Meet The Team

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My name is Nicholas James Card, and I am a teacher/Assistant Director for Amazing Hope School Academy. I have served in the US Navy for 5 years from 2009 to 2014 as a
Master of Arms (Military Police). I have an Associate’s degree in East Asian culture and a
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice minor in Psychology. I worked in Loss Prevention for 10 years for the Navy Exchange in Yokosuka Naval Base Navy Exchange. During my 10 years working for the Navy Exchange, I lived in Japan for 10 years.
 

I have a 10-year-old daughter who is American- Japanese, and she currently lives with her
mother in Japan. I am a big fan of anime/manga and in my free time I play video games with family and friends.
 

During my time in the US Navy, I practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, Aikido, MMA, MCMAP
(Marine Corp Martial Arts Program), and as a child I practiced Karate. Martial Arts is a hobby of
mine; I did not master all these arts but have had instructors that showed me their art for a
couple of months to a year. I have practiced Kali since 2010, which is Filipino martial arts.

The martial art I take pride in and have spent most time on is Kali; I am half Filipino and what
Kali teaches is mostly street fighting (survival fighting). I favor Filipino martial arts because of
my ethnicity, and the teachings are most appealing to me and practical in street fighting. I have trained my daughter in Kali and soon I will be training my nephew and niece in Kali once they
get older.

I look forward to working with everyone, especially with our Amazing Students!

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My name is Monica Jenkins. I work with Catapult Learning and
provide Reading and Math ESE interventions.

I am also a part time employee of AHSA on Fridays to help out as needed.

I graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in English. I am certified to teach PK- 3, 1-5, Reading K-12, ESE K-12, and am ESOL endorsed. I have worked in
both public and private schools for 34 years.

My name is Rodel I. Lopez. I am very excited to introduce myself as the
middle school classroom teacher here at Amazing Hope School Academy and look
forward to contributing positively to the educational experience of your child. I
moved to Florida 27 years ago from Puerto Rico where I was born and raised, to
continue my international studies and hospitality focusing on a holistic approach
to human and animal behavior.
My education journey included Science of Arts with Special Ed. minor,
Behavioral Sciences from Ana G Mendez University - Orlando, Certified yoga
teacher, Certified holistic therapy practitioner from Luminous Holistic Center in
Orlando, and ESE, M.A. Applied Behavior Analysis from University of West Florida.
I have over 20 years of experience working with children and adults with special
needs including Military families, teaching grades from Preschool all the way to
High School.
I love teaching through authentic experiences where learning can be
applied in the real-world by giving incredible value. I enjoy teaching my students
how to travel the world and explore cultures through reading and writing while
creating thinkers and independent learners. I value students' ideas as unique
talents and strengths, and I can’t wait for them to share them in the classroom
through projects report using favorite themes.
My favorites: reading books, coffee, nature, art, spending time with my
family, and animals.

My name is Sharon Archambault. I am thrilled to teach your students the American
Sign Language (American Sign Language). I have been teaching A.S.L. class at
Dayspring Community Church and First Baptist Church of Apopka, total of eight years. I
also taught at Highland Christian Academy for three years, at the same time working
part-time at Amazing Hope School Academy to teach ASL. I'm looking forward to
meeting you and working with our amazing students!

ASL is Beneficial to:
Cognitive functioning
Teaching a second language
Better Reader
Enhance visual perception
Develops gross and fine motor skills
Rhyming
Non-verbal signals that communicate their feelings and intentions

My name is Ms. Julia, and I am so delighted to be working with everyone!

I am originally from Virginia where I was an educator of the Arts for 20 years. My family and I
relocated to Florida seven years ago.

I have three children, one dog, two adult cats, and five kittens we recently
rescued. My oldest daughter is 18 years old and attends AMDA in NYC for acting. My
youngest child, 14-years old, and is a student at Amazing Hope School Academy
(AHSA).

Some of you might recognize me, as I joined the AHSA team at the end of last year as the Physical Education (P.E) coach, in addition to being in the classroom. I will
still be the PE coach for this year. I am looking forward to an amazing school year and
helping your child reach new milestones, make precious memories, and grow academically. 

My name is Iris Laguna Blandon, I am 38 years old, I am from Nicaragua and currently live in Apopka Florida. I have two children, a 9-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. The
main traits of my character are respectful, responsible and cheerful. My favorite color is blue. My main hobbies or favorite activities are playing volleyball, reading, going to the movies with my children and being with family.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance at the University of Nicaragua and then a master’s degree in accounting. Before joining AHSA in August 2023, I
worked in Nicaragua as a manager for several companies, including a language academy where I collaborated with many students.

This new school year, I hope to be able to bring new knowledge to our students and
support them in each of their projects. Blessings to all.

My name is Marin Lukasik; I have been working with children with special needs for over 25 years. I graduated from Adelphi University with a Master of Science in Reading. I graduated from Dowling College with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education K-12, also from S.U.N.Y. at Farmingdale with an Associate of Applied Science in
Early Childhood Education.

Some of my hobbies are gardening, caring for my 5 dogs, and enjoying spending time with family and friends.

This year I plan to support students so they can reach their goals and reach new
endeavors. I look forward to working with your students throughout the year.