Center: Ms. Hoffman
Left to Right: Mrs. Barcelona, Mrs. McCool, Mrs. Kirkwood, Mrs. Daubney, Mrs. Heyman, Mrs. Costin
Our teachers
In our quest to provide an accelerated and enriched program for our gifted students, the Puma teachers strive to create a positive, nurturing, yet challenging environment to foster successful lifelong learners, innovators, and leaders in a self-contained environment. Each of our teachers has an Endorsement in Gifted Education from the state of Florida.
Ms. Hoffman 3rd Grade STEM
Ms. Hoffman was born and raised in Ohio. She graduated from Marietta College and then moved to Florida to be a teacher. She enjoys spending time with her children at the pool and going to Disney.
Mrs. Barcelona 4th Grade STEM
Mrs. Barcelona is a native to Florida and a graduate of the University of South Florida. Go Bulls!! During her free time, she enjoys traveling, boating, and competing in local Florida waters for the biggest fish and the most scallops with her family!
Mrs. Heyman 3rd Grade Humanities
Mrs. Heyman was born and raised in Florida. She graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. When she is not at school, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, going to Disney and relaxing at the beach.
Mrs. Kirkwood 4th Grade Humanities
Mrs. Kirkwood is a graduate of the University of Oregon where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Business. She earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She loves to travel, read, visit amusement parks, swim and watch movies with her family.
Mrs. Costin 5th Grade Humanities
Mrs. Costin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She loves to spend time at soccer tournaments and dance competitions for her children. She is an avid runner and enjoys supporting Tampa Buccaneers, Lightning, and US Men’s and Women’s soccer teams.
Mrs. McCool 5th Grade STEM
Mrs. McCool earned a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania is in Elementary Education, and a master’s degree from The University of Pittsburgh in Educational Leadership. She loves to travel, golf, read, watch musicals and sports, and spend time with her family.
Mrs. Daubney-Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Daubney earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Westfield State College in MA. She has been working with children her entire career. She enjoys spending time with her family and the Pumas.
