Staff & Students

Education:  Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a minor in Exceptional Student Education

Distinguishing Accomplishments:  Ms. Delaina Anderson was on the President’s list at PBAU and in the Honor’s program. She did multiple internships for the public school and private school. Ms. Anderson was an academic tutor in the public schools. Ms. Anderson is ACSI certified for private schools. Ms. Anderson is reading and ESOL endorsed. 

Ms. Anderson is eager to work with young minds while being creative and effective. She is currently working on receiving her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion from Florida Atlantic University.

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Dani has been involved in sports and exercise ever since she learned how to walk. An athlete by heart, she played Handball all thru her school years. She is currently involved in water sports and really enjoys coaching swimming. She became passionate about a healthy lifestyle after the birth of her oldest daughter, focusing on whole foods, nutritional and balanced eating habits that she continually works on passing on to her children and her students.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from St. Cloud University; Graduate work completed at St. Mary’s University and University of Minnesota

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Boufford was a high school algebra I, geometry, and pre-calculus teacher at the high school he graduated from. Mr. Boufford has a great amount of experience at different schools teaching mathematics. He also assists in SAT and ACT preparation. John Boufford was also a head football coach at The Blake School in Minneapolis. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts from Florida International University and did graduate work at Florida Atlantic University. 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Larry taught math from 6th grade to AP Calculus and science from 6th grade to Physics and AP Chemistry.  He has taught in Kenya, South Korea, Belgium and Quantico in Virginia. He first worked at the Batt Learning Center between 1989 and 1993.

Education: State of Michigan (Bachelor of Science); Western Michigan University; Eastern Michigan University (Master’s Degree); Guidance and Counseling; Michigan Residential Builder’s License; Michigan Real Estate License

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Dan is from Detroit, Michigan.  He lives in Jupiter and is married, with 6 children and 11 grandchildren.

Education: Bachelor of Science and Professional Pharmacy Diploma, Columbia University, N.Y. Master of Science in science education, St. John’s University, N.Y. P.D. in Administration and Teaching, St. John’s University, N.Y

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Dan Doran has taught chemistry, biology, physics, pharmacology, ecology, and physiology. His resume also includes adjunct instructor of chemistry at Boricqua College in NY. Instructor of pharmacology and pharmacy practice at Keiser University. Instructor of light and optics at Manhattan Eye and Ear Hospital. Mr. Doran was also chairman of the Math and Science department at New York’s prestigious High School of Art and Design. He has been an instructor at the Batt School for over 15 years.

Education: Her teaching career as a music specialist began with London University’s Bachelor of Music degree, and Teaching Diplomas from Leeds University and Trinity College of Music, London. 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Marcelle grew up in England, United Kingdom, starting the piano aged 7. Her passion for music led to also studying the flute, guitar, the Indian Sitar, and the founding of Britain’s first “Angklung” Group (following a backpacking trip round Indonesia!) Class teaching in schools, private instrumental lessons, directing varied ensembles, plus music therapy sessions have all contributed to a well-rounded appreciation of how to help others enjoy music as she does.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media from Indian River State College; Master’s degree in Fine Arts from Liberty University (in process) 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr. Grant has over 15 years of experience as a graphic designer, art director, brand development, marketing, and web design. Over the past couple of years, Mr. Grant has created and overseen a graphic design program to helps foster children develop vocational skills. In 2018 Mr. Grant was awarded the silver Addy Award in the commercial advertisement along with a Gold Award for Infographic/Poster Design. 

Education:  Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in psychology with a focus on child development and a minor in education, all with honors.  

Distinguishing Accomplishments:  After graduating, Maylie opened and ran her own smoothie company while taking on all financial and managerial responsibilities of small business ownership. She transitioned to teaching at The Batt School in 2016, providing foundations in mathematics to our elementary students.  She incorporates her broad knowledge, life experiences, and entrepreneurial spirit into her educational philosophy.  

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Duke University; Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Chicago; Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia from the University of Florida.

Distinguishing Accomplishment: Ms. Lisa Hurley worked in museum education at the University of Chicago and as an assistant curator at the Norton Museum of Art. She co-founded The Learning Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to reading proficiency by the third grade. At the Batt School, Ms. Hurley works as a dyslexia specialist utilizing Orton-Gillingham techniques. In the summers, she works as a language tutor at Durango Mountain Camp, which serves teenagers affected by dyslexia.

Daniela W Jackson Ph.D. candidate ABD

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice; Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, Doctorate in Educational Leadership and educational technology, from Liberty University, Virginia. Concentration in sociology, special needs education, and conflict resolution. She was published in Atlanta Journal Constitution and currently producing children’s educational material. 

Distinguished Accomplishments: Dr. Jackson has taught various psychology, history, and social sciences, and humanities. Her diverse skills encompass mental health, educational assessment, individual and family therapy, and behavior modification. She earned accolades of Therapist of the month and induction to nationals’ organizations for social service and honors in academics. She co-owns an organization that provided expert witness services and assistance with graduate writing. 

Education: B.A. in Political Science from Boston University

M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) from Montclair State University with a concentration in social science education.

