Our Staff

Dr. Carmen Reitano McGuinness holds Masters and Doctoral degrees in Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Nutrition Education, and Special Education. She has worked with students and families since 1983, as a teacher, researcher, curriculum developer, and therapist. Among her accomplishments, is the development of the Phono-Graphix reading method and Language Wise curriculums. A popular conference and TV presenter, Dr. McGuinness has appeared on documentaries in the US and Britain. Full Vitae

Geoffrey McGuinness holds a Bachelor's degree (hons) from University of Bristol. A 30+ years veteran teacher, he has taught students with a broad variety of exceptionalities in private and public schools. Geoff has addressed dozens of national and international educational organizations, including the Int Dyslexia Assoc and Scottish Dyslexia Society. A true Renaissance man, Geoff teaches across the subjects to our 6-12th grade students, as well as teaching Music.

Keara Elam teaches kindergarten through fifth grades at Chrysalis School. During the last 15 years Keara has worked with students with learning and developmental disorders of all ages. She holds a Masters degree in Special Education and graduate certificates in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Laura Cordes teaches 4 year old PK through grade 4 at Chrysalis School. Laura has worked with both neuro-diverse and neuro-typical children since 2020, when she qualified as a Registered Behavior Technician. We congratulate Laura as she works toward completion of a Masters degree in Psychology in November 2024.

Maria Gomez retired in 2023, but remains a friend and consultant to our school, frequently providing teacher training, push-in and pull-out instruction, as well as substitute teaching. Maria is a graduate of Universidad del Sagrado Corazon, and holds a Montessori teaching credential and Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Maria is a veteran Montessori teacher, having worked in several Central Florida schools, including 10 years at Chrysalis School before retiring.

Stella Luna McDoodle is our office puppy and favorite reinforcer. Like her 'mom' Dr. Carmen, Stella is a dual national American/Italian, and has received therapy dog training in Orlando and Verona, Italy.