Directors and Faculty
Kathy Swenson
Founder/ Director of Fundraising
Kathy started Sydney's School so her daughter, Sydney would have a place to learn and grow with her peers while receiving therapeutic suuport (ABA, Speech, OT). She is the director of fundraising and her passion continues to drive the heart of the school. If you an idea for an event please email her at autisitcangels@yahoo.com.
Jennifer Rava-Wooten, M.S., BCBA
Director of Applied Behavior Analysis
Mrs. Rava-Wooten began working as Sydney's ABA therapist in 2001 and is proud to have been the first inclusion specialist with Sydney at Great Beginnings Pre-School in 2002. Mrs. Rava-Wooten is honored to continue to support and assist Kathy in her mission for Sydney's School.
Mrs. R-Wooten has been working with children and adults diagnosed with autism, developmental disabilities, and other mental health disorders that require behavioral interventions since 1998. Mrs. R-Wooten has extensive experience working in family homes, schools and residential settings. Her experience lies in developing, implementing and monitoring verbal behavior programs, behavior reduction programs, skill acquisition programs and training caregivers. Mrs. R-Wooten holds a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Florida State University. While at Florida State, Mrs. R-Wooten continued her professional development, working with children and adolescents in the public school setting and family homes. Prior to the completion of her Master's degree, Mrs. R-Wooten attended the University of South Florida where she obtained a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a Specialty in Applied Behavior Analysis. Mrs. R-Wooten has presented at both the state and national Behavior Analysis conferences and continues to actively participate. In addition, she has attended numerous workshops given by leading professionals in the field. Mrs. R-Wooten is the president of Advanced Behavioral Systems. Click here to visit the ABS website.
Anita Sanchez-Maurer
Sydney's School Pre-School Director
Mrs. Maurer has a bachelor's degree in psychology with 34 years working in and managing schools with a focus on Early Childhood, as well as 10 years of experience working with children with developmental delays. She has Directors Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services, which makes her highly trained to help teachers in pre-schools to work with children that have developmental delays, administer developmental assessments and make recommendations for services. Mrs. Maurer has special interest and training in autism, sensory integration and learning disabilities. By Anita taking Sydney and Kathy into her existing school, Great Beginnings the creating of Sydney's School was made a reality for the children in the Tampa Bay area.
Zanedia Baez
Pre-School Classroom Teacher
Mrs. Baez has been teaching for 24 years. She has her bachelor's degree in special education and also holds a child development degree. Mrs. Baez has a passion for working with children and supporting children with ASD in an active inclusion classroom.
Mary Cole
Pre-School Classroom Teacher
Mrs. Cole has been teaching pre-school since 2005 and holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She has her Director's Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services and is currently pursuing her B.S. in Early Elementary Education. Mrs. Cole brings to Sydney's School a love for science and applying hands on experiments in the classroom. She feels that creating life cycle habitats in the classroom will help children discover the world in which they live. In addition, Mrs. Cole loves arts & crafts and has a passion for supporting children with ASD in an inclusive classroom.
Katelyn Johnson
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Ms. Johnson has her degree in psychology with a minor in education. She spent two years in the classroom, teaching children with ASD prior to joining the Sydney's School team. Ms. Johnson is currently enrolled in the Masters Applied Behavior Analysis program at the Florida Instuite of Techology.
Marcia Massey
Pre-School Classroom Teacher
Ms. Massey has been teaching pre-school since 2005 and holds a certificate in Early Childhood Education. She also has her Directors Credentials with the Florida Department of Children and Families Child Care Services. Ms. Massey has been with Sydney's School since its inception and continues to uphold the values and goals it stands for. Ms. Massey brings to Sydney's School a love for music and teaching social skills. Ms. Massey shares with us her passion for supporting children with ASD in an inclusive classroom.
Debra Gamble
Inclusion Specialist
Mrs. Gamble joined the Sydney's School staff fall of 2011. She has been working in the eary childhood field since 1994. We are very excited to have Debbie share her years of experience with the children here at Sydney's School.
Jillian Krautheim
Inclusion Specialist
Ms. Krautheim is attending USF and completing her degree in psychology. She is looking forward to working with all the children at Sydney's School.
Hannah Newhall
Inclusion Specialist
Hannah has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Florida. She has worked with ABS in homes and in the school environment with children on the spectrum.
Renee Daum
Administrative Assistant
Renee received her Bachelor of Media Arts from the University of South Carolina. After many years working in Advertising, Promotions and Special Events she is excited to be in the field of Education. Her passion is to help others and build lasting relationships.
