Clarence Truitt has been a successful educator at both the high school and alternative school levels for over twenty-five years. He graduated from Florida Memorial University with a bachelor's of science degree in Mathematics, Florida State University with a master's of science degree in mathematics education and Stetson University with a specialist degree in curriculum and instruction. After beginning his teaching career in the Miami-Dade County Public School system for 12 years, Mr. Truit moved to Central Florida and had the pleasure of working at Evans High School for 8 years. After a brief hiatus at Leesburg and Ocoee High Schools as an assistant principal, Mr. Truitt returned to Evans High School. He believes that having a partnership and open communication with all stakeholders makes for a successful culture of learning. Mr. Truitt loves to spend quality time with his family and friends when he is not at Lockhart.

Altresse Coleman-Moore is a proud Assistant Principal at Lockhart Middle School, bringing 22 years of dedicated service in education. She began her career teaching English Language Arts to students in grades 6 through 8, a role she held for 12 years. Her passion for literacy and instructional excellence led her to serve as both a Literacy Coach and Curriculum Resource Teacher for a combined total of 9 years.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and holds a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. She also completed her certification in Educational Leadership at Stetson University.

Mrs. Coleman-Moore is deeply committed to student success and passionate about equipping both teachers and students to reach their full potential. She is honored to serve the Lockhart community and remains focused on fostering a supportive and high-achieving school environment. 

With 18 years of experience in education, Nick currently serves as Assistant Principal of Instruction at Lockhart Middle School. He began his career as a 6–12 grade orchestra director in Massachusetts where his orchestras won numerous awards and were featured ensembles at the Massachusetts State and NAfME Regional Conferences.  His ensembles have performed at DIsney World, Strathmore Hall outside Baltimore, Jordan Hall in Boston, and Carnegie Hall in New York. When his family moved to Florida, he transitioned into leadership roles as a Dean at Carver Middle School in Lake County and later at Lake Nona High School. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Double Bass Performance and Music Education from Boston University, a Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Florida, and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University.

His passion for the arts and student success continues to shape his work in school leadership. Nick focusses on a collaborative approach with a dedication to building strong school communities, he supports both students and staff in achieving their fullest potential. Outside of school, Nick loves spending time with his family taking in shows at the Dr. Phillips Center, heading over to Disney World, or trying new restaurants. 

Mr. Christopher Conniff proudly serves as Dean at Lockhart Middle School. With over a decade of experience in education, Mr. Conniff is committed to supporting students in their growth both academically and personally. He began his career as a Crisis Intervention Specialist with the Northeast Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania, where he developed a strong foundation in student support and behavior. He then spent eight years as a science teacher, followed by two years as an Instructional Coach for both science and social studies.

Mr. Conniff holds a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Science and Social Studies from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master’s degree in Math and Science Education from the University of Central Florida, further strengthening his passion for instructional excellence and student achievement.

Mr. Conniff is dedicated to helping students become well-rounded, community members. His approach centers on being a consistent and supportive presence for students, someone they can rely on to navigate challenges together. His greatest motivation comes from watching students overcome obstacles and achieve success.

Joanna Denis is a dedicated educator with nearly a decade of experience across elementary and middle school levels. Her extensive background in Orange County Public Schools includes roles in enrollment, attendance, truancy, and dramatic education, beginning her journey as a 4th-grade classroom tutor. Currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education (6th-12th grade English Language Arts) at the University of Central Florida, Ms. Denis aims to become a school principal.

Beyond her commitment to the families of the Lockhart community, Ms. Denis is deeply involved in the Central Florida performing arts and event management scene, contributing to organizations such as the Orlando Repertory Theater, the Orlando Shakespeare Theater, Athens Theatre, Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, and Theater West End. She also leads the Worship Arts Ministry at Grace Bible Church of Central Florida, where she fosters leadership and artistic development. Driven by the philosophy that "it's never too late," Ms. Denis is passionate about educational excellence and inspiring future generations to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.

Mishaela Ellington is a passionate educator, instructional leader, and creative visionary dedicated to cultivating a campus culture where joy and rigor thrive together. As Lockhart Middle School’s Curriculum Resource Teacher, she supports teachers with data-driven strategies and student-centered solutions that foster academic growth, equity, and engagement.

