Leadership Team

Mellesia Nelson, M.S.W., M. Ed.

Mellesia Nelson received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Boston College.  She went on to obtain a M.S.W. in Child and Family practice from The University of Illinois and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Florida Atlantic University.  Ms. Nelson has been a valued member of the Sagemont Prep family since 2004.  She began her career at Sagemont Prep as the Guidance Counselor, where she successfully implemented and facilitated drug prevention, self-esteem, and anti-bullying programs by building strong, lasting community partnerships.  In 2010, Ms. Nelson accepted the position as College Counselor.  While in that position, she increased college and university representation on the Sagemont Prep campus by over 550%.  She also raised scholarship dollars awarded by over 100%, matching students with right fit colleges.  Ms. Nelson’s journey at Sagemont Prep continued as the Assistant Principal and then Principal of the Upper Campus, where she worked collaboratively with students, facilitating their ability to reach their full potential and tap into their passions and talents.  She provided students with the tools to explore, take risks, think critically, and create.  Currently, as the Head of School, Ms. Nelson’s vision for the students at Sagemont Prep is that they own their education.  She encourages students to put themselves in the driver’s seat of their future and set high standards for their educational growth.

Felicia Myers, M.A., M.S.

Felicia Myers has been immersed in the educational world for over fifteen years. Prior to joining Sagemont Prep as the Director of Admissions in 2017, Felicia taught at every grade level from pre-kindergarten to college in both private and public institutions, served as a high school Guidance Services Professional, was a Federal Education Grant Manager developing curriculum and professional development opportunities and coordinated Early College Programs for Brevard public schools.  Felicia has a Bachelor’s degree in French and economics from Boston College, a Master’s degree in French language and literature from Middlebury College and the Sorbonne in Paris, France and a second Master’s degree in education from the University at Albany. Felicia is passionate about empowering students to take the lead in their educational experience and working collaboratively with parents and faculty to create pathways for success for each child.

Monica Vigna, Ed. S.

Monica Vigna has been with Sagemont Preparatory for over 18 years. Her tenure at Sagemont Prep began in the classroom, but Monica also served as the Sagemont Prep Lower Campus Assistant Principal for seven years.  Earlier in her career Monica taught kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as the dual language program at an International Baccalaureate school. She is certified in early childhood, elementary education and administration and supervision, and is ESOL endorsed. Monica earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Florida International University, as well as a specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Florida International University. She is very excited to be part of the Sagemont Prep family.  She enjoys working hand in hand with students, faculty, parents, and the community and believes that each child has a special gift and will blossom with the collaboration between home and school.

David Roe

Mr. Roe has been an integral part of the Sagemont Prep family since 2008. He is a graduate of Florida State University where he majored in economics. Prior to his role as the Upper Campus Assistant Principal, Mr. Roe served as the Department Chair for the History Department, having taught all levels of Upper Campus history, including Advanced Placement United States History and Advanced Placement Micro and Macroeconomics. In addition to being the 12th-grade level sponsor, Mr. Roe developed a beloved staple of the senior curriculum with the Senior Market, an opportunity for students to explore entrepreneurship in a real-world setting. Mr. Roe is also well known on campus as “Coach Roe,” for leading the boys’ basketball program for over 10 years, most recently as Head Varsity Basketball Coach since 2017. He has helped the team achieve two State Championships, six Final Fours, and one National Tournament Invitational. Coach Roe has proudly helped over 35 athletes achieve college scholarships. Mr. Roe is most excited to help strengthen our Sagemont Prep community by organizing engaging events, building an alumni program, and assisting the Sagemont Prep Clubs and Honor Societies.

Barbie Caceres, M.S.

Barbie Caceres is an experienced educator with over 16 years in education in the public and private sectors. Mrs. Caceres graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and ESOL Endorsement. She earned her master’s degree in Montessori Education from Barry University. During her 16 years in education, Mrs. Caceres has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students in traditional and Montessori environments. Mrs. Caceres joined the Sagemont family in 2017, as a fourth-grade teacher. Throughout her career, Mrs. Caceres has held multiple leadership roles including Vanguard Technology Teacher, Instructional Team Leader, New Educator Coach, Student-Teacher Coach, and now Assistant Principal. Mrs. Caceres is dedicated to training and mentoring teachers while being fully committed to student growth. Mrs. Caceres is focused on data analysis, and she uses this to strengthen programming at all levels. Continuous learning has been her lifelong passion, and she is excited to pass on that philosophy in her leadership role to students and colleagues alike.

