EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS

Denise Lewis has dedicated 32 years to teaching. From the age of 7, she knew she wanted to be a math teacher. Although she initially explored other careers, working as a chemist and later as a medical representative, an unexpected teaching opportunity changed her path. In 1992 she became a fifth grade teacher in Kingston, Jamaica and has not looked back since. When Denise learned of a math position opening at NSU University School in 2008, she applied immediately. She joined the school as an Algebra 2 teacher and has taught in the same classroom ever since.

Lynn Stern has dedicated 40 years to teaching, with her journey at NSU University School beginning in 1992. Both of her children graduated from USchool and have become successful adults, attributing their skills as strong writers and problem solvers to the education they received there.

Lower School teacher Megan Leffin has always had a passion for working with young children, a foundation laid by her family's long history in education—both her parents and two of her grandparents were teachers. While teaching is in her blood, it was her experience at the Boys and Girls Club during high school and college that truly ignited her enthusiasm. There, she discovered her dedication to helping students feel comfortable and engaged in their learning.

As an eleven-year veteran teacher, Maximino Dronin-Quintana brings a unique flair to his classroom. His engaging and stimulating lessons inspire students to dive deep into inquiry and learning. Interestingly, Max did not initially plan to pursue a career in teaching. He discovered his passion for teaching while tutoring in multiple science disciplines during college. When the students he tutored consistently received good grades, his spark to become an educator was ignited. After graduating, there was an opening at his high school alma mater, and he jumped at the opportunity to apply. He has been grateful for the experience ever since.

Patricia Mitchell is a devoted Middle School teacher who makes the world a better place through her unwavering commitment to teaching. Mitchell serendipitously discovered her passion for teaching during her time at Michigan State University. While pursuing a double major in Speech and Language Pathology and Spanish, she simultaneously mentored students at the MSU Spanish Writing Center, and taught Spanish in a K-5 afterschool program. Through these experiences, she uncovered her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, nurturing growth, and positively influencing her students. Although she has taught across various grade levels, she believes that her genuine calling lies in teaching in the Middle School. Mitchell thrives in the dynamic atmosphere of the Middle School classroom and appreciates the opportunities to cultivate meaningful relationships with her students during this stage of their lives.

Lower School teacher, Alison Dolberg, has dedicated 32 years to igniting a love for learning in her students at NSU University School. Known for her creativity and enthusiasm, she consistently designs engaging lessons and provides daily hands-on experiences for her students. When students enter Dolberg's classroom, they are warmly greeted and guided through exploration and differentiated instruction to enrich their academic journey.

Kathy Barberio is a Preschool teacher who has dedicated 35 years to educating students at NSU University School. Barberio believes that her greatest achievement as a teacher is the ability to love all children, playing a pivotal role in their emotional and educational growth. Hearing from former students about how she made a positive difference reinforces the impact of her caring approach. Barberio eagerly anticipates each new school year and creates a child-centered classroom that encourages students to be responsible and competent learners.

Peter Musso is a dedicated Upper School teacher who has spent the last 20 years looking at each new day as an opportunity to make a positive impact on his students at NSU University School. What brings him the greatest satisfaction is witnessing his students' development, their ability to achieve their aspirations, and encounter authentic happiness along their educational journey.

It takes a big heart to shape little minds. And no words ring more true for our outstanding Lower School art teacher, Jenine Mas. From as early as she can remember, Mas knew that she wanted to be an educator. As a young child, she dressed up as a teacher for the beloved Career Day, emulating her own fourth grade teacher who was her inspiration and mentor. Summers were spent volunteering in her classroom and assisting on teacher workdays. She gathered an abundance of experience and guidance, and over the years Mas’ love for the classroom grew even deeper. When she started college, there was no question about what she wanted to do with her future… teach. 

Relationships children establish with their parents influence and shape the relationships they form in the future, which proves true for Upper School English teacher Evan Grosz whose decades-long ties with USchool stem from his parents’ longstanding connection to the Nova Southeastern University community. As the son of two beloved teachers, a USchool faculty member for the past 28 years, and now a USchool parent, both education and Shark pride run deep in his family. For most of his life, Grosz felt driven to pursue a career in teaching, having witnessed the happiness his parents experienced in their educator roles and the bonds they formed with students that became family.