Take a moment to start to learn who is who at La Academia and what they do at the school...
Each person's name is connected to their school email so if you want to contact someone just click on their name!
Designs, develops, and implements strategic plans
Leader of day to day performance and growth
Student Support Team (SST)
Code of Conduct
Compassionate Schools
Discipline
School Mindfulness Project (SMP)
Advancement
Facilities
Nutrition
Transportation
IT
Finance
Hi! Welcome to Academia! I am entering my 6th year with Academia. I have a degree in Health and Physical Education from University of Delaware. I am certified in Health, Physical Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education. I spent the first 3 years as a Kindergarten English Teacher. During that time, I was Team Leader for 2 years, Coordinator for the Scholastic book fair, Coordinator for the Pathways to Green Schools Program, Science Coalition Representative, and also the Teacher Representative for the School Board and the Academic Committee. Last year, I started a new position as the Administrative Support Coordinator. In this role, I serve many different functions. I always say I've become the "Jack of all Trades, Master of None" for Academia. Last year, I was also selected as the first Staff Member of the Year for Academia, which I am so proud and honored by. One of my roles currently is as Lead Mentor for the CIP...so that means, if you are new to the school...I AM HERE TO HELP! I recently accepted a promotion to the Dean of School Operations and Advancement. This means I will oversee our facilities team, nutrition services, and transportation department as well as work on finding ways to make the school better. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with any questions, concerns, or problems! Welcome and I can't wait to work with you!
Marketing and Communication plans and strategies
School Events
Parent Communication
Digital Content - website, social media
Enrollment
Unit Count
Supervisor of the facilities team
Oversees maintenance and cleaning of the interior and exterior of the building
Hello everyone my name is Cesar Acuria. I was born in New York City and raised in the South Bronx. After graduating high school, I signed up to the United States Marine Corps active duty and assigned as an Artillery Cannoneer (0811). I served from 2004 to 2008. I did tours in Japan and Iraq in my time. I recently came to Academia in the 2019 - 2020 school year as a Social Emotional Specialist (SES). I speak both English and Spanish, but primarily English. I am going to be a father soon to a little boy. I love to play basketball, football, and xBox One. Be patient, show love and understanding and this is how you will win the students’ respect. Best of luck this year!
Performs cleaning of the interior of the building
Performs cleaning of the interior of the building
Payroll and Benefits
Personnel updates and changes
DEEDS
Vacation and Sick Time
Onboarding
Issues and maintains school laptop
Maintains classroom iPads/Chromebooks
Sets up and assists with school related applications
Sets up and assists with emails (state and school google)
Manages report cards
Student registration, records requests, withdraws
Discipline entry
Update Eschool
Copy Coordinator
Mail sort
Ordering office supplies
Transportation updates as needed
File management
Mail distribution
Contractor and visitor protocol
Mexicana
Meri Labeck, MS, National Certified Counselor and school counselor for La Academia since the school opened in 2014. Meri is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health and also works part time as a psychotherapist.
Meri grew up in Massachusetts and Connecticut and has also lived in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, with the most years living in Delaware. She has two grown sons who currently live in Boston, MA, close to the rest of her family.
Meri comes from a big family and has 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 10 nieces, 4 nephews, 4 great nieces and 2 great nephews. Meri loves to read fantasy/paranormal/science-fiction at least one book per week and enjoys sewing quilts for family members.
Assess and treat all sick or injured students and staff
Administer and store all student routine and emergency medications
Assist with field trips
Manage emergency cards, immunization records, health records, and allergy lists
Facilitate school vision, hearing, and dental programs
Assess and treat all sick or injured students and staff
Administer and store all student routine and emergency medications
Assist with field trips
Manage emergency cards, immunization records, health records, and allergy lists
Facilitate school vision, hearing, and dental programs
Hi, my name is Abenlemah Jones and I am a Social Emotional Specialist. I have been working in education for six years. I have a M.Ed. in School Counseling and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. I am from New Jersey and I moved to Delaware six years ago. My role comprises of working with students to help them identify and manage their emotions inside or outside of classroom when needed. I also work with students who may need any assistance with their social emotional skills to help de-escalate behavior incidents or any other issues that may interfere with their learning environment. In my spare time, I love to work out and I enjoy good food. I recently discovered that I love to craft and I use my Cricut Machine when I can.
