Mr. Scott Atkins, Principal
Email: satkins@pasco.k12.fl.us
Dear Wildcat Families,
My name is Scott Atkins and I will be your new principal. Odessa Elementary is a high performing school and I am so excited to be joining the Wildcat family! This is my 28th year serving Pasco County Schools. I have been an administrator for over 21 years and had the privilege of opening two brand new schools as an Assistant Principal: Seven Oaks and Double Branch Elementary. I also had the honor of being the principal at Sand Pine Elementary and was able to maintain the school grade of an “A” all five years there.
I am married and my wife and I will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary in November. We have two children, Scott and Sarah. Scott is entering his second year at Florida State University. Go Noles! Sarah will be a junior in the Cambridge Program at Pasco High School. I am also a Bulls fan and completed both of my master’s degrees at the University of South Florida. I have always been an active person and enjoy cycling, hiking, and sea kayaking in the bay area. I cannot wait to meet all of our students and families.
Mrs. Krista MacNeill, Assistant Principal
Email: kmacneil@pasco.k12.fl.us
With over 13 years of dedicated experience in education, I have had the privilege of shaping young minds as a teacher in 3rd through 5th grades, as well as a support facilitator and behavior intervention specialist. My journey in education led me to graduate with a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of South Florida. My passion for teaching is the driving force behind my career.
On a personal note, I have been happily married to a wonderful man for nearly 25 years. Together, we have two amazing children. Our son is proudly serving in law enforcement, while our daughter is pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in criminal justice at the University of North Florida. In my free time, I cherish moments spent with my family, enjoy reading, kayaking, and traveling to new destinations. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all our students and families.
Samantha Landers, Assistant Principal
Email: sdlander@pasco.k12.fl.us
My name is Samantha Landers and I’m so honored to be one of the Assistant Principals here at Odessa Elementary. I have worked here in Pasco County for the past 11 years and have worked in education for over 15 years. I started my career in North Carolina as a third-grade teacher, but I’ve taught and coached at both the elementary and middle school levels here in Florida since 2012. I graduated from Elon University with my Bachelors in Elementary Education and from Saint Leo University with my Masters. My passion is in helping students and teachers succeed by meeting their maximum potential and celebrating their individual strengths.
I am married to a wonderful man who is a retired US Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and we have three beautiful children. My daughters are here at Odessa with me in Kindergarten and Third Grade, and my son is a three-year-old at the Cherry Tree. As a family, we love to go to the beach and local parks, but we also enjoy staying home with our dogs, cat, chickens, and ducks. I can’t wait to get to know all of the amazing families here at Odessa and I look forward to building relationships with the staff and students.
