Meet Our Staff

~Pictured From Left to Right~
Mr. Kurt Schaefer - Science & XO
Mrs. Lindsay Quigley - Social Studies & Language Arts
Mrs. Susan Maas-Lyon - Social Studies & Adjutant
​Ms. Jennifer Mergos - Language Arts
Ms. Elizabeth Walters - Science
Mrs. Louisa McCutcheon - Mathematics & Financial Manager
Captain Fred Thompson, USN (Retired) - Commander
    
~Not Pictured~
VMS Principal Mr. Tomas Dinverno
Asst. Principal Chuck Woods​
Asst. Principal Erin Rice

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Susan Maas-Lyon

I began teaching in Sarasota County in 1999. This is my seventh year at Venice Middle School.  I received my master’s degree in education from Long Island University and my bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas Aquinas College.   I am certified to teach all curricula through 9th grade and hold an endorsement to teach gifted students.  I strive to make learning interesting and relevant to my student’s lives; I work to help them make connections to what they are learning and why it is important. My favorite subject to teach is social studies; I consider it another language arts class just utilizing nonfiction material.   I am very excited about the Young Marine program. I look forward to watching the cadets rise to the challenges and experiences they are presented while learning and growing as young adults.    
I’m married and have two adult children and one adorable, sweet grandson. I enjoy spending time with my large, extended family and my friends.  In my free time I spend time at the Sarasota beaches with Siesta Key being my favorite place to kick back and relax. I love to read, work crossword puzzles, and play games.  I can be found watching Florida State or professional football during the fall and am a loyal Yankee fan during the baseball season.  My newest favorite activity is spending time with my grandson, Sean, whenever I can. 

Louisa McCutcheon

Hi all!!!  I was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Venice, Florida with my mother, father and older brother when I was going into the 7th grade.  I attended Venice Middle School back when it was Venice Area Middle School – VAMS for 7th and 8th grade.  When I graduated from VMS I went to Venice High School.  After graduation from high school I became a GATOR and attended the University of Florida in Gainesville…GOOOOOO GATORS!!!!  I graduated with my Bachelors in Education and then continued to finish my Masters of Education.  My main focus is in middle school Mathematics but I am also qualified to teach all middle school content areas.  My husband and I have been together since July 2003 and married since July 2011.  We live in Venice with our sons Caleb & Caden and our cat Dean & dog Mabel.  My husband is also a teacher at Venice High School; he teaches Mathematics.

Jennifer Mergos

Coming Soon...

Lindsay Quigley​

Coming Soon...
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Kurt Schaefer

I was born in NH and moved to FL in 1981. I graduated from Venice High School in 1989 and joined the U.S. Army in 1990. After serving, I worked as a prison guard in a State Correctional Institution. That is where I was inspired to become a Special Education Teacher. I graduated from USF in 2002 and later received my MA in Reading Education. This is my 9th year of teaching, the past 8 of which have been at VMS. I am an avid sportsman and love to do just about any outdoor activity. My family and I live here in Venice and support our community and all of the wonderful things it has to offer.
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Elizabeth Walters​

Coming Soon...