At our school there is a team of people who make sure that all organizational and business activities are synchronized. To make it easier for you to get in touch with the people who can help you, allow us to present our support team.
Personal and professional conduct
Shaidy Fernandez – Principal
Mrs. Shaidy Fernandez is a Florida State Certified Teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership from Florida International University. Throughout her career, Mrs. Fernandez has tutored and mentored students at all educational levels, helping them reach their full potential and achieve their academic goals.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English, Mrs. Fernandez continued her educational journey pursuing a master’s degree, which proves her dedication to education and professional development.
Mrs. Fernandez joined Allison Academy as a Language Arts teacher, imparting her love of literature and language upon her students. She also taught Spanish and served as the leader of Student Council, advising students on the organization of school-wide events, fundraisers, drives, and community projects. Before this role, Mrs. Fernandez assumed the role of Registrar and assisted the principal in planning, organizing, and developing functions essential for student growth, success, and an outstanding educational program.
Carolyn Longstreet – Faculty / Accounting
Ms. Longstreet grew up in North Miami Beach and is Allison Academy’s Business Manager. After graduating from North Miami Beach High School, she became a certified EMT and paramedic graduate. Deciding to make a career change to business, Ms.
Longstreet began working in accounting, office, operations, and business management.
A former tutoring student of Allison Academy, she returned to college in 1997 and earned her associates degree from Broward College, graduating with honors. After
graduating from Broward, Ms. Longstreet attended Florida Atlantic University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. She is an advocate for victims rights and has her Victims Services Practitioners Designation from the State of Florida.
Ms. Longstreet has been Allison Academy’s Business Manager for over fifteen years and oversees technology, accounting, human resources, and the smooth operations of our facilities. She also teaches an exciting Law/Victimology class to many of our juniors
and seniors.
Jorge Vargas – Faculty
Mr. Vargas, a native of Miami, began working with children at the age of 19. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from Barry University where he graduated in 2000, and went on to earn his M.S. in Psychology from Barry in 2002.
Mr. Vargas has been an integral part of Allison Academy for over 20 years he has taught psychology, social studies, peer counseling. He is the school counselor and a mentor that has dedicated his life to the growth and well being of all of our students. He is also the leader of the guided study program that takes place after school. Mr. Vargas is also the coordinator the school’s international travel programs and has taken groups of students abroad to Italy, France, Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Greece, England, Wales, Spain, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Each year presents another opportunity to expose our students to different cultures and immerse themselves in foreign opportunities for intellectual growth and personal development.
Elthon Castillo – Faculty
Mr. Castillo received his diploma from Miami Carol City High in 1995 and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Florida International University in 2003. Upon graduation, Mr. Castillos worked in several architectural and engineering firms in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. He is a Florida Certified Teacher in Mathematics and Elementary Education. Before joining Allison Academy, Mr. Castillo taught at Coral Springs Charter school and as an adjunct professor at ITT Technical Institute.
Mr. Castillo has been a part of the Allison Academy family since 2012 and currently
teaches advanced mathematics, physics, and creative design. His hobby is sewing and
dressmaking, he holds a Professional Fashion Design Certificate from Parsons School
of Design, awarded in 2021, and is a member of the American Sewing guild of Ft.
Lauderdale Chapter. He currently lives in Plantation, FL.
Nicolette Milner – Faculty
Mrs. Milner is a native of North Miami Beach and graduated from Allison Academy as valedictorian. She attended the Honors College at Miami-Dade College where she was an Environmental Fellow at the Environmental Ethics Institute, was honored on the Dean’s List, and received multiple Service Learning Awards.
She graduated with “Highest Honors and Distinction” with an Associate’s Degree in Exceptional Student Education. She then went to Florida International University where she received the Sanford and Dolores Ziff and Family Scholarship. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education.
She is certified and endorsed in ESOL and has a minor in Environmental Education. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Mrs. Milner joined our faculty in 2011. Shortly after joining Allison Academy, Mrs. Milner was awarded Teacher of the Year which was honored by the Nova Fischler School of Education in partnership with the N. Miami Bch. Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Milner teaches Middle School Mathematics, Florida History and High School and Middle School Art. She also runs Art Club which is an extracurricular activity.
