PATHWAYS FOR LIFE ACADEMY
GOTHA, FLORIDA - in West Orange County
Incorporating Life, Social, Executive Functioning Skills Training and Job Skills Training in a loving, safe environment.
PRIVATE MIDDLE&HIGH SCHOOL
Preparing for independence in life and learning
ABOUT PATHWAYS FOR LIFE ACADEMY
The School Board's Welcome
We are excited to begin a new year at Pathways For Life
Academy. There has been a great need in the West Orange
Community for a distinctive program for Middle and High
School students which incorporates core academics with real
life application through a therapy-driven learning approach. In
addition to an emphasis on life skills, our curriculum integrates
social skills and executive functioning classes to create a course
of study which builds independence, confidence, and success.
We have been working hard planning a schedule which reaches each student in the areas of academics, fundamental survival skills in life,
interpersonal communication and critical/higher order thinking.
What we offer at Pathways for Life Academy:
-Small class sizes
-Low student to teacher ratio
-Therapy-driven instruction
-Life, social, and executive functioning training
-Health and Fitness opportunities
-Excellent communication from school to home
-Guidance and learning through strengths and challenges
-Guidance and Fostering of Independence
-Encouragement of students to reach their highest potential
-Inclusion, acceptance, and grace
-Lessons/activities learned in the classroom setting which
translate to community service opportunities
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STUDENT DRIVEN and PARENT PARTNERSHIP Is how we work together and make decisions daily. We strive to keep it student focused and our programs don't limit students by putting them in a box. They are individuals who have unique needs and we focus on helping them grow towards independence in a safe and loving environment.
We can't wait to get started and see all the great progress in each of our students this year!
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Blessings,
Pathways For Life Academy School Board
Email: board@pflacademy.com
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PATHWAY PARTNERS
Imagine a place where students with unique needs aren’t just accommodated, but celebrated—where they master academics, gain executive functioning skills, and learn life skills tailored to meet their needs. That’s what we do at Pathways for Life Academy. But we can’t do it without you. Your support funds teachers and programs that unlock their potential. A donation today builds their tomorrows, allowing them to thrive during their time at PFLA and preparing them to participate in and with the community in meaningful ways, no matter the paths they take after graduation. When you partner with us, you’re changing lives for the better.
Can we count on you to be a changemaker?
We appreciate all our local Pathways Partners who help donate their time and financial contributions to our school. We are a 501(c)(3) so all gifts are tax-deductible. If you are interested in partnering with us please email us at info@pflacademy.com. If you would like to donate please send checks to
PFLA
PO Box 1816 Windermere, FL 34786.
We need your help today!
Our Schedule
8:00am - 8:15am Morning Meeting
8:15am - 9:00am Session 1 -Academics
9:05am -10:00am Session 2 -Academics
10:05am -10:55am Session 3- Academics
11:00am - 11:50am Session 4- Academics
11:50am - 12:00pm Movement Break
12:00pm - 12:30pm LUNCH
12:30pm - 1:30pm PE/Elective
1:30pm - 2:30pm Social Skills/Elective
2:30pm - 2:50pm Daily Chores
2:55pm - 3:00pm Dismissal
*Wednesdays are early release at 2:15pm
Pathways For Life Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin in its administration of educational, admission, or financial policies.
Follow us on Social Media with Facebook and Instagram- See what we do weekly and how we are impacting Central Florida.
Our Team
Patty Myers, BA, BCaBA
Executive Director
President/CEO
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Mrs. Myers has been in the field of leading varying exceptionality schools for children over 16 years. She has served as Principal of The First Hope, and currently the Executive Director of Building Pathways Foundation, a nonprofit program serving teens and adults training them in life, social, and job skills. She is also the author of Autism Is A Blessing which shares her personal journey her family has traveled helping her son Charlie, who is now 23 and has autism. Her passion and heart for children and adults with unique abilities is known throughout the community. She wants to help students achieve great progress in life and help them work towards independence.
She lost her husband of 31 years in September 2021 and has 2 children.
Mrs. Myers has been at PFLA for 5 years.
Pixie Auman
Administrative Assistant
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Pixie has worked as an Admin with Universal Creative, and volunteers with Scouts BSA, serving as the Cubmaster for her kids Pack, leading training courses for adult leaders, and helping to run events for Cub Scouts.
When she isn’t working, she loves to run, read, and work on art projects, as well as go to theme parks and get outside as much as possible.
