OUR FACULTY

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Teachers at The Academy have many options of where they can choose to work, but they have selected The Academy at Ocean Reef. They have chosen this unique place because they have aspirations to teach and help children reach their full potential in a place where education is a priority. Teachers are not just employees but partners in an educational and life journey.



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Jerome Murphy

Head of School​

jmurphy@oracademy.org

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B.A., Lehigh University

M.A., Sacred Heart University

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Jaren Evans

Assistant Head of School/

Middle School English

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jevans@oracademy.org

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B.A., North Carolina Central University

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M.S., Florida International University

Marnie Buchsbaum

Business Manager

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mbuchsbaum@oracademy.org

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B.A., Oswego State University

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Meg Ryan

Guidance ​Counselor

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mryan@oracademy.org​

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B.A., Fairleigh Dickinson University

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M.S., Monmouth University

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Myriam Bernal​

Dean of Students/

Second and Third Grade​

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mbernal@oracademy.org

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B.S., Barry University

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Katherine Bustamante

Kindergarten and First Grade

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kbustamante@oracademy.org​

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B.S., Florida International University

Kellie Diaz 
Early Childhood Director
PreK3/PreK4

kdiaz@oracademy.org​

B.A., Florida International University

Joseph Celmer
Music Education

jcelmer@oracademy.org

B.A., Music Illinois State University
M.A., Music  Indiana University
M.A., Music Education  Boston University

Evelyn M. Ibanez

Second and Third Grade Teacher's Assistant

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eibanez@oracademy.org​

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B.A., Montclair State College

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Nicky Laak

Middle School Social Studies

Library & Media Specialist

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nlaak@oracademy.org

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B.A., Union Institute and University

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M.S., Nova Southeastern University

Jessamy Mathieson
Fourth and Fifth Grade 

jmathieson@oracademy.org

B.A., Florida International University

M.S., Barry University

Kristen McHugh

Professional Development Coordinator

Middle School Math and Science

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kmchugh@oracademy.org

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B.A., University of Florida

M.A., University of Florida

Valerie Robles
​Toddler
Teacher's Assistant

vrobles@oracademy.org

Amanda Rufin

Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher's Assistant

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arufin@oracademy.org​

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A.A., Miami Dade College

Dan Smith

Physical Education​

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dsmith@oracademy.org​

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B.S., University of New England

Hope Sperling
Art Education

hsperling@oracademy.org

B.S., St. Thomas Aquinas

A.S., SUNY College

Margarita Vallejo

Toddler Program

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mvallejo@oracademy.org​

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B.A., Central Education University

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North American Montessori Center

STAFF

Ileana Diaz

Administrative Assistant

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idiaz@oracademy.org

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