Faculty & Staff
Administration Team
Roberto Pugliares
Principal
Roberto Pugliares
I am honored to serve as Principal of Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School, a community dear to my family and me. I have spent 24 years in education, beginning in Connecticut, where I taught English and coached soccer at New Britain High School for 20 years. After moving to Florida, I taught middle school language arts at Incarnation Catholic School in Sarasota before joining Epiphany as Assistant Principal. I hold a Bachelor of Science in English and Secondary Education from Central Connecticut State University, a Master of Arts in Learning and Thinking from the Graduate Institute, and have completed graduate coursework in Educational Leadership and Administration at Southern Connecticut State University.
My faith is at the center of my life, and Catholic education is much more than a profession. I am excited to lead Epiphany’s transition to a Classical Catholic model, helping students encounter truth, beauty, and goodness and develop a love of learning. I also enjoy staying connected to the classroom by facilitating our online Latin program and supporting seventh- and eighth-grade students as they learn the language.
My wife, Kelly, and I have three children, and we are active parishioners at Epiphany Cathedral. I am a first-generation Italian-American with Sicilian roots. I speak Italian and Sicilian fluently and enjoy sharing my heritage, love of soccer, and appreciation for traditional Italian food.
Christina Tylka
Assistant Principal
Christina Tylka
Support Team
Shannon Dalton
Lead Resource Teacher
Shannon Dalton
Mrs. Shannon Dalton has been part of the Epiphany family since 1995. Originally from Upstate New York, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Educational Psychology from SUNY Oneonta. Both of her sons attended Epiphany. At home, she enjoys family time and playing with their two dogs. Mrs. Dalton is devoted to the Peace Prayer of St. Francis (“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace...”) and lives by the motto that learning is a lifelong adventure filled with wonder.
Denise Lohbauer
Guidance Counselor
Denise Lohbauer
Stacey Berkow
Development Coordinator
Stacey Berkow
Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she is a Stonehill College graduate and proud mother of three, including an Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School graduate. Her Catholic faith guides her as a wife, mother, educator, and member of the Epiphany community. Over the years, she has served the school as a middle school history and art teacher and now as Development Director. She is passionate about Catholic education, building relationships, and strengthening the community through faith and service.
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Bill Long
School Resource Officer
Bill Long
Andrea Mitchell
Office and Admissions Director
Andrea Mitchell
Andrea Mitchell is a proud Wisconsin native and Green Bay Packers fan who relocated with her family to Florida in 2018, drawn by Epiphany Cathedral Catholic Church and School, the beach, and the welcoming community. Blessed with a blended family, she is a mother of five, stepmother of four, and grandmother of ten, with four of her children attending Epiphany. Outside of school, she enjoys beach days looking for shells and shark teeth, as well as family card games like Uno, Canasta, and Rummy. Guided by her faith and trust in Jesus, her favorite Bible verse is Mark 11:24: “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Dawn Masucci
Accountant and Operations Coordinator
Dawn Masucci
Preschool Teachers
Jacqueline Stuart
Preschool Director and PreK 4 Lead Teacher
Jacqueline Stuart
Juli Duzs
PreK 4 Lead Teacher
Juli Duzs
A native of Venice, Florida, Mrs. Juli Duzs has been teaching young children for over 20 years and holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She feels deeply blessed to introduce our youngest students to the love of Jesus. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Duzs enjoys staying active outdoors, spending quality time with her husband, their two children, and their dog, and being with family and friends. Her favorite Scripture is Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.“
Taylor Gaither
Teacher
Taylor Gaither
Chris Collins
PreK 4 Teacher Assistant
Chris Collins
Mrs. Chris Collins has served in Epiphany’s early childhood program since 1991. She holds an Associate degree and CDA from Manatee Community College, along with ongoing coursework through USF and Sarasota Technical School. Mrs. Collins loves helping children develop independence, early technology skills, and confidence. Her teaching philosophy is that all children are miracles who deserve the opportunity to show it. Her favorite verse is Proverbs 3:6: “In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.“
Elementary Teachers
Sophia Davies
Kindergarten Teacher
Sophia Davies
Mrs. Sophia Davies relocated to Venice from Colorado seven years ago. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with Reading and ESOL endorsements, bringing over a decade of teaching experience to Epiphany. She believes every child can learn and strives to help her students develop a growth mindset and a strong love for God. Outside the classroom, she loves hiking, biking, kayaking, listenng to comedy, and carrying on her family dinner tradition of playing board and card games together.
Linda Slak
1st Grade Teacher
Linda Slak
Mrs. Linda Slak brings many years of Catholic primary school experience to Kindergarten at Epiphany, having previously taught at St. Jude School in Illinois. In 2021, she and her husband, Bob, relocated to Florida to be close to their three daughters, grandson, and granddaughter. Having known from a young age that she wanted to teach, Mrs. Slak loves watching how much primary students grow both academically and spiritually over the school year.
Jennifer Kopin
2nd Grade Teacher
Jennifer Kopin
Ms. Jennifer Kopin is our second grade teacher and is celebrating her 26th year in Catholic education. Originally from the Chicagoland area, Ms. Kopin is delighted to call Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School and Florida home.
Ms. Kopin is passionate about recognizing and celebrating the God-given gifts that make each child unique. She creates a joyful, engaging classroom where learning comes alive through games, music, hands-on activities, art, and creative projects. Her nurturing approach encourages students to grow academically, socially, and spiritually while developing confidence in their abilities.
An avid reader, Ms. Kopin is dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of books and learning in her students. She strives to make every day meaningful, helping children discover the excitement of learning and the joy of reaching their full potential.
Nicole Semlow
3rd Grade Teacher
Nicole Semlow
Mrs. Nicole Semlow graduated at the top of her class from Indian River State College with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and endorsements in Reading and ESOL. Entering her fifth year at Epiphany, she tailors instruction to meet each child’s unique needs while fostering a trusting relationship with God. At home, Mrs. Semlow and her husband stay active with their two young sons, enjoying trips to the beach, bike rides, exploring local parks, and working on craft and DIY projects together.
Christina Moskal
3rd Grade Teacher
Christina Moskal
Ms. Christina Moskal is so excited to be teaching Third Grade this year! This is her second year at Epiphany. Her approach to education emphasizes connection, creativity, and care, and she is deeply committed to supporting both the academic and emotional development of her students. Ms. Moskal believes in the power of kindness, curiosity, and community, and she is overjoyed to begin this next chapter with us.
Cherie Navarro
4th Grade Teacher
Cherie Navarro
Julie Collins
5th Grade Teacher
Julie Collins
Middle School Teachers
Jaclyn Phenix-Garces
Middle School Language Arts
Jaclyn Phenix-Garces
Mrs. Phenix-Garces is from South Florida and has been a middle school English Language Arts teacher for 12 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature with a minor in history, and a Master’s in Business Administration. She is a product of Catholic education, both in elementary school and high school, as well as higher education. Mrs. Phenix enjoys teaching students using enriching literature and facilitating thoughtful discussion that create meaningful connections with Catholic Faith.
Elise Filbrandt
Middle School Math, NJHS Advisor
Elise Filbrandt
Christine Jakoby
Middle School Theology & Technology
Christine Jakoby
Mrs. Christine Jakoby has taught at Epiphany for 12 years and is currently completing her Master’s in Applied Catholic Theology through the University of Mary. In addition to teaching Theology and Technology, she advises the National Junior Honor Society and coaches Robotics. Guided by Proverbs 3:5 (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”), Mrs. Jakoby holds a special devotion to Saint Monica, Saint Benedict, and Saint Carlo Acutis. Outside of school, she loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family at the beach.
Karen Nimmo
Middle School Science
Karen Nimmo
David Tomasic
History Teacher
David Tomasic
Specials Faculty
Jacob Stott
Music Teacher
Jacob Stott
Ava Kaloz
Art Teacher
Ava Kaloz
Faith Allen
Librarian
Faith Allen
Kim Koolakian
Spanish Teacher (PreK3 – 8th Grade)
Kim Koolakian
Miss Koolakian is a preschool-eighth sixth grade Spanish teacher. This will be her 8th year teaching Spanish at Epiphany, and her first year teaching 6th grade Latin. She has taught elementary and middle school Spanish for over 30 years at various other private schools. She received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from SUNY Oswego, NY, and her Master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Spanish. She is looking forward to another great school year!
George Mackey
PE and Technical Support