Florida Intercultural Academy
K-8 (Hollywood Campus)
1704 Buchanan Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: 954-924-8006
Fax: 954-924-8044
Florida Intercultural Academy
K-8 West (Davie Campus)
3367 North University Drive
Davie, FL 33024
Phone: 954-362-3415
Fax: 954-640-9678
Mrs. Mary Travers graduated Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. While enrolled at FAU Mrs. Travers was on the Dean’s Lists and a member of Kappa Delta Pi.
Mrs. Travers went on to receive her Master of Education in Educational Leadership K-12 from Calvin College, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Born in Iowa and raised in Western Michigan, Mrs. Travers has been a resident of South Florida for over 30 years. Mrs. Mary Travers joins Florida Intercultural Academy with 20 years of experience within the private sector of education. Her plethora of experiences include: Teacher Assistant, 6th grade Math and Social Studies Teacher, 3rd grade Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Lead Teacher in the Early Childhood Department, Preschool Director, Elementary Principal, and Middle School Principal. Additionally, she has worked as a Summer Camp Coach and Camp Director and a Before/After School Care Instructor and Program Director.
Mrs. Travers infused life into a crumbling Extended Care Program at her previous school, with the addition of numerous extra-curricular clubs. She revived a non-existent Summer Camp into a successful program that not only met the needs of the school family, but also serviced the surrounding community.
During her tenure as an Administrator Mrs. Travers implemented many academic enrichment, Fine Arts enhancement, and community building programs within the school. Mrs. Travers is honored to be a member of the Florida Intercultural Academy Family and is thrilled to partner with the faculty and parents in preparing our children for the future.
Ms. Jasmin Perez, SecretaryMs. Jasmin Perez was born in Long Island, NY and is of Dominican descent. Ms. Perez has lived in South Florida for 15 years and is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Since 1997, Ms. Perez has worked for several Fortune Five Hundred companies in the medical supply industry. Her expertise lies in field of administrative support and finance. Ms. Perez is a mother of three, whose favorite hobby is Taekwondo. She especially enjoys practicing martial arts with her family.
Ms. Perez models her interactions with children around the following quote; "Children are like wet cement, whatever falls on them makes an impression." Her primary goal at FIA is to imprint a positive impression on the students, parents and our staff. She takes great pleasure in working in the office and is delighted to be a part of the FIA Family.
Mr. Ervin Joseph, ESE TeacherEmail:e.joseph@interculturalacademy.com
Mr. Joseph graduated from Miami Dade College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education K-12 with reading and ESOL endorsements; in addition, he is certified by the state of Florida. As a teacher Mr. Joseph’s focus is more on learning, this lead towards the constructivist approach. “Student centered” is what he models in his classroom. He believes that a great teacher facilitates learning by encouraging, prompting, interacting, and probing with great question techniques. Therefore his education philosophy is a mixture of different style and theories combined together.
Mr. Joseph worked at Hialeah Gardens Elementary as an ESE Intervention Teacher. He did his Practicum for Special Education at Miami Norland Senior High School and Norland Middle School. Mr. Joseph has enjoyed the opportunity to teach a group of students that was diverse culturally, academically, and behaviorally. The students he taught while doing field experience hours for his college classes included those with ADD/ADHD, EBD, Autism Learning Disabilities, and Speech Impairment. These experiences have helped him to blossom into a well-rounded and compassionate individual.
Ms. Yenny Li , Spanish TeacherMs. Yenny Li graduated from National Pedagogical Institute of Havana City, Cuba Enrique Jose Varona in 1993. She achieved a Bachelor's Degree in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language (English and Russian). Ms. Yenny Li is certified to teach Spanish K -12 in the State of Florida.
