Greetings Phoenix Families,

"Disston Academy is a model school providing exemplary academic instruction in a personalized learning environment, where all scholars can soar to greatness."- Tamika Hughes-Leeks

Welcome to Disston Academy, we have been preparing for your arrival.  We are ecstatic to have you join our school community and family. It is our every intention to provide an opportunity for academic success in a productive and nurturing environment. It is in that light that we provide educational structure, new traditions and encourage parent engagement. Our expectation is that our students exemplify self-motivation, self-discipline, citizenship and academic success. This is a phenomenal opportunity for your student to get back on-track, graduate on-time and build a career pathway for a successful future.

We can't wait to get to know you and provide stellar academic excellence in a nurturing environment. I am the proud principal of Disston Academy.  My family unit includes my husband, four children (all who have attended Pinellas County Schools) and the world's greatest (my) father.  Our lives are driven by faith, focus and fortitude.  My passion is working with students who need something "different, special, concentrated, personalized."

I am continuing a long and fruitful legacy in education since joining Pinellas County Schools in 2001. I have served as a classroom teacher at Bay Point Middle School, John Hopkins Middle School and Boca Ciega High School. I honed my skills in supporting challenging students as a Response to Intervention (RtI) Staff Developer at Gibbs High School before becoming an Assistant Principal at Dunedin Highland Middle School and Seminole High School. I completed my Principal Internship at St. Petersburg High School.

My educational background includes a Bachelors of Science degree in Education from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from St. Leo University, an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instructional Management and Administration at Nova Southeastern University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree.  I am also a graduate of the State of Florida Turnaround Leadership Program and the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Turnaround Leaders Institute.

I have an open-door policy. I am FAIR but I am FIRM!  Let's make this a Phenomenal Year!  At Disston Academy we are Ascending from the Ashes and Soaring to Greatness!