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
Ms. Joy Scott, School Principal - Davie Campus My educational experiences began when I homeschooled my children, an undertaking that lasted eleven years. It was during those years, that I fell in love with teaching, then aspired to become and educator. During these years, I taught my children during the day, and attended night classes until obtaining a B.S. in Elementary Education and ESOL, from Barry University.
Upon graduating, I began pursuing a M.S. in Educational Computing and Technology, at Barry University then on to my pursuits of an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Currently I am pursuing an Ed. D. in Curriculum and Instruction through Nova Southeastern University with an expected graduation date of December 2012.
After homeschooling my children I taught in both private and public schools, and most recently at the Miccosukee Indian School, located on the Miccosukee Indian reservation in the heart of the Florida Everglades where I was responsible for the curriculum and testing programs. I have also held the positions of Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, and Principal at a charter school in Homestead.
My teaching philosophy embraces the many different student needs and styles of learning. I strongly feel that educators have the responsibility to go above and beyond to reach and teach each student. Hands-on learning experiences give students a deeper understanding of the content and therefore, should be used as often as possible. Data should be used to drive the instruction, therefore, helping to achieve the school’s goal of student achievement, and narrowing the gaps in learning.
It is my promise, as one of your school leaders, to set no limits to what your child can achieve, and what we as a school, can do to help them reach their highest potential. I believe that the most vital component of your child’s success is the partnership that we will forge with you in growing and nurturing your child for future success in the global community. If you have a need or concern, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Together, we can make a difference!
Ms. Edmalia Constanza: Ms. 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. Rodriguez graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.
She is a member of Delta Epsilon Iota and graduated Cum Laude. Ms. Rodriguez is currently seeking a Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology at Nova Southeastern University.
Ms. Rodriguez has several years of experience working with children in a variety of settings. Her experience began in 2007 when she worked as a teacher's aide. Throughout the summers, she also worked as a camp counselor with middle school aged students. Ms. Rodriguez is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has taught multiple courses including Spanish and Computer Education.
Ms. Rodriguez developed her administrative skills when she worked as an office manager in a preschool. She later strengthened her skills in administration by assisting in managing a tutoring center. Ms. Rodriguez enjoys working in the office but most of all enjoys working with children.
My educational background includes graduating Summa Cum Laude from The City College of New York with a BS degree in Special Education. I then relocated from New York and continued the pursuit of higher education at St. Thomas University, where I graduated with an MS in Educational Leadership. I am dually certified in Elementary Education K-6 and Exceptional Student Education K-12.
I am considered, by state standards, to be a highly qualified bilingual certified teacher. I have been an educator for five years. All of my teaching experience has been in Florida. I worked for 3 years in Miami-Dade as an SLD/VE Teacher for K-5th grades and was provided the opportunity to become the ESE Program Specialist when I graduated with my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I have also taught Kindergarten in Broward County as well as been the ESE teacher in a self-contained classroom for profoundly and severely autistic high school students. I believe that every student has the potential to learn and that it is my responsibility to access that potential through varying methods of using multiple modalities dependent on the learning style of each individual student.
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 is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Education- Special Education.
She has obtained Professional Educator’s Certificates for Elementary Education (K-6), English to Speakers of Other Languages/ ESOL K-12 and Exceptional Student Education/ ESE K-12 .
Ms. Glabog has been teaching for 14 years. She has been serving as the Primary Grades Chairperson. She is also the Reading Coordinator at FIA. Her experiences in teaching children with exceptional/special needs make her become more sensitive to the unique needs and interests of her students.
She was chosen to represent Florida Intercultural Academy during the "Teacher of the Year" Award Ceremonies held last May 17, 2007 at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club in Hollywood, Florida.
Mrs. Glabog strongly believes that home-school collaboration plays a vital role in any child's education!
Ms. Andrea Roney, Music TeacherMiss Roney graduated cum laude at State University of New York at Fredonia with a Bachelor of Art in Music Education K-12 and a Spanish minor. She has studied music at Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires as well as performed on bassoon for La Orquesta Juvenil de San Martin and La Orquesta de Olivos.