Lori Fernandez, Ed.S.

Lori Fernandez has been an instrumental educator in both public and private institutions for over twenty-five years. She received her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Educational Specialist degrees from Florida International University. She is certified in elementary education, reading education, educational leadership and is ESOL endorsed. Earlier in her career, Mrs. Fernandez taught second through fifth grade for eighteen years. She held various leadership roles by serving as the grade-level chairperson for two years, a member of the school accreditation team, and the Science Coach for six years. She made the leap to secondary education and taught Intensive Reading to students in 11th grade for four years. Mrs. Fernandez desired to change her career path and became a Middle School Learning Specialist at a private college preparatory school for three years and a Middle School counselor for one year. At this school, Mrs. Fernandez had the opportunity to work hand in hand with the admissions department by assisting with Open House events and conducting parent tours and student interviews. Mrs. Fernandez is elated to be a part of the Sagemont Preparatory family as the Enrollment Director. Her goal is to advocate for prospective students and families and assure the highest service levels, from inquiry to enrollment. Mrs. Fernandez is passionate about the collaboration between home and school. She believes the connection between students, faculty, parents, and the community is imperative to develop global citizens who take ownership of their educational journey.

Shauntyra Sweeting, M.Ed.

Shauntyra “Tera” Sweeting is a Miami native. She graduated from Bethune-Cookman University with a BA in Communications – Public Relations and Advertising. While attending BCU she was heavily involved with the admissions department serving in various capacities, specifically as a student liaison bridging the gap between future students and the university. Due to her dedication and passion for the University, immediately after graduating, she was offered a position in the BCU Office of Admissions where she managed and oversaw various areas of student residential life and the student ambassadors program. Ms. Sweeting went on to obtain her Masters in Higher Education Leadership and Administration at Purdue University Global, while working full time in admissions, registration, and financial aid. Ms. Sweeting’s educational background provides an opportunity to look outside the box and become a beacon of hope. Her passion is to help young adults achieve educational and career goals beyond their expectations. She is relatable, being a first-generation college student achieving scholastic achievements through exploration of higher education. During Ms. Sweeting’s time as an Assistant Admissions Director at Nova Southeastern University, she advised and counseled students through the admissions process and led and planned recruitment events for incoming freshmen and transfer students. While at NSU, she also served as an adjunct professor for the first-year experience. Additionally, Ms. Sweeting collaborated with various stakeholders to conduct community events and college fairs for prospective students. Ms. Sweeting exceeded enrollment and retention goals and assisted students in their long-term career goals. It takes one individual to break barriers and assist in making a difference for the future. Being a part of the Sagemont Prep community is a complete honor for Ms. Sweeting. She is looking forward to working with Sagemont Prep families, students, faculty, and staff.

Carissa Martinez, M.S.

Luann Burrows, M.Ed.

Luann Burrows is from Pennsylvania and has spent the last 30 years living abroad in Quito, Ecuador. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bloomsburg University and a Master’s Degree in International Counseling from Lehigh University.  Luann also holds a degree in Systemic Family Therapy and most recently became a Certified Parent Coach. She has dedicated most of her life to supporting children and their families in a variety of settings. Luann comes to us from a private, international school in Quito. Her extensive experience as a lead elementary teacher for sixteen years and an elementary and middle school counselor for fourteen years led to rich experiences such as implementing innovative programs, working in partnership with parents and teachers, and providing counseling interventions that fostered students’ social-emotional well-being and academic success. Luann brings to  Sagemont Preparatory School a compassionate attitude, a wealth of knowledge, and a deep desire to be an advocate for children and the members of the Sagemont Prep family. Luann’s goal is to guide each student to be the best version of themselves to positively impact their future.