Jacob George – Faculty
Mr. George is a native of Miami, Florida, and was a graduate of Allison Academy. His love of music and the Sciences stems from the excellent educators at Allison Academy. He was drawn back here to teach, as he realized the impact that educators can have on an individual. He believes that educators should create lifelong learners by instilling a love of learning.
Mr. George graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor of Arts. He works at PAN (Performing Arts Network,) as a musical director and teacher. He received his certification to work in MDCPS, where he has had experience in the classroom. He joined Allison Academy in 2021 and teaches Coding, Computer Science, Middle School Science, Intro to Technology, and is the assistant coach for Physical Education.
Albert L. Washington – Faculty
Mr. Washington grew up around the world and graduated from Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan. Upon graduation, Mr. Washington attended Florida International University and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. Mr. Washington began his professional career working for a nonprofit organization, with a focus of guiding and helping foster youth in the Broward County area.
Mr. Washington transitioned and turned his attention, focus, and passion towards becoming a third generation teacher, following his family’s lineage. In 2022, Mr. Washington began teaching at Allison Academy, his areas of expertise and certifications include middle and high school Social Science. Mr. Washington enjoys and believes that teaching students about the past will ensure us all a better future.
Chantea Poole – Faculty
Mrs. Poole grew up in Canada where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in English and minoring in Sociology. She also received certification in teaching English as a Second Language and began her career in education in Toronto working with middle school students. In 2012, she relocated to Miami where she continued teaching English and preparing international students for College and University admission requirements.
In 2023, Mrs. Poole became a part of the Allison Academy faculty as a High School and Middle School Language Arts teacher. Mrs. Poole is eager to explore the art of understanding and communicating ideas through language with each of her students.
Kseniia Galustian – Admissions Counselor
Ms. Galustian has roots tracing back to Armenia, although she was born in Russia. She attended St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University and holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations. Ms. Galustian had a brief stay in Toronto, Canada, where she studied languages.
Kseniia’s passion for guiding students led her to Allison Academy, where she aims to inspire young minds. Having spent over a decade as a ski coach, Kseniia is a natural athlete and continues to enjoy numerous outdoor activities. Ms. Galustian joined Allison Academy as an Admissions Counselor. Kseniia enjoys meeting new families and assisting with the enrollment process.
Ilene Rivero – Administrative assistant
Ilene Rivero is a dedicated professional, proud mother, and passionate advocate for education and community. Living in Miami, FL, she is a graduate of TLC Leadership Academy and has always been committed to making a difference. Growing up in Miami Gardens, Ilene developed a love for helping others, which now drives her work at Allison Academy, where she fosters a positive and nurturing learning environment. As a mother to a one-year-old, she cherishes her role in both her personal and professional life, with a heart for nurturing young minds and creating a lasting positive impact in her community.
Ursula Clarke - Faculty
Mrs. Clarke is a dynamic and results-driven educator and business owner with over 15 years of experience in curriculum development, project management, and technical training. She has proven expertise in managing operations and driving compliance for a small marketing firm, while simultaneously nurturing the academic growth of students in various IT disciplines, including Networking, IT Security, and Ethical Hacking. She is a seasoned technical writer
adept at translating complex concepts into clear instructional materials and conducting engaging workshops for adult learners. She holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Learning and Technology, complemented by certifications in Scrum Master and A+.
James Hunt - Faculty
Born and raised in Miami, Mr. Hunt started his teaching journey volunteering at the Miami Dade College math lab while attending the institution. He graduated with the highest honors and transferred to Florida International Universitys honors college.
There, he obtained a bachelors in psychology and interdisciplinary studies. Afterwards, Mr. Hunt completed my masters degree in psychology at Nova Southeastern University, where he continues to pursue a counseling certification.
Mr. Hunt worked for an environmental laboratory for ten years before formally entering the education field fulltime. He has since enjoyed teaching math and physical science. Mr. Hunt looks forward to sharing his knowledge and experience to build a wonderful academic foundation while getting our students college-ready.
Kseniia Galustian
Contact Kseniia for all enrollment information!