Miss Roney has taught Music for Special Learners with Greater Southern Tier BOCES in Steuben and Chemung Counties of New York. Each week, the students experienced music with theme lesson plans covering various concepts. Their studies ranged from improvisation, solfege, rhythmic reading, musical genres, orchestral instruments and life skills with music. She also was a long-term substitute at Arkport Central School teaching marching and instrumental music lessons to students grades four through eight. Miss Roney embraces music from different cultures and is excited to share that with the students of Florida Intercultural Academy, Davie Campus. She loves to travel and experience life in all parts of the world.
"Music can help us understand ourselves, and each other." For more information about Ms. Roney's Music experience: click here
Mr. Daniel E. Stiverson was born and raised in Bethany, Oklahoma; a suburb of Oklahoma City now, and graduated from Putnam City West High School. He graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor Degree in Vocal Music (BMus) with a minor in Piano. He has earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Regis University, Denver, Colorado, and is currently working on a Juris Doctorate with Taft Law School.
Mr. Stiverson served as Minister of Music in several churches and produced numerous musicals and cantata works. He further has founded several choral programs and orchestras. As a school teacher Mr. Stiverson taught General/Vocal music and Theater at Wewoka Schools, Wewoka, Oklahoma before coming to Florida. He spent much of his life in telecommunications systems and owned Passport Communications for over fifteen years, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He enjoys theater, has done some acting but enjoys most producing and directing theatrical plays and musical works.
A father of three grown children (daughter, son, daughter), he is a grandfather to six. His older daughter acted with the Theater Tulsa and his granddaughter performs with the Tulsa Opera, and was the youngest person ever to be a member of the Tulsa Opera. She has appeared in several operas, including the Pirates of Pensance. She is currently a member of Youth Orchestra, playing violin. Mr. Stiverson's younger daughter is in medical school at the University of Oklahoma Medical School in Oklahoma City with plans to be a Pediatric Cardiologist. Mr. Stiverson's son is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and performer; having founded numerous bands and produced several records. He is currently working on a degree in music production in Michigan.
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. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science from University of the West Indies in Petroleum Engineering and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University where he graduated as a Phi Kappa Phi honors graduate. His academic background and experience with business education and environmental management includes teaching at both the High School and College levels as well as a Trainer for the US Peace Corps.
His extensive management and engineering experience includes working with such Fortune 500 companies as Exxon and Williams Energy and Trading. As a business education teacher at FIA, he implements the Junior Achievement Program, U.S. Peace Corps, and locates school grants. Mr. Williams facilitates student and teacher correspondences with schools aboard through Peace Corps. He applied and was awarded, on behalf of the academy, a FPL Clean Energy grant. Mr. Williams look forward to sharing his international experiences with his students.
Fernando Rueda, PE Instructor Mr. Rueda has over 5 years of experience in health and sport education, including physical education, anatomy, physiology, nutrition, personal health and fitness. Mr. Rueda holds a B.S .from Florida International University with emphasis in the following areas: Exercise, Physiology, Sport Science, Anatomy and Nutrition. He is qualified to teach Physical Education, Health and to be an athletic coach in grades K-12.
Health and sports training has been part of Mr. Rueda’s everyday life. His love for sports began at a very early age; first soccer sports as a child, basketball, and taekwondo. Throughout middle and high school, he competed in soccer state championships, mountain biking, and weight training events. After graduating from college, with a major in exercise physiology and sport science, Mr. Rueda became a personal trainer and physical education teacher/Athletic director. It is his mission to inspire, educate, and prepare both children and adults) to become lifelong learners in the areas of health, fitness, sports and nutrition.
Ms. Stephanie Lucas, Science Lab InstructorI began my professional education at Broward Community College where I earned my Associates Degree in Psychology. I continued my education at Florida International University where I earned a Bachelor's degree in Arts and Sciences with a specialty in psychology. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Education Leadership by continuing my graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University.
