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

My name is Yadira Santiago. I hold a Doctorate in Education with a major in Higher Education and a minor in Organizational Leadership. I have also earned three master’s degrees: one in Business Administration and Human Resources, one in Science, and a third in Education with a focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology. My academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I have dedicated approximately 21 years to the field of education, a profession I am truly passionate about. During my time here at Kids Academy Lighthouse, my goal is to apply everything I have learned throughout these years and help guide your children to the next level in their academic and personal growth.

Fun Facts

I was a professional dancer.

I worked as a teacher, teaching model, dance, and art.

I love to travel and have a bucket list with several countries I want to visit.

Contact Me

📧 kidsacademylighthousedirector@outlook.com

📞 863-422-8999 (Front Office)

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

Addie Diaz is a dedicated early childhood education professional with over 12 years of experience supporting the growth and development of young learners. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she relocated to Florida in 2013, where she has continued to expand her career in early education.

She has completed formal studies in Early Childhood Education (K–3) and holds a Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, as well as a Florida DCF Director’s Credential. Her educational background and leadership preparation allow her to support both classroom instruction and program administration effectively.

Addie is deeply passionate about helping and serving others. She finds great fulfillment in working with children and takes pride in being an active part of their educational journey, fostering a nurturing, supportive, and engaging learning environment that promotes each child’s academic and personal growth.

adiaz_kal@outlook.com

Ms. Kenya Hernandez is a dedicated and passionate member of our administrative team. With a year of experience in school administration, Ms. Hernandez brings a heart for service and a genuine love for supporting students and staff. Her goal is to create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

In addition to her administrative role, Ms. Hernandez holds a certificate in cosmetology. She enjoys shaping eyebrows and creating beautiful designs—one of her favorite creative outlets.

Outside of work, she is a devoted animal lover and proudly obsessed with the color purple.

Ms. Hernandez looks forward to making a lasting impact in our school community and is always happy to assist families, students, and staff.

khernandez_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

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.

carmen.pereira_kal@outlook.com

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

Terry-Ann Grant is a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to student growth and academic success. She brings over five years of teaching experience in early childhood education, beginning her career as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and later advancing into a Kindergarten teaching role. Throughout her career, Ms. Grant has worked with diverse learners and is deeply committed to creating a positive, engaging, and supportive classroom environment that promotes learning and development.

Ms. Grant holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Early Childhood Education and has specialized experience as a health paraprofessional, providing one-on-one support to students with medical needs, including seizure disorders. She has also worked closely with students who have Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring appropriate accommodations, safety, and individualized academic support.

Ms. Grant believes in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in all students while nurturing independence and a love for learning. Her goal is to support each child in reaching their full academic, social, and emotional potential.

terry-ann_kal@outlook.com

Karina Rivera is a dedicated and compassionate educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Technology of Science, specializing in Animation. With a lifelong passion for the arts, she has been actively engaged in creative practice from a young age and continues to develop her artistic skills through ongoing exploration and professional growth.

Ms. Rivera has experience working with both traditional and modern art forms and has built a strong foundation in animation through creativity, careful observation, and hands-on experience. Her academic background and artistic training allow her to integrate technical skills with imaginative expression in the classroom.

Ms. Rivera is passionate about inspiring students to express themselves creatively while developing confidence and artistic skills in a fun, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. She encourages exploration, originality, and critical thinking, helping students discover their unique artistic voices and appreciation for the visual arts.

karina.rivera_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.

jsanchez_kal@outlook.com

Jobed Garcia: I am a first-year Physical Education Coach with a strong background in customer service and a commitment to professional growth.

 I hold a high school diploma and have completed college-level coursework. Through nearly twenty years of customer service experience, I have developed strong communication, teamwork, and relationship-building skills.

 In my current role, I focus on creating a safe and structured environment that promotes physical activity, teamwork, and positive behavior while continuing to grow in my ability to support students effectively.

jobedgarcia_kal@outlook.com