The Team
We’re a crew of creatives, thinkers, guitar strummers, cyclists, and world explorers who just happen to be passionate educators by day (and possibly superheroes by night —
Marvel hasn't officially confirmed this, but we’re optimistic).
Fueled by curiosity, creativity, and occasionally caffeine, we bring our full hearts and minds into the classroom. Whether we're crafting hands-on projects, diving into big questions, we believe learning should be meaningful, engaging, and just the right amount of fun.
We’re honored to serve our students — and let’s be honest, we’re also just really good looking.
Dennise Ondina- Director & Learning Coordinator
Diane Zamot
Science
Meet Dennise—the Boss, aka the real-life Professor Xavier—telepathy optional, but with all the visionary superpowers, solution-based approach, and a heart for helping every child shine. For over 25 years, she’s been on a mission to nurture young talents and create a safe space where kids can unleash their unique abilities.
Like Professor X’s school for gifted youngsters, Ms. Dennise’s version helps kids expand their “powers” — whether that’s reading, math, or life skills — and make their mark on the world. She’s the cheerleader behind our own Illumina squad — unleashing curiosity, confidence, and creativity every day and keeping the team fueled with support and encouragement.
She holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, a Montessori Elementary Certification, a Master’s in School Guidance Counseling, and specialized training in Orton-Gillingham-based reading and writing instruction.
When she’s not teleporting, you might find her paddleboarding Florida’s waterways, scheming her next brilliant plan with family, or training her two heroic sidekicks—Rio the Aussie and Tokyo, the rescued Husky.
Shelby Earle
Mathematics I
Meet Ms. Shelby, the Math Magician—a bright-souled, game-loving math teacher who turns lessons into adventures! Whether she's hiking with a camera around her neck, snapping pics of wild birds, or handing out capybara stickers like gold stars, Shelby blends learning with laughter like it’s her superpower. She’s bold in color, joyful in spirit, and thoughtful at heart—the kind of person who sends thank-you notes with warmth and checks in with coworkers when they’re down.
A two-time Florida High Impact Educator and former Teacher of the Year...twice!, Shelby brings deep knowledge of Florida’s Math and Science Standards, including STEM. She holds a Master’s in Varying Exceptionalities and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Passionate about teaching children of all abilities, she’s taught in traditional, ESE, advanced, and gifted programs.
With a coffee mug in one hand and flashcards in the other, she’s part educator, part Dora the Explorer, and full-time sunshine. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her cooking, traveling, volunteering for the Audubon Society’s Eagle Watch, or checking off visits to national and state parks (she’s almost been everywhere!).
Claudia Foster
English Language Arts I
Ms. Claudia – Teacher, Artist, Flower Photographer, Sunset Chaser, and Certified Superhuman
If you’re looking for someone who can teach your child, create a Picasso-level painting, take a National Geographic-worthy photo of a daisy, and still make it home in time for a family dinner—meet Ms. Claudia.
With over 10 years of experience as a virtual ESL tutor (yes, before Zoom was cool), Ms. Claudia has worked with children of all ages, though her heart beats fastest for the elementary crowd. She's a firm believer that every child can learn, be heard, and feel like the absolute rockstar they are.
She holds a Master of Science in Education, is a certified teacher, and somehow also managed to squeeze in the creation of “Masters and Messes,” a Spark class where kids explored the wild world of modern art—from Monet’s water lilies to Keith Haring’s bold lines. Did the kids get messy? Yes. Did they walk away with museum-worthy masterpieces? Also yes.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Claudia lives a life as colorful as her art—spending time with her beloved family and adorable dog—Charlie, snapping photos of flowers like it’s her full-time job, and traveling wherever the sunsets are stunning and the snacks are good.
Amanda Fernandez
Social Studies I, Reading, & Social Media
Ms. Amanda – History Buff, Book Dragon & Halloween Enthusiast Extraordinaire
If there’s a porch swing, a cup of tea, a true crime podcast, and a cat nearby—you’ve probably found Ms. Amanda quietly enjoying the simple joys of life. With over 27 countries visited (and a few lived in!), she’s earned the title of “Illumina’s Most Experienced World Traveler.” From creating larger-than-life timeline displays to transforming lessons into globe-spanning adventures, Ms. Amanda brings history to life in the most captivating ways.
She’s also our beloved Book Dragon Master—leading literature groups where students dive deep into stories, characters, and plot twists across every genre. Add to that her one-on-one reading instruction, and you've got a quiet powerhouse who turns hesitant readers into book-loving pros.
She’s the magic behind Illumina’s seasonal decor (Halloween is her personal Super Bowl), a thrifting queen with an eye for treasures, and a fashion-forward foodie who’s always dreaming of her next international meal.
When she’s not teaching or decorating, you’ll likely find her curled up with a “good” book, a purring cat, and maybe posting something delightful to our social media.
Lori Irizarry
Spanish Teacher
With 30 years of teaching experience (and enough stories to fill a novela), Señora Lori brings both heart and expertise to every class she leads. A certified Spanish and elementary education teacher, she has taught everything from preschool songs to college-level syntax—with plenty of flair in between.
She earned her B.A. from CUNY and an M.A. in Educational Theatre from NYU, combining her love for language with her passion for the arts. For most of her career, she was a beloved Spanish teacher in a suburban New York high school, where she also served as Chairperson of the World Language Department and School Coordinator for the Lincoln Center Institute—an internationally recognized program that champions the arts in education. Translation? She knows her stuff and makes it fun.
In the classroom, Señora Lori is known for her high-energy, art-infused lessons that make Spanish come alive. Whether she’s incorporating music, drama, or culture into her curriculum, students leave her classes more inspired—and probably humming a tune in Spanish.
