Faculty & Administration

Mr. Larry Robison
Director of Curriculum

The man credited with starting Saddlebrook Academy (now Saddlebrook Prep.) in 1992, Mr. Robison has been an educator for over 36 years. During Larry's last 33 years, he has served as a Principal/Head of School and, in 1992, on loan from a local high school, he created the curriculum for Saddlebrook Prep. Mr. Robison has served on numerous statewide educational committees and many civic organizations. His personal goal is to continue to assist students reach their highest potential.
Email:lrobison@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Mark Shepherd
Director of Student Affairs

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1987 and Master of Arts in 1990 in the Social and Behavioral Sciences with a major in Political Science from the University of South Florida.
My background in education leadership and instruction includes the following:

After matriculating from high school I spent two years serving the South African Defense Force. Here I achieved the role of Infantry Instructor (platoon sergeant). I became qualified to instruct and lead a platoon in conventional and counter insurgency warfare.
In 1983 I moved to United States, entering the University of South Florida with a full athletic (soccer) scholarship. In 1991, I was offered a teaching role in the International Studies Department and continue this role today. My role at the university was expanded in 1996 to include an advisory and counselor position. And in 1997, I was offered and accepted the directorship of the university’s Off-Campus Term Program.
In 1998 I departed from the university to accept the principalship at the Palmer Preparatory School and Tennis Academy. In March 2002, I accepted a teaching position at Saddlebrook, and the following year returned to the administrative realm as Dean of Students.

In addition to the foregoing, I am involved in coaching youth soccer. I have been a professional trainer since 1996 and currently serve as the Director of Coaching at the Temple Terrace Spirit Soccer Club. My coaching experience also includes assistant coach for the men and women’s soccer teams at the University of South Florida.
Email:mshepherd@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Alyson Landeros
Guidance Counselor

Raised in Cape Coral Florida, Alyson Landeros moved to the Wesley Chapel area to Attend Saint Leo University in 1999. She received her B.A in Elementary Education in 2003 and immediately returned to Saint Leo and earned her M.ED in Special Education. Alyson is certified as a K-6 Elementary Education teacher, K-12 Guidance and Counseling in Education and ESOL Endorsed K-12. Currently, Alyson is in her 2nd year at University of South Florida pursuing a Master Degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage/family and Adolescent/Children.
Email:alanderos@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Donna Claggett
Administrative Manager

Born and raised in Florida, Donna Claggett joined Saddlebrook Resort in February of 1982. During this time she has held the positions of Front Desk Supervisor, Rental Manager at the Lakeside Village and Office Manager at Hopman Tennis. Since 1997 she has been the Administrative Manager at Saddlebrook Preparatory School. Donna brings together considerable experience with Resort, Hopman and Prep School operations and expertise in organizational matters.
Email:dclaggett@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Matthew Battista
Admissions & Tournament Coordinator

Born in Dunedin, Florida, Matthew was raised in Tampa and spent six years moving between Kansas and Kentucky before coming home to Florida. Matthew attended Saint Leo University in Dade City, Florida. While there he worked in a variety of departments: Student Government, Student Involvement, Alumni Relations, and Residents Life. He also spent his last two years serving as the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees for Saint Leo University.

During school Matthew spent a year working for Busch Gardens in, Tampa, Florida as Brand Ambassador in the marketing department. Matthew graduated in May, 2008 with his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Leadership Development.
Email:mbattista@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Kathryn Smith
Academic Administrative Assistant

Kathryn joined the Saddlebrook Resort Reservations Department in 2002 and transferred to Human Resources before joining the Saddlebrook Prep Administrative Staff in January, 2006.  In her spare time, Kathryn takes great pleasure in reading, gardening and spending time with family.
Email:ksmith@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Mark Hirschey
Certified Instructor/Junior Program Director & PGA Member Class A

Mark joined the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy in 1999, before coming to Saddlebrook Resort he was a Head Professional in the Georgia Section for nine years. He was elected to the Professional Golfers Association in 1988.

Originally from Minnesota, Mark attended Bemidji State University where he played on the golf team. He has competed successfully both as an amateur and as a professional. Mark has been teaching golf at all skill levels for over fifteen years through clinics and individual lessons. He is also the junior coordinator for the Saddlebrook Preparatory Program here at Saddlebrook Resort, working with young golfers and helping them to take their game to the next level. Mark is the Boy’s High School Team Coach.
Email:mhirschey@saddlebrookresort.com

Mr. Howard Moore
Director of Saddlebrook Tennis

As a young junior, Howard was coached by the late Australian Davis Cup coach, Harry Hopman and then joined his staff from 1978 until March of 1986. Howard ran the Harry Hopman International Tennis Club, Balonia, Italy. Howard holds a BA in Hotel Management, Florida International University. He is also a P-1 with the United States Professional Tennis Association. Howard has been in the capacity of Program Director of Saddlebrook International Tennis since 1986.
Email:hmoore@saddlebrookresort.com

Ms. Christine Bushong
Media Specialist & French

Christine Bushong lived in California, Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, Hawaii, Washington state, and Japan before coming to the Tampa area fourteen years ago. She attended Mary Washington University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and majored in Political Science and French. During her junior year abroad at the University of Bordeaux, she enjoyed visiting many other countries and experiencing the various cultures.