Ms. Li has been an Educator for 18 years. She has taught Spanish at different levels in private schools within the United States and also at American International Schools in Shanghai, China. While in China, Ms. Yenny Li also had the role of Academic Developer Content for English speaking students of SpanishPod, an online Spanish Language Course. Teaching is what Ms. Yenny Li likes most. She believes that having a dynamic performance in classroom teaching as well as integrating cultures, history and traditions is an excellent resource to keep students involved and motivated about the subject topic. Thereby, no longer worrying about academic grades but learning too. Ms. Yenny Li is very excited to be part of Florida Intercultural Academy
Ms. Nycz earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music from The People’s Institute of Culture and an Associates Degree in Artistic Education from the Educational Corporation College in Cali, Colombia.
She has obtained both the Florida Certification for Music Teacher K-12 and the certification for Teachers Assistant with Special Education Students from the Sheridan Technical Center in Hollywood, Florida.
More than 15 years of teaching experience in music, art, drama, recorder (flute), piano and singing in Preschool and Elementary levels. She has conducted choir, instrumental ensembles and musical productions for all grade levels. She also worked as a musical director for children’s theatre companies and personally owned and operated her own musical academy in Colombia. In addition, she has experience in tutoring students with especial needs. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Nycz lived in Sydney, Australia and worked for the children services aftercare art program at a public school. Since 2007, she has been working for the Broward County Public School system with ESE and aftercare programs.
Ms. Nycz truly believes that music is the universal language that joins all ages, races and cultures.
Mr. Fernando Pieras, P.E. TeacherMr. Pieras graduated from University of Sacred Heart, Puerto Rico with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Teacher Education minor in Physical Education. He has a teaching certification in Florida and Puerto Rico. He participated at the student exchange program at Florida International University (FIU). Mr. Pieras teaching projects for physical education courses consisted: visiting elementary schools to provide activities competency in manipulative, locomotors and non-locomotors skills; promoting involvement in lifelong physical activities and fitness education to adopt a healthy lifestyle for students. He also likes to integrate academic concepts through movement education.
Mr. Pieras is an active member of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) and received scholarships from CEMIR Summer Camp for professional development at AAHPERD conventions: Indianapolis, IN (2010); Tampa, FL (2009); Forth Worth, TX (2008); San Diego,CA (1999).
Mr. Pieras worked as an After Care Program Counselor in Sunshine Elementary School (Hollywood, FL). He worked at Tasis School in Puerto Rico as an Assistant Physical Education Teacher (PreK-8), and he provided clinics in Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer.
From 1999 to 2009 Mr. Pieras actively worked at CEMIR Summer Camp (University Of Sacred Heart, PR), as an Assistant Director, Supervisor and Coordinator for field trips, daily programs, open house and registration procedures. He was also a counselor.
He received scholarships at University of Sacred Heart for Volleyball and Basketball. Fernando Pieras won Athlete of the Year and Basketball MVP 2005; participated at the Mc Donald's Dunk Contest (3rd, 2001) and Sprite (1st, 2007). Pieras was an outstanding high school basketball player at Adianez School (Guaynabo, PR). Mr. Pieras represented Puerto Rico at: Cuba, New Orleans, New Jersey, Orlando and Penn State Basketball Camp.
Ms. Agnes Tabequero, Kindergarten TeacherMrs. Tabequero graduated at Bukidnon State University, Philippines in 1992 with the degree of Bachelors of Education. She completed the academic requirements leading to M.A. in Educational Administration in the same university. Her teaching experiences include, kindergarten teacher for 9 years; elementary teacher for 5 years teaching first, third, and sixth graders; and college instructor teaching professional education courses in the School of Education at Bukidnon State University for 6 years.
Mrs. Tabequero is also certified to teach Elementary Education (K-6) and ESOL (K-12) endorsed. Since 2006, she has been teaching kindergarten at Florida Intercultural Academy. One of the things she loves about teaching young children is the responsibility of giving them the tools to succeed and make themselves better. She believes that a good teacher is a perfect balance of firmness, understanding, guidance, and freedom.
Ms. Pamela Casanova, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Casanova attended the University of Florida in Gainesville and then completed her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Florida Atlantic University in Davie. She is certified to teach grades K-6 with ESOL Endorsement. Ms. Casanova is bilingual (Spanish).