Once I earned by Bachelor's degree, I began working with students in the field of science education. I began by working with a company called Mad Science where I taught lessons and administered science experiments. I have taken these skills and pursued a teaching career. I began teaching Middle School math and science in August of 2009. I have enjoyed being a middle school teacher for 2 years, and find the fields of math and science both challenging and rewarding.I am looking forward to a fun and exciting science year at Florida Intercultural Academy!
Ms. Bergevin graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She is a member of Kappa Delta Pi and has an ESOL endorsement to work with students that speak other languages. To further her education Ms. Bergevin is a graduate student studying Leadership and Research at Florida Atlantic University.
Ms. Bergevin has a passion for being in the classroom and enjoys working with children. With many years of experience as a teacher's aide and working with students in many different grade levels, she finds that being an educator is an incredibly rewarding job. Ms. Bergevin has also tutored students of all ages and worked at educationally driven summer camps. She believes that a teacher affects eternity and can never tell where their influence stops.
Ms. Clare Kennedy, Kindergarten TeacherMs. C. Kennedy graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1998. In 1999, she returned to Trinity to complete her Honors Degree in Education. During this time, she also attended Froebel College of Education, named for Friedrich Froebel, the founder of Kindergarten.
Ms. Kennedy has over 12 years teaching experience in both Ireland and America, working in Kindergarten through Third Grade. Ms. Kennedy spent the majority of her teaching career at St. Thomas’s Junior National School, Lucan, Ireland, where she also gained expertise in utilizing technology in the classroom. At St. Thomas’s, she taught a bilingual curriculum in English and Gaelic. In 2007, Ms. Kennedy came to South Florida with the Visiting International Faculty program to teach at Maya Angelou Elementary in Miami-Dade County. As a Kindergarten teacher, Ms. Kennedy places emphasis on discovery learning and group work along with a creative, hands-on teaching style.
Ms. Jaclyn Andreu, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Andreu graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor's degree in PreK/Primary education and is also ESOL endorsed. She is currently certified to teach primary grades in Florida.
Teaching has always been Ms. Andreu's passion and devotion. Ms. Andreu knew she wanted to be an educator at an early age and she began volunteering at a daycare by the age of fourteen. After graduating college, she acquired many years of experience working with students in various age groups, ranging from Prekindergarten through adult and has taught Freshman Reading and English at Florida National College.
Mrs. Andreu strives to provide each student with a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment. It is her desire as an educator to help students exceed their highest potential. " I look forward to a great year at Florida Intercultural Academy.
Ms. Sara Doyle, Kindergarten TeacherMs. Doyle graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She is recognized as highly qualified teacher for PK - 3 grade.
Ms. Doyle has always had a passion for working with children. She began her career as an educator working as a preschool teacher near Cleveland, Ohio for 3 years. Ms. Doyle also spent a year as a kindergarten teacher for the Broward County School District. She loves watching her students grow and learn throughout the year.
Ms. Brenna Kovarik, Kindergarten Teacher
Email: b.kovarik@interculturalacademy.com
Ms. Kovarik graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Education degree in 2007. Her certification is in Elementary Education K-6 with an ESOL endorsement. She is also currently in the process of getting her Reading Endorsement.
Ms. Kovarik is in her fourth year of teaching. She has always worked at Title I charter schools and has been teaching since 2008. She taught 1st grade for the first two years she taught and 5th grade for one year. Her passion is in the primary grades and has a passion for teaching reading. She believes that kinesthetic group learning is the most effective method of teaching and uses these methods on a daily basis in the classroom. She also believes that all children learn differently and differentiates instruction to each individual child. Ms. Kovarik is looking forward to a great year with her kindergartners!