2020-2021 Staff of the Year
What is your position at La Academia? RTI Teacher
Where are you from? Puerto Rico
How long have you been teaching? 2 Years
What is/are your certification(s)? Adapted Physical Educator K-12
What language(s) do you know? Spanish and English
What are you involved with at La Academia? I help out in social emotional support group and afterschool programs like volleyball.
Do you have any additional certifications/achievements related to teaching? Master Degree in Educational Administration.
Fun Facts - Love coffee, very good at sports and currently trying to learn another language.
Transportation changes
Bus routes
Field trip transportation
Supervise all bus drivers and aids
I have been with Academia for 4 years. I am Puerto Rican and bilingual...English and Spanish
Gladys Quinones - 2018-2019 Teacher of the Year
Jacque grew up in Chile, Peru and the Netherlands and moved to the United States to pursue her university studies. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s in Education from The Harvard Graduate School of Education. Jacque has been teaching Spanish at the elementary level for over ten years. Jacque is married and has two children. She loves teaching, animals, cooking and traveling.
Welcome to Academia! My name is Ms. Wolf and I am an English and Social
Studies Kindergarten teacher. I am a graduate of the University of Delaware with
a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2). I am also a
certified Elementary Education (K-6) and Special Education teacher. This 2020-
2021 school year will be my 10 th year as an Elementary School teacher! This will
be my second year here as a Kindergarten classroom teacher. If there is anything
I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask. Especially if you are working in
the younger grades, K-2, I have a lot of experience working with state standards
and can help you come up with fun activities for whole-group and centers! I also
have 8 years of experience writing IEPs, so if you need help with anything
concerning Special Education, I may be able to help also! I hope that you have a
wonderful first year at Academia!
My name is Lorimar Ramirez I am from San Juan Puerto Rico. I have been in the education field for 17 years. I have a master's degree in School Administration. I love to travel exercise and have fun with my family. I am a wife and mother of three amazing boys a 14,12 and 5 year old.
Marlyn Santos - 2019-2020 Team Leader, CIP Mentor
Spanish Kindergarten Teacher
From: Puerto Rico, married, two daughters, one grandchild
Live in Delaware since 2014
Have 12 years of experience, worked at the LACC and teacher in Academia since 2016
Like to collect globes and maps, and love antiques.
Hello, my name is Magaly González and I am Dominican. I live in Wilmington. I am married and have three children. I like taking care of plants and I love to teach. I am a Spanish teacher, I have 22 years of experience in elementary education and 5 years of experience as a preschool teacher. She started being part of the team of teachers at Academia Antonia Alonso in 2017 as a kindergarten Spanish teacher.
Hello, my name is Ana Bedolla. I have been part of La Academia for 4 years, and I am happy to continue here as a 1st grade Spanish teacher.
Michelle Ramos - 2019-2020 Team Leader, 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year
Hello! My name is Michelle Ramos. I am currently a 2nd grade English Immersion Teacher here at Academia! I am going into my 4th year teaching at Academia in the Fall. I have been teaching for 3 years now between first and second grade. My family is from the Dominican Republic, but I was born and raised in New York. I speak both English and Spanish, but definitely lean towards English more. I am certified to teach General Education K-6 & Special Education K-12 in Delaware. In Academia, we all work together for many events, so I like to pitch in when possible on school activities throughout the year. I just won Teacher of the Year for 2019 - 2020! I am very proud and excited for that achievement. I also have my Master’s in Education from Wilmington University. My little family consists of my boyfriend and fur baby named Milo. I am going to be a first time mom and I’m expecting a baby boy July 2020. So, we may not meet right away, but I will meet you soon! Welcome to Academia! #UNIDOS.
