Kindergarten-Becky Hall

I am proud to say I have been a part of McIntosh Area School since it opened in 2003. I received my Elementary Education degree at the University of South Florida and have been here ever since. It has been exciting seeing the school's progress and meeting all the wonderful families. When I'm not teaching, I like to scrapbook, fish, run 5k races, go to Gator games, and many other hobbies. I live with my husband Dale and my beagle Dunkin.

First Grade-Chelsie Hughes

This is my first year teaching at McIntosh Area School and I am so excited to be here!  I have looked forward to becoming a teacher for a very long time and I am so thankful to see my career coming together. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and have recently completed the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) program at Hillsborough Community College. I was born and raised in Tampa as a true “city girl” and I have recently moved to Hawthorne which has been a complete change of life for me. I tell people that I’ve traded in shopping and Starbucks for tractors and deer but I absolutely love it! I’m really close with my family in Tampa and am counting on them visiting me frequently. Some of my hobbies include rollerblading, playing golf, scrapbooking, and cooking.

Second Grade-Maureen Markson

A little bit about me…. Ms. Maureen Markson (Ms. M). I am very pleased and proud to be a teacher at McIntosh Area School. This is my 15th year teaching and my third year at this special school. I have taught in England, Canada, and California. My first year at McIntosh involved teaching 1st grade, and for the last two years, 2nd grade. I have a B.A. Honors Degree from the University of Toronto, Canada, with 3 majors in English, Sociology, and Religious Studies. I also have 2 Post-graduate Degrees in Education from University of Surrey, London, England, and have completed the PYP Level 1 training. Some of my interests include traveling, reading, and swimming. I believe that every child deserves the very best education and I strive to teach according to each and every child’s individual learning style and needs.

Third Grade- Belinda Hensley

I have been working at McIntosh Area School in some capacity since the school opened. This is my third year of teaching the third grade. I am really excited about teaching the PYP units of inquiry. I graduated with honors from Saint Leo University. I am a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society in Education. I have my English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement and will soon be reading endorsed as well. I completed the PYP level 1- training. I have lived in McIntosh for approximately twenty years. I am married with two grown sons, a daughter-in-law, and Tuffy, my very spoiled dog. Some of my interests include reading, flying kites, and walking the beach. I believe that learning is a lifelong process and intend to continue my education as well as focus on educating children.

Fourth Grade-Andrea Arnow

This is my first year teaching 4th Grade at McIntosh Area School.  I graduated from UW-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin with a B. A. in English and teacher certification K-8.  I completed my Master's Degree in Special Education at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.   I recently completed my PYP Level I training and I'm looking forward to implementing the Units of Inquiry in my classroom.  I'm married and have two children.  Since we live on a ranch, we have horses, cattle, dogs and cats.  I'm looking forward to an exciting year at McIntosh Area School

Fifth Grade-Jessica Houchens

I am a true Florida Gator! I was born and raised in Gainesville, FL and graduated from the University of Florida with a Masters of Elementary Education.  Along with teaching, I enjoy traveling, reading, beaches, and spending time with loved ones.  I am truly excited and honored to be part of such a unique school!

Reading and Writing Coach-Tami French

Tami French is a recent graduate of the Reading Education master’s program at the University of Florida where she also received an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement.  She received a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from UF as well.  She worked at Einstein Montessori School in Gainesville as a speech therapy classroom aide and received training in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing Program, which is a multi-sensory intervention program designed to enhance student ability in reading, writing, and spelling.  She currently resides in Gainesville with her husband and her cat, Tito.

ESE Teacher - Jennifer Croom-Ferrara

Jennifer Croom-Ferrara grew up in this area and has been working at the McIntosh Area School since 2004. I attended Florida State University, Saint Leo University, and NOVA Southeastern University. My undergraduate degree is  a B.A. in Psychology/ Sociology and have complete graduate coursework in Mental Health counseling.  I am a graduate of the Educator Preparation Institute and hold a professional teaching certificate in PreK- Primary and Exceptional Student Education (K-12).  At MAS, I have taught both first and second grades and ESE.  

Last year, I served as the Coordinator for Guidance, ESE, ESOL, and Section 504 and provided direct instruction to learners.  I am pleased to have implemented the Response to Intervention program K-5 at MAS. In the summer of 2009, I began serving as the school’s interim principal and look forward to returning to my other administrative duties.  I live with my amazing husband Raymond, fabulous two children, and several mediocre pets.  I

enjoy camping and love to kayak the FL springs. 

"Coach" Michael Scott

I've been working at McIntosh Area School in the same capacity as Coach since October of 2008.  Graduated with Honors from the College of Human Performance at the University Of Florida (1980).  Awarded Master Teacher, one of only 2000 Teachers in the State of Florida (1985).  Four years on the Governors Council of Physical Fitness and Sports (1990-94).  Past President of Alachua County Physical Education Association.  In 1995 started the Family Fitness Festival that Publix still does today.  Current Vice President of the Marion County Physical Education Association.