Bobbie Edwards, Kindergarten TeacherEmail: b.edwards@interculturalacademy.com
Mrs. Edwards graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2005. She holds certifications in Elementary K-6, as well as Primary Education (K-3) and holds an endorsement in ESOL. She holds a Specialized Associate of Science degree in Audio Engineering which she earned from Full Sail Center for the Recording Arts. She is also a certified caseworker through the Department of Children and Families.
Mrs. Edwards has taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades all in Title 1 schools. She has always known that she wanted to be a teacher and enjoys working in the primary grades. She recognizes the important role that she plays in the lives of her students, and believes in the importance of working with parents as a team. She challenges each student to work to the best of their ability, and strives to teach not only academics, but necessary life skills, such as accountability and respect, as well.
Mrs. Rios graduated from Ricardo Palma University, Peru, with a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Translation (Spanish, English and French languages). She completed her teacher certification at Florida Atlantic University. Mrs. Rios holds a Florida Professional Certificate in Pre-K/Primary Education with an ESOL endorsement.
Mrs. Rios is entering her thirteenth year of successful teaching with experience ranging from pre-K to third grade at Broward and Miami-Dade County Private and Public schools. She had the honor of being Teacher of the Year in 2007. She considers teaching as an amazing and very rewarding experience, especially when she watches her students’ faces light up when they learn something new. Her goal as a Primary teacher is to lay a solid foundation in reading, writing and math skills to build up her students’ academic performance for the next years to come. She provides a positive, safe and nurturing environment that enhances the learning process. She encourages her students to “Be the Best You Can Be!” Mrs. Rios looks forward to working as a team with parents, teachers and students, to have a wonderful and very productive school year.
Natalya Tinglof, 1st Grade TeacherMrs. Tinglof graduated from Pyatigorsk Linguistic University, Russia in 2001 with Master's degree in ESOL (English and German Languages). During her studies, she completed numerous internships in grades 5 through 11. Mrs. Tinglof completed “Applied Learning Theory” and “Education in Multicultural Society” non-degree seeking courses at Florida Atlantic University in 2003.
Mrs. Tinglof is Florida certified in teaching ESOL (K-12) and Elementary Education (K-6), and comes as a highly qualified teacher.
Mrs. Tinglof joined Florida Intercultural Academy when the school opened its doors for Broward students for the very first time in 2005. She's been teaching there ever since! Mrs. Tinglof is a proud member of FIA family. She brings over 5 years of great experience working with first grade students from diverse cultural groups. Mrs. Tinglof strongly believes that through understanding of your own cultural background comes appreciation and respect for cultures and people around you. This is exactly the mission of FIA. Mrs. Tinglof looks forward to teaming up with the first graders and their families for the year of 2011-2012 and contributing to the success of the whole school.
Ms. Vendettuoli graduated from Barry University in May of 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with an 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. Currently, Ms. Vendettuoli is working towards a Gifted Endorsement.
Ms. Vendettuoli started her professional teaching career the 2008-2009 school year 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. She is coming up on her third year teaching second grade at Florida Intercultural Academy. This year Ms. Vendettuoli began a dance team at Florida Intercultural Academy known as the FIA Jewels for fifth-seventh grade students. 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 talent and leaders.
Ms. Anamarie Helms, 2nd Grade TeacherMs. Anamarie graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Anamarie holds a Florida teaching certificate, an ESOL endorsement and considered highly qualified to teach grades K through 6. While attending FAU, Ms. Anamarie was a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society and the President's and Dean's List. Ms. Anamarie completed several graduate level courses toward a Master's Degree< in Curriculum and Instruction.
Ms. Anamarie is a fourth generation teacher which gives her experience beyond actual years spent in the classroom. Ms. Anamarie comes to Florida Intercultural Academy with experience teaching third and fourth grade students in the Broward County Public Schools. Ms. Anamarie believes learning should be fun and interactive, technologically rich, and the responsibility of both home and school. Ms. Anamarie looks forward to an exciting, fun-filled year of learning!
