The new school year has brought some new educators to Marco Island Charter Middle School.

Let’s meet them!

Erika Thompson – Eighth Grade Comprehensive Science Three

Academic background:

B.S. Biology, Augusta State University.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? Five years as an educator: one at Lely High School teaching AICE marine science and integrated science, one at East Naples Middle School as an assistant mathematics teacher and three years at the University of Florida, Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences extension education program.

What brings you to MICMS? I wanted to work in a school that was more like a family. I have found it here.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? My favorite aspect of teaching is my interactions with the students. They are often so quick witted and humorous. They surprise me, daily, with their unique ideas and creative thinking.

Family: I have two sons, Riley, seven, and Wyatt, six, and an eight-year-old Boston terrier named Milo.

Hometown: Sylvania, Georgia.

Hobbies: Playing guitar, piano and flute. I love reading, I love the outdoors and I love naps.

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? A fisheries biologist.

Touria Friedhoff - Sixth Grade English Language Arts

Academic background:

A bachelor’s degree in English linguistics.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? First year. Just made the switch after 28 years in the corporate world.

What brings you to MICMS? A great school where every student is given a chance to shine. 

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I would like to give back to this community that I have called home since 2005. Helping students reach their fullest potential. 

Family: Married to Dennis for 17 years. Kids: Sophia16, and Sarah, 13. 

Hometown: Rabat, Morocco.

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, poetry. 

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? Museum curator in Paris.

Kelly Joy Onanian -Eighth Grade English Language Arts

Academic background: B.S. in journalism - Emerson College, in Boston. An M.A. in teaching English from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. 

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? Twelve years outside of Collier County - glad to be here! First taught in various towns in “Southcoast” Massachusetts including Rochester and Fairhaven. Nine years teaching at Rising Tide Charter Middle School in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

What brings you to MICMS? A few years ago, a serious knee injury literally knocked me out of the brick-and-mortar classroom. During that time, I moved back to Florida while running my own academic coaching business. This past spring, I inquired about an ad I saw for writing tutors at MICMS, but it turned out to be a misleading ad for a school in Miami. What a happy accident! (MICMS Principal) Michele Wheeler kindly invited me to learn more about the ELA opening and tour the school. Now that I’m physically able to handle the demands of “in-person” classroom teaching again, the timing couldn’t have been better. 

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? To make a long story short, I was a journalist in my first career and did my share of educational reporting in the Boston area. I realized I would rather be part of the solution regarding issues in schools (and in other areas), rather than just explaining them. I also volunteered in schools and enjoy working with our youth. I began subbing and immediately knew it was the right career change.

There is so much that is fulfilling and enjoyable about teaching. I enjoy making my classroom a patient, welcoming environment that encourages students to challenge themselves and fully participate. This is no easy task but fulfilling when I see students take responsibility for their own learning, make progress, and gain confidence in order to contribute their ideas, questions, and opinions. It’s especially rewarding to see students fully appreciate the time and hard work that goes into reading, writing and researching. These are areas that students seem to take less interest in these days and that worries me, so when I see a glimmer of interest, and students setting and reaching goals, it makes all the hard work worthwhile! 

Family: My husband Scott and I have a beautifully blended family of three children, seven grandchildren and our amazing Cavapoo, Captain! 

Hometown: Bradenton, Florida.

Hobbies: Swimming, pickleball, traveling, anything beach related, boating and most importantly, spending quality time with my family and friends. 

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? I was a journalist before teaching and still love writing, especially human-interest stories. I also considered the U.S. Coast Guard when I was younger and as my students know, I love animals. I could see myself running my own rescue haven for dogs. I honestly have so many interests. Who knows what the future holds, but right now I am exactly where I want and need to be. 

Jill Hammond - Seventh and Eighth Grade Math

Academic background:

Bachelor of Science in education and Master of Education, both from the Ohio State University.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? This is my 11th year of full-time teaching, three of those years in Collier County. I was a substitute teacher for two years in the Columbus, Ohio area, then taught for five years in Rio Rico, Arizona and for three years in Pickerington, Ohio. I took four years off from teaching (subbed a little bit in Pataskala, Ohio), then moved here in May of 2020. 

What brings you to MICMS? The students and staff, and the reputation that precedes the school! It is an absolute honor to teach here. 

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? I have wanted to be a teacher since the third grade because of my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Myers. I find the most fulfilling helping students understand something they previously didn't. 

Family: Married to Joseph for17 years. No children and no pets. 

Hometown: Mt. Gilead, Ohio.

Hobbies: Sewing, crafting, decorating our home, spending time with my husband traveling to far-off places, on our boat, or at home. 

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? I probably would have been an accountant or maybe even have done something with homes, like real estate or interior design.

Matt Huneke - Dean of Discipline and Athletics

Academic background: I have an associate degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in education, with an emphasis in history, from Kean University in New Jersey and a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Miami.

How long have you been with the Collier County Public School System and what is your previous teaching experience? This is my ninth-year teaching, all of that time spent in Collier County. I previously worked in sales before making a career change in 2014. 

What brings you to MICMS? I am a Marco Island resident who truly believes this is one of the best places to live in the country. Working at MICMS gives me the opportunity to positively impact our community through education and athletics.

Why did you enter teaching and what do you find enjoyable and fulfilling about the profession? Honestly, I entered the profession because of the schedule. My wife and I had two young kids at the time and she was traveling one week a month for work. Teaching provided me a stable salary and flexible schedule. Once I started teaching, my passion for athletics and connecting with students through the classroom and on the field was ignited.

Family: My wife, Katie, and our three boys, Grady, Finn and Ty.

Hometown: Toms River, New Jersey.

Hobbies: Anything sports related. If there is a golf outing in the area, I’m most likely playing in it, tennis at the Y, shooting hoops at Mackle, running around at middle school/rec-league practices and events, playing softball in the men’s Thursday night league at Winterberry Park, Sundays at Residence Beach or on the boat with a line in the water.

If not an educator, what might your profession have been? Something sports related, possibly working in the front office for a professional sports team or a professional sports league, like the PGA Tour.