Meet Our Staff

~Pictured From Left to Right~
Mr. Kurt Schaefer - Science & XO
Mrs. Lindsey Quigley - Social Studies, Language Arts & Financial Manager
Mrs. Kathryn Brandow - Social Studies 
​Ms. Jennifer Blanchard - Language Arts & Adjutant
Ms. Elizabeth Walters - Science
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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Jennifer Blanchard

Hello there, I was born and raised in Connecticut and am the youngest of five.  With a father in the field of education, he ran a technical high school and coached, I recognized the impact he had on his students and aspired to do the same.  Settling in Venice in 1997, I graduated from the University of South Florida with my B.A. in Education and then pursued my master’s degree from USF in Educational Leadership.  Teaching in Sarasota County since 2003, I was fortunate to join the Venice Middle Young Marines in 2016.  Although I have taught many subjects, ELA is where it is that I am most comfortable.  When I am not at school, I enjoy hanging with my two children, both of which are products of the VMYMs, playing with my dog, or on a field or beach somewhere

Kathryn Brandow

I was born in Ohio and raised in Michigan. I graduated from Western Michigan University with my Bachelor’s in Education in 2006. I moved to Florida in 2007. I earned my Master’s in Educational Leadership as well as Educational Technology from American College of Education. I have taught at the elementary level as well as many grades and subjects at the middle school level. History is my passion, and I am very happy to be teaching US History and Civics. My family and I live in Venice and love being members of our community.
I am very excited to join the Young Marine team!

Lindsey 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

Born in Illinois and raised in Ohio I traveled around the mid-west playing sports my entire life. I grew up watching my mom having an impact on the lives of her students & I decided to follow her into education when I went to Wittenberg University where I also played softball. After graduating in 2003 I moved to FL and began working for Sarasota County schools. During my time here I earned my master's degree in Educational Leadership from Argosy University. I have opened two schools in Sarasota County and I am glad to now call the Young Marines home. In my free time I practice taekwondo & hold my 5th Dan.
I am glad to be part of this team and part of this community!
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