NewGate School Welcomes New Faculty for 2026-2027

Sarasota's NewGate School begins the academic year with a growing team of educators. The independent school, located on Ashton Road, announced its faculty and staff for the 2026-2027 school year.

Dr. Sandra Wirth, Ed.D., leads the school as Head of School. Lauren Speed, AMS, returns as Office Manager. Speed has been part of the NewGate faculty since 1999 and began her Montessori career in 1992.

Taffy Howard Harrison, B.A., joined NewGate in June 2021 and now supports office staff and admissions. She previously served as an assistant guide in the primary program and brings over 25 years of experience working with children. Harrison holds a bachelor's degree in Human Services with a concentration in child and adolescent development.

In the Early Childhood program, Debbie Adkins joined the faculty in March 2026 as an Early Childhood Montessori Associate Guide. Yenisley Perez, M.Ed., has been with the school since 2021 as an Early Childhood Assistant Montessori Guide and Lower Elementary Spanish Guide. Perez holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Keiser University and has a background in theater arts.

Monika Pernak joined as an Early Childhood Montessori Guide in August 2023 and is completing her Montessori credential from the Prepared Montessorian Institute. Tara Peterson, a Toddler Montessori Guide, joined NewGate in November 2025.

Makenna Schatz joined NewGate School in 2026 as an Extended Day Guide. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Literary Studies at the University of South Florida.