Our Visionary Leadership

Meet Our Leadership Team

The leadership at Laurel Springs School embodies what it means to define one’s own education. Since our inception in 1991, our focus has been on preparing students for the world ahead and cultivating the values of true global citizenship.

The Laurel Springs leadership team is comprised of experts in the fields of online learning, curriculum design, academic instruction, and assessment. We are passionate about our mission and about helping our students develop a lifelong love of learning.

Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, M.A.

Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, M.A.

Founder

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Marilyn Mosley Gordanier, M.A.

Founder

Marilyn Mosley Gordanier has more than 35 years of education experience. Since founding Laurel Springs in 1991, she has led the school to become a premier provider of customized distance learning. Ms. Mosley Gordanier was nominated for a Nobel Earth Prize, and is the president of the United Nations Global 500 Environmental Forum. She participates in the Captain Planet Foundation on its Board of Directors, and serves on the STEM Education Working Group for the Clinton Global Initiative.

Alyssa Tormala, M.Ed., J.D.

Alyssa Tormala, M.Ed., J.D.

Head of School

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Alyssa Tormala, M.Ed., J.D.

Head of School

Alyssa Tormala has been in the field of education for nearly 20 years and before that, practiced law for six years. During her educational career, she has served as a high school teacher, department chair, Instructional Technology Coach, Vice Principal of PD and Innovation, and has served Laurel Springs as Dean of Faculty and Director of Teaching & Learning before moving into her current role as Head of School. She is passionate about the art and science of learning in all formats and has deep experience in faculty development, instructional best practices, and curriculum design. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees (English Literature and Mass Communication) from University of Utah, a Juris Doctorate from Stanford University, a Masters in Education from Portland State University, and a School Administration Certificate from University of Portland.

Diane Coraluzzi

Diane Coraluzzi

Vice President of Enrollment

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Diane Coraluzzi

Vice President of Enrollment

Diane Coraluzzi has worked in the field of customer service management for over 20 years and is passionate about creating legendary customer experiences. She is committed to ensuring legendary service and actively seeks solutions that work for our families. She is genuinely enthusiastic about serving our students and their families and looks forward to working with them throughout their years with Laurel Springs. She earned her B.A. in English and Communications from Cabrini University.

Marisa Crawford

Marisa Crawford

Director of Marketing & Communications

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Marisa Crawford

Director of Marketing & Communications

Marisa Crawford is a seasoned professional with a diverse background spanning event management, business development, and experiential marketing. With over a decade of experience orchestrating national events, in 2021 Marisa founded Creative Gigs consulting, a firm specializing in business development and experiential marketing. As the Founder of Creative Gigs Consulting, Marisa leveraged her expertise to help clients navigate critical business relationships, develop strategic marketing and fundraising campaigns, drive revenue, and create memorable experiences. Marisa joined Laurel Springs in 2022 as a Partnerships Manager before moving into her current role as Director of Marketing and Communications. Marisa is passionate about storytelling and enjoys sharing the uniqueness of Laurel Springs with both prospective and current families, fostering a sense of connection and community.

Pam Dalton

Pam Dalton, M.Ed., Ed.S.

Director of Student and Family Experience

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Pam Dalton, M.Ed., Ed.S.

Director of Student and Family Experience

Pam Dalton has been a teacher and administrator since 1992. Her experience in K-12 education includes teaching, serving as assistant principal, principal, and Director of Curriculum, Secondary Schools, and Virtual Learning. She has designed targeted professional learning opportunities for high school teachers, as well as served on numerous state level monitoring teams throughout her home state of Georgia. Ms. Dalton has accomplished strategic school improvement specializing in grades six through twelve, with an emphasis in mathematics. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Piedmont College, and both Master of Education and Specialist in Education degrees in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia.

