learning Forward Coaches Academy, Center for Results

Differentiated Assessor & Grader, Staff Development for Educators

Distinguished Reading Teachers, Aiken County School District

Golden Apple Teacher, Northern Tioga School District

Mike Craig

Director of Coaching
mcraig@NESTED.LIVE

Education:

Bachelor of Science
Michigan State University                    Concentration: Construction Management

Professional Experience:

Level 4 USA Hockey Coach 

FL Alliance Coach 2021-2023
Directory of Lacrosse | Shipyard Lacrosse 
Metro Jets Club Hockey | Waterford, MI
Junior B Hockey 

Career Highlights:

Girls Lacrosse #4 in Nationals | US Club Lacrosse

Won a Florida State Championship with Plant High School in Girls Lacrosse. 

Sent Multiple Athletes to DI/DII/DIII programs, including John Hopkins, the University of Colorado, and Rutgers.

Led several youth hockey teams to State tournament championships.

 

Academic Staff

Amanda Price

Certified Teacher

Amanda Price

APRICE@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Arts Florida State University - Concentration: History with a Minor in Geography & Education. Master's Degree University of South Florida - Concentration: Art of Teaching Social Science Education. Specialist's Degree University of West Florida - Concentration: Curriculum & Instruction Assessment.

Professional Experience:
3 years of exp. teaching high school AP & honors
7 years of exp. teaching middle school advanced & on level and 2 years as a STEM Instructional Coach

Career Highlights
4 Time Teacher of the Year Finalist. Presented Professional Development at a National Conference. Being a Teacher Leader. Honored with invitations to former students' weddings.

Jeanmarie Zabilowicz

Certified Teacher

Jeanmarie Zabilowicz

jzabilowicz@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science Georgian Court
University - Concentration: Business Administration Certifications: Elementary Education & Gallup Strengths Coach

Professional Experience:
5+ years of experience in education 25+ years of experience in HR leadership and operations across Fortune 500 organizations

Career Highlights:
Global business experience in India & Poland

Licensed Florida Realtor
Ministry & Volunteer at Oasis Pregnancy Care Center | Land O Lakes

Kelsey Lien

Certified Teacher

Kelsey Lien

klien@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Arts University of Southern
Florida - Concentration: Criminology. Juris Doctorate Ave Maria School of Law - Concentration: Law

Professional Experience:
English & Law Studies Teacher | Tampa Catholic High School
English Middle & High School Teacher | Hillsborough County Public Schools

Career Highlights
Teacher Certifications: English 6-12
Reading Endorsed

Ashley Cantwell

Certified Teacher

Ashley Cantwell

acantwell@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science Minor in Math, University of South Florida - Concentration: Early
Childhood Education

Professional Experience:
19+ years of exp. teaching Social Studies, Math, Science, and Exceptional Student Education.

Career Highlights:
Social Studies Department Head
Field Trip Coordinator
Conversational English, China
NASA In-Flight STEM ISS call with Astronaut Nicole Ayers

Jessica Vidal

Certified Teacher

Jessica Vidal

jvidal@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
University of South Florida Bachelor of Arts - Concentration: Humanities

Professional Experience:
Student Services | Hillsborough College & Pasco-Hernando State College
Math Teacher | Pasco County Schools
Substitute | Land O' Lakes Christian School
Church Secretary | First Baptist Church of Land O' Lakes

Career Highlights:
Certification in Humanities & Math
School class sponsor for 2 years
Assisted church ministries: Bible Club, Ladies Committee, Vacation Bible School Committee, AWANA, Adult Bible Studies, and event planning Graphic designer

Leah Baacke

Certified Teacher

Leah Baacke

lbaacke@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Master of Science Florida State University - Concentration: Library Info Studies. Master of Arts Belmont University - Concentration: English. Bachelor of Science Florida State University Concentration: Communications.

Professional Experience:
Virtual ESL Instructor
VIP Kid Youth Services Librarian
Pasco County Library Cooperative Adjunct English Instructor | Pasco Hernando State College

Career Highlights: English (6-12) and Educational Media Specialist (K-12). Certifications: Fundamentals of Collection Development and Management Certificate (ALCTS). Over 1,600 ESL classes taught to 300+ Chinese students. Experience planning library programs, special events, and fundraisers.

