New Faces

B elen Jesuit Preparatory School Lazaro Fernández Athletic Director

The Belen Jesuit administration is excited to announce that Lazaro Fernández has been hired as the new Athletic Director at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. Lazaro Fernández, 48, is the former Director of Athletics at Gulliver Preparatory. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management from Taylor University, a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from Barry University, and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Capella University. In addition to his many years of service at Gulliver Prep, Fernández’s experience includes being Assistant Coach of Women’s Basketball at Colgate University, Assistant Athletic Director at Florida Christian School, and Athletic Director at The Hebrew School. Fernández will begin his new role at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Palmer Trinity School

Daniella Rivero Head of Lower School

Palmer Trinity is happy to announce an addition to the College Counseling Office. Danielle Rivero will join a team of five college counselors beginning July 1. Ms. Rivero holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as a certificate in student development from the University of Miami. In her decades-long experience in college admission, Ms. Rivero was the associate director of career and college placement at Westminster School and for the past eight years as the director of college counseling at Riviera School. Ms. Rivero brings a wealth of experience in college admission and assisting students with merit scholarship search, standardized testing, and finding summer opportunities. She looks forward to getting to know her students and supporting them in reaching their academic, cocurricular, and collegiate goals.

Thompson-Echevarria Director of High School

Mr. Benjamin Thompson-Echevarría is Scheck Hillel Community School’s new Director of High School. Mr. Thompson-Echevarría joined Scheck Hillel in 2021 as Dean of Students after serving as a high school principal for four years. Under his tenure, his previous school was named a California Distinguished School. He has already transformed our Ben Lipson Upper School culture as Dean of Students, building relationships with families, faculty and staff based entirely on our Jewish values.

Named permanent Head of School at Ransom Everglades in June 2023, Rachel Rodriguez takes to heart the school's mission to produce graduates who give more to the community than they take from it. In partnership with other school leaders, Mrs. Rodriguez works to ensure that each student has an unparalleled academic, athletic and artistic experience. After working in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 15 years as a teacher, English Department Chair, Exceptional Education Department Co-Chair and Educational Specialist, Mrs. Rodriguez arrived to RE as the Assistant Director of the Middle School in 2005. Two years later, she was named Head of the Middle School, a position she held for the next 14 years. She worked as an education consultant during the 2021-22 school year, before returning to Ransom Everglades as the Interim Head of School for the 202223 school year. Mrs. Rodriguez earned a Bachelor of Science from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University. In 2018, she completed a Certificate in Advanced Education Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Professional Education. She and her husband have two sons who attended Ransom Everglades, Christopher ’10, and Alec ’14.

Logsdon Assistant Head of School

We are pleased to introduce Mr. Wesley R. Logsdon, J.D., MS, as our new Assistant Head of School. In his new role, Mr. Logsdon will be working to oversee the high school program. His extensive education, administration, and leadership background make him a valuable addition to our school's leadership team. Mr. Logsdon holds a Juris Doctor degree from Florida Coastal School of Law and a Master of Science in Administration from Nova Southeastern University. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his completion of certificate programs such as Project Zero at Harvard Graduate School of Education and Google Education Certified Teacher. With his previous experience as a Principal, Vice Principal, and Dean of Students at Cardinal Newman High School, Mr. Logsdon has proven his ability to shape a vision of academic success for all students and create a climate of engaging education. Prior to his time at Cardinal Newman High School, Mr. Logsdon served as an Innovation & Technology Integration Specialist, Teacher, and Head Varsity Coach at The Benjamin School. His innovative practices and leadership in technology integration have helped shape the school's curriculum and apply forward-thinking education approaches. Additionally, his involvement in strategic planning and his role as a mentor have contributed to the school's success in providing students with real-world learning experiences.

We are confident that Mr. Logsdon's passion for education, commitment to student success, and collaborative leadership style will greatly benefit our program. His expertise and experience will undoubtedly contribute to the overall growth and development of our students.

Jason Glick Dean of Students

Oxbridge Academy has named Jason Glick as its new Dean of Students. Glick comes to Oxbridge with a vast array of experience in education, most recently serving as the Director of Student Life and Experiential Education and Assistant Upper School Dean at St. Andrews School in Boca Raton. In addition to his administrative experience at St. Andrews, Glick has held several posts including teacher, musical director, and Chief Innovation Officer. Glick holds a B.A. in both English and Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in education (Ed.M.) from Harvard University. "Jason has all the qualities Oxbridge needs in a Dean of Students,” says Head of School, Dr. Ralph Maurer. “He has a deep understanding of independent school culture and a passion for building school spirit and tradition. He is also a relentlessly positive person who prioritizes building relationships and developing trust."

At Oxbridge, Glick will oversee a wide range of responsibilities that include promoting high standards and expectations for academic performance; supervising student government and school clubs; managing student life activities and school-wide events and maintaining student discipline. Glick looks forward to implementing his vision as Dean of Students.

Cirillo Head of Middle School

Marco Cirillo was appointed as Head of Middle School in July 2023. Mr. Cirillo comes to St. Mark’s from Fisher Island Day School in Miami Beach, Florida, where he served as the Assistant Head of School. Prior to that, he was the Middle School Principal at Brauser Maimonides Academy in Fort Lauderdale and the high school Division Head at the British International School in Houston, Texas, and in Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Cirillo holds a Post Graduate Degree in Education (PGCE) degree from the University of Middlesex, in London, UK, and Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography and Development Studies from the University of Sussex, in Brighton, UK. Mr. Cirillo looks forward to getting to know the community and building strong relationships to create an exceptional middle school experience for students and is committed to upholding St. Mark’s tradition of excellence in education.

Westminster appointed Jannett Lopez as high school assistant principal in July 2023. Lopez joined Westminster in 2020 as a high school social studies teacher and was quickly promoted to director of signature programs and innovations. Lopez designed the framework for Westminster’s signature programs and was instrumental in securing dual enrollment partnerships with local colleges and universities. In 2022, she earned the Teacher of the Year award for her commitment to excellence. Before joining Westminster, she spent nearly 20 years in public and private schools in the classroom and in administrative roles. Lopez earned a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University.

Ms. Dana Gaither Curriculum Specialist

Dana Gaither was appointed as Curriculum Specialist in July 2023. Ms. Gaither served as one of St. Mark’s excellent second grade teachers prior to accepting this position. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Education, as well as an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In her new position, Ms. Gaither will work with the entire faculty and students in grades PK-8th. Along with an exceptional skill set, Ms. Gaither brings excitement, joy and gratitude to all she does. Her work with teachers includes, but is not limited to, staff development and presenting at Florida Council of Independent Schools and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ conferences. Previously, Ms. Gaither taught for 22 years in grades K-5th. Ms. Gaither looks forward to serving more teachers, students and families in this role and helping St. Mark’s to achieve at its highest potential.

Libbie

Director

Zimmer

of Lower School

Mrs. Libbie Zimmer is joining Scheck Hillel Community School as Director of our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School to lead KindergartenGrade 5. Mrs. Zimmer brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives from Sanford School in Delaware, where she served as Head of Lower School for the past 13 years. With almost 30 years in education, she is poised to inspire exciting growth among our students and staff.