Shane Marcey

Shane Marcey is passionate about his role as the Athletic Director at Sagemont Prep and oversees all varsity, junior varsity, middle school and elementary interscholastic athletic programs.  Prior to arriving at Sagemont Prep, Shane coached and taught at Coral Springs High School.  In 2010 he became Sagemont Prep’s girls’ varsity volleyball coach.  During his tenure the team reached the state tournament six consecutive seasons and won its first district championship in 2016.  Shane has extensive background in coaching and training elite volleyball athletes and has been a Director for Wildfire Volleyball Academy in Weston for 10 years.  Shane studied at the University of Florida and is currently seeking a BA in Sports Management from Columbia Southern University.

Rosemary Rios

Rosemary Rios graduated from Caguas City College with a Computer Science degree. She was born and raised in New York and moved to Puerto Rico where she lived for 22 years. She moved to South Florida in 2001 and has been working at Sagemont Preparatory School for the last 19 years. Ms. Rios has held multiple jobs throughout her 19 years including Technology Support, Administrative Assistant, and Business Office Assistant. Ms. Rios adores Sagemont Prep and is consistently striving to support the Sagemont Prep Community.

Michelle Dunkley, M.B.A.

Michelle Dunkley was born and raised in Jamaica and moved to the United States in 2005. She graduated from Barry University with a degree in International Relations. She then went on to obtain her MBA with a minor in International Business from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Dunkley has been in education for four years serving as an Assistant Principal and Registrar. She has worn many hats across various levels of accountability, leadership, and innovation. Ms. Dunkley prides herself on being a meticulous and innovative management professional who is proficient in directing and controlling managerial operations to meet business objectives.

Estefania Martinez, M.A.

Estefania Martinez graduated from Florida International University with a B.S in Elementary Education. She then continued her M.A in Educational Leadership at St. Thomas University. In 2020  Ms. Martinez joined the Sagemont Prep family, and quickly became an active member of the team in and out of the classroom. She enjoys working with students and building relationships, which is why it was no surprise that she is the cheerleading coach at the Lower Campus.  In addition to building relationships with her students, Ms.  Martinez currently serves as the LSC’s Vanguard Teacher. As the Vanguard Teacher, Ms. Martinez has helped to build content capacity and supports teachers with technology integration. Additionally, Ms. Martinez works collaboratively with faculty on Apple Teacher initiatives. Ms. Martinez enjoys incorporating technology and innovation at Sagemont Prep every day. She believes that innovation and technology in the classrooms support both teaching and learning by infusing the classroom with valuable digital tools, expanding course offerings, increasing student engagement, and accelerating learning. Ms. Martinez is most excited to help strengthen our Sagemont Prep community by collaborating between both campuses, providing support in the classrooms, and engaging students to explore their student-led learning environment by incorporating technology and innovation. She looks forward to providing students with the tools to be innovative, take risks, and think critically. The feeling of “A home away from home” is what she loves the most about being a part of Sagemont Preparatory School!

Kristin Sorokin, M.S.

Kristin Sorokin graduated from LeMoyne College with a B.S. in Psychology and a Concentration in Elementary Education and Exceptional Education. Additionally, she earned her M.S. in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University. Mrs. Sorokin has been in education for over 15 years, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. In 2020, Mrs. Sorokin joined the Sagemont Prep family, assuming the role of Marketing and Communications Manager. Collaborating with Spring’s Marketing Department, she embarked on a mission to elevate Sagemont Prep’s visibility in the surrounding communities. Mrs. Sorokin is committed to telling the compelling stories that unfold within the Sagemont Prep community. Through the use of multimedia storytelling techniques, she endeavors to highlight the unique achievements, talents, and contributions of students and faculty, fostering a sense of pride and connection within the lion community.

Vicky Valdivieso, M.S.

Vicky Valdivieso received her bachelor’s degree in Education from University of Loja. She obtained a Master’s degree in Psychology in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Universidad de Barcelona. Ms. Valdivieso has been immersed in the educational field for more than 10 years. She is passionate about helping students follow the right path in education and watch as they improve their academic skills and achieve personal growth throughout their school years. Ms. Valdivieso enjoys working alongside the parents as a team to achieve the goals our students have set for their education. She is looking forward to providing students, parents and staff all the support required to maintain the perfect environment that is going to help us reach success.

Natalia Rios

Ms. Rios is a driven and detail-oriented professional with over 15 years of experience, most recently with 7 years as an office manager in an educational setting. She is compassionate and eager to make a positive impact in the lives of students and families at Sagemont Prep.

Blanca Herrera

Kenny Vega