Ms. Casanova has assimilated into FIA's distinctive Kindergarten curriculum and looks forward to continue teaching K this year. She believes in engaging students with dynamic lessons that include hands-on materials, role-play, and media. Ms. Casanova has enjoyed working with children for several years and utilizing these experiences to be an effective classroom teacher. She has worked at two early childhood centers. She was a 4th Grade Tutor for a SES (Supplemental Educational Services) company to prepare students for FCAT Reading. Her teaching internship took place in a 4th and 5th grade split classroom. Additionally, Ms. Casanova was a substitute teacher for Broward County working with students from grades K-8 in public, private, and charter schools.
Ms. Janelle Garcia, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Janelle Garcia earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with ESOL Endorsement from Florida International University in Miami, FL. She is working on a Master's degree in Exceptional Student Education with Autism Endorsement from Barry University. Ms. Garcia is certified to teach Elementary Education (K-6) with ESOL Endorsement. She is bilingual (English & Spanish).
Ms. Garcia has been teaching for 3 years. She has taught Pre-K and 3rd grade. Ms. Garcia believes that all children can learn through a welcoming and nurturing environment. She has always loved working with children and enjoys watching them grow up throughout the year. Ms. Garcia believes that a classroom that appeals all kinds of learners, with a range of differing activities, is the best place for children to learn.
Ms. Olga Lasley, 1st GradeTeacherOlga Lasley graduated from Pyatigorsk State Linguistic University, Russia (2001). She received A Bachelor's degree in Education and International Communication. Olga is certified to teach English to Speakers of Other Languages [ESOL].
As a part of professional experience, Ms. Lasley taught lessons one-on-one to small groups and the whole class instruction. She also worked with students 2 through 7th grades during summer classes with the goal of improving students' success in school. Through instruction in reading, writing and study skills, much success was experienced. In 2003, Ms. Lasley did volunteer work in Highlands preschool in Highlands, NC beginning in the summer the winter. Ms. Lasley is a dynamic and trustworthy individual, committed to helping develop a passion for learning within students. Ms. Lasley believes in cooperative work with parents and faculty to meet the needs and promote the philosophy and goals of the school.
Ms. Patricia Navarrete, 1st Grade TeacherMs. Navarrete has a Bachelor in Elementary Education from Universidad Politécnica Salesiana and a Master in Elementary Education with University of Alabama.
Ms. Navarrete worked for eleven years at Academia Cotopaxi American International School in Ecuador. She started her teaching career as a teacher assistant and then became a classroom lead teacher at a multiage bilingual setting. A couple of years later, she was promoted to work as the Preschool Program Coordinator. During this time she also worked as an extracurricular teacher, summer camp teacher, enrichment program teacher and a tutor for all grades. She strongly believes that a change in society will begin by educating children and as a teacher she provides the necessary tools to help her students become constructive members of society.
Email: s.hoisington@interculturalacademy.com
Ms. Hoisington has a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Florida Atlantic University.
Ms. Hoisington has worked for the Broward County School Board for 5 years. She has worked as an interim sub in the following grades: K, 1st, 2nd and 4th. She has also worked as a sub for over 7 years in the Broward County Schools for grades K - 5. She has also worked in the afterschool program for the Broward County School Board for the last 6 years. Ms. Hoisington is very excited to join FIA and is looking forward to helping each child succeed to their full potential.
Ms. Heather Confer, First Grade TeacherEmail:h.confer@interculturalacademy.com
Mrs. Confer attended Indiana University with her concentration of studies being in the field of elementary education. She was a stay at home mom for many years before returning to school. She graduated from Trinity International University to complete her Bachelor's degree in elementary education in May 2009. She is currently working on her ESOL endorsement. Experience Mrs. Confer is from northeastern Indiana and has lived in South Florida for 8 years.