Ms. Nadria Givens, Third Grade TeacherMs. Givens earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement from Florida Atlantic University. Once completed, she continued to pursue a Master’s degree in Reading Education from Nova Southeastern University graduating in June of 2010. Ms. Givens is now attending Walden University to pursue her doctorate’s degree in Educational Leadership with an anticipated completion date of June 2013.
Ms. Givens has a love for helping her students grow, enjoying learning with technology and hands on experiences. Ms. Givens passion for interactive teaching remains constant each year, thus helping students succeed. Ms. Givens is entering her fifth year of successful teaching with experiences ranging from second to fourth grades, resource teacher, and specializing in practice of SAT/FCAT preparation. Ms. Givens truly looks forward to an awesome year with both students and parents.
Ms. Julie Davis, 3rd Grade TeacherMs. Davis graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2004, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with an ESOL endorsement. She graduated Cum Laude, and was a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in Education. She is Florida certified to teach Kindergarten through 6th grades.
Ms. Davis has experience in both the public and private school systems. She spent 3 years teaching 3rd Grade in the Hendry Co. School District. Her job duties included preparation for FCAT testing, as well as providing students with an enriching environment for interactive learning and creativity. In addition to her public school experience she enjoyed teaching both 2nd and 3rd grades for 2 years in a private college preparatory school environment. In addition to teaching in an intensive accelerated curriculum, she was responsible for all major projects and field trip planning as the grade team leader. These assets will serve beneficial in teaching 3rd grade at FIA. Ms. Davis enjoys challenging her students while making learning interactive, fun, and personal. She believes there are a variety of creative ways to teach students, and that they often learn differently. Knowing a student's learning style is a very important part of the teaching experience.
Ms. Cristina Rivera, 4th Grade TeacherMs. Rivera graduated from Barry University in 2008 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with ESOL endorsement. She is also certified in English 6-12. In college, Ms. Rivera was the president of the Education Association of Barry (EAB) for one term. She also founded the Barry Buddy program, where EAB students were paired up with students from a low socioeconomic school, to write letters and share experiences.
Ms. Rivera’s passion for teaching began at a very early age as she began teaching in Sunday school at the age of 13 and continues now as a Director of ages 6-11. She has been working as an Educator for 3 years. She comes from Myrtle Grove Elementary in Miami Gardens where she taught 4th Grade Writing and Social Studies for two years and 5th Grade for one year. At Myrtle Grove she was very active as she served in the PTA, EESAC, Career Day and as the Chair of the Hispanic Heritage Committee. Ms. Rivera produced the annual Hispanic Heritage Show in which she taught many of the dances and also founded the Dazzlers dance team for 4th and 5th grade girls. Ms. Rivera is passionate about educating the next generation and enjoys doing so in and outside of the classroom. She is dedicated to her students and her craft.
Mrs. De La Rosa graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with an ESOL endorsement. She is certified with the Florida Department of Education to teach grades Kindergarten through 6th and Middle School Math from 5th to 9th grade.
Mrs. De La Rosa was with Broward County Public Schools for 8 years; five years as a substitute and the last three as a classroom teacher. She has previously taught 6th grade Math, Kindergarten, as well as 4th grade. Her goal for the upcoming school year is to create an open and nurturing environment in which students become excited about learning and about school. This will be accomplished through differentiated instruction, creative approaches to assessment of student mastery, and effective classroom management.
Mrs. De La Rosa loves teaching. She loves helping children learn and achieve academic success. There is no greater joy than seeing a child succeed. Although when her favorite soccer team scores a goal she is really happy since she is a HUGE soccer fan. Go Barcelona! Pele, an old soccer great, once said that success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.
Ms. Monica Figueras, 5th Grade TeacherMy name is Monica Figueras and I am a Cum Laude graduate from St. Thomas University. I currently hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Education with specialization in Elementary Education. I am currently seeking a Master’s Degree in Teacher Leadership at University of Phoenix.
