Meadow Park Elementary

Hello, Meadow Park families! My name is Mrs. Elek, and I'm excited to be your principal. I grew up here in Charlotte County and even attended Meadow Park for a bit in Elementary School. After getting my bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida (GO KNIGHTS!) I returned to Charlotte County and taught at the elementary level for 10 years. My favorite subjects are Math and Writing. After getting my master's degree from Florida Gulf Coast University (Go Eagles!), I was named the Assistant Principal at Sallie Jones in Punta Gorda. In 2017, I transferred to Meadow Park, where I've loved serving as your Assistant Principal for the past 6 years.

I'm married to a wonderful man who is also an educator, and we have 3 children currently attending Charlotte County schools. I stay busy by chauffeuring my kiddos around to dance, soccer, and piano lessons. When I have free time, I usually spend it with my family or friends. I love a good game night or a fun day at the pool!

Degrees and Certifications: 

• Elementary Education
• Educational Leadership
• School Principal
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Gifted Endorsement
• Reading Endorsement

Hi there, Meadow Park families. I am Mr. Probst, your proud Assistant Principal. I am thrilled to be a Meadow Park gator! I was raised primarily in the North, specifically Pennsylvania. I attended Lycoming College for my undergrad, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a concentration in Youth and Adolescent Psychology. I received my Masters Degree in Ed. Leadership from the University of West Florida.

I began my teaching career with Charlotte County Public Schools in 2006 at Sallie Jones Elementary as a Kindergarten Teacher. Over the past 17 years, I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Fifth Grade, STEM and served as the Lead Teacher here at Meadow Park, as well as at East Elementary.

In my free time, my family and I enjoy spending time together, going on vacations, and visiting theme parks. Our only daughter is currently enrolled with CCPS and attends L.A. Ainger Middle School.

Degrees and Certifications:

• Psychology
• Educational Leadership
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Exception Student Education
• Reading Endorsement
• Youth Mental Health and First Aid District Trainer

Hello Meadow Park Families!  My name is Dr. Bo Bishop, and I am the School Counselor at MPE and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at South Florida State College.  The 2023-24 school year will be my 10th year as the School Counselor at MPE, and I am excited to continue my mission of supporting the students, their families, and our staff.  I will be your contact for 504 plans, ELL testing, and other various items.

I am looking forward to another great school year!

Degrees and Certifications:

• Doctorate Degree in Psychology
• Masters Degree in Psychology
• Masters Degree in School Counseling
• Florida Certified in Elementary Education and School Counseling

Hello, my name is Ashley Chermak, and I am your Meadow Park School Psychologist! I’m from upstate New York near Buffalo and have lived in Florida for about 4 years. I have worked at Meadow Park since 2020 and have also worked at The Academy and Charlotte High School. I obtained my Doctorate in School Psychology from Alfred University in 2023 and also work in a private practice in Sarasota when I am not here at Meadow Park. In my free time, I enjoy trips to Disney World, relaxing by the pool, and finding live music in the area with my friends.  

Degrees & Certifications 

• Doctorate: School Psychology 
• Nationally Certified School Psychologist 
• Florida Licensed School Psychologist 

Dr. Ashley Chermak, PsyD, NCSP
FL Licensed School Psychologist
MPE Phone (Mon-Thurs): 255-7470 ext. 3908
MCO Phone (Fridays): 255-0808 ext. 2166

My name is Katelyne Bishop, and I am honored to serve as the Dean of Students at Meadow Park Elementary. I have lived in Charlotte County since 2007 and have been a proud member of the Charlotte County Public Schools family since 2017. I am deeply committed to supporting our students, parents, and staff as we work together to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Outside of school, my greatest joy is my family. My husband, Sam, and I are blessed with four wonderful children, ranging in age from 14 years old to 1 year old. They keep us busy, and we love making lasting memories together. I understand the importance of family in shaping a child’s success and look forward to partnering with you to support every child at Meadow Park Elementary.

I am excited for all that this year has to offer and look forward to getting to know each of you!

katelyne.bishop@yourcharlotteschools.net

Degrees and Certifications: 

• Masters Degree in Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis
• Masters Degree in Educational Leadership
• Elementary Education
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Reading Endorsement

Hello! My name is Meridith Meerman. I am an educational leader with over a decade of experience dedicated to empowering students, supporting teachers, and building strong school communities. I currently serve as an academic coach, where I focus on fostering engaging learning environments, leading professional development, and using data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

My approach is rooted in collaboration, positive relationships, and a deep belief in the potential of every student and educator. I’m passionate about creating school cultures where both children and staff feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

Beyond my career in education, I find balance and joy in spending time with my family and running our small farm. Whether I’m cultivating a new curriculum or a row of vegetables, I believe that growth comes from care, consistency, and purpose.

Degrees & Certificates 

• Master's in Educational Leadership 
• Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education 
• Reading Endorsement 
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Gifted Endorsement 
• Literacy Coach Endorsement 

Hello! My name is Karen Caparo. I graduated from USF in Tampa. My teaching career starting in Desoto County as a 6-8 VE teacher at Desoto Middle School. After a year I was hired at Meadow Park and taught first grade. Over my 30-year career, I taught Title 1 reading for a few years. Most of my career has been in first grade. The last 5 years I taught Reading Recovery and coached reading to mostly primary teachers. This past year I was one of the ELA coaches for our school and supported all teachers in everything reading.

I was born in New York and moved to Florida when I was in high school. I am a PCHS graduate. I have been married for 29 years and have three children. 

Hello! My name is Christine Schleden.  I graduated from the University of Iowa with a BS in Elementary Education.  I started my career as a Title I reading teacher helping kids in grades K-6 in Des Plaines, Illinois.  During that time, I was trained in a one-on-one reading intervention called "Project Prevent" for first grade students.  At the same time I earned my BA in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University.  Later, I taught a first-grade class in the district's year-round school.  Then I moved to Wisconsin with my husband and taught in grades 2nd and 4th.  We raised our 2 boys in Wisconsin, but something was missing.  So, we moved to Florida, a lifelong dream of mine!  While here in Florida I taught both 3^rd and 2^nd grades.  Most recently I was trained in Reading Recovery and helped many first graders become lifelong readers.  My current role is as a Literacy coach where I work with fellow educators to become better at their craft.