Annual Dues

President:

 Jessi Smith jessins@leeschools.net

My name is Jessi Smith and I am the art teacher at Gateway Elementary. I've been here for 14 years. It's all I ever wanted to do and I'm loving every minute! I am also very active in the Teacher's Association of Lee County and the director of the Future of Art Show at the Alliance. I look forward to working with all of you as we grow and showcase all our amazing students' work in the Fort Myers Community. 

Vice President: 

Danielle Hopkins daniellelh@leeschools.net 

My name is Danielle Hopkins and I’m the art teacher at Hancock Creek Elementary. I’ve been teaching art for 14 years and all of my years have been at the elementary level. I am a 2025 Golden Apple Recipient. I love what I do and I love helping others find their passion for the arts! My classroom motto is a quote from Bob Ross, “No mistakes, only happy accidents!” 

Treasurer: 

Maria Makrynakis

mariamak@leeschools.netMy name is Maria Makrynakis. I have always loved Art and grew up in the Fort Myers area.I attended the Savannah College of Art and Design and have worked in the publishing and gift industries as well as teaching painting to adults. I will be going into my 6th year teaching Elementary Art in the Fall.  

Secretary:

 Madison Grimm

madisonhu@LeeSchools.net

Hi, my name is Madison Grimm and I teach art at Edison Park Elementary! This is my 5th year teaching in Florida. I love that I get to be creative every day! Most importantly I love that my students get to express themselves through the visual arts from ceramics to digital art. 

Art Advocacy: 

David Martin 

DavidAMa@leeschools.net

Hello, my name is David Martin, and I teach at Lehigh Senior High School Center for the Arts. My bachelor's is in Art Education from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and my master's is from the Art of Education University. I have 21 years of teaching experience in the Lee County School District and have taught reading, math, science, writing, and, of course, K-12 art. 

Over the years, I helped develop the curriculum mapping for the K-12 Lee County School District using the National and State standards. Furthermore, I have been an APPLES Mentor to many art educators. Outside of teaching, I create my own art and have been known to partake in an exhibition or two.