Josh Meurer, Academy Director
pcs.meurerj@pcsb.org
23 years with Pinellas County Schools
15 years with Chi Chi's - 5 as Director

"My favorite thing about Chi Chi's is when our graduates come back to visit and share all their great memories and the positive impact we had on their lives." 

Lauren Messina, Counselor
pcs.messinal@pcsb.org 
1 year with Pinellas County Schools
1 year with Chi Chi's

"My favorite part about working at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy is witnessing our students reach their fullest potential and begin to believe in themselves. Being the School Counselor gives me the opportunity to guide and assist students through their academics, mental health, social skills, and prepare our students for success in all aspects of life."

Paige Arrigoni, Teaching Assistant 
arrigonip@pcsb.org 
7 years with Pinellas County Schools
7 years with Chi Chi's
"My favorite thing about Chi Chi's is that it feels like family. I love working with all the kids and the staff is awesome."

Shannon Curry, Varying Exceptionalities Teacher
currysh@pcsb.org

Sean Hughes, Middle School Teacher - History/Civics and PCSD
hughesse@pcsb.org 
4 years with Pinellas County Schools
4 years with Chi Chi's 
"I love helping develop growth mindsets and watching the students' confidence grow."  

Margaret Lucas, Teaching Assistant
lucasma@pcsb.org 
11 years with Pinellas County Schools
8 years with Chi Chi's 
"I love working at Chi Chi's because of the small "family" feeling we have. The staff is really committed to our mission and our students. We work so hard as a team and we enjoy each other's company."    

Jenell Mann, Middle School Teacher - Science and PCSD
mannje@pcsb.org 

Melissa Murphy-Boyes, DMT/Front Office
murphy-boyesm@pcsb.org 

Kayla Olson, Middle School Teacher - Reading and PCSD
olsonk@pcsb.org 
6 years with Pinellas County Schools, 13 years overall
6 years with Chi Chi's 
"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi's is that we are more than just a school. We are a safe place, a community, and a family. We teach our kids life skills that they take with them wherever they go! When our kids succeed academically, it's a win for everyone on campus. Every adult here has the opportunity to make an impact on our students' success and I believe that is really special."

Michael Shultz, Physical Education Teacher
shultzm@pcsb.org 
38 years with Pinellas County Schools
9 years with Chi Chi's 
"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi's is the students."

Barbara Spanolios, Teaching Assistant
spanoliosb@pcsb.org 
25 years with Pinellas County Schools
8 years with Chi Chi's 
"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi's is seeing the 8th Grade students at their graduation knowing how I contributed in some way to their academic growth and success here at Chi Chi's!"  

Lauren Stuart, Middle School Teacher - Math and PCSD
stuartla@pcsb.org 
9 years with Pinellas County Schools
7 years with Chi Chi's 
"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi's is the ability to teach the same students from their 6^th grade year through their 8^th grade year.  We really get to know our students and how they learn best!"

Lori Vanderklok, 5th Grade Teacher
vanderklokl@pcsb.org 
26 years with Pinellas County Schools
22 years with Chi Chi's 
"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi's is watching the students grow from struggling, self-doubting elementary students to confident, successful 8^th grade students."

Karriem Akbar
akbark@pcsb.org 
3 years with Pinellas County Schools
2 years with Chi Chi's

"My favorite thing about working at Chi Chi’s is how all the staff work well together and give their very best collectively and individually to help each student achieve success in their education at the school."