With over a decade of experience in education, Mrs. Ellington has a gift for integrating literacy, voice, and real-world relevance into instruction. She believes every student deserves to be seen, heard, and challenged—not just academically, but as thinkers, creators and leaders. Her approach is grounded in whole-child development, ensuring students are supported socially, emotionally, and intellectually as they prepare to lead a rapidly changing world. Whether she’s guiding professional learning, developing targeted interventions, or building programs that amplify student voice, her work is rooted in the belief that student growth begins with adult reflection.

Ms. Fisher is proud to serve as the Behavior Specialist at Lockhart Middle School. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Ms. Fisher brings over 25 years of experience working with at-risk youth, with the last 15 years focused in the field of education. She believes that all students have the potential to grow and succeed when given the right support, structure, and compassion. Her approach is to view behavior as a form of communication, while helping students develop positive ways to express themselves and navigate challenges.

Ms. Fisher’s mission is to empower students to build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive—both in the classroom and in life. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of success.

Tiffani Floyd is a dedicated educator with over 11 years of teaching experience, currently serving as the Literacy Coach at Lockhart Middle School. A proud alumna of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and is endorsed in both Reading and ESOL. Her journey has come full circle, as she once walked the halls of Lockhart Middle as a student and now plays a pivotal role in shaping its academic culture.

For the past four years, Tiffani has been an integral part of the Lockhart Middle community, not only as a teacher and a coach but also as the Site Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club After School Zone. Her passion for teaching and commitment to student success drive her daily efforts to make a lasting impact in the lives of children. Tiffani believes deeply in the power of education to transform futures and is devoted to nurturing a love of learning in every student she encounters.

Dr. Natalie J. Ford is a native of Orlando, educated through the Diocese of Orlando at St. James Parochial School and a proud member of the class of 1981 Bishop Moore Catholic High School. She is a proud graduate of South Carolina State University where she received her undergraduate degree in English Education and a minor in History. She holds a masters and specialist degree in Educational Leadership, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University, as well as a juris doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law. Although she loves criminal defense law, her passion is education. She has served as an educator for 34 years. She knows that no matter what laws are passed to disenfranchise any group of people, what can never be taken away is the knowledge you gain from the educational process.

Dr. Ford is a staunch advocate for every student and believes that as an educator, her responsibility is to provide a learning environment that encourages a love for learning and a safe place to be able to thrive and grow without fear of being judged or attacked. Failure is not the enemy, it’s an opportunity to explore new avenues to gain insight and inspiration in forming new ideas for learning. Education is a lifelong process that takes all stakeholders to commit to the process and believe in the ability of every child to grow, learn and achieve levels of success.

Ms. Jackson brings over a decade of experience teaching various grade levels in both elementary and middle school settings. She has diligently served as the Safe Coordinator for the past four years. In this role, she effectively applies her counseling expertise to connect students and families with essential support services. Known for her warm presence on campus, Ms. Jackson is often seen engaging with students and offering encouraging words with a smile. She is a devoted leader who serves the school community with passion and care, driven by a deep commitment to education and the well-being of all students. 

DeAndrea Kelley is a Lockhart Middle School Alum and has served as the School Based Social Worker at Lockhart for 3 years, and the athletic director for the latter 2. She received her Bachelors in Social Work from The University of Central Florida. Post undergrad, she served as an AmeriCorps member for City Year at Evans high school before transitioning to 6th grade math. After working in education for a few years, she relocated to Texas to persue her Masters in Social Work with a focus in Community and Administrative Practice at the University of Texas at Arlington. 

Before returning to Florida and transitioning back to education, Ms. Kelley served unhoused and troubled youth residing in residential treatment as well as foster youth transitioning out of foster care. Ms. Kelley believes that connection is at the heart of education; students do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.  With that in mind, Ms. Kelley focuses daily on making sure each student at Lockhart feels seen, heard, and safe.

Ms. Ryan is an experienced educator and instructional leader with a passion for helping all students succeed. She believes that every child can thrive when given high-quality instruction, strong relationships, and the right support. Her educational approach is grounded in collaboration, equity, and a growth mindset for both students and teachers.

Throughout her career, she has worked to create student-centered classrooms and support teachers through coaching, planning, and professional development. Ms. Ryan is committed to lifelong learning and always looking for ways to improve instruction, build community, and make a meaningful impact in education.