After working as a travel agent and paralegal, as well as raising a family, Christine earned her Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. While there, she was honored to be inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. Mrs. Bushong first worked as a media specialist at Berkeley Preparatory School in their Middle and Upper Division library before joining the faculty at Saddlebrook Preparatory School.

Christine is enthusiastic about providing resources and services to the faculty and students of Saddlebrook Preparatory School. Having traveled throughout Europe and Asia, she especially looks forward to interacting with international students. Mrs. Bushong envisions the Media Center as the learning hub of the school.
Email:cbushong@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Mrs. Anavictoria Campos
Spanish/Life Mngmt/Home EcBS

Originally from Costa Rica, Mrs. Campos has lived in the United States for more than 20 years. She holds degrees in Elementary and Preschool education as well as the Science of Education from the University of Costa Rica. Mrs. Campos has extensive teaching experience both in the US and abroad. She is the Spanish teacher for all levels and also teaches various electives. Mrs. Campos is faculty advisor of the Student Council.
Email:acampos@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

I graduated from Florida Southern College in Lakeland with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and Education.  I went on to earn a Master’s degree and Doctorate degree in Education.  I have worked at Saddlebrook Preparatory School since 1998 as a Science teacher.  For the first three years I also taught several Math classes.  Before coming to Saddlebrook, I taught Science at Palmer Tennis Academy.  I moved to Florida in March, 1994 after having worked for many years in the public schools in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ms. Andree Conrad
English/Humanities BA,MA,MFA

Andree Conrad is a published writer, translator and editor as well as an educator. Her career as a book editor in New York City and as a magazine editor in Miami and Atlanta involved working for such firms as Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Hachette Filipacchi, and Fairchild Publications. She taught as an adjunct at Vassar College and Columbia University, and has an M.A. and "ABD" in art history from New York University as well as an M.F.A. in creative writing from Florida International University.
Email:aconrad@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Ms. Jennifer Dixon
Science/Math

Jennifer Dixon's biography coming soon!
Email:jdixon@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Mr. Mark Eddins
Math

Mark Eddins graduated Magna Cum Laude from Indiana University with a B.S in Mathematics and Minor in Computer Science. He worked as a professional in the Computer industry as a programmer, consultant, project leader and senior manager. Mr. Eddins published numerous articles and presented at major computing conferences around the country. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer he conducted courses in advanced technology for other computing professionals and clients in the Fortune 100.

As the Chief Technology Officer at his consulting firm he was responsible for guiding the technical direction of the firm and all 200+ technical consultants reported into his organization. This combination of real-world experience and education provides a solid practical foundation for teaching students mathematics and computer science at Saddlebrook Prep.
Email:meddins@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Mr. Bob Hatfield
History

Robert Hatfield was born in Daytona Beach, Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Florida State University and his Master of Arts Degree from the University of South Florida with additional post graduate work at the University of South Florida. Mr. Hatfield retired from the Pasco County School District after 35 years experience as a teacher, administrator and golf coach before joining the Saddlebrook staff. His interests include: golf, travel, community activities and is a member of Rotary and the Masons.
Email:bhatfield@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Ms. Rebecca Hildebrand
Math/Science

Rebecca Hildebrand is from the Midwest. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Taylor University. She taught a variety of grades and subjects while living in Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Egypt. Before coming to Saddlebrook, she gained experience in the corporate business world. Ms. Hildebrand is also a Resident Assistant at Saddlebrook.
Email:rhildebrand@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Ms. Diantha Koehler-Budet
Elementary

Diantha Koehler-Budet is originally from New England, but has lived in Florida for 20 years. Ms. Koehler has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the University of West Florida, and has previously taught in Escambia County. She also holds an International Fitness Certification in Health & Fitness, and has been a health and fitness consultant with corporate wellness companies for the past several years.
Email:dkoehler@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Ms. Patsy Mahoney
Language Arts/Math

Patsy Mahoney's biography coming soon!
Email:pmahoney@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.

Ms. Deborah Sawmiller
ESOL

Deborah Sawmiller's biography coming soon!
Email:dsawmiller@saddlebrookresort.com. Lesson plan.