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Christen Parker-Yarnal
Lead Staff, Admissions Coordinator, Co-Founder Executive Director - The Learning Instinct, Inc. With 15 years of experience as an educator, Christen has dedicated her personal and professional life to education and child development. She has taught in traditional high schools in Missouri and California as well as at St. Louis University. She has experience with a variety of educational models, including Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. Christen earned her BA in English from The University of Florida and holds a Masters degree in Spanish with concentration in linguistics and language education from St. Louis University. In addition to her experience in the classroom, her post-graduate studies in Secondary Education introduced her to progressive, research-based approaches to teaching and learning. As a professional educator, she was captivated by the Sudbury model, first reading about it in the book Free to Learn by Dr. Peter Gray. Christen directs the nonprofit MPM Haiti that has supported education and empowerment in Haiti since 2005. She is fluent in Spanish and Haitian Creole and conversational in French. A Miami native, she and her husband returned to Miami in 2014 with their three energetic children. Christen has an incredibly large and dynamic family which has supported her efforts to bring Sudbury education to Miami. At The Miami Sudbury School, Christen, like all Staff, serves as a mentor and guide for the deep structure of the Sudbury model of youth empowerment. She is the elected Admissions Coordinator, Law Clerk, School Meeting Secretary, JC Secretary, and Staff and Volunteer Coordinator. She delights in participating in a system where students take full ownership of their learning and time and she loves being part of the incredible growth of young people at The Miami Sudbury School. Visit our Blog for more reflections and insights from Christen. |
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Nicholas Quintero
Full-time Staff Nicholas Quintero, a Miami native, comes from a family of educators and has been working to become one himself in a way that affirms his beliefs in the abilities and dignity of young people. With an Associate’s degree in English Literature Education, Nick is continuing his education at Florida International University in Early Childhood Education. He is an avid reader and creative writer. He also has a passion for video games both as entertainment and a vehicle for personal growth and development. At The Miami Sudbury School, Nick is a positive presence and very engaged in community life. |
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Alyssa Caro
Full-time Staff Originally from El Centro, California, Alyssa brings a wealth of kindness, curiosity, and enthusiasm to our community. She has an Associate degree in Psychology and is continuing her studies at Florida International University in Art Therapy. Alyssa has worked with young people as a counselor and math and reading tutor. She is excited to now be supporting students as they pursue their own interests through self-directed learning. Alyssa loves to create art, especially through the medium of clay. She has a spunky cat named Rex who enjoys wearing collared shirts. |