
Sandalwood Administration

Dr. Saryn L. Hatcher
Principal
Dr. Saryn L. Hatcher, born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, earned his bachelor's degree in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University. He continued his education with an MA in Educational Leadership and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Dr. Hatcher began his career teaching mentally challenged adults at Pine Castle Learning Center in Jacksonville. He then taught and coached girls' basketball at Paxon School for Advanced Studies. He was later promoted to Assistant Principal and Vice Principal at Highlands Middle School. His leadership skills led him to become the principal of Northwestern Middle School.
Dr. Hatcher spent a decade with the Clay County School District, serving as Principal of Green Cove Springs Junior High, Clay Virtual Academy, and The Florida Youth Challenge Academy. He also worked as a District Administrator for Alternative Schools and Advanced Placement before becoming the principal of Sandalwood High School.
An avid New York Yankees fan (Go Blue!), Dr. Hatcher enjoys art, sailing, and pickleball. In his spare time, he serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve.

Cassie Solliday
Assistant Principal of Curriculum
Cassie Solliday is the Assistant Principal of Curriculum at Sandalwood High School, where she brings over a decade of experience in education and a passion for student success. Originally from New York City, Ms. Solliday moved to Florida and graduated from high school in Palm Beach County before attending the University of Central Florida. She earned both a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Counselor Education from UCF.
Ms. Solliday began her career at Sandalwood in 2015 as a school counselor and spent seven years in that role, including three years as Lead Counselor and Department Chair. In 2022, she completed the Duval County Public Schools Aspiring Leaders Program to earn her certification in Education leadership, and transitioned into administration. Now entering her 11th year in education, she serves as Sandalwood’s Assistant Principal of Curriculum, overseeing enrollment, student scheduling, the school counseling team, guidance office staff, and the Math department.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Ms. Solliday is committed to creating a positive school culture and supporting teachers in developing innovative strategies to meet students’ diverse needs. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, fitness, and spending time with her children.

Amy Groeschel
Assistant Principal
Mrs. Amy Groeschel was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She graduated from Edward H. White High School and then attended the University of North Florida, where she received degrees in English and Education. She then earned her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Florida in 2016.
Mrs. Groeschel is beginning her sixteenth year with DCPS and has been a proud Saint since 2010. Throughout her career with DCPS, she has held various roles, including teaching English and Coordinating the AVID program. In her current role, Mrs. Groeschel is the designee to the principal, overseas the English and Reading departments, and the English support teachers. Mrs. Groeschel considers herself to be a life learner and continues to grow in her area, as well as learn other areas of the educational system.
She lives with her husband and three children; Isabella (15), Mitchell (8) and Addison (6). In addition, she has two dogs and a bearded dragon. Her family loves travelling to the NC mountains or going to Universal and Disney in Orlando. Mrs. Groeschel loves making cake pops for her side business, reading, and has a lifelong goal of one day becoming the principal of a school in Duval County.

Joseph Yoo
Assistant Principal
Joseph Yoo was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is a proud graduate of Florida State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Social Science Education in 2012. He began his teaching career at Oceanway Middle School, where he taught 7th grade Law Studies and Civics, helping students develop a strong foundation in government and civic engagement.
In 2020, Mr. Yoo transitioned into district leadership as a Middle School Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, supporting educators and schools with curriculum development and instructional best practices. He further advanced his career by earning a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education in 2022.
Outside of his work in education, Mr. Yoo is a highly accomplished golfer with a +3 handicap. In 2006, he qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club as the youngest player in the field. He brings the same discipline and focus from the golf course into his leadership, with a deep commitment to student achievement and school improvement.

Lester Smith
Assistant Principal
I am honored to serve as an Assistant Principal at Sandalwood High School. With more than 20 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to creating safe, supportive, and high-performing learning environments where students and staff can thrive.
Throughout my career, I have served as an assistant principal in both curriculum and student services, a teacher development and support specialist, and an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher and coach. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in instructional leadership, school safety, student support services, curriculum management, and staff development. I am passionate about building positive school cultures, fostering meaningful relationships, and working collaboratively with students, families, faculty, and the community to help every student reach their full potential.
I earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Church Ministry from Southeastern University. I hold Florida Professional Educator certifications in Educational Leadership, School Principal, and Exceptional Student Education.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, attending church, and making the most of the outdoors through fishing, hunting, and golfing. I look forward to serving the Sandalwood High School community and partnering with students, staff, and families to continue a tradition of excellence.