H.S. Teacher Math and English

B.A. Psychology, Temple University

vbourbour@monarchacademy.us

Educational Endorsement UCF, Florida Certified Teacher: 1-12 ESE, Middle School Endorsement 6-8, English 6-12, Psychology 6-12. Valerie has over 20 years of administrative experience working as a pioneer with students of Autism in developing an optimal academic environment to promote student success. Her belief is "If a student can't learn the way we teach, then we will teach a way they can learn." 

Holly McIntyre Vice-Principal

H.S. English and Social Studies
B.S. Science, College of Coastal Georgia

hmcintyre@monarchacademy.us

Holly has been a part of Dougherty Educational Systems for 10 years before stepping foot into Monarch.  She has a combined experience of 12 years working with special needs students.  Holly was Middle School Coordinator at Halifax Academy for eight years gaining administrative experience before taking over the role of Vice Principal at this facility.  Holly's core quote is  "Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”—Anonymous

Lora Brewer Administrative Assistant

Marlene Yarina Office Administrator

 Art Teacher

Professional Claims Adjuster, Central Insurance School

myarina@monarchacademy.us

Marlene once operated a licensed home daycare for two years in the state Maryland. Once she relocated to Florida, she volunteered in Duval and Volusia County schools for 24 years as a paraprofessional.  She simultaneously worked at Eraclides Gelman law firm as an administrative assistant and legal secretary . Later she worked as a Montessori Assistant Teacher at Grace Academy for two years. She has been with our family since 2020. She enjoys working with children with Autism for many reasons. She feels it's extremely rewarding helping students achieve goals they once found impossible to complete. She enjoys teaching art because it involves creativity, imagination, and helps to strengthen cognitive skills. Marlene feeIs art is a viable way to unleash self-expression and stress reduction through the creative and imaginative process of artistry.

Paraprofessional

aaliyahlynette@outlook.com

Candidate, Associate of Arts, Daytona State

Aaliya has settled in well as a paraprofessional.  She takes her job very seriously and ensures students are always accountable and successful.  She enjoys her job due to the friendly environment. Monarch has a very supportive staff.  Everyday is an adventure at this school.  You never know what's going to happen.  But when it does, it always turns out positive.  Working with kids on the spectrum helps her adapt a new perspective and be a better educator. She enjoys watching the kids progress and learn.  "When I see growth in them it makes me feel happy and excted to help other kids feel the same. 

Paraprofessional

Unique Learning Teacher

Med-Tech Certificate of Completion, WORC

Behavior Tech Counselor Certificate, Stewart Marchman

Child Development Certificate, Community Partnership for Children Sub/Paraprofessional, VCS

ljames@monarchacademy.us

Latosha has been a substitute teacher for VCS for 15 years. During this time she has also been employed by WORC teaching students/adults with different learning disabilities and ASD by helping with fine motor, life, and social skills. Latosha has volunteered at Victory Center/Easter Seals in Miami, Florida for two years helping babies and children with their developmental and fine motor skills. Her passion with teaching stems from making sure all students learn and are able to receive the education they need to reach their personal and developmental goals.

Physical Education Coordinator

AA Degree  Major Arts and Education from Daytona State College, Major Arts and Education

kjoseph@monarchacademy.us

Prior to working at Monarch Academy, Kairo worked at the Rehab Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired through the Division of Blind Services for six years in the Case Management Department. Though his primary job was an Intake Specialist for new clients coming to the Center, he was the first point of contact before individuals entered the Center. Using mindfulness and psychology practices learned through personal experience at the Division and beyond, he helped clients and students feel safe with their first steps towards independence and employment. He loves working and teaching children through the same mindfulness and psychology practices he acquired through experience at DBS. He has big heart and passion for working in the the field of neurodivergence advocacy.