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Educational

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As we all know, children are not just students, but complex individuals with unique needs and experiences. Therefore, it is essential to take a whole child approach to education that honors the humanity of students. Creating a safe and supportive school environment is a crucial first step in developing the child as a whole. When students feel a sense of belonging and connection, they are more likely to engage and thrive. To develop the child-as-a-whole, it is important to consider the different domains of child development which include cognitive, social-emotional, and physical. By supporting each of these domains, we can help children reach their full potential. We recognize the individuality in each student and aim to reinforce their strengths while improving areas that need support.

Motivating

Minds Components

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Motivating Minds Academy

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Tutoring

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Florida Virtual School – FVLS

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Orton-Gillingham Reading Intervention

Motivating Minds Academy

Our

Team

Owner

Christine Ortega

Christine Ortega was born and raised on Key Biscayne. Both of her grandparents settled on the key in the late 50's, where her parents met in Key Biscayne Elementary school, and then raised their own family on this beautiful island. Ms. Ortega grew up babysitting and coaching soccer for many kids on Key Biscayne.

Ms. Ortega graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Psychology, and a minor in child development. She started her career teaching pre-k 3 & 4 at Beth David ECC, and then went into a private practice working alongside a behavioral therapist for kids on the autism spectrum and other developmental disorders for about eight years. She became the assistant director and worked in numerous school settings, shadowing, creating and modifying many behavior plans. She has had the opportunity to observe many different classroom settings and teaching styles; thus, giving her the advantage to see what works best for every individual child.

She then decided to continue school and earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education, while opening the company Motivating Minds. She has worked all around south Florida including the Miami Shores area, Weston, Davie, Coral Gables, and finally, Key Biscayne - where she ultimately decided to open a location to help serve the community that she holds very close to her heart.

Ms. Ortega recently furthered her education and earned her certificate of achievement for Orton-Gillingham training. She has about18 years experience working with children and their families, as well as teachers and administration. She has developed excellent rapport throughout her career in South Florida.

Math Teacher

Andy Freyre

Studies at Miami Dade College majoring in Biology and Nursing. His goal is to become a pediatric Nurse. He's been working at Motivating Minds for four years. He specializes in Math and Science. Andy enjoys learning about the students he works with and building a genuine connection. He is focused on helping the students overcome their fears of math, by maintaining a fun and welcoming learning environment. He is always happy to help all the teachers, students and parents in every way he can.
Teacher

Daniela Torres

Daniela Torres was born in Colombia and came to Miami to attend Florida International
University. Daniela majored in biology and chemistry. She dreams of becoming a pediatric
doctor to help children and their families through the medical field. Daniela has been working at Motivating Minds for two years. She is trained in the Orton-Gillingham method to teach reading to children who need alternative methods. Daniela enjoys supporting growth and fine motor skill development issues and working on activities customized to the children’s particular needs. She is passionate about helping her students grow academically and supporting the teachers in any way she can. She is focused on serving all children, parents, and families in our community.
Co-Owner

Monica Pernas

Monica has been co-owner of Motivating Minds since they opened on Key Biscayne in 2017. She continues to provide support to students and families through consultations while guiding them towards their educational needs. Monica also continues to fulfill her passion for art by providing students with art classes
Teacher

Amanda Pernas

Director at Miami Shores

Martha Presinal

Martha Presinal was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to New York City when she was 2 years old. In NY, she taught early intervention using applied behavior analysis (ABA). She moved on to the public school system after obtaining her Master’s degree in Bilingual Special Education, where she was the 4th-grade special education teacher. She then married and moved to Florida, where she taught 4 th grade at a Broward County Public school for 5 years. Subsequently, Ms. Presinal became the exceptional student education (ESE) teacher for students in grades K-8.
The following year, she became the principal intern at the same school, but ultimately decided she had a change of heart. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate in Instructional Leadership. Ms. Presinal loves building relationships and collaborating with the students and their families.
Teacher

Isabel Romanach

Isabel Romanach graduated raduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s of Science in Education and a Minor in Math and Science. She is certified in Math and Science 5 – 9 grades!
She has worked at several Dade-County schools, private and public, in both math and science for 28 + years. She was also the director of admission for 5 years at St. Stephens Episcopal School.
Currently working as a STEM teacher. Teaching and challenging students to use their creativity on 3D printing, Robotics, Coding, Movie making, etc. She enjoys helping children overcome the obstacles of math that they struggle with and provides them with the tools to make math enjoyable!
Teacher

