Abess Park Elementary

ESE Team

All About Abess

 Faculty and Staff Teacher Links
Parent Links Student Links Home Page

Ms. Beaman (Autistic - Primary 1)

        Thanks for checking out our wonderful teachers here at Abess Park! I am one of the lucky teachers to work everyday with such an awesome team and the best students in town! This is my fourth year working at Abess in the Autism Program. I currently teach Kindergarten, First and Second grade; each one of my students are very special to me and I take great pride in helping them achieve their goals.

        Although I have only been teaching for four years I have many years experience working with children in therapeutic settings and recreational settings. I have a Bachelors Degree in Studio Art from Florida State University and a Masters Degree in Art Therapy from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

        I have two boys, Curtis 5 years old and Ian is 2. My husband Joel, also an artist and teacher. He teaches at Jacksonville Community College and is an Installer for California Closets. We have one cat that we love very much, her name is Jolie.

        You can contact Ms. Beaman at: beamans@duvalschools.org

Ms. Harris (Autistic - 3 year olds)

        Hello, I'm Beverly Harris. It has been my pleasure to serve in the Autism Program at Abess Park Elementary for four years.  This year I am the prekindergarten teacher for three year old students on the Autism Spectrum, and students with Developmental Delays.  Although I have worked with ESE students and their parents in various capacities for many years, this experience has been particularly gratifying  for me because one can readily  see, and measure the impact of  a consistent and caring educational environment in a three year olds  life. My students are exceptional in so many beautiful ways.  I love what I do and appreciate the opportunity to serve this community! I am fortunate to share each day's challenges with a great assistant, Denise Martinez. Her support and competence enhance each day for our students and me!

        In my leisure time I travel, read, play bid whist and enjoy professional tennis and music. ( I played tennis until my legs and arms began to creak. ) I am also a real movie buff. I embrace the company of  my family and good friends whenever possible.

        You can contact Ms. Harris at: harrisbl@duvalschools.org

Ms. Phillips (Autistic Pre - K   4)

        Hello there, I am Kate Phillips, soon to be Kate Coughlin!  I am very excited to be apart of the Abess Park team!  I am a University of North Florida Graduate with a Bachelor's in Communications.  I have lived in Jacksonville, Florida for most of my life and enjoy supporting local organizations, including the Jacksonville Jaguars! 
        This year, I will be teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students in the Communication and Social Skills Program.  This is my second school year at Abess Park Elementary, and 5th year teaching.  My experience includes in-home, private, and public settings.  I am very passionate about teaching and strive to accommodate each and every students' individual needs in order to provide excellent education.      

        You can contact Ms. Phillips at  phillipsk3@duvalschools.org or her webpage.

 

 

 

Ms. Powers (Autistic 2nd - 5th grade)

You can contact Ms. Powers at school.

 

 

Ms. Sanford (Gifted)

My name is Wendy Sanford and I am so happy to be here at Abess! I have been teaching at Abess Park Elementary since 1997, when Abess Park opened it's doors for the first year. I have been teaching elementary school children for a total of 20 years. Before teaching in the gifted program, I worked as a 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade classroom teacher at several elementary schools. I taught my first year in Miami -Dade County, at North Miami Elementary. I then moved to Jacksonville where I taught 3rd and 4th grade for 6 years at R.L. Brown Elementary. When we opened Abess Park, I was a 4th grade teacher. In 2001, when the previous gifted teacher retired, I started teaching the gifted classes at Abess.

My two children come with me to work each day. They get to come to school at the best school in town - Abess Park. My husband is an airline pilot, and enjoys traveling and flying the "big planes". Our many animals "family members" include a dog, many fish, a gerbil, and 2 turtles.

My favorite things to do on the weekends is to watch the Florida State Seminoles win, watch my children play sports and take pictures! When my children play sports, I take a lot of pictures that I then get to scrapbook. I love spending time with my family, reading and scrapbooking.

I started my education in Miami, going to my local elementary, middle and high schools there. I went to Miami-Dade College (now Miami-Dade University) for two years before transferring to FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY  where I finished my Elementary Education degree. GO NOLES! In 1998 I went back to school to earn my Master's degree in Education from University of North Florida.   

This year I will be at two local elementary schools - Abess Park and Sabal Palm Elementary.  

You can contact Ms. Sanford at: sanfordw@duvalschools.org.

Ms. Thompson (Autistic - Kindergarten)

    Ms Thompson is currently teaching the Kindergarten Autistic students at Abess Park.

        You can contact Ms. Thompson at: thompsony@duvalschools.org

Ms. Swindell(ESE)

    My name is Nancy Swindell and I am so happy to be working with the really great kids at Abess Park! I am here with my MA and BA degrees from Rowan University in special education and reading.  I live with  a very old Burmese cat named Coco.  In my free time I grow orchids, read, and enjoy the beach. You can contact Ms. Swindell at swindelln1@duvalschools.org.