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Staff

Highlands Staff

Highlands Elementary School Staff

Click on each staff member below to read about them.

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  • Robert Edward Adamowicz, Jr.
    Assistant Principal, Highlands Elementary School

    I am proud to serve as Assistant Principal at Highlands Elementary, where I strive to create a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. With a background in classroom teaching and leadership, I bring experience in school-wide discipline, restorative practices, and curriculum development.

    Previously, I served as Dean of Students at Idyllwilde Elementary and was honored as 2021 Teacher of the Year at South Seminole Middle. I’ve also contributed to school safety initiatives and participated in the Florida Supreme Court Fellowship. I hold a Master’s in Educational Leadership from UCF and am passionate about mentoring students and staff.

    Outside of school, I enjoy traveling with my wife and daughter and cheering on our favorite teams—the UCF Knights, Yankees, Giants, and Magic.

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  • My name is Sandy Simon and I’ve been an elementary educator since 1999. I graduated from Barry University with a BS Degree in Elementary Education and then returned for my Masters in Education. I absolutely love working with students, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family-That’s where I recharge and find inspiration for the week ahead!

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  • My name is Victoria DeQuattro and I teach first-grade at Highlands. My favorite thing about teaching first-grade is watching my students grow and gain confidence throughout the school year. My favorite subject to teach is math, and I enjoy making learning fun and engaging for all students. Outside the classroom, I stay active by playing pickleball, I cherish spending time with my family and friends, and I love to cheer on my favorite sports teams.

  • My name is Lauren Berglund and I am heading into my fifth year of teaching. I taught one year of second grade with Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia and three years of first grade with Highlands Elementary. I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA with a Bachelor of Science degree and soon after I received a Master's of Education degree with Regent University in VA Beach, VA. In the summer of 2022, I moved to Florida with my fiancé and got married in June of 2024! Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling to new places in FL and across the country, and soaking in the HOT Florida sun at Disney World!

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  • My name is Jessica Carlin and I’ve been teaching for 13 years. This will be my 3rd year at Highlands and I am so happy to be a Husky!! I graduated from UCF in 2012. GO KNIGHTS!! I absolutely love being a primary teacher and enjoy being around my students everyday! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time at Disney with my two children and husband!

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  • My name is Rita Laughlin and I’ve been an elementary educator for 25 years, and I have been at Highlands Elementary for 22 of those years. I graduated from UCF with a BS Degree in Elementary Education in 2000. I absolutely love working with third graders, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy going to the beach and spending time with my family-That’s where I recharge and find inspiration for the week ahead!

  • My name is Samantha Perez, I am a third grade teacher at Highlands elementary. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with my BS degree in elementary education, I am reading and ESOL endorsed. My favorite subject to teach is Science, I am passionate about fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. I am committed to helping students develop a love for learning and building strong foundational skills for academic success. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, shopping, and running!

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  • My name is Marci Gould. I was born in Rhode Island, and I'm the proud daughter of a Coast Guard veteran. I grew up near Buffalo, New York where I graduated from from Houghton College with a BS Degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in Psychology. Teaching fifth graders is my jam, and I still enjoy what I do every day! I’m reading and ESOL endorsed, which allows me to support all kinds of learners and help them grow. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, playing the piano, and lounging by the pool with my three canine "kids" and my husband of 23 years. If you put a book in my hands, I'm the happiest girl on the planet! Unless it's football season. Then you'll find me cheering on Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. One of my favorite mantras is borrowed from him, "Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills!"

  • I have been a proud educator at Highlands Elementary for 21 years. I hold both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida, where I developed a strong foundation in education and desire for student success. Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about creating a positive, lively learning environment where every child feels supported, loved, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

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  • I have been an ESE Teacher for 28 years, spending the last 7 of those years at Highlands Elementary. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Special Education from Coker University and my Master's Degree in Special Education from Florida International University. I have endorsements in Autism, Reading, and ESOL, and am always striving to learn the best way to support each of my amazing students. In addition to loving teaching, I also enjoy singing, reading and spending time with my husband and 4 children.

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  • Hi, my name is Danielle Brown. In my 16 years as an educator, I have been privileged to work with students in a variety of settings. I have been a support facilitator in SCPS for 9 years, with the past 2 years being at Highlands. I graduated with degrees in Elementary Education and Political Science. I currently hold certifications in Exceptional Student Education, Elementary Education and endorsements in ESOL and Reading. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family!

  • My name is Antonia Ehrhardt and I’ve been an elementary educator for 13 years. I began my teaching career at Highlands Elementary as an intern and later came back to join the staff. Highlands is the best place to be! I graduated from UCF (Go Knights!) with a BS Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2007. I am Gifted and ESOL endorsed, with certifications in Elementary Education, Exceptional Student Education, and Reading. I have also completed the Certified Instructional Coaching program from the University of Florida. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with my family. 

  • Christina Vaughn
    ESE/Intervention Teacher (407) 746-6677 vaughncp@myscps.us
  • My name is Danielle Almaraz and I’ve been a Speech-Language Pathologist for 8 years. I have been lucky enough to spend all 8 of those years here at Highlands! I graduated from UCF with a masters degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in 2017. I love working with students of all abilities and grade levels. Outside of the classroom, I love going to Disney and sharing my passion for the arts (dance/theater) with others. I recently added the title of "mommy" to my resume with my daughter, Lyla's arrival in March 2025!

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  • My name is Claire Saracen and I am the gifted and talent development teacher here at Highlands. I graduated with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University and earned my Masters degree in Reading Education from UCF. Both my sons attend Highlands and we all love being here at Highlands. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, traveling, and being with my family and friends.

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  • Amanda Munoz
    Duty Assistant
  • My name is Gladys Quiles, and I have been the Manager of Red Apple Dining at Highlands Elementary for the past three years. I have seven years of experience at Red Apple Dining. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. My greatest satisfaction is ensuring that every student who visits our restaurant has the best experience and enjoys our enriching food. Spending time with my son and my family is what I enjoy most!

  • My name is April Alt I have been with Red Apple dining for twenty years. I came to Highlands last year and I am happy I'm here with the elementary kids and this great staff! I was born in Omaha Nebraska. I came to Florida after I graduated and turned 18. I have a grown daughter and two four legged boys. The beach is my happy place, I also enjoy painting and working in the yard.