Connie Stone

Academic Coach

Connie Stone

CSTONE@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science West Virginia University Morgantown - Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology. Master of Science
University of South Florida - Concentration: Speech-Language Pathology

Professional Experience:
Speech-Language Pathologist & Guidance / Exceptional Student Education Services Coordinator. Administrative Support & Elementary Teacher | Pasco County Schools Kardia Christian Academy | Houston, Texas

Career Highlights:
Florida Department of Health Licensed Speech-Language Pathology. American Speech-Language & Hearing. Certificate of Clinical Competency. School Advisory Committee. Secretary Parent-Teacher Committee.
President 4H Club Program Leader

Justin Zabilowicz

Instructional Assistant

Justin Zabilowicz

jjzabilowicz@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Education

Professional Experience:
Student Ambassador | Beacon College
Canoeing Instruction & Counselor | Maple Ranch
Former rescue climber
Former lifeguard

Career Highlights:
Induction into the American Christian Honor Society. Numerous competitive speech awards, 1st place at the state level for an original persuasive oratory, extemporaneous speaking, humorous interpretation of literature, and competition choir.

Melisa Elwin

Instructional Assistant

Melisa Elwin

melwin@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Law Enforcement Certification |
Pasco Hernando State College

Professional Career:
3 years of experience as an Instructional Assistant | Jacksboro Elementary School Knoxville, TN

Career Highlights:
Law Enforcement Academy Class President

Suzette Richie

Certified Teacher

Suzette Richie

srichie@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Master's Degree Graceland University - Concentration: Integrating Technology. Bachelor's of Education Indiana University.

Professional Experience:
12+ years exp teaching middle and high school mathematics | Indiana and Florida Schools
2 year college professor | Ancilla College, Indiana

Career Highlights:
FCA Leader
Academic Team Coach
National Honors Society Leader
ACSI Certification

Zachary Dietz

Campus Minister & Instructional Assistant

Zachary Dietz

zdietz@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Arts Charleston Southern
University - Concentrations: Christian Studies
& Communication.

Professional Career:
3 Years as a Youth Director and Ministry Intern

Career Highlights:
Began involvement in church ministry in 2023, and am excited to begin working as an Instructional Assistant and helping with coaching.

Hockey Staff

Brandon Fehd

Hockey Coach

Brandon Fehd

bfehd@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor's Degree Northland College Concentration: Business Management & Sustainable Entrepreneurship. Minor: Liberal Arts
NASM Certified Personal Trainer & Nutritionist. Currently studying for his CSCS

Professional Experience:
15 years exp. as a skills & power skating coach
U16 Northstar Assistant Coach

Career Highlights:
8 years playing in the ECHL
Played in Allsvenskan, Sweden

Brendon Ramsay

Goalie Coach

Brendon Ramsay

bramsay@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelors of Arts, University of South Florida
Concentration: English, Creative Writing

Professional Experience:
13+ years of experience teaching 6th Grade Reading & Language | Williams Middle Magnet I.B., Walker Middle Magnet I.B
AVID Certification
Middle school competitive sports coach:
Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Co-ed Track & Field, Boys Flag Football
Irish 31 Teacher of the Year FInalist

Career Highlights:
2 years Buffalo State College Div. III SUNYAC
2 years University of South Florida Hockey Club Div. III ACHA

Brent Barber

Hockey Coach

Brent Barber

bbarber@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Level 4 USA Hockey Coach

Professional Experience:

Skills & Player Development Trainer:
Amateur through Pro Player Levels.

Career Highlights:
Played for the Tampa Bay Juniors
Played for the Islanders Hockey Club in MA
Played at Farmington State

Cam O'Brien

Hockey Coach

Cam O'Brien

cbrien@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Level 1 USA Hockey Coach

Professional Experience:
Lead Coach | Minny Beauts Edina, MN
16U Head Coach | Bloomington, MN
FMC Ice Volunteer & Youth Skating Instructor Worcester, MA

Career Highlights:
Yükseliş SK,Turkey | Turkish Super League
TJ Orli Lanškroun, Czech Krajská Liga
Summit City Distillers – APHL

Lucas DeBenedet

Hockey Coach

Lucas DeBenedet

ldebenedet@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science Northland College
Double Minor in Chemistry and Psychology

Professional Experience:
4 years collegiate hockey experience
2 years professional hockey
experience | France & United States
3 years coaching experience youth hockey, MN
3+ years private hockey instructor, specializing in stickhandling and shooting

Career Highlights:
2023 Minor Professional Hockey Champion — Danbury Hat Tricks

Jack Billings

Nutrition | Strength & Conditioning Coach

Jack Billings

jbillings@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science Niagara University.
Masters of Business Administration Niagara University

Level 2 USA Hockey Coach

Career Highlights:
Played in the ECHL & Europe (EIHL)
NCAA All American
NCAA All Academic
Atlantic Hockey Association
All-Conference Team NCAA D1 Asst. Captain
ECHL Asst. Captain

Michael Hill

Hockey Coach

Michael Hill

mhill@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management - Concentration Human Resources | St. Norbert College

Level 4 USA Hockey Coach

Professional Experience:
10+ years coaching junior hockey across NA3HL, NAHL, and USHL
Head Coach/GM | Texas Brahmas
Strength Coach | Lone Star Brahmas
Assistant Coach | Aberdeen Wings, Fargo Force
Associate Head Coach | Shreveport, Mudbugs
Head Coach | Amarillo Wranglers

Career Highlights:
2014 NCAA National Champion | NCAA All-American | 2X NCAA All-Conference |
2X Robertson Cup National
Champion Coach (2017, 2019)

Kristina McAuley

Power Skating & Efficiency Coach

Kristina McAuley

kmcauley@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelors of Science Florida Gulf Coast University - Concentration: Exercise Science.