Amanda Organek - 2019-2020 Team Leader
This year is going to be my fourth year teaching at Academia Antonia Alonso
I teach first grade English and Social Studies
I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Delaware
I was born and raised mostly in Delaware
In my free time I like to run and ride my bike with my son and husband
(Long Term Sub)
Born and raised in NJ. Just moved back to DE from living in CA the last 10 years!
Bachelors from Univ. of Delaware and Masters from California State Univ.
I love the beach, exploring new places with my family, and working out.
I am married with one daughter named Kennedy and a Golden Retriever named Jersey. =)
Hello and welcome to Academia Antonia Alonso! My name is Kelly Jones and I began working at AAA in August 2017. Currently I am a 2nd grade English Immersion Teacher. I teach ELA and Social Studies. I taught at a private school before coming to Academia. I have been teaching for the last 15 years. I have taught Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade and have experience teaching 3 and 4 year olds also. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wilmington University. When I am not busy teaching, I am the mom to two amazing kids, Ethan and Peyton. We enjoy going to the beach, amusement parks, tubing, movies, and anything that sounds fun! They keep me very busy with their extracurricular activities as well. In your journey, remember, “The best teachers are those who show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.”
My name is Stephanie Lugardo Santos, also known as Steph. I was born and raised in the west coast of Puerto Rico. I love being near the water and my dogs. I am fully bilingual in Spanish and English. I also know a little ASL (American Sign Language). I took up ASL in college with the hopes of becoming an interpreter. I studied English as a Second Language with a minor in Multimedia Technology in the University of Puerto Rico in Aguadilla. I graduated in 2017 and moved to Delaware that same year. I am certified in Birth-2 and Spanish World Language K-12. I’ve been teaching Spanish in Academia since then as well. I am currently completing my masters degree in Educational Leadership and Management in the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. I love the climate and culture of Academia. I also love that I can embrace my own Hispanic culture within the classroom and our schools community. Looking forward to a great school year. ¡Bienvenidos a Academia!
2020-2021 Spanish Teacher of the Year
Spanish Teacher K-2
10 years of experience.
The best strategy for teaching is patience and love.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico. I am married and I have two kids. Since I was little I was involved in sports, but especially with basketball. I have been a teacher for the past 18 years, but since 2019 I am part of the Academia Antonia Alonso. Also, I'm a basketball coach. My favorite player is Michael Jordan; but my favorite teams are Lakers & Yankees. In my free time I like to listen to music, cook and / or watch series or movies. My favorite food is sushi and in music it is salsa and reggaeton. Someday I would like to visit Australia and Vietnam. My greatest wish is to retire and live in an apartment with my family in front of the beach in Puerto Rico.
Leilani Rivera graduated from The Interamerican University of Puerto Rico with a B.S in Science and is currently active in the UD ARCT for Spanish immersion . She has led gradewide projects and implements paperless classroom in her current position at a Spanish emergent school. Five years as a paraeducator in the Red Clay school district, have provided her a wide range of experience in educating and mentoring children of all ages with varying mental and physical disabilities as well as serving as liaison and translator to connect students, families, and staff. Leilani always incorporates art projects into teaching.On her leisure time, she plays guitar and sings in a contemporary rock band, paints murals, and hikes along the east coast.
Hi, my name is Rosely Rodriguez. I am from Puerto Rico and have lived here in Delaware for only 1 year. I graduated in 2008 and earned 2 elementary level teacher certifications (k-3) and (4th-6th). I have been teaching for 12 years. Currently, my position at Academia is a third grade Spanish teacher. I have 2 children and we like to go to the beach and play with the sand. Also go to the parks and ride a bicycle.