As a teacher, I have six years of experience working at the elementary level. I have also worked at the high school level as a reading Interventionist Teacher for ninth grade. I am fluent both in English and Spanish. I am experienced in working with interactive white boards to enhance the learning of my students. I was a jump rope coach for two years. I have also been the coordinator for science and math clubs. My mission for my students is for them to learn their academics together with the core values of life; peace, humility, unity, cooperation, respect, happiness, and responsibility.
Ms. Elsa Gonzalez, 5th Grade TeacherBachelor of Arts in linguistics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Master of Science in Childhood Education with distinction.
Certified to teach in New York State – Teaching certificate Grades 1 – 6
State of Florida Certification – Elementary Education K – 6 and ESOL Endorsement
Named National Honor Roll Outstanding American Teacher in 2005.
With my passion for languages, in the summer of 2004 I traveled and vacationed in Spain where I taught English to Spanish students in Asturia. Teaching has been a rewarding experience for me because I am able to educate those that will make a difference in the future of our society.
Ms. Stephanie Lyman, 6th Grade Math/ScienceMs. Stephanie Lyman is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Florida Atlantic University where she majored in education. She attended FAU as a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient and was on the President’s List and the Dean’s List. She is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
Ms. Stephanie Lyman has taught Science and Math at a Broward County Public School. She strives to implement instructional activities that contribute to an environment where students are dynamically engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Ms. Stephanie Lyman is excited about the upcoming school year teaching sixth grade math and science. Additionally, she welcomes all children from diverse cultures around the world to experience her meaningful teaching that accommodates various learning styles.
Ms. Brigitte Collins, 6th Grade Math & Science TeacherMs. Collins earned a Baccalaureate with a major in Mathematics and Science. She graduated from the Ecole Normale in Paris with a B.A in education. She holds a Master in Psychology. Ms. Collins is certified with the school board of Florida to teach elementary education K-6 and Mathematics 5-9
With 20 years of experience in education from Kindergarten to 12th grade, Ms. Collins taught various subjects such as English, Geography, History, French, and most of all, Mathematics and Science. She has a passion for Math and Science.
She traveled to discover the world and experience its variety of cultures and beliefs. She lived in different countries such as France, Mexico, and Guatemala. Ms. Collins has been in South Florida since 1998. Her experience in education includes running afterschool programs and camps, as well as teaching in various classroom settings, such as transplanted classes and traditional. She sees her job as a calling to make a positive difference in the world, one child at the time. Ms. Collins believes that each child is gifted and can achieve anything, given the proper guidance and education.
Ms. Sweitzer graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Elementary Education and Middle School Education. She continued her education at Boston University, earning a Master of Arts degree in Education.
Ms. Sweitzer has taught fourth and fifth grade on the Island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. While teaching in the Caribbean, Ms. Sweitzer shared her love of reading and writing with students, as well as her interest in environmental education. She is passionate about actively involving each member of the classroom throughout the learning process.
Mrs. Baruch earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. She is certified with the State of Florida to teach Middle Grades 5-9 in all academic core subjects, including Language Arts, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. In addition, Mrs. Baruch is also certified to teach Business/Marketing Grades 6-12.
Mrs. Baruch has enjoyed a successful career as an executive with major corporations throughout the United States. After leaving the corporate world, Mrs. Baruch felt a tremendous desire and passion to pass along her ability to communicate and motivate young minds. She has enjoyed working with students in the Broward County School System and sees a tremendous opportunity at the Florida Intercultural Academy to take her passion for teaching to the next level.
In her spare time, Mrs. Baruch enjoys running, dressage and spending time with her family. She has endured several marathons including Disney World and Miami.
To quote author Maria Robinson, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Mrs. Baruch is excited to play a role in each student's road to success, thereby ensuring a wonderful and rewarding future for both student and teacher.
Ms. Guzman graduated Magna cum Laude from University of the Pacific, California, with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and in Business Administration. She completed her teacher certification at Broward College. She is certified in the State of the Florida to teach Mathematics 5-9th, Mathematics 6-12th, and Middle School Integrated Curriculum. In addition, she is ESOL and Gifted certified.
