Dr. Thomas Michel
Dr. Thomas Michel started his career in education as a Dropout Prevention teacher at Punta Gorda Middle School in Charlotte County before coming to Diplomat Middle School in Lee County where he taught social studies. Dr. Michel moved on to school administration by serving as Assistant Principal for Gateway Charter High School and then to Mariner High School where he was an Assistant Principal for 13 years. He became Mariner High School’s Principal in 2018. Dr. Michel has a Bachelor Degree in Education from Kent State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate Degree in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He was a professor at the College level for over 15 years and has served on numerous School District Leadership Committees. Dr. Michel’s wife Alena is a professional piano instructor and pipe organist for St. Hilary’s church in Fort Myers. His oldest daughter Katia is a graduate from the University of South Florida School of Medicine, and his youngest daughter Sophia is a Freshmen at FGCU. In his spare time Dr. Michel enjoys traveling with his family, entertaining his dog “Bruce” and spending time by the pool barbequing.
Beth Gedde
Mrs. Beth Gedde is from Edgewater Park, New Jersey. She earned a Bachelor’s of Economics from Rutgers University, a Master’s of Business Administration from Strayer University, and a Master’s of Education Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University. Mrs. Gedde spent 13 years in the Airline industry before coming to Mariner High School in 2005 where she started as a reading/business teacher. She has been an Assistant Principal since 2014. Her primary responsibilities at Mariner High School include Special Programs such as Career & Technical Education, AICE, Technology, Testing, and Attendance.
Angel McNeeley
Dr. Angel McNeeley is from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from John Carroll University, and both a Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Educational Leadership with a focus on Curriculum from The American College of Education. Dr. McNeeley was an "Edu-tainer" and began teaching theatre, musical theatre and stagecraft after a successful entertainment career on cruise ships and in touring theatre companies. Before moving to Florida in 2005, Dr. McNeeley was a Director and Choreographer in Northeast Ohio for several high schools and summer theatre camps. Dr. McNeeley has been an educator for 20 years serving as a classroom teacher, lead teacher, and ten years as an Assistant Principal at the high school level. Her primary responsibilities at Mariner High include Teacher Onboarding, Student Achievement Data and School Improvement Plan, ESOL, Professional Development and Student Discipline.
Robert Higgins
Mr. Robert Higgins is originally from New York state. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida Gulf Coast University and Masters of Educational Leadership degree from American College of Education. Mr. Higgins began his career in education in 2011 after spending many years in banking and finance. He worked as a middle school math teacher for seven years beginning at Veterans Park Academy for the Arts then Challenger Middle School, and has been an Assistant Principal at Mariner High School since 2018. His primary responsibilities at Mariner High are facilities, safety and security, transportation, athletics, science, PE, and student discipline.