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. Charles Elsey
Asst. Principal Chuck Woods​
Asst. Principal Amanda Mazzola

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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, who ran a technical high school and coached for many years, I recognized the impact he had on his students and other youth 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 I am most comfortable. When I am not at school, I enjoy time with friends and family, more specifically, my two adult, both of which are products of the VMYMs, playing with my dog, or being outdoors doing anything in the sunshine.
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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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