Barbara Lind, Ancient World HistoryMy name is Barbara Lind. I grew up in Miami,

Florida. Yes, I am truly a native Floridian. I

moved to Tampa to attend the University of

South Florida. I earned a Bachelor’s in

Political Science and a Master's degree in

Secondary Social Science Education. After

graduating in 1986, I began my teaching

career with the School District of

Hillsborough County. I have taught at Benito

since it opened in 1997. I currently teach

6th grade World History. I am also the Social

Studies Subject Area Leader. I am a huge fan

of the Tampa Bay Lightning. My giant orange

rescue kitty is named Vasy in honor of the

Lightning goalie. In my free time, I enjoy

spending time with my 2 daughters.

Keri Teal, Ancient World History

My name is Keri Teal and I have been teaching at Benito for the past 11 years, and in the district for the past 13 years. I have one son, Jayden, who will be a 6th grader at Benito next year, a wonderful husband, James, and a goofy Labrador Retriever, Karter. I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

James Hinchey, Mathematics

I grew up in Alabama (ROLL TIDE) and moved to Florida

in 2005 after receiving my Bachelors from the

University of Alabama @Birmingham. I began my

teaching career shortly after moving to Florida in 2005.

I believe that each of my students can be successful,

and I am ALWAYS here to help. I am honored to be part

of your journey through 6th Grade and look forward to

learning and growing with you this year at BENITO.

The Hinchey Family: I have a wonderful Wife named

Michelle and together we have a fantastic son named

Tyler. Tyler is 11 and will be starting the 6th Grade at

Benito this year with you all. I am excited you will all

get to meet him :) We have quite a zoo at our house

with 3 cats and a young Boxer named Sir Crimson

Nicholas...he's a BIG BAMA FAN, LOL. Our cat's names

are Baby, Audi and Kitty from oldest to youngest.

Lisa McConnell, VE Mathematics

Lisa McConnell was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of

Chicago, IL. She grew up in a family of teachers, which inspired her to

value education and ultimately follow in their footsteps. Lisa played

competitive softball all throughout her childhood through college,

playing the positions of pitcher and first base. In high school, She

graduated with honors and was Valedictorian of her high school. She

attended The University of Tampa on a full academic and athletic

scholarship, but she ended up transferring back home to Western

Illinois University where she received a Bachelor’s in History with

Secondary Education. In 2004, Lisa decided to move back to Tampa, FL

since she loved the beautiful weather and everything Tampa, FL has to

offer. For the past 17 years, Mrs. McConnell has taught various subjects

and grade levels at Benito Middle School. For the past few years, she

has taught mostly sixth grade mathematics which she prefers teaching

most of all!! In 2019, Lisa was awarded the Ida S. Baker Award at her

school, which honors teachers who go above and beyond to meet the

needs of our school’s diverse student population. She is part of the

before and after school H.O.S.T. program at Benito during the school

year as well as during the summer at schools in the area. She is excited

that Benito Middle School will be offering summer H.O.S.T this summer!

When she isn’t teaching, Lisa enjoys spending her free time with her

family. Lisa and her husband enjoy watching football, and she has

become a big Green Bay Packer and Nebraska Husker’s fan due to her

husband’s influence. She has 3 dogs and 3 cats at home, all rescue

animals. She also enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with family

and friends, and going to the beach whenever given the opportunity.

Michelle Nolan, Mathematics

I am Michelle Nolan and have taught at

two elementary schools, one sixth grade center, and

two middle schools. I have been at Benito for 25 years! I

am in the same classroom I was in 25 years ago when

Benito opened. Most of my career has been as a 6th

grade math teacher. I am certified in

Elementary Education and in Math Grades 5 - 9. I

have been a team leader in 6th grade for the last

13 years. I love working at Benito, it has truly become

my second home. The teachers here are amazing and

6th grade is more like a family than like co-workers.

I am married to Tim Nolan who teaches computer

science and pre-calculus at Tampa Bay Tech. My Mom

lives with us, and she sells antiques. We have two

Great Danes, Piper and Quinn.

