Spotlight Teachers

Ms. Lucas is the Guidance Counselor at Freedom 7 Elementary. This is her 4th year at Freedom 7. Before working in elementary Ms. Lucas used to teach and was a guidance counselor in high school. She loves the students at Freedom 7 and tries her best to be available for all students for their emotional and social wellbeing. Ms. Lucas loves outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, canoeing, swimming, and riding bikes. Ms. Lucas also teaches Yoga on Thursday mornings at Freedom 7. Ms. Lucas loves all animals and has two cats, Lucky and Rascal.

My name is Mrs. Noe, and I am one of the PYP Coordinators as well as the Literacy Coach at Freedom 7! My career as a teacher began in Orange County, Florida where I taught for five years. I moved to Brevard in 2000, where I started teaching first grade as a founding teacher at Freedom 7, one of the Millennium Schools of Choice. I have been teaching here ever since, this being year 22! I have taught grades 1, 3 and 4 and in the Gifted program. I fully believe in the IB PYP program for teaching and learning and I am a lifelong learner! My husband, Jayme and I have two children, Ashton who is in 10th grade at Satellite High School and Hannah, who is in 3rd grade at Freedom 7. In my time away from school, I enjoy traveling with my family, enjoying time outdoors, gardening, shopping, listening to music and photography.

My name is Mrs. Haag, and I’m thrilled to be at Freedom 7 as the music teacher.

I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mobile and have been teaching music for 16 years. This year, I taught the sixth graders to sing "Same Boat" by Zac Brown Band and helped the Music Spotlight group learn to play the accompaniment on various instruments including guitar, ukulele, viola, bass, and percussion. They also rewrote the lyrics to "Beat It" by Michael Jackson and learned to perform it on their instruments. I am so proud of their creativity and dedication to music!

My name is Mrs. Enrique, and I am happy to help the sixth-grade graphic design team! I graduated from the University of Florida with a master’s degree in education and a specialization in reading. I have taught most grade levels, worked as a Title 1 teacher, a Teacher Technology Specialist for Brevard County, and have been at Freedom 7 since 2004. I am now a Media Specialist and PYP coordinator. I enjoy learning, traveling, and spending time with my family.

My name is Alexis Van Vuren. After I graduated with my Master’s Degree in

Education from the University of South Florida, I taught elementary school as a

classroom teacher and eventually moved to a district position training and

supporting teachers throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. I moved to

Merritt Island, FL about 9 years ago. I have taught here at Freedom 7 for two years. Building an art studio full of choices and opportunities for artists to communicate expressions in a wide variety of medias and processes. The art spotlight group is planning and designing a large-scale piece to highlight the connections between the SDGs and our world around us. They plan to highlight their knowledge and skills in a variety of medias. Their goal is to create a truly awe-inspiring artwork to capture hearts and curiosity in actions we take as humans.

My name is Elizabeth Calzado-Hughes. This is my forth year as a Spanish teacher here at Freedom 7 Elementary School. It gives me a great honor to be able to work with the entire school body and make a positive impact on each and every one of them.

I'm a native Spanish speaker from the Dominican Republic. I lived in Providence, Rhode Island for the last 24 years and moved to Florida in 2017. I have two amazing daughters Jodi, Jessy and my wonderful partner Mike. We love spending time together and going on many adventures.

My name is Darcie Brennan. I am one of the 6th grade teachers. I had the pleasure or working directly with the website spotlight group and the technology group. The both worked so hard and were so easy to help guide in the process. They also were great at sharing me while I also helped music and art spotlight groups this year. My role was to also oversee that each group was on task and successful. We are so proud of every spotlight team!

My first years’ experience with the 6th grade Exhibition has been amazing. From start to finish it is a demonstration of the student agency and multiple talents. I have had the pleasure of supervising the Hosting Group and part of the Graphic Design Group. The Hosting Group is comprised of 10 girls and boys working together to create the script to welcome everyone as well as direct the participants to the various activities throughout the day. My Graphic Design Group had their creative juices flowing creating the invitation for “Formals” night and the program for the Moving On Ceremony. Both groups worked diligently and collaboratively to produce quality work. I’m so proud of these students and all the student in 6th Grade. Way to go!

This year, I had the pleasure of overseeing the efforts of Deborah N., Michael Y., Elissa M., Kylah V., Madi A., Nikita S., Maren S., and Peyton K. in the choreography spotlight group. They worked together to create the dance moves for this year’s exhibition songs: “Fearless” by Goo Goo Dolls, "Same Boat" by Zac Brown Band, and “One Day” by Matisyahu. In addition to creating a cohesive routine for all three songs, they were responsible for teaching the moves to all of their classmates. I am so proud of their agency and teamwork!