She began her teaching career in 2004 as a substitute teacher with Broward County Schools, Pembroke Pines Charter Schools, and the Aventura Charter of Excellence School. She taught 2nd grade with Broward Schools from May 2010 to June 2011. Her goal is to produce a creative, engaging, and life changing environment where children will love to learn. Her intent is to provide a well-rounded education for children in many areas of learning. She wants children to recognize their abilities to affect change in the world around them, to appreciate the beautiful diversity in everyone, and to grow to their full potential. Mrs. Confer is excited to share her goals and love of teaching with the FIA family.
Ms. Jackson, 2nd Grade Teacher/ AfterCare DirectorMs. Jackson attended Florida Atlantic University where she graduated with a Bachelor in Elementary Education, Magna Cum Laude. She is currently certified by the State of Florida and ESOL endorsed. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and holds a 40 hour child certification from Department of Children and Families. During high school, she represented many children in her country, Jamaica, at the Children's Junior Parliament where she met and spoke with the Prime Minister at the time, Rt. Honorable P.J. Patterson to advocate for children her age in inner city schools. She was also the valedictorian at her graduation ceremony.
Ms. Jackson has worked with the Y.M.C.A. of Broward County for over 5 years as a director for various after school programs and summer programs. She supervised programs with general population students, special needs students and adolescents. She prepared the sites for inspection and kept financial records for funding purposes. While there, she trained staff, managed a safe environment for students and parents, developed community outreach programs, worked with case managers to allocate programs and assistance for students and much more. She also ran the reading program in elementary schools where the Y.M.C.A. was housed. Ms. Jackson believes that, "Teaching is the power, passion, privilege, and innate will to touch each student's life in a positive way."
Mrs. Nydia Chin, 2nd Grade TeacherMrs. Nydia Chin graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY with multiple Bachelor of Science degrees and a Master's of Science in Education with Distinction. As an undergraduate, Mrs. Chin double majored in Elementary Education (PreK-6) and History. She received her certification in Bilingual Education. Mrs. Chin then continued her graduate studies as a Reading Specialist (K-12). Mrs. Chin is a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and is currently seeking an ESOL endorsement.
Mrs. Chin brings over 15 years of experience in both private and public schools from New York and Florida. She has taught a variety of age groups from prekindergarten to sixth grade. She is a committed and dedicated teacher that will ensure each child's learning style and ability is addressed. Mrs. Chin is very excited to join the FIA team and is looking forward to helping each child reach their potential and making a difference in her student's lives.
Ms. Bequilla is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education major in English from Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines. She has finished her academic requirements in Master of Arts in Education major in Teaching English as a Second Language and has been granted a Certificate of Proficiency. She holds a Florida Educator's Certificate in English (6-12), ESOL (K-12), and Elementary Education (elementary-middle).
Ms. Bequilla has been teaching for 20 years from pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle /high school and college levels. Her experiences include administration, counseling, and teaching academically challenged students in elementary. She was also a college professor preparing students to be future teachers.
Alanna Encarnacion, 3rd Grade TeacherMs. Encarnacion graduated from Barry University in May 2011 with a Master of Science degree in Education, Specializing in Montessori Elementary Education. She has also earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in PreK-Primary Education with ESOL endorsement from Barry University in 2009.
Ms. Encarnacion embarked on her professional teaching career in Broward County. Ms. Encarnacion has experience as a third grade teacher. Her experience has been truly rewarding due to the students’ various accomplishments in all subjects. Third grade students experience a journey as they prepare for taking their first FCAT state exam. It was Ms. Encarnacion’s sense of duty to ensure learning is fun and stress-free. It’s always an exciting year as well as a bit of sadness towards the end of the year when students move on. Ms. Encarnacion finds it so rewarding to be an educator. She believes that educators make a difference in students’ lives by instilling the love for learning. For a child to intrinsically seek out knowledge is a great achievement for the World since children are our future. Ms. Encarnacion is excited for each upcoming school year and ecstatic to be a part of the FIA family. Let’s get our thinking caps on and continue to add knowledge to our own database!
