Florida Intercultural Academy
1704 Buchanan Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
Phone: 954-924-8006
Fax: 954-924-8044
Please note: JavaScript must be enabled in your browser to use the email addresses.
Ms. Mendia has a degree in Business Computer Programming.
Ms. Mendia has over 17 years as an Administrative assistant. She is proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Photoshop, and Publisher. Her programming languages include: Visual Basic, Java and HTML. Her databases include: SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and Oracle. Her speaking languages include: Fluent in English and Spanish. Professional Office Skills are demonstrated thought the following: Accurately types 90 wpm, polished phone etiquette, attention to detail and follow-through skills. Ms. Mendia is also a State of Florida Certified Public Notary.
She has been with the Florida Intercultural Academies since the doors first opened in 2005. Mrs. Mendia plays a key role in entering data as our Data Processor Clerk (DPC). Organizations as our academy need to process a rapidly growing amount of information. Data entry and information processing by Mrs. Mendia helps ensure the smooth and efficient handling of school information into TERMS (Broward Schools Data System]. Whether keying in text, entering data into a computer, operating a variety of office machines, and performing other clerical duties, Mrs. Mendia helps the academy keep up with the rapid changes that are characteristic of today’s “Information Age.”
Ms. Mendia has a professional demeanor with a calming and reassuring presence. She takes a “no excuse” approach to any task placed before her. Ms. Mendia exudes a “can do" attitude which spurs her into excellence. Hopefully, students also believe they can excel after being in her presence.
Ms. Belono-ac earned both her Bachelor in Elementary Education major in Teaching English as a Second Language and Master of Arts in Education major in English Language Teaching from Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines. She has finished all the academic requirements and was granted a Certificate of Proficiency in Master of Arts in Special Education at Cebu State College of Arts and Technology, Cebu City, Philippines. She has also completed trainings in Sign Language (Levels 1 and 2). She is also trained to teach using the balanced-literacy program, the Open Court Curriculum, the Multiage Curriculum, and the Investigations Curriculum.
She has fifteen solid years of teaching from kindergarten to sixth grade as well as in the secondary level both as a regular and a special education teacher. She has spent six years teaching in a regular classroom setting and nine years in a multiage and inclusive setting. She has had students from different nationalities and economic background. She has worked as a remedial teacher in reading and math, class adviser, language arts coordinator, assistant principal, school paper adviser, and new and student teacher mentor. Her experience also includes conducting individualized and group instruction to students with special needs, developing curriculum in the different learning areas in the elementary level, directing school plays, and planning school programs and activities. She believes that every child has the potential to learn and can only reach his or her full potential when properly guided. She is committed to work with her students as partners in learning and to make a difference in their lives.
Ms. Edmalia Constanza: Resource TeacherMs. Edmalia Constanza graduated from the College of Mount Sinai St. Vincent with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Marketing. Ms. Edmalia Constanza is currently seeking to earn an additional degree within the Masters teaching program.
Ms. Edmalia Constanza grew up in New York City while also maintaining her cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic. Ms. Edmalia Constanza is bilingual speaking both English and Spanish. Currently, Edmalia Constanza's educational emphasis is Integrated Middle School Curriculum. Edmalia Constanza’s administrative skills were developed during her work as an account manager for 6 years before deciding to broaden her career endeavors to include teaching. Edmalia Constanza is a certified teacher for the state of Florida. Ms. Edmalia Constanza has been involved with developing after school enrichment programs.
Ms. Edmalia Constanza's extracurricular activities is inclusive of Yoga. Ms. Edmalia Constanza is a certified Yoga teacher. In July 2006, Ms. Edmalia Constanza's earned 200 training hours gaining her a Vinyasa Yoga certification. In June 2007, she earned Yoga for Kids certification.
Ms. Edmalia Constanza is excited to be a part of the Florida Intercultural Academy faculty and seeks to enhance the lives of students and parents.
Ms. Fanny
Alvarez, Spanish TeacherMrs. Alvarez graduated from Pontifica Universidad Catolica of Ecuador with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and also received a degree in Diplomat Development of Learning Skills from Monterrey University (Mexico).
Mrs. Alvarez has always been interested in the American culture. She came to the U.S. first as an exchange high school student, and later as a visiting International faculty.
Mrs. Alvarez has 20 vast years of experience as a Spanish –ESL teacher. She has worked at different school levels from Elementary to High School, both Private and Public Schools. Mrs. Alvarez has been a counselor in Asuncion High School [Ecuador] and Head of the Spanish Club in Pamlico High School [North Carolina] where she was nominated “Teacher of the Month”.
Mrs. Alvarez was selected as one of the Who’s Who America’s Teachers” in 2004.
Mr. Pedro J. Gonzalez Castaneda, PE TeacherPE Teacher & Specialist in Sports Administration.
Graduate in physical education from UNIVERSIDAD PEDAGOGICA Y TECNOLOGICA DE COLOMBIA in Tunja – Boyacá – Colombia with LAUREATE FINAL PAPER AND HONOR MENTION for EXCELLENT ACADEMIC LEVEL.
Graduate as Specialist in sport administration from the UNIVERSIDAD SANTO TOMAS In Bogotá - Colombia. Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certification from Teacher Student Network Institute in Bogotá Colombia.
Mr. Gonzalez participated actively as a member of the athletic team at the University and Bogotá’s. As a member, he was also an assistant trainer of Athletic Club Antonio Vargas which he co-founded. He was champion at a National School Tournament of 1500 and 5000 meters.
Also Mr. Gonzalez worked in a summer camp in the United States of America. While there, he planned sports and entertainment activities for adults with special needs through 2002. In 2001, Mr. Gonzalez traveled to North Brabant – Holland where he reviewed the most important aspects of the education techniques in diverse center for special needs. Mr. Gonzalez worked 4 years as a physical education teacher in preschool at the Colombo Gales School in Bogotá Colombia.
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. 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.
Immanuel Bible College, Cebu City, Philippines. Finished Academic Requirements Leading to Master of Arts in Music Education, Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines. Completed Diploma in Special Education, Cebu State College of Science and Technology, Cebu City, Philippines. Sign Language Proficiency - completed Levels 1,2 & 3 (ASL)
Seventeen years of experience in teaching music, piano and voice in College, Secondary and in the elementary level. Conducted choir, instrumental ensemble and organized musical production in all levels for more than fifteen years.
Ms. Fernanda Fontanes, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Fontanes graduated from the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. she received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade.
During her college education, Ms. Fontanes completed two internships. She completed her first Internship with 1st grade and her senior internship with 5th grade. In the 2005-2006 school year, she taught 3rd grade. During the summer of 2006, Ms. Fontanes taught Pre-Kindergarten students in Sunflowers Academy in Miami, Florida. She is looking forward to a wonderful year. Her kindergartners will definitely hear her teach in two languages, English and Spanish!
Completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Bukidnon State College (teacher-training school), Philippines. Completed academic requirements leading to M.A. in Education. Eligibility to teach elementary-middle.
Kindergarten and elementary grade teacher for eight years. For the last five years, a college instructor teaching early childhood education courses. Also provided instruction to kindergarten children in rural areas. Committed to use my teaching skills to help each child reach his or her fullest potential.
Ms. Rodriguez completed her B.A. with a major in Spanish in 1975 from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. She received her M.A. in Education from UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2004.
Ms. Rodriguez is a Cuba national. She is an experienced teacher with many years of teaching. She taught 3rd grade bilingual during her initial year of teaching in Las Vegas. She has taught additional grades inclusive of kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and autism in the state of Nevada. Mrs. Rodriguez has several hobbies as traveling, reading, knitting, crocheting, cooking, gardening, and flower arrangement design. She was co-owner with her husband of a flower shop in Miami for over 18 years. Ms. Rodriguez is proud to return to Florida and teaching children in this region.
Jackeline Perez, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Perez received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University [Davie, FL]. Ms. Perez also earned an Associate in Arts Degree from Miami Dade College. Ms. Perez is certified to teach from Kindergarten through 6th grade.
During her time at Florida Atlantic University, Ms. Perez completed multiple in-service training hours. Ms. Perez worked hands-on with students and studied different techniques to help students learn effectively. Ms. Perez is very excited to enhance the learning of all her Kindergarten students!
I would like to introduce myself, Mrs. Rios, the first grade teacher. I am proud to say that 2009-2010 school year will be my eighth year teaching first grade, and my eleven-year as Primary Teacher.
I graduated from Florida Atlantic University and hold a Florida Professional Certificate in Primary Education. I have worked as an Interim teacher for second and third grade, as well as, an ESE and ESOL teacher at Broward and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I have had the honor of being Teacher of the Year in 2007. Teaching is an amazing and very rewarding experience, especially when I watch my students' faces light up when they learn something new.
My goal as a First Grade Teacher is to lay a solid foundation in reading, writing, and math skills to build up my students' academic performance for the next years to come. I provide a positive, safe and nurturing environment that enhances the learning process. I encourage my students to "Be the Best You Can Be!" I love teaching first grade the best!
I look forward to working as a team, parents, teacher and students, to have a wonderful and very productive 2009-2010 school year!
Ms. Belono-ac earned both her Bachelor in Elementary Education major in Teaching English as a Second Language and Master of Arts in Education major in English Language Teaching from Cebu Normal University, Cebu City, Philippines. She has finished all the academic requirements and was granted a Certificate of Proficiency in Master of Arts in Special Education at Cebu State College of Arts and Technology, Cebu City, Philippines. She has also completed trainings in Sign Language (Levels 1 and 2). She is also trained to teach using the balanced-literacy program, the Open Court Curriculum, the Multiage Curriculum, and the Investigations Curriculum.
She has fifteen solid years of teaching from kindergarten to sixth grade as well as in the secondary level both as a regular and a special education teacher. She has spent six years teaching in a regular classroom setting and nine years in a multiage and inclusive setting. She has had students from different nationalities and economic background. She has worked as a remedial teacher in reading and math, class adviser, language arts coordinator, assistant principal, school paper adviser, and new and student teacher mentor. Her experience also includes conducting individualized and group instruction to students with special needs, developing curriculum in the different learning areas in the elementary level, directing school plays, and planning school programs and activities. She believes that every child has the potential to learn and can only reach his or her full potential when properly guided. She is committed to work with her students as partners in learning and to make a difference in their lives.
Olga Lasley, 1st Grade TeacherOlga 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. Vendettuoli graduated from Barry University in May of 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement. In college, Ms. Vendettuoli was a member of The Education Association of Barry (EAB), Barry Buddies, Delta Epsilon Iota (DEI), and graduated Magna Cum Laude
Ms. Vendettuoli started her teaching career 2008-2009 in Miami Dade County. Ms. Vendettuoli taught first grade at Myrtle Grove Elementary in Miami Gardens. While there, she started a dance team known as the Dazzlers. Ms. Vendettuoli is excited to see what her teaching career holds in store as she continues to develop professionally as an educator. Teaching is truly Ms. Vendettuoli’s passion. Ms. Vendettuoli strongly believes without teachers, there could never be doctors, lawyers, dentists, etc. Here at Florida Intercultural Academy, Ms. Vendettuoli believes we possess our future generation of leaders.
Mrs.Glabog finished her Bachelor of Elementary Education at Saint Theresa's College, Cebu City, Philippines in May 1997.
She earned Units in Master of Arts in Education - Special Education and in Administration and Supervision at Cebu Normal University. She completed a course for Basic Sign Language.
She has been attending trainings and seminars to enhance her teaching skills.She also handled seminars to teach other educators how to manage the behavior of some children with special needs in Manila, Philippines.
She has obtained Professional Educator’s Certificate for Elementary Education/ (Grades elementary-middle) and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) / (Grades K-12).
Her experiences in teaching children with exceptional/special needs make her become more sensitive to the unique needs and interests of her students at FIA .
Mrs. Glabog was chosen to represent Florida Intercultural Academy during the "Teacher of the Year" Award Ceremonies held last May17, 2007 at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club in Hollywood, Florida.
She strongly believes that home-school collaboration plays a vital role in any child's education !
Nadria Givens, 3rd Grade TeacherMs. Nadria Givens graduated from Florida Atlantic University in Davie, Florida. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Reading and will complete her program in March of 2010.
