Doug Palow - Principal
Mr. Doug Palow has proudly served as the Principal of Heights Elementary since the 2016–2017 school year, following three years of service as the school's Assistant Principal from 2013 to 2016. Mr. Palow’s extensive career in education also includes serving as Assistant Principal at Ida S. Baker High School, teaching Physical Education at Spring Creek Elementary, and spending eleven years at North Fort Myers High School as a Science teacher and Boys Soccer Coach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Physical Education from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Lindsey Thorstad - Assistant Principal
Heights Elementary is proud to have Mrs. Lindsey Thorstad as our Assistant Principal! Over her nine years with our school, she has supported our community as a Gifted Education teacher, School Intervention Support Specialist, and administrator. Mrs. Thorstad has spent two decades educating and leading students within the School District of Lee County and local charter schools. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Bryanna Van Helden - Dean of Students
This year, Mrs. Bryanna Van Helden will serve as the Dean of Students at Heights Elementary. A proud alumna of Florida Gulf Coast University, she earned both her bachelor’s degree in Education and her master’s degree in Educational Leadership there. As a mother of two Heights students, she is deeply committed to creating memorable, fun-filled experiences for every child. She looks forward to supporting and equipping our incredible staff every step of the way, believing there is no greater privilege than being part of the Heights family.