Manny Iloba

Manny Iloba

Director of Partnerships

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Manny Iloba

Director of Partnerships

Manny Iloba is an enthusiastic, strategic, results-driven Director of Partnerships with nearly 10 years of experience in corporate sponsorships, organizational development, reputation management, and relationship building. With a knack for collaboration and negotiation, Manny works with key decision makers in the education industry to identify growth-oriented strategies and opportunities. At Laurel Springs, he is deeply passionate about creating a space for K-12 online students to excel academically and personally. Manny holds a Bachelor of Business Admission in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Concordia University Texas, and a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D) degree with a focus in Education and Leadership from Concordia University Texas.

Email: MIloba@LaurelSprings.com


Inge Salierno

Electives ADC

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Inge Salierno

Electives ADC

Dr. Inge Salierno has been a professional in the field of child development for nearly fifteen years. Volunteering as an early intervention associate after college sparked her passion for working with children. After that, her career path has included parent advocacy, executive skills coaching, mental health counseling, teaching, writing curriculum, and educational leadership. She has extensive experience supporting Electives teachers to provide creative, intentional, and developmentally appropriate education to students online. With her passion for nurturing the neuropsychological development of children and adolescents, her focus is cultivating learner curiosity, creativity, and confidence that extends beyond the classroom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and a doctorate in developmental psychology with a concentration in child and adolescent development.


Louisa Porzel

Social Studies ADC

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Louisa Porzel

Social Studies ADC

Louisa Porzel has 20 years of experience in education, from classroom teaching in brick-and-mortar schools to virtual instruction. Her true passion is helping teens discover their love of Social Studies and see its importance in their everyday lives. Louisa has written curriculum, mentored new teachers, and served as a curriculum leader in multiple schools. She earned an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction from George Mason University, a Master of Public Policy from George Washington University, and a BA in History from the College of William & Mary.

Meet Our Deans

The Deans at Laurel Springs are visionary leaders who collaborate with each other and their teams to provide Laurel Springs students and families with academic, student support, and community programming in alignment with Laurel Springs mission and goals.

Allison Altvater, M.A.

Allison Altvater, M.A.

Dean of Middle and High School

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Allison Altvater, M.A.

Dean of Middle and High School

Allison earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Science from Florida Atlantic University and went on to earn her M.A. in Teaching History from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She has taught social studies in the classroom and virtually for more than ten years. In 2013, she earned her National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification in Secondary Social Studies Education. Allison specializes in Advanced Placement Social Studies courses and serves as an AP Reader for the College Board. She also has experience working with beginning teachers and online instructors as a mentor and instructional coach. Allison joined the Laurel Springs School as a Social Studies Teacher in 2017 and continues to be passionate about online education and the Laurel Springs School model and mission.
Tabitha Campbell

Tabitha Campbell, M.Ed., M.P.A.

Dean of Elementary School

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Tabitha Campbell, M.Ed., M.P.A.

Dean of Elementary School

Tabitha Campbell has been working in the field of education for over 20 years. After graduating from Marshall University, she began her career as an Elementary School teacher, working in both 5th grade and 1st grade classrooms. During this time, she earned a Masters in Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction and Masters in Public School Administration from West Virginia University. After leaving the classroom, she continued her career as both an Assistant Principal and Principal where she specialized in improving student achievement and developing community relationships to enhance student and teacher success. Mrs. Campbell is passionate about on-line learning and working with families to ensure that all students achieve academic success.
Patti McClimans, M.Ed.

Patti McClimans, M.Ed.

Dean of Community Engagement

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Patti McClimans, M.Ed.

Dean of Community Engagement

Patti has been in the field of education for over 30 years. After teaching in a brick setting for several years, Patti joined Laurel Springs in 2016 in the high school math department. During her time at Laurel Springs she has served as Math Teacher, Math Academic Dept. Chair, Education Manager Liaison and now Dean of Community Engagement. Patti holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics, both received from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is excited to continue working to build the Laurel Springs Community with virtual and in-person events throughout the year and to help all families feel as an essential part of our global LSS Community within and beyond the classroom.
Heidi McClure

