Email Dr. Martin

Principal Scheree Martin is a distinguished educator and lifelong learner with twenty years of experience in education.  Her dedication to student growth and excellence is a passionate commitment inspired by her early experiences working with students with special needs.  Dr. Martin believes her educational background and experiences have developed her philosophy of education.  She believes all students can excel and our educational system will provide them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in our community and our world. 

After receiving a Doctorate Degree from the University of West Florida, Ms. Martin remains an avid researcher of high-impact instructional practices. She earned a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida; a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans; and an Associate’s Degree in Interpreting for the Deaf from Delgado Community College of New Orleans. Before serving as the Assistant Principal of Destin Elementary in 2014, Dr. Martin was a digital educator at Riverside Elementary in Crestview.  Prior to this, she was an innovative educator in Orlando, where she was recognized by her peers as Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Martin enjoys spending time at the beach with family and friends, kayaking, and traveling to new places.  Originally from New Orleans, she enjoys art, music, good food and is an avid Saints fan.

Email Ms. Russ

Dean Jill Russ is a passionate, student-centered educator who believes in creating lifelong learners. Whether a student needs acceleration or remediation, her goal is to provide opportunities for every student to continue to grow academically. She believes in meeting the individual needs of each student by creating a safe, challenging, and joyful environment where every student feels valued, respected, and safe to take risks. In addition to her duties as Dean of Students, Ms. Russ also acts as the Academy’s STEMM Outreach Coordinator, serves as the school’s Staff Development Coordinator, and maintains the school’s social media pages.

Ms. Russ earned a Master of Education degree from the University of Florida, and a Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from the University of West Florida. She also holds an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Troy University. She is also a mentor Digital Educator, a certified Apple Teacher, and  Google Certified Educator Level 2. In 2003, Ms. Russ attained certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards as a Middle Childhood Generalist, which is a demonstration of an experienced teacher’s practice as measured against high and rigorous standards. Prior to joining the STEMM Academy faculty as an Earth Space Science teacher and Teacher on Special Assignment, she taught both third and fifth grade at Cherokee Elementary and Plew Elementary schools. She was proud to serve as STEMM's Teacher of the Year for 2022.

Ms. Russ has two wonderful sons, one very old cat, and one friendly white dog in her family. In her free time, Ms. Russ enjoys reading and listening to music. She really loves chocolate--especially Snickers, Milky Way, and chocolate-covered caramels. 

Email Ms. Connelly

Ms. Connelly goes above and beyond for our Stingers by leading HOPE Squad, serving as our Military Family Liaison, and supporting students academically or emotionally. Ms. Connelly is a military Gold Star wife, who has lived in the area for 30 years.  A proud parent of two daughters and one son who SHE LOVES VERY MUCH.  She laughs at her own jokes and tries to be helpful when needed.  She is a community activist, former college associate professor, and a lover of ALL things outside.

Vist Ms. Connelly's Counselor's Corner webpage.