Board of Directors

Peter Cohen

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President

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A native New Yorker, Peter was raised in Miami, Florida after being transplanted as a toddler. Coming from a long line of educators, Peter received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Duke University with a concentration on developmental psychology...
Rowena Flanders Ramos

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VP of ASAP

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Rowena graduated from St. Leo University in 1977 with a B.A. in Elementary and Secondary Education and a minor in Speech. Rowena earned her Master of Education degree from Chaminade University and her Montessori Early Childhood Credential from...
Mercedes Ricon

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VP of ECAP

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Dr. Mercedes Ricon is the Associate Director of Killian Oaks Academy, a private Pre-K through 12th grade school in Miami. She has served on the AISF Board of Directors since 2007 and is the current Secretary. Dr. Ricon also serves on the boards of...
Carole Repensek

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VP of Programming

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Although Carole still considers her native New York her “forever” home, she has lived in her much beloved Miami most of her adult life.   She began her career in dyslexia almost by accident. Graduating with a BS in Elementary Education at a time when there were no jobs...
Carol Diaz-Zubieta

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Treasurer

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Carol Diaz-Zubieta is the Upper School Principal and Chief Financial Officer at Conchita Espinosa Academy, a private K3 through eighth grade school in Miami, where she has spent most of her educational career. Prior to her current position, Carol was...
Gina C. Duarte-Romero M.Ed.

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Secretary

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Gina C. Romero, MEd is the principal of the Biltmore School.  She attained her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood, both from Florida International University.  She participated in Harvard University’s...
Charaline Luna

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Past President

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Sarah Allison

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Emeritus

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Dr. Sarah Allison is an Alabama native who began her educational career in Quincy, FL teaching elementary education and special education. She received her B.S. in elementary...
Afua Baptiste

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Board Member

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Afua Baptiste has found her passion in education. That passion led her to own and operate her own programs for over three decades, and it sparked her interest in accreditation. As a...
Daniel Benitez

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Board Member

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Judith Dempsey

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Emeritus

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Judy Dempsey has been a Montessori educator for 41 years. She has owned and operated Summit-Questa Montessori School in Davie, Florida for the past 26 years. The school serves children from the ages of 18 months through 8th grade. The beautiful 10-acre campus...


Maribel Zubieta-Diaz

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Emeritus

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Gary Fein

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Board Member

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After a successful career developing day and boarding schools; day and overnight summer camp programs; and mental health residential and day treatment centers for children and adolescents; Gary Fein now heads Kentwood Preparatory...


Susan Hyman

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Emeritus

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Anita LaTorre

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Board Member

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Anita LaTorre was born and raised in New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Connecticut College. As a foreign language major, Anita spent her junior year studying in Paris, France. After spending...
Douglas Laurie

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Board Member

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Douglas Laurie, BA, D.C. Med is the President and owner of American learning systems, the parent corporation that owns American Heritage Schools, American Academy Schools, C & L transportation,...


Ezra Levy

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Board Member

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James McGhee II

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Board Member

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Born in 1960, James and his brother Alex were the first students in the school founded by his parents Beverley and Jim McGhee, in 1963. James received his degree in Intercultural Studies from Trinity College...
Julia Najera

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Board Member

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Julia is the Early Childhood Director for Central Florida Preparatory School and Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy. She began her career in Early Childhood in 2008 when she earned her American Montessori Society Credential. Julia has a bachelor’s...
Mercedes Ricon

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Emeritus

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Brette Rothfield

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Board Member

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Mr. Rothfield (BA, Psychology and Drama, Tufts University, Somerville, MA) is the Business Manager of Alexander Montessori School.  He is an alum of Alexander (Class of 1990) and manages the School and Camp Administrative Office...


Jeff Turner

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Board Member

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Jeff is the Founder and Executive Director of Tree Top Academy pre-school. A highly regarded school in Jupiter. Jeff’s passion for early childhood education began when his children were born and has only grown deeper since then.  He has a background in corporate...