Awards/Certifications: 2006 recipient of the Edler G. Hawkins Award for Excellence in Teaching from Gill St. Bernard’s School in Gladstone, NJ

Distinguishing Accomplishments: For over 20 years, Bari has taught a multitude of social science and history courses in three states. After beginning her teaching career in NJ, Bari relocated to CA where she taught in Los Angeles for many years. It is a joy for Bari to now teach at the Batt School since she and her family arrived in FL several years ago where they enjoy life in northern Palm Beach County.

Education: BSED from Texas Christian University; 4 ‘Masters in Education’ classes at Palm Beach Atlantic University (4.0) 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Diane has a variety of teaching experiences such as second grade at Holy Ghost School in Illinois, first/second grade combination for DODD’s in England, second grade at The King’s Academy, pre-k art, second grade, and third grade at The Benjamin School, first and second grade at Good Shepherd Episcopal School. She has created a Science Lab curriculum for K-grade 5, at Trinity Christian School, developed curriculum and taught Science for middle school at Trinity Christian School. She also served on several ACIS teams and was an ACIS facilitator for Trinity Christian School of PBG.

Education: Judy is a lifelong learner and found that she could stay in school forever if she became a teacher. She majored in history at Rutgers University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She began teaching in the 1980’s, but missed being a student, so she returned to Rutgers for her Master’s. 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: She has continued teaching, finding that she was most interested in social history, and most concerned about the students who had difficulties with learning. She has mentored and tutored students both as a community project, and as a private tutor, specializing in working with those diagnosed with ADHD and their concomitant issues of organization, study skills, reading analysis, and writing. As a result of the pandemic, and Zoom, she has found that working one-on-one is the ideal way for both the student and teacher to explore together.

Education: MST in Education from Pace University in NYC, a MFA in Theatre Arts from Rutgers University in New Jersey, and a BFA in Theatre Arts from Howard University in Washington, DC.

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Janis taught movement and music enrichment classes in NYC for 20 years through the company she founded, Ms. Janis Music. While living in New York City, she also worked as a public-school special education teacher. Ms. Janis is an award-winning songwriter for kid and family music. She currently has two published children’s albums.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University; Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Jessica has been teaching a variety of learners since 2007. She has held many teaching and leadership roles at Allamanda Elementary School and is currently teaching at St. Mark’s Episcopal School. Ms. Pate is a Teacher of the Year nominee and has been recognized as Student of the Year twice herself. She joined the Batt School team in January of 2000 as a Teacher and Program Development Specialist.

Education: Johns Hopkins University

State University of New York at Albany B.A.(with honors)

Albany Law School

J.D. Degree

Certification: 

English, Grades 7-12 (State of New York)

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Mr.Andrew Rafkin taught high school English in New York before attending law school. He was admitted to both the New York State and Florida Bars and practiced as a business litigator in both the state and federal courts before resuming his teaching career. He currently teaches English and U.S. Government. 

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Delaware; Master of Social Work from Boston University

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Salinger is certified in both Elementary Education (Grades K-6) and Exceptional Student Education (Grades K-12). She has developed educational and therapeutic programs for children, young adults and families. Ms. Salinger has extensive experience teaching language arts, math, social studies, study skills and life skills to mainstream students, as well as to those with special needs in group settings and one-on-one. Ms. Salinger has volunteered for Guardian Ad Litem and Hannah’s Home.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts at William Smith College in NY; Master of Arts degree in Child Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University in NJ, with a concentration in Behavioral therapy, Diagnostic Evaluation and Intelligence Testing.  Earned Deans list distinction at both. Member of the Psy Chi National Honor Society.

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Steier was Assistant Principal of Counseling and Guidance at Bright Futures Academy in Florida, and Director of Programs at United Cerebral Palsy, in Lake Worth, FL. She was also a substitute teacher at the Palm Beach County School District, K- 12. Prior to that, Ms. Steier was Director of all Continuing Education Programs at Kingsborough College in Brooklyn, with an annual enrollment of 26,000+ students. She attended Juilliard School of Music, The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, and the Art Students League in NYC. Ms. Steier has additionally earned a certificate in the Fundamentals of Supervision, from the City University of New York, and most recently, a certificate in Covid-19 Contact Tracing from Johns Hopkins University.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from the Ohio University 

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Pat currently serves as an elementary school teacher who specializes in teaching beginning and early readers at The Batt School. She has 41 years of experience as an educator working in a variety of public and private schools with diverse student populations from kindergarten to 6th grade. She has served in many roles including classroom teacher, ELL resource teacher, Success for All reading tutor, Supplemental Academic Intervention resource teacher, Response to Intervention Coordinator, and SSAT/SAT testing coordinator.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood, from The University of South Florida in Tampa; Masters of Education in Educational Leadership, from Nova University in Tampa. I am certified to teach Kindergarten, Elementary Ed 1-6 Middle Grades (7-8).  I also have an On-Line Teaching Endorsement, ESOL Endorsement, Gifted (P-12) Consultative, and a SP ED General Curriculum (P-12) Consultative  

Distinguishing Accomplishments: Ms. Tyson instructional career has been geared towards teacher and student empowerment.  She has a strong passion for educating young minds and helping them blossom into well-rounded, responsible, and successful individuals.  Throughout the course of her career, she has had wonderful opportunities to teach widely diverse groups of students and has had the privilege of being in many leadership roles allowing her to help educators strengthen instructional practices.