Today's Choice for Tomorrow's Future

Assistant Principals

Mrs. Shaffer

Prior to becoming an educator, I worked at a local theme park in Human Resources and Organization Development, but longed to get into education. I began teaching math at East Ridge High School in 2003. During that time I also served as an Academy Lead Teacher and built a Peer Mentoring Program. In 2009 I became an Assistant Principal at Mount Dora High School where I was able to combine my love of education with my previous HR experience, helping both students and teachers in their educational journeys. In 2014 I was excited to join the Grassy Lake family and serve as an AP here in my own hometown.

I received my B.S. in Psychology from Stetson University, M.A. in Human Resources from Rollins College, and Ed. Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University. I live here in Clermont with my husband Craig (a high school math teacher), my daughter Abigail (also a current GLES Star), and toddler twins Jack and Lily. I have absolutely fallen in love with our GLES families. Every day I look forward to working with our students and striving to keep Grassy Lake’s tradition of excellence.

Mrs. Croft

I grew up in northwestern Missouri. When I was 14, my mom and I moved to central Florida. I may have been born up north, but Florida is "home." My career in education began in 2005. During that time, I have taught middle school Reading & Language Arts, supported high school students as an Academic Intervention Instructor, Media Specialist, and CAS Coordinator for an International Baccalaureate Programme. Upon leaving the classroom, I continued to help students & teachers reach their highest potential through my roles as an Academic Advisor and, later, Assistant Principal. Additionally, I have helped grow the next generation of educators by adjunct teaching at her first alma mater, Warner University. Joining Grassy Lake has given me the whole K-12 experience. I can confidently say there is truly something to love about every level!

I hold a M.S. specializing in Adolescent Literacy & Technology from Walden University and an Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction with Educational Leadership from Stetson University. My goal is to add a doctorate to the list but that's a few years down the road. 

Mrs. McCray

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the amazing faculty and staff at Grassy Lake Elementary. As your new Assistant Principal, I aspire to maintain a positive and safe school culture while continuing to improve student achievement and parent and community partnership. I am a wife and a mother of two beautiful children. My faith and my love for my family motivates me to be the best educator that I can be. 

I have a degree in Elementary Education from University of Central Florida, GO KNIGHTS! As well as, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. I have 13 years of teaching experience as a 3rd and 4th grade teacher, Math Instructional Coach, Curriculum Resource Teacher (CRT), and as a Positive Alternative to School Suspension (PASS) teacher. I truly believe that every child can learn and as an educational leader it is my responsibility to help teachers and students identify how students learn best and to help create a safe learning environment where they will realize their full potential while uncovering their hidden superpower. 

I am eager to begin this year’s endeavor. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me! I look forward to working alongside all stakeholders to continue the Grassy Lake tradition of cultivating students of excellence!  

Fun Facts: Mrs. McCray 

  • Nationality: Jamaican ( I recently became a citizen of the United States)  
  • Favorite quote: "Be the Change that you wish to see in the world. " Mahatma Gandhi  
  • Favorite subject: Math 
  • Hobbies: Baking and cooking authentic Jamaican dishes 
  • Favorite meal: Curried chicken and Rice and Peas 
  • Favorite movie: I don’t really have ONE favorite. I enjoy movies based on true stories about inspirational people. 
  • Favorite author (s): Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes 
  • Favorite sports team: L.A. Lakers 
  • Favorite holiday: Christmas