Professional Experience:
Former professional figure skater.
13+ years of elite skating instruction, ranging from beginners to NHL & Professional players.
8 years exp. coaching youth hockey.
Current 2010 Alliance Assistant Coach

Career Highlights:
Coached 07 Florida Alliance 2022-2024 | State Champion 2x, District Champions 1x, National Competitor Plant High School | 2022 State Champions National Competitor 07 Bulls | 2020-2022 State Champions, Number 1 in the Nation 2021-2022 National Competitor Philadelphia Independence 2019-2020 Scorpions Hockey Club 2017-2019 U12AA, U16AA | State Champions National Competitors FL Everblades U14 2016-2017

Pat McAuley

Hockey Coach

Pat McAuley

pmcauley@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Arts University of Connecticut - Concentration: History. Master's Degree Hofstra University - Concentration: Secondary Education.

Career Highlights:
NCAA D1 | University of Connecticut 2008-2010
USHL-Lincoln Stars 2006-2007
AJHL-New Jersey Rockets 2005-2008
4x SAHOF State Champions
2x Southeast District Champions
1x Southeast District Finalists

Spencer Barlow

Hockey Coach

Spencer Barlow

sbarlow@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelors in Science Maryville University
Concentration: Sports Management

Professional Experience:
20+ years of hockey experience junior, collegiate, and minor/semi-pro hockey in Canada, the U.S., and Sweden.
Coaching experience with Airdrie Minor Hockey | Fernie Fury Academy | Blues AAA | St. Louis Sting AA | Jr. Canes AAA.
Community Relations & Youth Hockey Development — St. Louis Blues & Carolina Hurricanes

Career Highlights:
Collegiate hockey — Maryville University
Minor/semi-pro hockey — Sweden
Head Coach — Jr. Canes 2012 AAA
Assistant Coach — Jr. Canes 2011 AAA
U18 AAA Coach — Fernie Fury Academy

Zach Remers

Hockey Coach

Zach Remers

zremers@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Level 2 USA Hockey Coach

Professional Experience:
Skills & Player Development Trainer:
Amateur through Pro Player Levels

Career Highlights:
Played Junior Hockey NAHL
Played Collegiate Hockey at Buffalo State
Played 2 Years Professional Hockey in the
ECHL & SPHL

support staff

Cindy Zasucha

Administrative Assistant

cindy zasucha

czasucha@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Executive Assistant Certification
Program | Bryant & Straton Business Institute

Professional Experience:
Legal Secretary
Non-Profit Administrative Assistant
Corporate Executive Administrative Assistant
School Finance Secretary

Career Highlights:
Successfully organized a yearly non-profit organization's annual silent auction fundraiser, achieving fundraising goals.
10+ years Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer

Heather Bailey

Student & Client Services

Heather Bailey

hbailey@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Science Law and Justice College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ

Professional Experience:
20+ years of law enforcement experience
Police Sergeant, Borough of Lincoln Park, NJ Sheriff’s Officer, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Pension Benefits Analyst – Manager, MetLife

Career Highlights:
DARE officer, educator, and mentor.
Field training recruit officer.
Extensive experience in leadership, conflict management, emergency response, investigations, and community relations. Developed law enforcement SOPs in accordance with national accreditation standards.
Earned Series 7 Certification in pension and financial services.

Jonathan Castillo

IT & Worship Leader

Jonathan Castillo

jcastillo@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelors of Science University of West Florida- Concentration: Computer Information Systems Master of Business Administration Tulane University | Certificate in Management

Professional Experience:
10+ years of experience as IT Director, Cybersecurity Specialist, Software Testing Engineer, IT Trainer/Technician, and Operations Manager

Career Highlights:
20+ years of leadership and technology experience specializing in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, systems management, and technical operations.

Facility Staff

Nick Dubaj

Rink Manager

Nick Dubaj

ndubaj@NESTED.LIVE

Education:
Bachelor of Arts St. Leo University - Concentration: Sports Business.

Professional Career:
Nest Hockey Rink Manager 2022-present

Coaching Highlights:
Dean's List at St. Leo University
Assistant Captain, St. Leo's
Men's Club Hockey Team

Kevin Bonollo

Ice Maintenance

Kevin Bonollo

Education:
University of Tampa

Professional Career:
College Baseball Player
Retried Cop | Boston, MA