Heidi McClure

Dean of Counseling

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Heidi McClure

Dean of Counseling

Heidi McClure brings nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in the field of education, primarily serving as a Professional School Counselor at both the middle and high school levels, complemented by additional roles in school administration. Heidi earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Colorado College and holds two master's degrees, in School Counseling and School Administration, along with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Heidi is unwavering in her commitment to supporting the academic and social/emotional needs of every student at Laurel Springs through a comprehensive School Counseling Program. She is passionate about ensuring that Laurel Springs students receive personalized support tailored to help them meet their scholastic and post-secondary goals.
Marcie Peoples

Marcie Peoples

Dean of Advising

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Marcie Peoples

Dean of Advising

Marcie Peoples has worked in public education for over 25 years with a focus in special education where she served in the classroom and in administrative roles at the district office level. During her educational career, Marcie has provided support to 81 school districts in Los Angeles and Riverside Counties serving 2 million students, meeting with teams focusing on meeting the needs of students. Marcie earned her Master’s degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, her Education Specialist teaching credentials, Administrative and Pupil Personnel Services credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University as well as her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Chapman University.
Frank Tomsic

Frank Tomsic

Dean of Curriculum

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Frank Tomsic

Dean of Curriculum

Frank Tomsic has more than 25 years of experience in education with the last 20 focused on instructional design, technology, and online learning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in the teaching of French from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. Frank has led large-scale course design and development projects, enterprise technology infrastructures, online professional networks dedicated to life-long learning, and has created technology integration planning in both K-12 and higher education.

Meet Our Academic Department Chairs

The Academic Department Chairs at Laurel Springs are experts in their fields who lead their departments in delivering excellent learning experiences and high quality academic support for students.

Shawn Bailey, M.A.

Shawn Bailey, M.A.

English

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Shawn Bailey, M.A.

English Academic Department Chair

Shawn Bailey has taught at brick-and-mortar as well as online schools for the past fifteen years. Her passion is to motivate students and teachers to be successful in their endeavors. She has successfully developed online school curricula for language arts courses as well as created Advanced Placement assessments for the school district. Throughout her teaching career, she has served as an Advanced Placement Department Chair and provided professional development as a district Gifted Endorsement teacher. Shawn has also served as an AP Reader for the College Board for over five years and loves to use these skills to support teachers and students in AP success. She holds an Ed.S. in Teaching and Learning and an M.A. in Teaching English.
Stacee Brown

Stacee Brown

Science

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Stacee Brown

Science

Stacee Brown has almost 20 years of invaluable experience in education, serving as both a teacher and school administrator. With a passion for fostering a positive learning environment and nurturing the growth of both students and staff, Stacee has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence. With a keen focus on professional development, Stacee is known for creating growth-oriented environments for her staff. She champions continuous learning and encourages educators to explore innovative teaching methods, ensuring that the school remains a hub of creativity and intellectual exploration. Stacee holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Georgia, a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercer University School of Medicine and a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Berry College.
Priscilla Chastain, M.Ed.

Priscilla Chastain, M.Ed.

World Languages

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Priscilla Chastain, M.Ed.

World Languages

Priscilla Chastain has been in the field of education for over 25 years in both brick and mortar and online schools. She is passionate about helping students to reach their full potential. She has worked as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach, and administrator during her career. Priscilla has successfully developed French and ESL curriculum for various programs as well as professional development for teachers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French from the University of North Georgia and a master’s degree in teaching Additional Languages and Educational Leadership certification from the University of Georgia.
Dr. Alicia O'Brien

Dr. Alicia O’Brien

Mathematics

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Dr. Alicia O’Brien

Mathematics

Dr. Alicia O’Brien is a STEM educator with over 20 years of experience in math education as well as a background in systems design, leadership, and teacher preparation. She has served in educational leadership positions at national universities, as a college professor, math department chair, and high school classroom teacher. She has provided professional development to regional high school math teachers and college faculty. She has spent over a decade serving as a math department chair in both high school and college. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Sciences from New Mexico State University, a Post-Baccalaureate in Secondary Science from the University of New Mexico, a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University, a Graduate Certificate in Mathematics from the University of Colorado Denver, an Educational Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Math Assessment from Walden University.
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