Mrs. Givens has experience with FCAT when she taught 4th grade. She is capable of teaching various grades across the elementary spectrum. During Ms. Givens' college education, she completed three internships. Ms. Givens completed her first Internship with 2nd grade, her second Internship with 4th grade and senior Internship with 3rd grade. In the spring of the 2008 school year, Ms. Givens served successfully as a Resource teacher with the Broward Public Schools and taught 2nd and 3rd grade students in SAT/FCAT prep. During the 2008-2009 school year, Ms. Givens taught 4th grade students. Ms. Givens experienced great FCAT success when her students tested well on FCAT Reading, Math, and Writing. Students and parents love Ms. Givens because of her warmth, humor, and passion for teaching. Ms. Givens always look forward to a fantastic year with her students and parents.
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.
Ms.
Maria Ebarle, 4th GradeTeacher Bachelor in Elementary Education, Bukidnon State College in 1992, graduated
Magna Cum Laude.
Master of Arts in English Literature, Xavier University in 2003. Master of Arts
in English Language Teaching, Bukidnon State College in 2004.
Mrs. Maria Glenda Ebarle started teaching in 1992. She has over 12 years of teaching experience. Her experience includes 6 months internship in the elementary grades, 3 years full time teaching in grades 1 to 3, 5 years full time teaching in the University and 4 years teaching in a teacher training college. She firmly believes that if children are having fun in the classroom, they learn better!
Ms. Rita Chiarello Goodwin, 5th Grade TeacherMs. Goodwin earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Education at Barry University in 1994. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, and is certified to teach English 6-12 and Reading K-12.
Ms. Goodwin has taught a wide range of language arts classes at an established Fort Lauderdale, FL catholic school from 2005 – 2009 before joining Florida Intercultural Academy. Her teaching of language arts classes were inclusive of the following: Accelerated literature in grades 6 - 8, English and reading in grades 4 - 8, and social studies in grades 4 and 5. During her experience, Ms. Goodwin has worked on school newsletters, coordinated school spelling bees, led various after school clubs, and played a major role in developing accelerated literature programs.
Another professional endeavor within the field of education includes homeschooling for five years. Ms. Goodwin was also employed as an English Clinician in Plantation, FL, a substitute teacher, and a fitness kickboxing instructor at a local Florida martial arts academy for five years.
Ms. Goodwin believes that all students must have the ability to communicate effectively in order to be successful in life. "My instruction consists of integrating written, verbal, and visual language into all subject areas of the curriculum with the purpose of generating an individual portfolio for each student."
Ms. Claudine
A. Morris, 6th Grade TeacherI am Claudine A. Morris. I have been teaching since September 1, 1994. That gives me almost 14 years of invaluable experience in the field of teaching. I have pledged to provide appropriate learning opportunities for each of my students each day.
I graduated from Sam Sharpe Teachers College of Montego Bay, Jamaica in 1994 where I earned a Diploma in Teaching English. In 2001, I graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration with honours. In 2003, I graduated from Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut, U.S.A. where I earned a Masters Degree in Education. My GPA was 3.75.
My first job in 1994 was at Peggy Barry Primary School in Westmoreland, Jamaica where I taught all the subjects on the Elementary curriculum (except Music) to grade 6.
In September of 1995, I began teaching at Grange Hill High School in Westmoreland, Jamaica. I taught Language Arts to Grade 7, 8 and 11. I was also promoted to Senior Teacher in charge of grade 7.
In 2004, I taught for one year at Tar Middle School in Tar Heel, North Carolina. While there I taught Language Arts to grade 8. I was licensed to teach Middle grade Language Arts.
Since September of 2005, I taught at Grange Hill High School, Westmoreland Jamaica. I taught Language Arts to grade 7, 8 and 11. I also worked with the debating team and the school magazine. I was the Leader of the 4-H club at Grange Hill High School. I was the Public Relations Officer for the 4-H Clubs of Westmoreland. I was the staff advisor for the Student Council as well as the academic staff representative on The Grange Hill High School Board. I was in charge of Clubs and Societies as well.
Since September of 2007, I have been lecturing Psychology of Learning (part-time) at the International University of the Caribbean, Sav-la-mar campus.
I am glad to join the staff at Florida Intercultural Academy.
Pre-Kindergarten teacher for 11 years. After school Director for Florida Intercultural Academy. Skilled in providing excellent child care, presenting quality and engaging Kindergarten Lessons. Ms. Thermulius is known as a worker that gives parents a “peace of mind” so they will know their children are in good hands.
Open enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year now open.
Florida Intercultural Academy will accept applications for grades Kindergarten through 6th grade.