Ms. Montserrat Martinez, Fourth Grade TeacherEmail: m.martinez@interculturalacadmy.com
Ms. Montserrat Martinez earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University in Miami on December of 2005. Graduating high school with honors, she was awarded the Bright Futures, Martin Luther King and Gaesar Scholarships. While enrolled at FIU, she was on the Dean’s list and was inducted into the Psi Chi National Honor Society in December of 2003.
She then went on to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Women’s Studies which she completed in August of 2007. In March of 2010 she was certified as a Substitute Teacher for Broward County, and completed the 40-Hour Childcare Training Course later that summer.
Experience:
Ms. Martinez was born in Dominican Republic and is descended from Spain. She moved to Florida when she was eight years old and was raised in the Broward County Public School system. She is bilingual in English/Spanish and speaks, reads and writes both fluently. Upon her college graduation, she became a full time research assistant for middle and high schools in Miami Dade County through Florida International University. After two years, she was transferred to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts by a distinguished professor and worked as the primary interviewer of the college student population for her research team.
She returned to Florida and worked for a private elementary school for the past several years. There, she assumed several roles including academic tutor and team leader, camp counselor and substitute teacher. She also worked as a substitute teacher for public schools throughout Broward County with students in preschool through the fifth grade. She taught for several months as a teacher aide for a HeadStart program serving at-risk preschool children. These experiences provided a solid foundation in teaching that has motivated her to pursue her professional teaching certification.
Ms. Martinez believes that every student deserves special attention and care. She values the importance of artistic expression and is dedicated to merging academics with the arts.
Ms. Marlene Blasco, 5th Grade TeacherMs. Marlene Blasco graduated with distinction at Nova Southeastern University where she earned a Bachelor degree in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement. She is certified to teach grades K-6, including Exceptional Student Education (ESE), and Middle-Grades Mathematics. Her goal for the immediate future is to seek certification in Integrated Middle School Curriculum as well as an endorsement in reading.
Having emigrated with her family from her native Cuba at the age of 3, Ms. Blasco has made the United States her home. She is bilingual: speaking both English and Spanish, and enjoys maintaining a healthy balance between both her native Cuban heritage and American culture.
Ms. Blasco worked in the mortgage industry for over twenty years prior to returning to school to pursue her dream of teaching children. She has worked with children from Kindergarten to grade 5 as well as ESE students, in both inclusive and self-contained classrooms. Her experience also includes teaching at a local summer camp where the focus was in reading and mathematics. She loves and appreciates the diversity found in South Florida and is looking forward to educating her students in a classroom environment that promotes high standards which are both feasible and attainable. Ms. Blasco believes that along with the ability to learn, every child also possesses the potential to reach goals which will take them to higher social, cognitive, and academic levels. Her hobbies/interests include cross stitching; a skill she hopes to one day pass on to her students.
Mrs. Cecilia Sanchez, Support TeacherEmail:c.sanchez@interculturalacademy.com
Mrs. Cecilia Sanchez was born in Cuba and graduated from ISPJAE in Havana, Cuba as an engineer and her career began as a professor in a Cuban University immediately after her graduation. She arrived to USA and began to study at Miami Dade College and then completed her Master degree in Math Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2008.
Mrs. Sanchez is highly qualified in many areas having passed Florida Teacher Certification Examinations in Elementary Education (K-6), English for Speakers of Others Language (ESOL) (K-12), Exceptional Student Education (K-12), Spanish and Mathematics 6-12.
Alexsa Ramseur, Paraprofessional/Teacher AssistantGraduate of South Broward High School and honor roll student.
Ms. Alexsa Ramseur graduated from South Broward High School in 2008. Ms. Ramseur is studying at Broward College to achieve a degree in psychology of education. Her desire is to become a guidance counselor. Ms. Alexsa Ramseur received a para-professional certificate from the Atlantic Technical Center in Broward County. Ms. Ramseur is excited to be a part of the Florida Intercultural Academy family and ecstatic to be a part of students' journey in education.
Open enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year now open.
Florida Intercultural Academy will accept applications for grades
Kindergarten through 8th grade
at two campuses.
Davie: K-8
Hollywood: K-5