Maria Ginés
Preschool Director and Word of God Teacher
About: Miss Ginés grew up in sunny Merritt Island, Florida. She has been passionate about early childhood education since before her collegiate days and loves sharing her knowledge with others, whether as a teacher in the classroom or out in the community. Miss Ginés enjoys music, playing her violin professionally in orchestras and small chamber ensembles in Florida, reading, writing, dancing, performing professionally with Irish dance and fiddle playing, history, traveling, cooking, and snuggling her Chihuahua, Bella Grace.
Educational Background: Music Education degree from Florida Southern College. Early Childhood Degree and Master’s of Educational Instruction with emphasis in early childhood from Martin Luther College. She has over a decade of experience in being a director and teaching in the classroom from preschool age up to collegiate education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in early childhood education.
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RSA STAFF
Ashlyn Fulmer
Lead Teacher - Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK)
About: Mrs. Fulmer has lived in the Bradenton/Sarasota area since 5th grade (except for college). She has been married to her husband, James, for 5 years. They have two children, Beckham and Bella, and a pug, Yoda. A few of Mrs. Fulmer's hobbies include: reading, cooking, and teaching swim lessons. She loves to spend time outdoors with her family--at the park, pool, beach, and on the boat! God led her to Risen Savior Academy after taking time off from the school district to care for her little ones. Not only is Mrs. Fulmer able to continue the career she loves, but she is able to do so through hands-on learning and play!
Educational Background: Masters of Education and Early Childhood Education from University of Florida. Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from University of Florida. This is Mrs. Fulmer's ninth year in the classroom.
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Erica Ward
VPK Teaching Assistant
About: Mrs. Ward was born and raised here in Florida and has never left the sunshine. She attended the University of Florida for her undergraduate degree and Florida State University for graduate school. Her and her husband, Tyler, have two daughters, Lily (6) and Lana (4). Her favorite things to do are read and make fun crafts! She can’t say no to a game of charades or a cup of coffee and always thinks laughter is the best medicine. Her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11. She knows God has a wonderful plan for each of your children and she’s excited to be a part of it.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Elementary Education from University of Florida. Master of Science in Management-Risk Management/Insurance (MSM-RMI) from Florida State University.
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Kelsie Rateni
Lead Teacher - 3 Year-Old Classroom
About: Mrs. Rateni is originally from the suburbs of Chicago. She met her husband, Rob, while attending Elmhurst College in Illinois. Her husband is originally from Sarasota, where she moved after graduation. They currently reside in Parrish with their two children, Damon (5) and Rae (4) and their forever puppy, Ava (10). As a family, they love to spend time outside going to the pool and playground, going for bike rides, and doing yard work. Aside from teaching, Mrs. Rateni loves interior design and finds joy in design, décor and DIY projects. From the time she attended elementary school she always envisioned being an elementary education teacher and having her own classroom. Since having her two kids, early childhood education has become really important to her.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Elmhurst College. Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Chicago.
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Kerry Stava
Teaching Assistant - 3 Year-Old Classroom
About: Mrs. Stava is from England met her husband working on cruise ships around the world. They have lived in Lakewood Ranch since 2008 and have two children--Harper and Kai. As a family, they love the outdoors and traveling overseas. They are often found hanging out together at the pool or a waterpark. Outside of teaching, Mrs. Stava has a love for photography. She is often out creating memories for other families each weekend on the beach.
Mrs. Stava believes early learning is so important for children, and she loves watching the children learn and grow everyday.
Educational Background: National Vocational Qualification 2 and 3, Exeter College, United Kingdom.
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Diane Chiaravalloti
Lead Teacher - 2-Year Old Classroom
About: Mrs. Chiaravalloti was born in Florida, but grew up in Connecticut with her mom, dad, and three sisters. Now she has a wonderful husband and three children of her own. She and her family love everything about the outdoors. They love to cook, bake, create new recipes and spend time together.
Mrs. Chiaravalloti is here at Risen Savior to love the children the way God loves her. She believes that having the opportunity to help them grow with God’s plans for them is an amazing experience and an honor.
Educational Background: Teaching Certificate, State of Florida
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Cathy Yerks
Teaching Assistant - 2-Year Old Classroom
About: Mrs. Yerks was born and raised in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has three siblings, one brother and two sisters. She met her husband in college at Dr. Martin Luther College, in New Ulm, Minn. They have three children: Breanna, Chelsea and McKenzie. They are expecting their first grandchild in early November. Mrs. Yerks has a Great Dane named Addie, she is almost seven years old. She loves reading and taking Addie on walks.
Educational Background: Bachelor of Science in Education from Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minn. She has taught 4K, Kindergarten, and a multigrade classroom consisting of grades 1-4 during her teaching career.
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Jodi Batsch
Elementary School Administrator
About: Mrs. Batsch grew up in northwestern Pennsylvania. She moved from Virginia Beach to Northern Virginia, to Tucson, Arizona, then settled in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. She and her husband have two boys and a dog--AJ, Eason, and Gunner. She enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and volunteering at her kids' school. Mrs. Batsch was an accountant for start-up businesses and corporations, worked in public service, and then became a stay-at-home mom. She is currently learning more about how business and ministry combine to assist in enhancing operations at Risen Savior Academy.
Educational Background: Bachelors from George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Certified Public Accountant in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Caleb Free
Pastor
About: Pastor Free was born in Ohio, and grew up in Wisconsin. Pastor Free and his wife, Kristin, have 3 children: Clay (8), Aaron (5), and JoJo (3)—Aaron and JoJo attend RSA! They enjoy spending time as a family swimming, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. Pastor Free has served at Risen Savior as the Pastor since 2016, and loves sharing the good news of Jesus with our church and school families!
Educational Background: Graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Martin Luther College in 2009, and a Masters of Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2013.
OFFICE STAFF
Cindy Shwaga
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Sharry Lueck
Lisa Hahn
