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President
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Dr. Mercedes Ricon is the Associate Director of Killian Oaks Academy, a private Pre-K through 12th grade school in Miami. She has served on the AISF Board of Directors since 2007 and is the current President. Dr. Ricon also serves on the boards of...
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VP of ASAP
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Rowena graduated from St. Leo University in 1977 with a B.A. in Elementary and Secondary Education and a minor in Speech. Rowena earned her Master of Education degree from Chaminade University and her...Profile Picture Url disp
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VP of ECAP
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Mr. Rothfield (BA, Psychology and Drama, Tufts University, Somerville, MA) is the Business Manager of Alexander Montessori School. He is an alum of Alexander (Class of 1990) and manages the School and Camp Administrative Office...
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VP of Programming
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Although Carole still considers her native New York her “forever” home, she has lived in her much beloved Miami most of her adult life. She began her career in dyslexia almost by accident. Graduating with a BS in Elementary Education at a time when there were no jobs...Profile Picture Url disp
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Treasurer
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Carol Diaz-Zubieta is the Director of School and Chief Financial Officer at Conchita Espinosa Academy, a private K3 through eighth grade school in Miami, where she has spent most of her educational career. Prior to her current position...Profile Picture Url disp
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Secretary
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Gina C. Romero, MEd is the principal of the Biltmore School. She attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood, both from Florida International University. She participated in Harvard University’s...Profile Picture Url disp
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Past President
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A native New Yorker, Peter was raised in Miami, Florida after being transplanted as a toddler. Coming from a long line of educators, Peter received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University with a concentration on developmental psychology...Profile Picture Url disp
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Board Member
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Afua Baptiste has found her passion in education. That passion led her to own and operate her own programs for over three decades, and it sparked her interest in accreditation. As a former Vice President of Accreditation for AISF, Afua values school...Profile Picture Url disp
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Board Member
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Mr. Daniel Benítez-Oliveira is an esteemed member of the board of directors of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF), where his vast experience and unwavering commitment to education make him a valued asset...Profile Picture Url disp
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After a successful career developing day and boarding schools; day and overnight summer camp programs; and mental health residential and day treatment centers for children and adolescents; Gary Fein now heads Kentwood Preparatory School...
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Anita LaTorre was born and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College. As a foreign language major, Anita spent her junior year studying in Paris, France. After spending...Profile Picture Url disp
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Emeritus
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Douglas Laurie, BA, D.C. Med is the President and owner of American learning systems, the parent corporation that owns American Heritage Schools, American Academy Schools, C & L transportation, American Heritage summer day camps,...
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Rabbi Ezra Levy, Ed.D., is a dedicated and highly esteemed member of our board, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our organization.Since May 2003, Dr. Levy has served as the Executive Director and Head of...
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Born in 1960, James and his brother Alex were the first students in the school founded by his parents Beverley and Jim McGhee, in 1963. James received his degree in Intercultural Studies from Trinity College...Profile Picture Url disp
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Julia is the Early Childhood Director for Central Florida Preparatory School and Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy. She began her career in Early Childhood in 2008 when she earned her American Montessori Society Credential...Profile Picture Url disp
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Jeff is the Founder and Executive Director of Tree Top Academy pre-school. A highly regarded school in Jupiter. Jeff’s passion for early childhood education began when his children were born and has only grown deeper since then. He has a background in corporate...Profile Picture Url disp
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Elisabela A. Valls is the Communications Director at Conchita Espinosa Academy, a private K3 through eighth grade school in Miami with an adjacent Conservatory of the Arts, from where she is also a proud alumna (class of 2000). Elisabela has a B.A. in philosophy and English literature....Profile Picture Url disp
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Dr. Amber Oliveira has been the Head of School at Depaul since 2016. Under her leadership, Depaul has experienced remarkable growth, with enrollment doubling and a 100% completion rate for teacher training in Orton Gillingham methodologies.Profile Picture Url disp
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Michele Purvis graduated from the University of North Florida in 1994 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Michele completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida in May 2010...Profile Picture Url disp
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Emerita
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Dr. Sarah Allison is an Alabama native who began her educational career in Quincy, FL teaching elementary education and special education. She received her B.S. in elementary education from Auburn University, her M.S. in reading, special education, and...Profile Picture Url disp
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Emerita
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Judy Dempsey has been a Montessori educator for 41 years. She has owned and operated Summit-Questa Montessori School in Davie, Florida for the past 26 years. The school serves children from the ages of 18 months through 8th grade. The beautiful 10-acre campus...
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Emerita
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Susan is a native of South Florida and has had a long pasion for education. She comes from a long line of distinguished educators. Susan has served on the Board of Trsutees of AISF since 1993. She enjoys spending her free time with her beloved children and grandchildren.Profile Picture Url disp
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Emerita
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Dr. Charaline Luna has served as an invaluable member of our organization's Board, contributing years of dedication, wisdom, and expertise. With a legacy of leadership and a profound commitment to our mission, Dr. Charaline Luna has left an indelible mark on our institution...Profile Picture Url disp
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Emerita
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Mercedes Ricon, a native of Spain who found her second home in the vibrant streets of New York during her formative years, has been a Miami resident for the past four decades. Holding a BA from Fordham University and a Masters degree from NYU...Profile Picture Url disp
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Emerita
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Maribel Zubieta-Diaz has served as an invaluable member of our organization's Board, contributing years of dedication, wisdom, and expertise. With a legacy of leadership and a profound commitment to our mission...Profile Picture Url disp
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Executive Director
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Joshua Repensek, a Miami native, is a distinguished leader in the education sector, serving as the Executive Director of the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF). With unwavering dedication...Profile Picture Url disp
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Executive Secretary
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Born in Miami, FL, Matthew Kirzner is a distinguished professional renowned for his formidable blend of management acumen and technological expertise. With roots deeply embedded in the vibrant culture of Miami, he cultivated...
