Faculty & Staff

SUPPORTIVE

Working together to reach common goals and create a positive school environment.

NURTURING

Building relationships through supportive and kind interactions with all the children.

EXPERIENCED

Consistently seeking out opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Elementary

KINDERGARTEN - 5TH GRADE

ms silva

ADA SILVA

Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Silva is proud to call MSPCS her home. Ms. Silva has been teaching for 16 years. Teaching kindergarten isn’t just her job, It’s her passion. She loves making teaching fun, hands-on, and full of discovery. Also she encourages children to think independently, ask questions, and find solutions on their own. She believes every child is capable of amazing things. That’s why she focuses on helping them become confident problem solvers-not just academics but in life. Through play, collaboration, and guidance she helps her students learn how to make choices, take responsibility, and celebrate their own growth. Her classroom is a place where children feel safe, loved, and free to be themselves. She supports each child’s unique journey and to partner with families every step of the way.

Outside the classroom, Ms. Silva enjoys running, sunsets, photography, the beach and spending time with her family and dog.

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LAURA TOBARES

Kindergarten Teacher Assistant

Originally from Argentina, Ms. Laura has lived in Miami for the past 25 years. She is a proud mother of two girls and brings over 15 years of experience in customer service, along with three years as a dedicated teacher assistant. Passionate about child development, Ms. Laura finds great fulfillment in helping children grow in confidence, intelligence, and self-awareness.
 
Outside the classroom, Ms. Laura enjoys expressing her creativity through baking and cake decorating. Whether supporting students or crafting custom cakes, she brings warmth, patience, and a genuine love for helping others into everything she does.
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LAKEISE MARTIN “Ms K”

1st Grade Teacher

Ms. K is excited to begin her first year as a 1st grade teacher and continue her journey with the MSPCS family, where she has been a dedicated teacher’s assistant for the past four years. She holds a background in early childhood education, is a licensed Massage Therapist, and a licensed esthetician, but her heart has always been in the classroom. With over ten years of experience working with children, Ms. K began her career as a YMCA counselor and went on to serve as a Pre-K substitute through Child Care Careers. She brings creativity, support, and encouragement into everything she does, aiming to foster a classroom where students feel safe, seen, and inspired to learn.

Outside of school, she enjoys reading, drawing, writing, singing, and spending time with her family. Her favorite places to relax and recharge are the beach and anywhere surrounded by nature. We are proud to have Ms. K stepped into her new role as a 1st grade teacher, and even more grateful that MSPCS is part of her journey.

ms eli

SANDRA MEJIA “Ms. Eli”

1st Grade Teacher Assistant

Ms. Eli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. After working for over 30 years in the field, she decided to pursue a new career that would take her back to her educational roots. Last year she had the opportunity to work with second graders as a teacher’s Assistant. This experience changed her life completely and helped her to discover her passion for teaching early childhood. She loves spending time with her family and friends, her adorable cat, and her garden.

 

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YAZMIN GARCIA

2nd Grade Teacher

With a deep passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment, Ms. Garcia is eager to bring experience and enthusiasm to MSPCS. Throughout her teacher career, she’s been driven by the belief that every child has the potential to achieve greatness. Ms. Garcia is dedicated to creating a classroom atmosphere where students feel valued, inspired, and excited to learn. Her approach to teaching is rooted in the idea that education should be a joyful and interactive journey, and she strives to make every lesson a meaningful and memorable experience for her students.

 

ms blanco

LUISA BERNAL-BLANCO “Mrs. Blanco”

3rd Grade Teacher

This year marks Mrs. Blanco’s 11th year at MSPCS, a place she proudly calls her second home. The children, families, and staff make up such a special community, and she feels truly blessed to be a part of it.


With over 25 years of teaching experience, she has always been passionate about education. For her, teaching is never just about ABCs—it’s about building meaningful connections, nurturing each child’s unique gifts, and watching them flourish. One of her greatest goals is to encourage students to always give their best effort, because with determination, even the impossible becomes achievable. She also believes that true growth comes from a balance of emotional and academic development, and nothing brings her more joy than witnessing her students thrive in both areas.


Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking (and, of course, eating—her favorite part!), and simply being at home.

mr ingrim

CHRISTOPHER INGRAM

4th Grade Teacher

Mr. Ingram has been educating students at various grade levels for over ten years. He has a degree in Health, Physical Education, and Mathematics. He enjoys fostering a love of learning in our elementary school students and is a firm believer in Christ. Fun fact…. Mr. Ingram has performed in 30 films!

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BRITTANY ANTHONY

5th Grade Teacher

We are so glad to welcome Ms. Anthony to MSPCS! She was born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Miami, Florida.

Ms. Anthony has always had a love for helping our youth. She started tutoring in middle school and has assisted in helping third and fourth graders study for the FCAT. Her career in teaching started back in 2015 as a substitute teacher. Ms. Anthony has taught technology and second through fifth grade. Three facts about her: She shares the same birthday as Beyoncé, She cheered for 7 years as a child, and she loves to cook.

ms edouard

ISIS EDOUARD

Art Teacher

Ms. Edouard studied at American InterContinental University and received her BFA. She taught science for 15 years, but her passion has always been art. She has been an artist all her life, winning awards for art since kindergarten. She started painting murals for school plays in the 3rd grade. She has a brain for science, but her heart was made for art! She enjoys making aesthetically pleasing treats, she also loves her pets. This is her sixth year at MSPCS.

ms tarnowyk

CLAUDIA TARNOWYK

Spanish Teacher

Mrs. Claudia Tarnowyk was born in Argentina. But she has studied and taught in Argentina, Russia, Germany, Ireland, Brazil, and Spain.

She earned her Bachelor´s degree in International Relations, PhD in International Culture affairs, but fell in love with language teaching: Spanish, Russian, Portuguese, Italian. She has 25 years of experience teaching languages. In Miami she worked in several schools. She finished her Master´s degree in Spanish Literature, Grammar and Culture in the University of Salamanca, Spain.

Mrs. Tarnowyk enjoys traveling and discovering new cultures around the world. She loves going to the beach, dancing and singing. So glad to be part of the MSPCS family.

mr. gerra

OSCAR GUERRA

Music Teacher

Mr. Guerra is a passionate musician, songwriter and composer, teacher and music therapist. He obtained a degree in Music and a degree in Theology in Cuba, with a deep passion for both music and ministry. Throughout his career, Mr. Guerra has combined his musical studies with a spiritual vocation, working as a Music Teacher and Music Therapist. With over 15 years of experience in ministry, has dedicated his life to helping others through music and spiritual guidance. Additionally, Mr. Guerra is an ordained Pastor and Chaplain, roles in which he has served with dedication and commitment over the years. Over the years, He has cultivated a career that combines his love for music, his ministerial vocation, and his deep commitment to the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of others. His life is marked by a strong desire to serve the Lord and share a message of hope and healing with others.

mr lombardozzi

FERNANDO LOMBARDOZZI

Physical Education Teacher

Originally from Argentina, Coach Lombardozzi proud to be part of MSPCS as a Physical Education teacher.

Coach Lombardozzi hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, and an Associate degree in Psychological Counseling. Before moving to the U.S., he worked as a soccer coach for several small indoor teams in Argentina, where he developed a strong foundation in youth training and physical preparation. In addition to teaching, Coach Lombardozzi also work privately as a Psychological Counselor, which helps him support people’s emotional growth alongside their personal development.

Coach Lombardozzi is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel motivated, supported, and inspired.

ms precius

PRECIOUS GEORGES

Aftercare

Ms. Precious Georges pursued her passion for teaching at Florida International University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Throughout her college years, she gained valuable experience tutoring students from elementary to high school levels and working with Miami-Dade County Public Schools as a Teacher Assistant, further fueling her enthusiasm for education. In her free time, Ms.Georges enjoys reading, writing, painting, and doing crafts that cultivate her creativity and inspire her teaching approach.

PRESCHOOL

NURSERY - PK4

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CLAUDIA VERGARA

Nursery Lead Teacher

Since Ms. Claudia began working with children, babies have been her passion. She loves watching them grow and learn.
Ms. Claudia wants to put all her knowledge, experience, Christian principles, and love into teaching and stimulating babies.
MSPSC is the place where Ms. Claudia has been able to achieve and embrace the opportunity to develop and give her best.

ms silva diaz

MARIA SILVA-DIAZ

Nursery Teacher Assistant

Ms. Maria was born in Louisiana but moved back to Venezuela with her parents when she turned one. She lived in Venezuela for the next 35 years. At age 20, she began working in education at a school for children with special needs, starting as a kindergarten teacher assistant. Over the next 30 years, she fell in love with the job and its purpose.

Ms. Maria studied Art with a specialization in Ceramics, which led her to teach at a School of Ceramics, marking the beginning of her career in the arts. Three years later, she and her mother opened an art school, where she worked for nine years before deciding to return to the United States.

A new chapter began when she moved to Florida, but her passion for education remained. In 2006, she started working with preschool children and has since had the privilege of watching many of them grow-and learning from them along the way.

ms luli

MARJULIS ROQUE “MS. LULI”

Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher

Mrs. Luli enjoys teaching and caring for children ages 18 months to 2 years here at Miami Shores Presbyterian Church School.

She was born in Panama City, Panama, and moved to Miami in 1988. Over the years, she has worked in various educational roles and earned multiple certifications in early childhood care, including DCF training and paraprofessional credentials. She’s also a proud mother of three, two daughters and one son, which has deepened her understanding of how children grow, learn, and thrive.

ms. marvelys

MARVELYS LARRAZABAL

Pre-K 2 Lead Teacher

Ms. Marvelys, originally from Venezuela, has always had a deep passion for education. From a young age, she aspired to become an educator, leading her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Teaching Biology and Chemistry. Ms. Marvelys dedicated many years to teaching before retiring. Six years ago, she moved to the United States and made the decision to continue her teaching career, focusing on her love for working with children. With extensive experience and the completion of necessary training courses, she also obtained the Florida Child Care Professional Credential from Miami Dade College School. In her free time, Ms. Marvelys enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and reading. She is deeply thankful to God for the opportunity to work at this school and is excited to continue her journey in education.

Ms. claudia

MARIA ZARATE

Pre-K 3 Teacher Assistant

Ms. María is DCF-certified in the HighScope Curriculum training program. She has 19 years of experience, this will be her 14th year here at MSPCS. Mrs. Maria has always had a strong love and passion for teaching early childhood education. During her free time, she loves spending time with her family, going to the beach, and traveling.

Ms yamiee

IRENE CALHOUN

Pre-K 4 Lead Teacher

Ms. Irene has been part of our school family for four years and is thrilled to step into the role of PK4 teacher this year. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and brings a passion for creating a fun, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment. Ms. Irene is dedicated to helping her students grow not only academically, but also as kind, compassionate humans. She believes that every child’s early years should be filled with both confidence and joy to explore the world around them.

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BRIANA LOPEZ

Pre-K 4 Teacher Assistant

Ms. Briana is excited to be part of the MSPC family. She has been working with children for 5 years. She started out as a Family Support Worker in RCMA in Tampa, FL, as a Toddler/Pre-K Teacher and Assistant. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Ana G. Mendez of Puerto Rico. Ms. Briana loves working with children and helping them in the learning process. During her free time, she loves spending time with my family, riding her bike, going to the gym, and going to the beach.

ms olivia

OLIVIA PIZANO

Aftercare

Ms. Olivia is thrilled to be working with the MSPCS family as she attended school here from preschool to elementary school. She holds a BFA in photography and video and is excited to implement her love of creativity in the aftercare classroom. Olivia is dedicated to her additional duties of general assisting and working in the library where she feels passionate about bringing smiles to the children’s faces on a daily basis. 

FACULTY

Administrative Staff

ms chargualaf

SATRINA CHARGUALAF

Head of School

Mrs. Satrina Chargualaf is from the beautiful Pacific Island of Guam, a United States Territory. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Guam with a double major in Education and East Asian Studies. Furthering her education, she attained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Portland, Oregon, and completed her Principal’s Licensure Program at the University of Denver, Colorado. Mrs. Chargualaf is not only accomplished academically but also athletically, having represented the University of Guam’s Lady Tritons in basketball and competing in the XVI Summer Universiade Games in Sheffield, England.

With a passion for both teaching and coaching basketball, Mrs. Chargualaf has coached students from various age groups, spanning from three-year-old children to high schoolers. She has a passion for organizing enriching educational experiences, including international field trips to events like the Asian-Pacific Children’s Convention in Fukuoka, Japan, and facilitating student exchanges and study tours across cities such as Gifu, Shizuoka, and Yaizu. Additionally, her basketball teams have showcased their skills at the Far East Basketball Tournaments in Okinawa and Yokosuka. 

Bringing over 25 years of educational expertise to the MSPCS School Community, Mrs. Chargualaf is well-versed in lesson planning, curriculum development, and effective instructional pedagogies. Beyond the classroom, she finds joy in going to the beach, traveling, going to plays/theater, and listening to music. Her husband, Tai, is a Civil Service Merchant Mariner under the Military Sealift Command

ms daisy

DAISY HIDALGO

N-5 Operation Specialist

For the past nine years, Ms. Daisy has worked in the elementary school and preschool, so she knows many of our families. She has 20+ years of school administration experience and has her hours from DCF. Ms. Daisy loves the family feel of MSPCS which reminds her of growing up and going to school. She loves the fact that the MSPCS curriculum still provides students with art, music, Spanish, PE, and library time when so many schools have had to cut these classes out of their budgets. Ms. Daisy loves the outdoors, going to the beach, camping, traveling, her family (including her furry and feathered ones), and above all God!

ms janel

JANEL AVILES

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Janel is the Administrative Assistant at MSPCS. Born and raised in Miami Shores, she has deep roots in the community and a strong connection to the neighborhood surrounding the school. Being so close to where she grew up makes her role especially meaningful, as she enjoys supporting the students, families, and staff of a community she proudly calls home.

In her position, Ms. Janel is dedicated to keeping the school running smoothly and creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through the doors. She takes pride in helping families, assisting staff, and contributing to the positive daily experience of the school.

ms ana

ANA CASTRILLON

Student Activities Coordinator

Ms. Ana has been working in the child care field for eleven years. She also has her Behavior Assistant Certificate, with a focus on student behavior. She is so glad to be part of the MSPCS family!

ms vanessa

VANESSA PARADISO

Preschool Office Assistant

Ms. Paradiso finished her bachelor’s of applied science, with a concentration in public safety. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family and friends. She was a substitute for two years and always has loved to teach children!

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MADAY CELEDON

Social Media and Communication Specialist

Ms. Maday is happy to be part of the MSPCS family! She is a graphic design student at Florida International University looking for an opportunity to grow as a professional and hopes to see how the kids’ potential flourishes. She is an artist and passionate about serving the Lord and her family.

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STEVEN SILVESTRO

Director of Accounting and Finance

Mr. Silvestro has a degree in Accounting and over twenty-six years of experience in auditing, accounting, and finance. Mr. Silvestro is a ruling elder and Treasurer for First Presbyterian Church, Hollywood. This is his fourth year with MSPCS.

Schedule A Tour!

— Interested in a school tour? —

Guided tours of the Preschool and Elementary school are available weekdays during school hours. Advanced scheduling of the tour is recommended.

To schedule a Preschool tour, please call the Preschool Main Office at 305 751 5417 or email Daisy Hidalgo at dhidalgo@mspcs.net


To schedule an Elementary tour, please call the Elementary Main Office at 305 759 2548 or email Janel Aviles at javiles@mspcs.net