She has a son and a daughter who she home schooled for 4 years before they returned back to public school this year.
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This is Pixie's first year at PFLA.
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Abimael Rivera
Lead Teacher
Mr. Rivera graduated with a Bachelors in English from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus and minored in Secondary Education. He worked as an English Educator for more than 25 years at all age levels, but mainly in middle school. Mr. Rivera has 2 excellent sons and a precious granddaughter. He moved to Florida where he resides with his lovely wife. He teaches all Math Classes and High School Electives
Mr. Rivera has been at PFLA for 3 years.
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Debbie Myers
Lead Teacher
Mrs. Myers has over 24 years teaching students as well as tutoring and homeschooling children. She has over 20 years working with students who have unique abilities. Mrs. Myers loves to see children excel and grow, making great progress. She teaches all History classes.
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She is married and has 3 children.
Mrs. Myers has been at PFLA for 4 years.
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Maxi Luna
Lead Teacher
Mr. Luna has been in the field of Special Needs for 11 years. He worked at a male group home ages 6yo-21yo. Mr. Luna worked at an MI (multi intensive) unit and also at a EBD (Emotional Behavior Disorders units in Denver, CO.
Mr. Luna loves running and Jiujitsu.
He builds great rapport with students.
He teaches Science for all grades as well as Life and Executive Functioning Skills.
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Mr. Luna has been at PFLA for 3 years.
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Anthony Bastos
Lead Teacher
I have a passion for History and English and believe in creating a supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. With 9 years of substitute teaching experience, including working in an ESE classroom for 3 years. I'm excited to guide your child through this academic journey. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy crafting, reading, and exploring. I am always eager to learn new things. I moved from New Jersey this fall down to Florida. I have my Bachelors in Anthropology/ Sociology and I am in the middle of my Masters for Secondary Education in Literature. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns; I'm here to partner with you to ensure your child's success!"
Mr. Bastos has been at PFLA for 1 year.
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Glenna Hauser
Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Hauser has a degree from Florida Atlantic University in International Business. She began working in education when her own children started grade school and found her passion was in the classroom. She has over 10 years of experience of working with students and differentiated instruction. She strives to assist in finding each child’s own unique way of learning to help them excel. She joined the PFLA family after moving here from Texas in 2020. She is married and has two children.
Mrs. Hauser has been at PFLA for 4 years.
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Karen Wise
Teacher Assistant
Ms. Karen has been working in the education field for several decades in one position or another. She enjoys working with children of all ages and especially children with different learning styles. she is a team plyer and loves a challenge that requires her to utilize her skills. She has lived in Orlando for 14 years. She originates from Pittsburgh, PA. She has been widowed for 24 years and has a very mixed family. She has 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. This is Ms. Karen's 3rd year at PFLA.
Our Mission
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​We are a Private Middle and High School that supports students to excel in all areas of academics, life application, and social skills integration in a therapy-driven and positive environment.
Our Vision
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To provide academic support and excellence while working on life and social skills through a therapy-driven approach.
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To support the unique needs of all students and provide a positive and safe environment for learning and growth.
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To guide and help create a well-rounded individual who after exiting school can reach the goal of independent living.
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To promote an inclusion model which prepares students to build relationships and live and work successfully within their communities.
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To be a community for Middle and High School students within the West Orange area which provides development and support in making connections through life, social, and employment opportunities.
Our School Board
Patty Myers
Mrs. Myers has a heart for students with learning differences and has been in this field for over 20 years. She was the prior Principal of a Private Special Needs School in Orlando for nearly 10 years. She wants to give students skills training in life application so that they can leave here more independent than when they arrived. She has started and created 4 companies over the years, making a difference in the lives of many with unique needs.
She has been a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst for over 13 years who strives to help students excel and grow. She has 2 children one of which is 23 and lives with autism. She lost her husband Tony of 31+ years in 2021. She advocates for patients all over the country about deadly protocols.
Vaishali Laddu
Mrs. Laddu is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and owner of Avanti Acupuncture in the Dr. Phillips area of Orlando, Fl. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Florida College of Integrative Medicine in 2011. Being married and having three children, with her youngest son on the spectrum for autism, Mrs. Laddu understands the challenges that individuals with unique abilities encounter every day. She is passionate about providing alternative solutions by the way of Eastern Medicine to those facing physical, mental, and learning challenges. She brings her passion with her as a board member of Pathways of Life Academy.
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