Outside the classroom, her friends and family call her the Social Director—if there’s a dinner, concert, or dance night happening, she probably planned it. She shares life (and lots of laughs) with her husband, grown children, and their elegant greyhound, Lily. A fan of long walks, group workouts, and book club reads, Lori lives each day with the same energy she brings to her classroom.
Meet Ms. Diane — our very own Einstein-meets-Ms. Frizzle hybrid science teacher! She’s so smart, she probably has an encyclopedia tucked under her pillow. (Seriously, don’t be surprised if she drops a fun fact mid-conversation.)
Ms. Diane is a Certified Science Teacher (K-8) and a proud military veteran who flew tanker planes in the Air Force—thank you for your service! She makes science come alive — laughing, playing, and experimenting like she’s a kid in a candy store. She’s launched rockets, piloted planes, and plays real-life Operation with her students. And let’s not forget her trusty sidekick, Mr. Bones—a life-size skeleton who’s always ready to join the lesson.
Her high energy and passion for STEM education are absolutely contagious. Whether she’s birdwatching for bluebirds, hiking, glamping, or cycling 100+ miles a week, Ms. Diane is always thirsty for new adventures and knowledge—and making sure her students are too!
In short: If science had a superhero, it’d be Ms. Diane—bringing wonder, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to every single lesson.
'Joe' Davis
Mathematics II &
Social Studies II
Total Marvel fanatic and our very own math Avenger, meet Mr. Joe—the secondary math magician and social studies storyteller who wields numbers and puns like Thor wields Mjolnir (and trust us, his puns hit just as hard). Starting out as a K-12 math tutor, he’s on a mission to assemble the best teaching techniques an executive functioning strategies—leveling up skills at the National Math Conference and cracking math codes like a true genius.
But wait, there’s more! Mr. Joe is also a music maestro—a freelance instructor who taught music and sound theory across all ages. A proud graduate of Sanford Brown (formerly The International Academy of Design and Technology), he holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Audio Production, specializing in Sound Engineering.
When he’s not crunching numbers or directing school plays (our very own Captain America of the stage), you might find him exploring caves like a real-life Daredevil, strumming his ukulele like a gentle Groot, or advocating for mental health. With a side of laughter, adventure, and superhero-level enthusiasm, Mr. Joe brings a heroic dose of motivation and joy to every lesson.
Kari Jones
English Language Arts II
If you spot someone pedaling down a leafy trail in a sundress and sun hat, probably with a book and basil in her bike basket—that’s almost definitely Ms. Kari. But don’t let the cottage-core vibes fool you: she’s a powerhouse educator with an M.A. in Education and a lifelong passion for helping young learners thrive.
Over the years, Ms. Kari has done it all—homeschooling her kids, teaching, tutoring, supporting as a paraprofessional, and diving deep as a literacy specialist. If there’s a way to help a student learn, she’s tried it (and probably color-coded a plan for it). Her true passion is literacy and essay writing—bringing words to life and helping students discover their unique superpowers (like turning procrastination into motivation or “I can’t” into “Watch me!”).
“Whether I’m leading a book discussion, encouraging a reluctant reader, or celebrating small victories,” she says, “my goal is always to build confidence and spark a love of learning.”
Outside the classroom, Ms. Kari is a proud mom of two college superstars, avid gardener (herbs are her jam), and passionate animal advocate. You might find her renovating houses, running a book club, or soaking in nature’s peace—usually while laughing that magnetic laugh her students adore.
In short, Ms. Kari is part educator, part storyteller, part sunshine—and 100% someone you’re lucky to learn from.
JC Ondina
Operations and Finance
By day, he’s a Territory Manager, mastering the art of service, strategy, and chemical formulation solutions. But as soon as the workday ends, he dons his invisible cape and transforms into Superman — our behind-the-scenes hero who keeps the homeschool humming.
Billing emails? He’s on it. Weird plumbing noise? Already fixed. Supply closet mysteriously locked again? He’s got the keys. From finances to facilities, Mr. Ondina handles it all with humor, heart, and a heroic level of helpfulness.
The kids know him as the guy who can fix anything. The teachers know him as the snack-bringer, morale-booster, and last-minute-saver. His wife (the real boss) knows he’s the glue that holds it all together — even if he sometimes forgets where the extra something or other is stored.
Always kind, always funny, and always spoiling the staff just a little too much (not that they’re complaining), Mr. Ondina is the reason things don’t fall apart when no one’s looking.
When he’s not rescuing the school from minor disasters, Superman is a devoted dad to his son and daughter—sharing his love of adventure, humor, and Flintstone-sized BBQ steaks. He’s happiest on a boat, headed toward a beautiful, remote island—preferably with something sizzling on the grill and no cell service in sight.
Ian Ondina
Office Assistant, Peer Mentor, and Positive Icon
Saving the best for last, hands up for the most positive human we know—seriously, we’ve never seen him cry. Ian is the kind of person who sees what others don’t—both in life and on the pickle-ball court—and somehow always finds the perfect quote (or pun) to make your day better.
As a brain injury survivor, Ian had to relearn how to do many of the things most of us take for granted each day. His recovery is nothing short of a miracle and a powerful testament to resilience, grit, and sheer willpower. That journey has shaped him into not only an incredible human but also a thoughtful and compassionate peer mentor to others walking their own hard paths.
At Illumina, Ian supports Spark Experiences, assists with office projects, and works closely with novice readers—offering encouragement, patience, and quiet confidence to everyone he meets.
With a background as an AutoCAD technician and a ridiculously sharp eye for visual detail, Ian blends creativity, precision, and humor into everything he does. He’s also a low-key pro at pickle-ball and a high-key lover of chicken Alfredo—though not usually at the same time.
Kind, clever, and quietly courageous, Ian reminds us daily that positivity isn’t just a personality trait—it’s a superpower.