Seaford, Delaware
University of Delaware Class of 2019
Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, going on walks with my dogs, learning new recipes, and hanging out with friends and family!
I am the oldest of four children including myself, my sister Danielle (19), my brother Jax (16), and my youngest brother Dylan (6). When we are together we like to share new music, go on hikes, and create fun memories!
María Ramírez is a loving and “mamá gallina” mother of 4. She loves teaching her kids the power of storytelling. Her passion to teach stories made her pursued a carrier in Education. Her family is from Puerto Rico, and they moved to Delaware at the end of 2019. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Full Sails University. Also, she is studying her 2nd BA in Interdisciplinary Studies K-8, from Western Governors University. She loves water sports, swimming, sailing, nature, reading and writing, and love to sing and dance. María and José, her heart beat husband-drummer, have been worship leaders for over 20 yrs.
Shana Dukes was born and raised in New Jersey. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two sons together.
She attended Boston University and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, minoring in Finance. She also studied International Business at Boston University, London, England. While at Boston University, she worked for the B.E.L.L. Foundation, helping inner city children get afterschool support in academics and was heavily involved in volunteerism. After graduating, she went on to work for the Boston Stock Exchange, and then on to Wall Street for Barclays Bank and Lehman Brothers in New York, New York.
After years of working in the field of business, she found her first love again of helping students achieve and become successful. In order to do this on a higher level, Shana was accepted in the Master’s Program at Wilmington University for Kindergarten to Sixth Grade Elementary Education. She graduated in 2014 with her Master’s Degree, certified to teach General and Special Education in Delaware and New Jersey. She joined the team at La Academia in 2019 teaching ELA/Social Studies for the fourth grade and it has been one of her best decisions yet.
Daniel Primiani - 2019-2020 Team Leader, Teacher Rep for Board of Directors
2020-2021 English Teacher of the Year
Has served as a 5th Grade English Language Arts and Social Studies for the past two years at Academia Antonia Alonso. Under his tutelage, students learn how to develop as readers, writers, and thinkers as they prepare to make the transition into middle school “Mr. Dan” also is the founder of and leads both the after-school Junior Jaguar Wrestling Club and Junior Jaguar Baseball Clinic through which students are taught how to cooperate as members of a team as well as develop individual skill sets for both sports. He has served as team leader for the fifth grade teaching team for two years and also serves as the teacher representative on the School Board.
Rommel Rivera Teacher Rep for Board of Directors
Michael Alverio - Physical Education and Health 2019-2020 Team Leader, CIP Mentor, 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year
I am the PE teacher/JASP Director/ Specials Team Lead
I am from Puerto Rico and proud of it.
I have been teaching for 21 years.
I have degrees and certification in
K-12 Health, Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Education.
I speak Spanish and English.
Anything that has to do with Academia, count me in.
I have received the following awards:
2 time teacher of the year (2005-06/2019-20)
Coach of the year 2010-11
Delaware IDEA Awards 2020 nominee
Personal info -
I have 2 amazing and beautiful daughters Alo and Myka. I am married to my Gorgeous and smart wife Brenda. I love to hear music and play and see sports. My favorite sports player is Deion Sanders. Person who inspires me: Will Smith. I love to spend time with my family, especially to see my daughters play sports.
Greg McCall - Music
Hello Academia Antonia Alonso family! My name is Gregory McCall Jr. and I am the General Music Teacher, and Choir Director here at La Academia. I grew up and went to schools in Newark and Wilmington Delaware and then studied at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Music Education. I have been a teacher at Academia since 2015 so even though I did not have much spanish experience before working here, I am in the process of learning the language like many of our students. Even though I am still learning, I have been told that I am pretty good at pronouncing words in spanish, which I think is because of the years of singing and traveling with choirs and groups that performed in different languages such as Spanish, German, French, Xhosa, Italian, Latin, and of course, English. While singing is my first musical love, my main instrument that I play is the bass guitar. I am excited to start the new year with all of my new and returning students, and I hope that they are all ready to sing, play, and share their music with our school and our families.
