Faculty & Staff Directory

Meet Our Founder and Director

Tara Salute, M. Ed

Tara brings over 30 years of experience in education and tutoring in the local community. She currently oversees the strategic direction, curriculum development, and overall operations of CRLA, ensuring that the organization fulfills its mission of providing tailored learning experiences for students.

Faculty

Chloe Jones
Lead Teacher

Chloe is a Crystal River native and Lecanto High School graduate who completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Petersburg College and holds ESOL and Reading endorsements. Chloe has three years of experience working with students with diverse learning needs, including autism, dyslexia, English language learners, and ESE students, and has been tutoring since 2018.

Matthew Fernandez
Treasurer

Isabelle Spiddle
Marketing Director

Isabelle is a Florida State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. A Crystal River native and the daughter of a Citrus County Schools kindergarten teacher. She has a strong passion for education and communication. Isabelle supports Crystal River Learning Academy through website development, social media management, and advertising, helping share the school’s mission and connect with the community.

Staff

Braylee Strawn

Matthew oversees financial strategy, budgeting, and long-term sustainability. A graduate of Florida State University, he earned the Certified Financial Planner designation by combining academic training with hands-on experience at a boutique wealth management firm in Coral Gables, serving clients throughout South Florida. Based in Miami, Matthew brings a broad financial perspective to CRLA while supporting its mission to expand access to individualized, student-centered education. His commitment to education is inspired by his mother’s lifelong teaching career and her Golden Apple Teacher of the Year award in Marion County.

Braylee is a junior at Crystal River High School and a dual enrollment student committed to academic excellence. She is a dedicated student-athlete who competes in both volleyball and flag football, demonstrating strong discipline and time-management skills while balancing rigorous academics and athletics. Braylee is actively involved in tutoring through CRLA, where she enjoys working with children and helping them build confidence and a strong understanding of their daily lessons. She is passionate about leadership, learning, and making a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom.