About Our Teachers

Kathirya Ortiz is a passionate and experienced educational leader with over 10 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Physical Education, blending academic instruction with the importance of physical development and wellness.

Kathirya also holds the DCF Staff Credential Transcript and the Director’s Credential in Childcare Management, equipping her with the skills and qualifications needed to lead with confidence and care. As a dedicated principal, she is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and physically.

kathirya.ortiz_kalc@outlook.com

Elba Vázquez is a dedicated and experienced early childhood educator with over 14 years of service in the field. 

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (K–3) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, demonstrating her strong foundation in both classroom instruction and school administration. 

In addition, she possesses a CDA Home Certification, highlighting her commitment to providing high-quality care and education in both classroom and home-based settings.

elba.vazquez_kal@outlook.com

Linda Roscoe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and has over 20 years of experience as a dedicated teacher. 

Her strong foundation in human behavior and social dynamics enhances her ability to connect with students and foster a positive, inclusive learning environment. 

Linda is passionate about education and committed to supporting the academic and personal growth of every student she teaches. 

Her experience, patience, and deep understanding of student needs make her a valued educator in any classroom setting.

lroscoe_kal@outlook.com

Dawn Calhoun with over 20 years of experience in education, Mrs. Dawn Calhoun brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and heart to her classroom. Throughout her career, she has fostered a love of learning in young children by creating nurturing and engaging environments where every student can thrive.

Mrs. Calhoun is excited to begin another wonderful school year and is committed to helping her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Hobbies:

When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Calhoun enjoys reading, training her dog Kara, and spending quality time with her grandchildren—especially playing games and making fun memories together.

dcalhoun_kal@outlook.com

Mariangely Rivera holds a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on education and a specialty in pediatrics. Since 2020, she has devoted her professional life to the care and development of children. She is currently continuing her vocation as a kindergarten teacher, combining her background in healthcare with early childhood education. Her love for children and commitment to their well-being inspire her to create a safe, nurturing, and meaningful learning environment for each of her students.

Email: m.rivera_kal@outlook.com

Saraeliza De Jesús Molina 

has five years of experience in the educational field. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in School Psychology, which have equipped her with effective strategies to support students’ learning and emotional well-being.

Committed to the holistic development of children, she works closely with parents and families to help each student reach their fullest academic and personal potential. Her passion for education and her caring approach make her a valuable ally in her students’ academic journey.

S.dejesus_kal@outlook.com

Carmen Pereira has two years of experience working as a teacher. During her first year, she worked with children with Autism, and in her second year, she taught students in a general education setting.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and has a strong background in child behavior.

Her passion for teaching was born from the opportunity to work with students with special needs. Witnessing their individual and group progress brings her a deep sense of fulfillment as an educator. She firmly believes that hard work is never in vain and that, in the end, we must acknowledge and appreciate the results of our efforts.

Karla Burgos is a passionate professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences with a concentration in Chemistry. She has advanced knowledge in Chemistry and Math with five years of experience as a Wet Chemistry Analyst in both biopharmaceutical and environmental industries. Mrs. Burgos is excited to join Kids Academy Lighthouse as a first- year high school teacher. She is committed to helping and supporting every student succeed. She loves spending time with her family and enjoys reading and listening to music. Mrs. Burgos believes that all students are unique with different learning needs and styles. She is committed to assisting each student to achieve their full potential and empowering them to grow both academically and personally.

karla.burgos_kal@outlook.com

Juliana Sánchez is a performing arts teacher with over 20 years of experience in the arts and 9 years working with preschool-aged children. She is certified with 45 hours in Early Childhood Education (DCF), graduated from the Centro de Adiestramiento y Bellas Artes of Puerto Rico, and studied at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón.

Specializing in folkloric, Latin, and modern dance, she fosters children's expression, creativity, and confidence through movement. She is known for her professionalism, discipline, and ability to adapt to different learning styles.

Mrs. Sánchez also has experience in photography, graphic design, event production, and social media management—skills she uses to enrich the artistic and educational environment in her classes.

Luz Tirado is a dedicated early childhood educator with four years of professional experience and a diploma in Early Childhood Education. She is committed to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment where young children can thrive. Luz is passionate about supporting each child’s growth and development, and she takes pride in helping students build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Luz.tirado_kal@outlook.com

Ronald Roundtree was born and raised in Mississippi. I’ve served in education in some capacity for 24 plus years. I graduated with a bachelor of science degree (BS) in physical education K-12 from Jackson State University. After graduating, I went directly into teacher PE for which I taught for 19 years.  

I then went to the University of Mississippi to gain a masters of arts (MA) degree in educational leadership.  After which, I went into administration and served 5 years as an assistant principal.  

I moved to Florida in 2021 where I taught middle school PE, served as dean of students and high school assistant principal. Last but not least, I enjoy favorite hobbies of fishing and I working out to help me relax after a long day.