The Journeys of Growth & Achievement of M’Liss Ferlita & Taylor Wells.

As Pepin Academies celebrates 25 years of dedication to students with disabilities, we reflect on the profound impact the school has had on countless students and their families.

The story of M’Liss Ferlita and her son, Taylor Wells, exemplifies the transformative special education power of Pepin Academies—not just for students, but for the employees who grow alongside them.

A Divine Path to Pepin Academies

M’Liss Ferlita believes that divine intervention played a significant role in guiding her to Pepin Academies. Twenty-five years ago, as a single mother of three, M’Liss was working in her family’s business but felt unfulfilled. At that time, a friend from her church mentioned a new special education charter school in Tampa where he had recently been hired as a teacher. The school’s principal, Mrs. Joann Shaw, was a familiar name to M’Liss—she had been the principal at the school where M’Liss’s daughters had attended, and M’Liss had worked closely with her as PTA president.

Intrigued, M’Liss agreed to meet with Mrs. Shaw, which led to an offer for M’Liss to join Pepin Academies as a reading assistant at its newly opened charter school. Little did she know that this decision would not only change her life, but also reshape her son’s future.

A Mother’s Journey to Pepin Academies

Around the same time that M’Liss began her work at Pepin Academies, her son, Taylor Wells, was struggling at his neighborhood school. Diagnosed with a language impairment at age two, Taylor had been receiving therapy services outside of school, but M’Liss felt that his needs weren’t being adequately met. When she attended a parent-teacher conference, M’Liss was shocked to learn that Taylor’s teacher was unaware of his disability. Even more concerning, the teacher suggested that Taylor might be “emotionally disturbed” because he cried every day at school, blaming his behavior on something outside of his control.

But M’Liss knew better. She knew her son wasn’t emotionally disturbed—he simply wasn’t receiving the support he needed. After meeting with the school’s principal and district Exceptional Student Education (ESE) personnel, Taylor was evaluated and placed into ESE services. The evaluation revealed that while Taylor had a high IQ, he was learning disabled and severely language impaired. Around that time, Pepin Academies opened Hope Preparatory Academy, a chartered elementary school, and M’Liss didn’t hesitate to enroll Taylor. She knew Pepin could offer the individualized support he desperately needed.

A Success Story: Taylor Wells

Taylor’s journey at Pepin Academies was nothing short of remarkable. He began his education at Pepin and continued through high school, where he not only thrived academically but also emerged as the valedictorian of his class. His journey culminated in a scholarship to St. Leo University, where he earned a degree in English and Professional Writing, with a minor in Multimedia Management.

Today, Taylor is a writer and editor for the Osprey Observer, a local publication where he has worked for five years. He also manages the publication’s media. This success came from the boy who, in third grade, couldn’t even write his own name.

Taylor credits much of his success to the passion and dedication of his teachers at Pepin Academies, particularly Mrs. Liza Brundage, his 4th/5th-grade teacher, who strongly encouraged him to pursue writing. Taylor’s story is a testament to the life-changing impact that Pepin Academies has on its students and their families, showcasing how the school’s therapeutic model enables students to realize their full potential.

The Heart of Pepin Academies: Where Belonging Leads to Learning

M’Liss’s work at Pepin Academies has evolved alongside her son’s educational journey. Today, she serves as the school’s FTE coordinator and has become an expert in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Over the years, M’Liss has witnessed firsthand the profound impact Pepin Academies has on students, both academically and emotionally. As a parent, she has seen the school’s unwavering commitment to its students and families, particularly in their most trying times.

“The compassion and care that Pepin Academies offers its students and families is unparalleled,” M’Liss shares. “I’ve seen students, like my own son, not only survive but truly thrive here.”

The Ferlita-Wells family’s story is just one of many that highlight the importance of Pepin Academies in the community over the last 25 years. It serves as a testament to the dedication of the teachers, staff, and administrators who make Pepin Academies a place where students with learning disabilities can truly thrive.

Looking to the Future

As Pepin Academies celebrates this milestone, we honor not only the past 25 years, but also the countless students, families, and employees whose lives have been touched by the school’s mission. The stories of M’Liss and Taylor remind us that, with the right support, determination, and compassion, the sky’s the limit.

Here’s to 25 years of success—and to many more to come!