“What happens after school matters!”
Our Teachers
Solaria teachers are dedicated to offering children a high-quality, customized and well-rounded education.
Mercy Roberg
Founder
Hilal Kip
Lead Teacher
Mercy Roberg, the founder of Solaria Enrichment Programs, is deeply committed to providing children with a tailored and comprehensive education. Solaria's meticulously crafted curriculum is designed to equip students with essential skills that effortlessly propel them forward in both their academic journey and personal development. The program offers a diverse range of subjects, including exposure to Artists-in-Residence, Environmental Science, Technology, Literacy, and Science on a weekly basis. Mercy's unwavering dedication to this endeavor is fueled by her unwavering passion for delivering education of the highest quality.
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Mercy Roberg holds an impressive academic background, boasting a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Stetson University College of Law, a Master's degree in Education with a specialization in ESOL, and a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from the esteemed University of Florida. Prior to her current pursuits, she served in the Peace Corps in Central Africa, where she taught Environmental Education, and later, she gained seven years of invaluable experience as a Kindergarten and 1st Grade teacher in Pinellas County and Alachua County. Her career trajectory also led her to become an attorney after the birth of her children.
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Presently, Mercy serves as a law lecturer at the University of Central Florida in the undergraduate legal studies department. Her commitment to advancing justice and equality in education has established her as a respected attorney in the field of education law.
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Furthermore, Mercy Roberg actively practices law, operating her own boutique law firm that specializes in Education Law and Family Law matters. In a previous role as the Director of Operations at Community Law Program, Inc., she tirelessly advocated for the rights and interests of individuals facing legal challenges, earning respect for her exceptional dedication to community service and belief in the transformative power of the law.
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Over the course of her career, Mercy has played various roles at Stetson University College of Law, including Director of the Office of Professional Education, Coordinator & Fellow for the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law & Policy, and Law Clerk for Special Education Law & Advocacy.
The inception of Solaria Enrichment Programs sprang from Mercy's personal experience as a parent searching for schools and enrichment programs for her own children. She observed that the learning opportunities for her children ended before 3 p.m. each day, and she was determined to provide them with a full day of learning, fun, and enrichment in a small group environment led by enthusiastic, skilled, and licensed teachers. This motivation propelled her to establish Solaria, and her commitment to excellence continues to guide the program's success.
With a profound passion for teaching and a diverse skill set, Hilal is an extraordinary preschool to 8th-grade teacher who brings innovation, empathy, and positive creative awareness to the forefront of the learning experience. Hilal Kip's journey as an educator began with an innate love for working with young minds, and over the years, teaching at Anona Methodist Preschool here in Largo to teaching overseas in Turkey, she has honed her expertise in various disciplines to provide an enriching educational environment for her students.
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Positive Discipline Pioneer:
Hilal's dedication to creating a nurturing and respectful classroom environment is exemplified by her training in positive discipline techniques. With an emphasis on mutual respect and understanding, she encourages her students to develop essential life skills such as conflict resolution, empathy, and self-regulation, fostering a harmonious and supportive learning community.
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ESOL Expertise:
Understanding the challenges that English learners face, Hilal has obtained specialized training in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) education. Through tailored instruction and individualized support, she ensures that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
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Bilingual Brilliance:
As a bilingual educator, Hilal possesses the unique ability to connect with a diverse range of students and families. With fluency in multiple languages, she fosters an inclusive classroom where linguistic and cultural diversity are celebrated, making every student feel heard and valued.
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Enriched by STEAM:
With a creative and innovative STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) background, Hilal is committed to making learning a hands-on and engaging experience. Her STEAM-focused approach sparks curiosity and critical thinking, empowering students to explore, experiment, and solve problems in exciting and imaginative ways.
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DCF 40 Clock Hours Certified:
As a dedicated professional, Hilal has undergone rigorous training, including DCF 40 Clock Hours certification, to stay current with the best practices in early childhood education. Her commitment to continuous learning guarantees that she provides the highest quality of instruction and care to her students.
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A Compassionate Guide:
More than just an educator, Hilal Kip is a compassionate guide on her students' educational journey. She takes the time to understand each child's unique strengths, challenges, and interests, tailoring her teaching methods to suit their individual needs. Through her unwavering support, she instills confidence in her students, inspiring them to reach for their dreams and achieve their full potential.
Aiden McComb
Assistant Teacher
Aiden remains committed to his dual role as a pediatric nursing student and a STEAM after-school program facilitator. His unwavering dedication to the well-being of children has earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues, students, and families alike. With each passing day, Alex continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young ones, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, knowledge, and inspiration.
Aiden's passion for pediatric nursing and STEAM education remains undiminished.In his second year serving as Assistant Teacher at Solaria, Aiden continues to be an integral part of the STEAM after-school program, dedicated to inspiring the next generation of young minds. His nurturing nature and passion for learning sparks a flame of curiosity in the children, encouraging them to explore their interests fearlessly.
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In Aiden's free time you might find him shopping in a vintage store or maybe even delivering a pizza!