Carolyn Orihuela, Mathematics

Mrs. Orihuela (a.k.a. Ms. O) was born and raised in Florida. She graduated from USF where she earned her Master's degree in education. Her family enjoys the beach, and her daughter, Kylie, and she love to go on "waterfall hikes." The Orihuela Family currently has two adopted dogs (Daisy and Ollie), one adopted rabbit (Bunny Foo Foo), and a fish (Fish).

Katherine Shaw, Language Arts

Hello! My name is Kate Shaw and I am

one of the 6th grade language arts

teachers here at Benito. I am originally

from Michigan and have lived in several

states around the country. I graduated

from Rutgers University with a focus on

psychology and sociology as well as early

childhood education. I have been

teaching at Benito for 14 years and am

very proud of our school. I love teaching

middle school students because there is

never a dull moment! When I’m not

teaching, I love a good coffee, watching

hockey, shopping, and traveling with my

husband and son. :)

Maureen Dunn, Language Arts & Reading

My name is Maureen Dunn, and I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida! Go Noles! I’ve been teaching here in Hillsborough County since 2008. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Florida. I’ve lived here in the Tampa Bay area for over thirty years and love spending time with my husband, family and friends.

Teaching is my calling! I believe every child has the capacity to achieve their personal best and my job is to facilitate that process in an encouraging way!

Karen Burchfield, Language Arts

I have been teaching for 25 years, most of my experience is with middle school. I have taught in three states and four counties. I have been at Benito for 15 years. I am one of the two team leaders for the sixth-grade team and very much love the group of amazing teachers that I have the honor of working with each day. I have had the pleasure of coaching both volleyball and track for 12 of the 15 years here at Benito. I am the yearbook advisor and teach a class of 7th and 8th grade students the craft of creating the school's annual yearbook. My subject at Benito is language arts and I have taught this subject here for 15 years. I am fully versed in the writing and have had much success with the subject throughout my years as a teacher. I am crazy organized and detailed oriented. Your child will work hard in my class, will be treated fairly and equally, and will be properly prepared for 7th grade. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with both you and your child during this next adventure.

Krista Fielder, Reading

Krista Fielder has taught in the HCPS district since 1993. She has taught grades 2-8, has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She has one daughter, several dogs, and LOVES her job!

Carrie Frump, Reading

My name is Carrie Frump. I have been teaching for about 19 years. I have been at Benito for two years and absolutely love our students and staff! I grew up in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, but have been in Florida for over 20 years. I have one daughter who will come to Benito next year and a husband who teaches and coaches. In my free time, I love to read, go to the beach, travel, listen to music, and spend time with family.

Laura Demes, Science

My name is Laura Demes. I was born and raised in Florida. This is my 21st year teaching and I currently teach 6th grade Science and I LOVE being a Benito Jaguar! I enjoy teaching and science, so I am very grateful that I get to combine the two every day!! I have three sons, ages 14, 12, and 8! We also have an adorable dog named Rome. All three of my sons play competitive soccer, which keeps us very busy throughout the year! I coach the Girls' Soccer team here at Benito, which is always an exciting endeavor!! I love watching soccer too, especially my favorite team, Liverpool!

Patricia Tanner, Science

Hi, my name is Patricia Tanner. I am a sixth-grade science teacher at Benito Middle School. I have been teaching at Benito for seven years. I am blessed with three sons and a beautiful granddaughter. I was born and raised in Florida and have been in the Tampa Bay area for over thirty years. I enjoy nature and spend a lot of time outdoors.

Annette Ramirez, Science

Hello, my name is Mrs. Ramirez! I was born

and raised in Florida! I am a UCF Grad where

I majored in Health Sciences. I have been a

teacher in Hillsborough County since 2006

and really enjoy making learning fun! The

2021-22 school year will be my 6th year as a

Benito Middle School science teacher! My

favorite thing to do is spend time with my

husband and three sons- traveling and

playing sports! My oldest son will be an 8th

grader here at Benito next year!

I look forward to helping you learn to love

science, work on design challenges and use

our school’s new 3D printer next school

year! ~Mrs. Ramirez