EXPERIENCED EDUCATORS

Keren Pasternak is a beloved kindergarten teacher at NSU University School and has been a dedicated educator for the past 25 years. During her college years she was an undeclared major, unsure of what path she would take. Luckily, she was offered a position teaching Hebrew at a synagogue and decided to give it a try. As time went on, she discovered how much she enjoyed the work. Keren loved helping students, watching them learn, and witnessing their curiosity blossom through the questions they asked. That early experience sparked her passion for education and ultimately led her to pursue teaching as a lifelong career.

Karin Singer has always loved teaching others and sharing new knowledge. Her passion for learning began in childhood, inspired by a fourth-grade teacher who sparked her interest in science and math. That year, Karin enjoyed hands-on field trips to county parks, where she learned to use microscopes and participated in nature scavenger hunts. She would return home and set up a classroom in her basement for friends, pretending to be the teacher and excitedly passing along what she had learned.

Susie Marques has always been drawn to working with children and seeing the world through their eyes. As a Junior Kindergarten teacher and team leader, she draws on 14 years of experience to inspire and support young learners. She was led to teaching after discovering how meaningful it was to play a role in a child’s growth and see their confidence shine. She loves sparking curiosity, creating hands-on learning experiences, and helping students reach those little “aha!” moments.

Dr. Edwardo Johnson is a 26-year veteran Spanish teacher at NSU University School. His days are spent building Upper School students’ Spanish fluency and language skills and educating them about the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries, whether that be through engaging project-based activities or immersive experiences. Over the years, Dr. Johnson has become well known for surprising his students with a pop-up restaurant. Donning a chef’s uniform, he prepares traditional Hispanic dishes such as quesadillas, tostones, guacamole, and tropical fruit punches for students to experience the diversity of Hispanic cuisine.

John combined his passion for teaching and coaching by becoming a Lower School physical education teacher and an Upper School baseball coach. His journey began in his late twenties after finishing his baseball career when a friend introduced him to coaching. Around the same time, he started substitute teaching and quickly discovered a love for it. John feels fortunate to have had teachers and coaches as mentors throughout his life, guiding him in the right direction. Each day, he is motivated by the chance to give back to students, offering them the same support and guidance he once received.

Carolyn Richards is a Preschool teacher who has been shaping young minds at NSU University School since 2009. She pursued a career in teaching because she wanted to make a positive impact on children’s lives by educating, motivating, and encouraging their passion and curiosity.

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.