Emily Rega - STEM
Hello, I am Emily Rega. This is my 3rd year as STEM teacher here at La Academia. I am originally from Michigan but have lived in 4 other states before settling here in Delaware for the past 5 years. I have been teaching for over 10 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Reading and Literacy. However, I love Science and problem solving so STEM is perfect for me. I speak English but am learning some Spanish! I am involved in the many programs that we have during the school year for our families. I live in Newark with my husband, 10 year old son, 14 year old son, and our 15 year old dog. Life is good and I love working at La Academia.
Jean Rosarion - Technology
My name is Jean Rosarion. Before becoming the computer science teacher at Academia Antonia Alonso, I was an English/ Spanish online and offline educational software developer for more than 20 years. I had so much fun creating interactive applications in Spanish, English, Math and Science for all types of students. I also had the wonderful opportunity to visit many counties like India, Turkey, Italia, Colombia to work and market my software products. My objective is to motivate students to learn basic and advanced computer skills and to prepare them with all the tools they will need for future success in the job market. I am the proud husband and father of 2 sons, Ricardo and Armando.
Alexandra Strobel - 2019-2020 Team Leader, 4th and 5th grade
Jamie McAllister - 2019-2020 Team Leader
Resource Teacher (K-5)
Hello, my name is Jamie McAllister and I have been an English Immersion Teacher at Academia since 2018. I grew up in New Jersey, but have lived in Delaware for 7 years. I graduated from Washington College in 2002 with a BA in Business Management and just graduated with my M.ED in Special Education from Wilmington University in 2020. I have been teaching for 3 years and I am certified in Early Education and Special Education K-12th. At Academia, I have taught Kindergarten, 1st and 3rd grade and I participate as the Teacher Liaison in the Compassionate Schools committee. When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my 2 beautiful daughters, anything art related and going to the beach.
My name is Valerie Quiñones and I am a resource teacher/para for the special education department. I started working at La Academia in about February of 2020, so I am new! I’m currently an Elementary Education major at Del Tech and plan on going to Wilmington University after to get my bachelors. I would like to be a special ed teacher. I was born and raised here in Delaware, I speak both English and Spanish fluently, and my mom is a kindergarten teacher here as well!
Psychopedagogue in Special Education. (Kindergarten paraprofessional in Spanish), She was born in the city of Coro, Carabobo State in Venezuela, on February 10, 1968. Graduated from the 1991 Carabobo Extension College of Psychopedagogy.
She emigrated to the United States to the city of Wilmington Delaware in 2007.
I work Latin America Community Center for 5 years, as a preschool teacher.
She currently works at the Antonia Alonso Academy from 2017 to present as a Spanish paraprofessional in Kindergarten.
I am bilingual (just a little English) and I am Puerto Rico. I have been working at La Academia for 3 years as a paraprofessional, I did not study education but I discovered that I was passionate about teaching another and seeing their growth. I am married with two children, a 7-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. The most important thing for me is my family and to see them happy.
‘WE don’t need easy, WE just need POSSIBLE”
My name is Nashelie Martinez and I am from Puerto Rico, my first language is Spanish and my second language is English. I am a Paraprofessional and this year it will be my 5th year working at La Academia. Something that I enjoy doing in my free time is spending time with my Family, traveling and going to the Beach. Working with children is very special to me, not because of what I have to teach them, but because of everything I learn from them every day. Welcome to La Academia.
Eufracia Baiz
Karen Wong
Saudy Castro Garcia
Jeanette Brittingham
Peggy Johnson
Send a picture and short bio to Jen Jones (jennifer.jones@academia.k12.de.us) so we can add you to this page and we can get to know you before you arrive too!
Then, please take a minute to fill out this form below! Once complete, please return or email it to Jen Jones.
