For over 12 years, families from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties had been making the daily drive to the Pinnacle Academy located in Lakewood Ranch. The Academy provides a highly specialized, alternative education for students who have been diagnosed with a variety of developmental conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Language Impairment, Auditory Processing Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, and other learning differences. In August 2012, the Pinnacle Academy opened its doors in South Tampa, piloting a program to meet the needs of the Tampa Bay community. In 2018, Tampa Pinnacle Academy established itself by moving to its current location on Davis Islands. The new school allowed for the Academy to expand its landmark program and customize an education to meet the needs of exceptional students. The program is particularly known for offering a blended therapy approach to education and treatment. The interdisciplinary team model offers a combination of proven methods of instruction and lends to the success of students who are affected by more than one diagnosis. Challenged areas of learning, sensory integration, executive functioning, social development, and social communication are all incorporated into the daily curriculum.

The Pinnacle Academy is dedicated to understanding and educating students who have learning differences. In our small classes, their learning differences are accepted and individually supported. However, it is their strengths, interests, and talents that are at the forefront of a Pinnacle education. We are opportunity-makers.

Our Mission
• To empower students with language and learning differences to become independent and successful learners
• To provide a unique and incomparable education that delivers a blended model of multi-sensory, brain-based, and project-based learning approaches that supports the theory of multiple intelligences in learning
• To provide a model program of excellence in the field of alternative, exceptional education and best-practice methods in teaching

Our Philosophy
The Pinnacle Academy was started in 2001 with a clear vision of a private school that could offer an outstanding, special education in a structured, yet nurturing atmosphere. Years later, the school offers a private education to over 100 students and continues to grow and change with each passing year. Today, Pinnacle Academy provides its students with the instruction, inspiration and opportunity to learn and achieve at their highest potential. The school is unique among programs of exceptional education in that it offers a blended approach to teaching and thus, is able to adapt to the unique needs of its diverse learners. We are committed to teaching and treating exceptionalities through research-based, best-practice methods. We continually assess our program and make enhancements to reach our student’s goals and to ensure that our program offers an eclectic approach to learning. We are blessed with teachers who go above and beyond by giving a great deal of personal attention to every one of their students. We are proud of our students and celebrate their individual strengths, talents, and interests which will guide them to succeed at a higher level of academic and personal accomplishment. We believe that a student should look forward to coming to school every day. We also believe that parents should feel a sense of “family” throughout our school’s campus.

Above all, we believe we’ve created an educational institution where students feel confident and motivated to learn, where they are understood and empowered, and where parents are taught to turn obstacles into opportunities. We hope that you will come and visit us.

Marissa Guagliardo Sander, Director

Marissa is the Director and Owner of Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has over fifteen years of experience in the field of Child Development. Marissa studied Communication Sciences and Disorders in her undergraduate program. She is a licensed Speech Language Pathology Assistant. Marissa attained her Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis and is currently pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Education. Marissa is a certified instructor in Orton Gillingham through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. Marissa combines her background in speech and language with behavior management techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in her students and clients. After more than five years studying under Dr. Ordetx as the Program Director for the Pinnacle Academy’s South Tampa pilot program, Marissa established Tampa Pinnacle Academy in 2018.

Dave DeVore, Middle School Mathematics Teacher

Dave DeVore is excited to be starting his first year at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. Dave is a graduate of Boston College with a B.A. in mathematics with a computer science concentration. He is also one class away from completing his Masters degree and is also trained in Orton Gillingham. Before teaching, Mr. DeVore worked in software design where he started his own software design company for the telecommunication industry. Dave has five years of teaching experience, three in Special Education, where he taught all subjects. He also tutored students in math and science. Dave promotes growth mindset encouraging students to succeed beyond their expectation by believing in them and helping them realize their potential through dedication and hard work

Cortni Baker, Elementary Teacher

Ms. Cortni is an experienced educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. As a certified instructor in Orton Gillingham, Cortni specializes in structured literacy instruction, supporting students with diverse learning needs. She believes that every child is capable of learning when equipped with the right tools and resources. Cortni is passionate about making education fun, engaging, and exciting, inspiring her students to reach their full potential. Her approach emphasizes a positive and supportive learning environment, where challenges are met with creativity and enthusiasm.

Jaki Scomillio, Elementary Teacher

Ms. Jaki holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The State University of New York at New Paltz. She began her career in the mental health field in 2016. I was born and raised in New York and relocated to Florida in 2021 to pursue my passion for teaching. I am now in my third year of teaching and remain inspired by my mother, who devoted 25 years to elementary education. I am always committed to fostering the growth and development of my students and am so excited to be teaching at TPA.

Kris Giesen-Tyler, Elementary Teacher

Kris G-Tyler has over 20 years of educational experience. Kris holds a BA in Literature and Creative Writing, a 5-12 license from Bethel University, an MA in Curriculum Instruction, and Design from Walden, and several graduate credits in further educational instruction from MSUM. Kris is a certified instructor in Orton Gillingham though the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education. Kris has taught in pull-out elementary programs, on a Native American Reservation, and in traditional schools. Kris embraces the attitude that learning should be both fun and accessible for everyone. She is excited to help students accomplish their goals and for them to be proud of their successes.

Jessica Deutsch, Assistant Director and Support Services Coordinator

Ms. Jessica is beginning her first year as an elementary teacher at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has over 8 years experience in the field of Special Education. Ms. Jessica recently relocated from Long Island, New York. She graduated with her bachelors from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where she was also a DII women's lacrosse player. Ms. Jesica went on to receive her Masters in Special Education from St. Joseph's College on Long Island. She is also professionally trained in the Orton Gillingham curriculum. Ms. Jessica believes strongly in applying research-based principles to identify the unique needs of students. She believes that everyone has the ability to learn with the proper tools. This school year your child will learn the tools they need to be a successful student. Ms. Jessica is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming learning environment that fosters a positive learning experience. She values the importance of independence and strives to help students become the best version of themselves.

Raurie Laliberte, Aftercare Teacher

Ms. Raurie is an Aftercare Teacher at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. She has gained valuable experience through roles as a Substitute Teacher and Special Education Teaching Assistant. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at the University of Tampa, Raurie plans to continue her studies in graduate school, focusing on school psychology to support students' academic and emotional development.

Peach Johnson, Elementary Teacher

Ms. Peach Johnson has been dedicated to nurturing young minds since earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Miami University in 2016. She began her career in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where she inspired and guided third graders for six rewarding years. In 2020, she expanded her expertise by obtaining a Master’s in Education and a degree in Exceptional Student Education. Relocating to the Tampa area in 2022, Ms. Peach served as an academic and behavioral interventionist for two years before joining the esteemed team at Tampa Pinnacle Academy. Her passion lies in empowering students to reach their full potential while highlighting their unique strengths and abilities. She thrives on witnessing students flourish when provided with the right tools for success.

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