Natalia Valbuena

Natalia Ocampo graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Minor in Child Development. Working in a special needs program taught her the importance of formulating an academic curriculum to improve basic life skills such as problem-solving, patience, control, and safety in everyday life. During her professional and educational pursuits, she sought programs and volunteering opportunities that broadened her knowledge of psychological behaviors and development related to diverse community settings.
With this passion for educating children and families, she got a M.E.D. in Community and Social Change from the Department of Educational and Psychological Studies at The University of Miami. She loves learning and expanding her ways of creating change for our student’s social, emotional, and academic well-being. She is currently at Barry University, getting a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. She is certified in Mathematics 5-9 and ESE K-12.
Over the last seven years, she has taught Mathematics, where she creates hands-on learning environments to guide each child to become self-reliant, independent problem solvers. She hopes to teach more than 1 + 1= 2. She wants to influence her
Teacher

Eve Duplessie

Eve Duplessie is excited to embark on a journey of knowledge enhancement in English Language Arts for the students this year. Her teaching approach integrates both direct and indirect instruction alongside Project-Based Learning methodologies, encompassing a comprehensive curriculum that includes Foundational Skills, Reading, Communication, and Vocabulary. Furthermore, she offers an integrative approach to foster grammar, writing mechanics, and creative writing through the medium of literature.
With a diverse background, Eve Duplessie originally comes from both New York and Connecticut but has recently relocated to Miami after a two-year tenure as an Orton Gillingham instructor in West Palm Beach. With an extensive 8-year history of serving students in both General and Special Education settings, she has developed a strong passion for teaching communication, reading, and writing.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University. Her primary goal is to instill confidence and cater to individual learning styles while addressing unique needs and abilities. Her teaching style is characterized by warmth, positivity, humor, and a touch of creativity.
A fascinating tidbit about Eve Duplessie: she raised four children in Greenwich, CT, who attended a variety of educational institutions, including public, private, and northern boarding schools, where reading was a central family activity. Flashing forward 20 years, her son is set to release his debut novel for teens with HarperCollins in October 2023, while her daughter has just completed her first children’s illustrative "book," exploring the theme of magical friendship, to present to publishers. Both authors are looking forward to visiting Motivating Minds Academy this fall to share their unique journeys in book writing with the students.
Eve Duplessie is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to inspire and ignite a passion for reading and writing in your child this year, focusing on what they love most about the world of literature.

FAQs.

What is Home Education?

Home Education is a parent-directed educational option that satisfies the requirement for regular school attendance. Florida Laws protecting home education became effective in 1985. Parents have the freedom to determine their child’s educational path and the plan for reaching their goals. Students have the opportunity to explore and learn at their own pace, in any location or at any time. Home education students are able to enter institutions of higher learning and are eligible to participate in the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/other-school-choice-options/home-edu/
Motivating Minds files this form for you!

How to File a Notice of Intent to Homeschool?

How file a Notice of Intent to Homeschool?

Within 30 days of beginning your homeschool program, you must file a notice of intent to establish a home education program with the county superintendent. You do not need to file this every year

This notice must include the full legal names, addresses, and birthdates of your homeschool students. State law requires the superintendent to accept the notice and immediately register the home education program. The school district cannot require any additional information unless the student decides to participate in a public school program or service. No grade level may be assigned and a Social Security number (or other personal information of the student) cannot be included in any state or district database unless the student decides to participate in that public school program or service.

Motivating Minds files this form for you!

Do I need to Keep a Portfolio of My Child’s Work?

Yes, for 2 Years. Throughout the year, you must keep a portfolio of records and materials. The portfolio must contain:

  • a log of educational activities made contemporaneously with the instruction, with a list of the titles of any reading materials used, and samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, creative materials, etc., used or developed by the student.
  • You must keep this portfolio for two years after it is completed. The district school superintendent or his or her agent can, but is not required to, review your portfolio only after 15 days’ written notice.

Motivating Minds organizes a binder of work for you!

Do I need to Evaluate my student annually.

Yes! Each student must be evaluated by one of the following options every year:

  • Have educational progress evaluated by a teacher holding a valid regular Florida teaching certificate and selected by the parent—the evaluation must include review of a portfolio and discussion with the student;
  • Take any nationally normed student achievement test administered by a certified teacher;
  • Take a state student assessment test used by the school district and administered by a certified teacher, at a location and under testing conditions approved by the school district;
  • Be evaluated by a Florida licensed psychologist or school psychologist; or Be “evaluated with any other valid measurement tool as mutually agreed upon.”

Motivating Minds evaluates your child for you!

Can I Homeschool with a Private Tutor?

Can I Homeschool with a Private Tutor?

A. Select a private tutor to teach your child. Your child’s instructor must hold a valid Florida certificate to teach the subjects or grades in which instruction is given.

Motivating Minds has Valid Florida Certificates!
B. Keep records.
The certified teacher who is tutoring your child must keep records and make reports as required by the state and district school boards in accordance with Florida Statutes 1003.23.

Motivating Minds organizes records and makes reports for you!
C. Provide the required days of instruction.
Students must be in attendance for 180 days (or the equivalent on an hourly basis).

Motivating Minds provides the instruction for your child!

Motivating Minds provides

the instruction for your child!

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