Amy is a returning Plato Academy family member. She began her journey at Plato in 2007 teaching 2nd grade. She then moved to ESE Compliance, and finally served as the Principal of Largo from 2010-2015.
Amy has served in public education for sixteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from The Ohio State University, and holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. In her time away from Plato Academy, Amy served as the Director of Charter Schools and Home School Education for Pinellas County Schools. Additionally, she served as Board Secretary of the Florida Association of Charter School Authorizers, a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring best practices of Florida charter school authorization across the state.
Amy has been married for 16 years to her husband, Paul Hayes. They have 2 daughters, Erin and Niah.
With an impressive 34-year career in education, Dawn brings a wealth of experience to the table. Holding a BA in Psychology and minor in Sociology from the University of Maryland, a M.Ed in Education with an emphasis in Counseling from the University of La Verne, California, and a M.Ed in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida, her educational background is robust. She has seamlessly transitioned through academic various roles, including English Language Examiner, Dean of Students, Counselor, teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Academic Director.
A valued member of the Plato Academy family since 2007, she began her journey as an educator at the Clearwater school and played a pivotal role as a founding member of the Seminole (2011) and Tarpon Springs (2012) schools. Boasting over two decades of experience in education and Special Education, she holds a Master‘s in Special Education, and a Master’s in Leadership.