Abess Park Elementary
Fourth Grade Team
My name is Torri Fowler and I am currently a 4th Grade Teacher at Abess Park Elementary. I have been fortunate to work at Abess Park for the past four years. After graduating from JU with honors, I was able to receive a position teaching Math, Science, and Social Studies with Maria Sayers here at Abess Park. We have enjoyed teaching children together for the past few years.
When I am not teaching, I manage a dance studio during the week. I have danced all of my life, and I love being able to see young children use their talents as a tool to motivate them to reach their goals. I teach ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and tumbling to children ages 2 and up. It has been a wonderful challenge to incorporate my love for both education and dance.
While I am not teaching, I take care of my family. I have a young girl named Savannah, and she keeps me busy while I am at home. I also love to relax on the beach, play in the park, ride bikes, and enjoy outdoor activities with friends and loved ones.
You can contact Ms. Fowler at: fowlert1@duvalschools.org
I feel very lucky to teach with the best teachers and coworkers. I love my Abess Park family! I have had the pleasure of having my life touched by so many wonderful students. I treasure the time that I have had with my "school" kids!
You can contact Ms Gentges at: gentgess@duvalschools.org
Hi, my name is Kimberly Hoffman. I have been teaching fourth grade at Abess Park for 10 years. I love fourth graders! I also taught in grade levels 2-5 at a magnet school downtown for six years.
My son Gregory is in the second grade here at Abess! We live in another county, but I have brought him to Abess since he started Kindergarten. I truly believe he gets the best education in the whole state here at Abess!
I spend a lot of time being a very involved "sports" mom. My son plays soccer, baseball and golf.
Our family just rescued a cat from a rescue shelter. Her name is Jade and she is 8 months old. Having a new kitty in the house is really fun!
You can contact ms Hoffman at: hoffmank@duvalschools.org
Hello to the Abess Park Community. I am Debbie Holden and currently teach fourth grade here in the best school in Duval County. I am now beginning my fifth year at Abess, but have taught for 30+ years, every grade from first through sixth, as well as Exceptional Education as a Learning Disabilities teacher. I formerly taught at Finegan Elementary for 17 years. I am privileged to have the best teaching partner in the world as he is also my life partner--although we fortunately do not share an office! Mr. Holden and I also attempt to keep school discussions at home to a minimum--works for us!
Although I have lived in Florida for over 30 years, I am a Virginia girl at heart. That is where I grew up and I graduated from the University of Virginia. I actually enrolled there the first year the university accepted women and went co-ed, so I was a part of history. I went on to receive my Masters Degree there in Learning Disabilities. Although my school doesn't rank up there with the Gator and Seminole football teams, I am very proud of having attended school at "Mr. Jefferson's University." I am also an avid Jaguars fan.
I have a married son, David, who is the pride of my life. He and his wife, Katie, are expecting my first grandchild in early December, and I am beyond excited.
Reading a good book, on the beach, is my favorite place to be. I want and hope that my students will learn to enjoy reading and will grow to find it as satisfying and worthwhile as I do.
You can contact Ms. Holden at: holdend@duvalschools.org
Hello, my name is Mr. Holden. I have been teaching for 33 years!!!!!! I have taught high school, middle school, part time college, and elementary school! I have been at Abess Park for 4 years, teaching Math, Science and Social Studies in fourth grade. I spend as much of my free time in the ocean surfing as possible. The rest of my time I like to play with my granddaughter, Kennedy! She is two years old and keeps me running!
You can contact Mr. Holden at: holdend@duvalschools.org
Hi my name is Maria Sayers. I have been at Abess Park for 5 years. I teach 4th grade reading and writing, teaming with Ms. Fowler. In my spare time I like to watch football, spend time with my family, be outdoors.You can contact Ms. Sayers at: millerm6@duvalschools.org
My name is Bill Vasileff and this is my fourth year teaching Math, Science and Social Studies at Abess Park. I have enjoyed my time here getting to know the children and teaching them. When I'm not at school I enjoy playing the guitar and piano. I also enjoy cooking which I picked up living in New Orleans working in fine dining. I am trying my best to be a Jags fan this year but still love my Saints!
You can contact Mr. Vasileff at: vasileffw@duvalschools.org