Ms. Guzman experienced a long career as a Software Engineer in the Silicon Valley, specializing in UNIX and Network applications. She decided to change her career to teaching because of her desire to encourage interest in Math and Science in young students. She has worked in the Broward Public School System teaching Middle School math. She is very excited to have the opportunity at FIA to teach both Math and Science. She believes this will allow the students to the relevance, application, and connections in both these important subjects.
Ms. Guzman has been involved in the scouting movement for many years as a troop leader. She enjoys everything outdoors, including hiking and camping. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She is the proud parent of two highly gifted children.
Mrs. Caroline Bush, 7th/8th Grade Reading/Language Arts/WritingMrs. Bush graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Mount Union with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle Childhood Education specializing in English Language Arts and Social Studies. She also received a generalist in Math and Science as well as a minor in American Studies at Mount Union.
Mrs. Bush has been passionate about working with children from a young age. From babysitting to tutoring to being a teacher's aide she discovered her love for working with students. For the past two years she worked as an sixth and seventh grade teacher in Washington County, Maryland. She loves to help her students reach to their potential and beyond through fun-filled and exciting lessons. She is very excited to work with her students and their parents to make this one awesome year!
Ms. Reina Mercedes, ParaprofessionalMs. Reina Mercedes is completing her Bachelors of Education Degree in elementary Education from Trinity University. Ms. Reina attended Sheridan Technical Center in Broward County, FL where she obtained her paraprofessional/teacher support certification. Ms. Reina has her First Aid and CPR Certification as of September 2010. Additionally, Ms. Reina is a certified Notary Public of Florida Association.
Ms. Reina is Bilingual in English and Spanish. Ms. Reina has worked with small groups on fluency in educational settings. Specifically, Ms. Reina is very experienced with assisting ESOL and ESE students. She has a wealth of experiences with kids' clubs, mostly working in the role of manager. Ms. Reina has worked as a senior loan officer with United Home Mortgage. Ms. Reina's computer skills are inclusive of Microsoft, Excel, and PowerPoint. Ms. Reina is excited to join the FIA family and ready to multitask in any way possible!
Ms. Donna-Marie Major joins our team with a wealth of experience. Her previous journey includes being a Parent Volunteer in Miami Dade County Public School. Her services were so greatly valued that she was offered employment as a Paraprofessional. During those years she also served as a Parent Representative for Miami-Dade County Public School at the National SECME Summer Institute for four consecutive years. Ms. Donna-Marie Major was also instrumental in providing a variety of field trips experiences for the students including an annual three-day camping trip to the Everglades National Park, Kennedy Space Center, and Washington, DC. Along with having experience in the classroom, Ms. Major has extensive experience with working in the school office to provide support to administration and office staff members. Ms. Donna-Marie Major has assisted with registration, attendance, summer school, answering phones, greeting parents and working directly as needed with the office manager. Her overwhelming willingness to rise above and beyond the call of duty has earned her a multitude of awards and recognitions. Ms. Major’s joy is to see each and every child reach their goals. No matter how hard it may seem, Ms. Donna-Marie Major believes you must always reach for the stars.
Danita Oates, ParaprofessionalEmail: d.oates@interculturalacademy.com
Danita has always been a caring and motherly person. She was the third of nine children born to her mother and father. At a young age she learned quickly how to be responsible and aided her mother in the upbringing of her younger brothers and sisters. In 1990, she was finally able to put her mothering skills to the test with the birth of her first daughter, Stephanie. In 1993 she was able to do it again with the birth of her second and final child, Jessica. Both her girls are seniors this year, one at the University of Florida and her youngest in high school.
Danita has been a hard worker for as long as anyone can imagine. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in ESE/Special Education as well as a Master’s Degree. She made the decision to go back to school in order to show her girls the benefits of perseverance as well as to prove to herself that she can do anything that she sets her mind to. Danita is now in the process of procuring her Doctorate Degree.
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