SAA GOVERNING BOARD

Mary "Tootie" Stewart Owen Kennedy
​president/parent liasion
​[email protected]
President

Mrs. Mary Stewart Owen Kennedy, known as "Tootie"  is a long time educator, having taught Science in grades 8- 12. She graduated from the University of Kentucky. She began her teaching career in Fayette County, Kentucky and was Co-Founder FOP Rocketeers. Tootie was Teacher of the Year at Riverview High School in 1996-1997. She also was a USCG Licensed Captain at Carefree Learner, Sarasota High School.  She retired from teaching in 2014. During her free time she enjoys kayaking, reading, quilting, and playing mahjong.


​Patrick Mizak
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member

Pat Mizak is the Assistant Vice President for Planning & Institutional Effectiveness and faculty member in the Business of Art & Design program at Ringling College of Art and Design.  He formerly worked at Armstrong Atlantic State University (now Georgia Southern University) in Savannah, Georgia and Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.  He is a graduate of Cornell University (B.A. History), Cleveland State University (M.A. Economics), Georgia Institute of Technology (M.S. International Affairs), and the State University of New York at Buffalo (Ph.D. Higher Education).  He has over 20 years of experience in higher education as a teacher and administrator.  Pat also participates in accrediting colleges and universities for both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.  He and his wife are the parents of five children and moved to Sarasota in 2012.  In his spare time, Pat enjoys watching sports, throwing darts, and cooking.

Denise Verheul 
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​Vice President

An Oberlin Conservatory graduate with Bachelor's of Music and Master's of Music in Teaching Degrees, Denise Verheul has been teaching and helping to fulfill musical dreams for her students as they perform in festivals, competitions, college and professional auditions while pursuing excellence in their musical training. Many of her students compete in State, Regional and National competitions with the National Music Teachers Association as well as the Young Artist Competition.
Denise Verheul is a former faculty member of State College of Florida and served as Florida State Concerto Chairman. She is an active member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and specializes in College Audition Preparation and has helped many students get accepted into prestigious music schools across the country including Oberlin Conservatory, Juilliard, University of Michigan, Eastman School of Music, Florida State University, Indiana University, Cincinnati Conservatory, Berklee School of Music, Elon, NYU, etc... Her students can be seen in National
Tours, Broadway, movie scores, TV/Film, American Idol and America’s Got Talent.
In Atlanta, Ms. Verheul developed many music programs, theatre companies, and created “Atlanta Idol” where local musicians showcased their talents for casting agents and record executives. Ms. Verheul has served on committees with Broadway Dreams Foundation, Christian Youth Theatre, Atlanta Workshop Players and was involved in music directing with the
prestigious Shuler Awards.
​Currently in Sarasota, she serves as pianist at First Sarasota Church and can be seen directing orchestra and choir at the annual Singing Christmas Tree along with Director, Shawn Gross.
She is Vice-President of Sarasota Music Teachers Association and Chairman of District music events.  She was Music Director at Booker High VPA for 10 years and was awarded Sarasota Most Influential High School Teacher of the Year as well as College Advisor Award for helping VPA students earn over a million dollars in college scholarships. Ms. Verheul is a professional pianist, accompanist, music director and teacher and enjoys working with young people as they develop their college and career goals.​

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​DAN DEMbICKI
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Treasurer

​Dan Dembicki is CEO and President at Synergy Health Network. He is a Music Director and keyboard Specialist.  Dan studied Business Management and Communication at Central Michigan University. Dan enjoys playing the organ and is in several local bands.

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DEAN BRENNEMAN
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​MEMBER
Dean  is a Sarasota, Florida and Washington, D.C. based architect specializing in custom home and apartment design, remodeling, and renovation.  Dean attended The University of Maryland and received his degree in Architecture . Dean enjoys playing guitar and singing during his free time.