We strive to recruit the most qualified candidates for our academic and support staff. Our employees receive competitive salaries, and full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, short-term disability, and discounts on Mainspring Academy tuition. All employees are also eligible for supply and professional development stipends.
Please visit our Employment Page to view current openings and apply for a position at Mainspring Academy.
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Dina originally joined Mainspring as a founding board member and consultant during the school’s formation. She accepted the position of Director of School Operations in 2015, during Mainspring’s inaugural year, where her primary focus was school finance, vendor contracts, and human resource management. Through her experience as a parent and administrator, Dina has become an expert in McKay and Gardiner scholarship compliance and management, helping many families and several other private schools become better educated in properly utilizing scholarship funds. In 2018, due to her proven track record and continued passion for Mainspring, Dina was asked to take over as Head of School. Since this time, she has run two successful end-of-year campaigns and a successful capital campaign that allowed Mainspring to move into a customized space better suited for the needs of our students.
Dina, a Florida native, has always been interested in working in the non-profit sector. Dina attended Louisiana State University where she was a student ambassador for the EJ Ourso School of Business’s inaugural technology campaign, for which she was the campaign’s top fundraiser. After graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor’s degree in English literature and minor in business administration, Dina worked in several fields, including the airline industry and healthcare industry. In 2005, Dina had her first child, Luke, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. It was through her experience as a parent of a child with special needs that Dina’s passion for the non-profit sector was reinvigorated. In 2010, after spending five years as a stay-at-home mom, Dina volunteered to start a non-profit parent group for her son’s private special education school. She led committees that put on several successful fundraising events for this organization, allowing it to purchase a playground, sensory equipment, and put on many fun events for the students and families. During this same time, Dina completed coursework at the Florida Institute of Technology in applied behavior analysis.
Dina holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership,
with a concentration in Non-Profit Management from Lewis University, as well as
a graduate certificate from Jacksonville University in Executive
Leadership. In addition to her business studies, Dina has completed
coursework with the Florida Institute of Technology in Applied Behavior
Analysis. Her professional interests include special education advocacy,
non-profit management and collaboration, leadership and change
management. In her free time, Dina enjoys spending time with her three
children and husband.
Stephanie is a teacher’s assistant in the Vocational I class at Mainspring Academy. She began working with the special needs population in 2011, where she developed experience with students with IND-P, PMH, TMH, High & Low functioning Autism, Asperger’s & EBD. Stephanie has her Associate’s degree in Education & is working towards her Bachelor’s degree and RBT certification. She has three children, one of whom has special needs, which sparked her passion for helping the special needs community. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys the beach and pool, and spending time with her family and children.
Shermaine has served in the education field for ten years after beginning her career in Connecticut as a Teacher’s Assistant. She recently graduated from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. As a child who grew up in a family of educators, Shermaine knew at a young age that teaching was her passion. She loves to incorporate mindfulness within her teaching, equipping students with tools to build self-esteem, manage stress, and skillfully approach everyday challenges. Shermaine enjoys football, DIY projects, cooking and baking, dancing, walking, shopping, and all the girly things in life. Most importantly, Shermaine is a family-oriented woman and loves making memories with her two boys.
Elizabeth is originally from Albany, New York and moved to Jacksonville, Florida after serving in the US Navy for five years. She is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Psychology. Elizabeth has over three years of experience working with children and adults with special needs. In her free time, she enjoys being with my friends, trying new foods, and practicing martial arts. Elizabeth is also currently working towards earning her black belt in Taekwondo.
Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Luisa loves living near Jacksonville Beach and spends a lot of time cycling and hiking. She is an army veteran that has worked with special needs students for over 10 years. She is a mother to three adults, one teenager, and a French Bulldog named Cash. Luisa is looking forward to another great school year watching her students grow at Mainspring Academy.
Nicole was born in Boston, Massachusetts but has lived in Florida on and off since 2000. She graduated from Florida State University with her degree in social work. She has worked as a preschool teacher, a functional support worker, as well as for multiple centers for children and adults with autism for the past nine years. She has a love for working with children and strives to continue her education by working towards her Masters in Special Education. Nicole loves reading psychological thrillers and spending time with her family and four cats.