Email Mrs. Nihill-Taylor

Ms. Nihill-Taylor grew up in a proud military family, and is a graduate of Niceville High School.  She began her teaching career at Gulf Breeze High School and was a cheerleading coach. A year later she returned to Meigs Middle School in Okaloosa County. Niceville called her home the next year where she taught art, AP 2D, AP Drawing, and AP Art History.  In addition, she coached volleyball and was the head softball coach for seven years. She was Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year in 2002, and has been Nationally Board Certified since 2006. In the spring of 2016, she became Assistant Principal of Niceville High School. In 2024, she was appointed Principal of the STEMM Academy.

Email Ms. Russ

Dean Jill 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.