Our Team

Mimi O’Leary

Owner

Mimi O’Leary owns Class 101 Treasure Coast-FL, where her mission is to help students and families navigate the college planning process while helping to lower the cost of college for families. Mimi has always enjoyed working with students, primarily as a classroom teacher or a tutor. Mimi is a Florida certified educator in elementary education, primary education, and exceptional student education. Her interest in college planning began when she helped her oldest son go through the college planning process. Her eldest child is a graduate of Auburn University, and her two younger children graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Mimi’s positive attitude and commitment to her students, combined with the proven systems of Class 101, make the perfect match for successful outcomes for her students and their families. Mimi says, “Positive attitudes will lead to positive outcomes.“ Mimi is a Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana graduate.

Mike O’Leary

Owner

As co-owner, Mike O’Leary brings his experience as a business leader to operating the Class 101 of the Treasure Coast franchise. Mike earned a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and a M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University. Upon graduation from Notre Dame, Mike served on active duty as a Tank Officer in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completing his military service, Mike began a 27-year civilian career in the newspaper industry. In 2020, Mike joined Class 101 full-time.  Mike leads our St. Lucie County office but often serves students and families in the Stuart office, too. Mike is active in the community, serving on the School Advisory Committee at John Carroll High School. Mike represents Class 101 at the Stuart/Martin County Chamber of Commerce, the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and the Martin County Business Exchange.

Dawnelle Bartges

College Advisor / Test Prep Instructor

Dawnelle Bartges is both a Florida and Pennsylvania certified teacher with over fifteen years of teaching experience. Dawnelle previously taught in Pennsylvania and for Martin County High School, where she was the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year. She has taught English, intensive reading, AICE English General Paper, and now is a reading specialist at Indiantown Middle School where she works with 6th-8th graders. Dawnelle has a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Penn State University and a Master's in Middle and High School Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Dawnelle works at Class 101 as a college advisor and instructor for the ACT and SAT prep classes. She loves to travel, is a voracious reader, and animal lover. She currently lives in Port St. Lucie, FL with her two cats.

Maria Miller

College Advisor / Test Prep Instructor

Maria Miller, College Advisor / Test Prep Instructor.  Maria, a native of Stuart, attended John Carroll High School, where she now teaches English. Maria studied telecommunications at the University of Florida (Go Gators!) with minors in History and Spanish.  Maria joined Class 101 in February 2023 and says the favorite part about working with Class 101 is getting to help students reach their goals! 
Maria Miller College Advisor Class101

Laura McKinney

College Advisor

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Laura attended the University of Florida, earning bachelor’s and master's degrees. She moved to Palm City 22 years ago and has two sons, now 20 and 17. Her career has included 26 years of high school teaching experience in various capacities and subjects. Having taught juniors and seniors most of her career she has always enjoyed helping students in the college application process. Laura says: "I am excited to work with the Class 101 students and their families."

Amy Wilcox

College Advisor

Bio goes here

Stacey Derrenbacker

Office Manager

Bio goes here

Contact Us Today!

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Owners

Mimi O'Leary,

Mike O’Leary

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Address

2608 SE Willoughby Blvd, Suite A, Stuart, FL 34994

Our Treasure Coast Students Say It Best

rachel

I learned so much about myself and what I want to do in college during my time at Class 101! After working with Mrs. O’Leary, I am better prepared and confident for what the future has in store. I would not have had the positive outcomes I achieved without the amazing guidance from Mrs. O’Leary and Class 101!

Rachael

Loyola Marymount University

angela-c

Class 101, with Mr. and Mrs. O’Leary’s help and guidance, has allowed me to reach my goals. From preparing for college interviews, to brainstorming essay ideas, Class 101 has prepared me well for the next chapter in my life

Angela

Vanderbilt University

johanna

Class 101 gave me the tools I needed to do well on the SAT and write powerful college essays. They provided me guidance throughout the college application and interview process. Thank you so much Mimi and Mike!

Johanna

University of Florida - Honors College

erika-a

Class 101 felt like a second family to me! It was a great environment where you felt safe to ask questions and to go for help with school and college applications; big or small.

Erika

University of Alabama

mariund

Starting Class 101 was one of the best decisions ever. I learned so much from Mrs. O’Leary and Mrs. Waltersdorff and they helped me gain 8 college acceptances, a Bright Futures scholarship, and an invitation to join UCF’s Top Ten Knight program. Class 101 is filled with amazing mentors and memories, thank you for everything!

Mariund

University of Central Florida - Honors College

diego-r

When I first started Class 101 with Mrs. O’Leary, I was a good student, but my SAT score was low and I had no clue about the college admissions process. Mrs. O’Leary changed everything. What makes Class 101 special is the personal attention you get with SAT prep and college prep, while at the same time Mrs. O’Leary pushed me to take initiative by myself. Class 101 is not one of those companies that babies their students or is just surface. I really learned how to be a great applicant and get into schools that I never would have considered without Class 101.

Diego

Catholic University

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