Leadership & Faculty Home / About Us / Leadership & Faculty Dedicated Leaders & Expert Teachers At our school, everyone works together to make sure students and families feel happy and supported. Our leaders, staff, and teachers are all here to help. Our teachers love sharing what they know, whether it’s about reading, music, or outer space! They make learning fun and exciting, helping students explore new things and find what they love. Together, we create a special place where students can grow and learn every day. From the Head of School Mellesia Nelson, M.S.W., M. Ed. Dear Future Sagemont Prep Families, Thank you for exploring Sagemont Preparatory School, where academic excellence, innovative thinking, and purposeful learning come together to inspire confident, curious, and empowered students. At Sagemont Prep, learning is dynamic, personalized, and caring. Our passionate educators design experiences that ignite intellectual curiosity, nurture creativity, and empower each student to explore and think critically. We do not just prepare students to succeed in school, we prepare them to lead in life. Rooted in our commitment to real-world application, students engage in immersive, hands-on learning that extends far beyond textbooks. Whether launching a business idea, exploring marine ecosystems, or engaging in Harkness Discussions around a shared table, our students take ownership of their learning and their growth. We believe education should be a collaborative journey. That is why we foster strong partnerships between home and school, ensuring every child feels seen, supported, and challenged. We invite you to schedule a personal tour and discover how Sagemont Prep cultivates confident learners, compassionate leaders, and active agents of change. We look forward to welcoming you into our vibrant community. Sincerely, Mellesia Nelson, M.S.W., M. Ed. Head of School Read More Browse By Role All Roles Faculty Leadership Search Andrea Collazos World Languages, Spanish (Upper Campus) Andrea Collazos World Languages, Spanish (Upper Campus) Oyalep Del Sol Enrollment Director Oyalep Del Sol Enrollment Director Michelle Dunkley, M.B.A. Upper Campus Registrar Michelle Dunkley, M.B.A. Upper Campus Registrar Email (954) 799-6121 Michelle Dunkley was born and raised in Jamaica and moved to the United States in 2005. She graduated from Barry University with a degree in International Relations. She then went on to obtain her MBA with a minor in International Business from Nova Southeastern University. Ms. Dunkley has been in education for four years serving as an Assistant Principal and Registrar. She has worn many hats across various levels of accountability, leadership, and innovation. Ms. Dunkley prides herself on being a meticulous and innovative management professional who is proficient in directing and controlling managerial operations to meet business objectives. Melissa Ehrlich Math 4th and 5th (Lower Campus) Melissa Ehrlich Math 4th and 5th (Lower Campus) Evan Engle Third Grade (Lower Campus) Evan Engle Third Grade (Lower Campus) Emely Galvez Writing 4th and 5th (Lower Campus) Emely Galvez Writing 4th and 5th (Lower Campus) Matthew Goldberg Performing Arts (Upper Campus) Matthew Goldberg Performing Arts (Upper Campus) Kevin Gutterman Math (Upper Campus) Kevin Gutterman Math (Upper Campus) Nataly Hartstone Pre School (Lower Campus) Nataly Hartstone Pre School (Lower Campus) Stephanie Henry English (Upper Campus) Stephanie Henry English (Upper Campus) Adriana Hernandez First Grade (Lower Campus) Adriana Hernandez First Grade (Lower Campus) Blanca Herrera Lower Campus Administrative Assistant and Registrar Blanca Herrera Lower Campus Administrative Assistant and Registrar Email (954) 953-5233 Destiny Hornbuckle Science (Upper Campus) Destiny Hornbuckle Science (Upper Campus) Joanna Irigoyen First Grade (Lower Campus) Joanna Irigoyen First Grade (Lower Campus) Tamra LaFleur English (Upper Campus) Tamra LaFleur English (Upper Campus) Sean Leonardo Athletic Director Sean Leonardo Athletic Director Email 954-389-9193 Sean Leonardo (Coach Leo) is a dedicated and passionate leader in athletic and student development. A pioneer student at Sagemont Preparatory School, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami. With over nine years of experience in athletic administration, he has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to building strong programs and nurturing student-athletes both on and off the field. His career began with the launch of a successful middle school athletic program at a charter school, where he coached multiple sports and led a team to a county championship. A move to the high school level brought the opportunity to serve as Assistant Athletic Director and Head Girls Volleyball Coach, where he transformed a winless team into the most successful volleyball program in the school’s history. Throughout his career, Coach Leo has remained grounded in a philosophy of building meaningful relationships with athletes. His mentorship and support extend beyond the classroom and into every aspect of student development. His connection to Sagemont Prep runs deep. In 2009, he returned as a junior counselor at the summer camp and steadily rose to the role of Camp Director. Under his leadership, the camp’s average weekly enrollment doubled in just two years. During that time, he also served as Student Activity and Event Coordinator at the Lower Campus, where he founded a robotics team that qualified for the world championships in its inaugural year. A fierce competitor at heart, Coach Leo is eager to continue expanding and strengthening Sagemont Prep’s athletic programs. His blend of experience, energy, and unwavering dedication makes him an invaluable member of the school community. Page 2 of 4 Jump to Page Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Learn More About Sagemont Teachers What role do teachers play beyond the classroom? Our faculty members serve as mentors, coaches, and advocates who are deeply invested in the whole child. Whether leading a championship athletic team, advising a club, or sponsoring student-led initiatives, our teachers build the foundational trust that allows students to take risks and grow. These informal interactions are where much of our character-building happens, fostering a connected community where every student feels championed. How long do teachers typically stay at Sagemont Prep? As Sagemont Prep approaches its 30th anniversary in the 2026-27 academic year, our faculty reflects a rare and intentional balance of institutional wisdom and modern innovation. We are home to many educators who have dedicated over 20 years to our community. This seasoned expertise is complemented by a dynamic group of educators at various career stages, creating a collaborative culture where veteran experience and fresh perspectives meet to benefit every student. What credentials do Sagemont Prep teachers hold? Sagemont Prep teachers hold impressive academic credentials, with a significant majority possessing advanced degrees and specialized certifications in their respective fields. Beyond their formal education, they bring meaningful, real-world experience into the classroom, ensuring that instruction is both intellectually rigorous and relevant to the complexities of the modern world. What makes the teachers at Sagemont Prep exceptional? What truly distinguishes our faculty is the intersection of purposeful rigor and personal connection. A Sagemont Prep teacher does not just deliver content; they curate an experience that challenges a student’s intellect while supporting their emotional well-being. They possess the unique ability to recognize a student’s untapped potential and provide the specific scaffolding needed to turn that potential into high-level achievement. What do families appreciate most about teachers at Sagemont Prep? Our families consistently point to the intentionality of our teaching staff as their most valued attribute. Parents value the delicate balance our educators strike: providing a warm, supportive safety net while maintaining the high academic standards that empower students to graduate with the confidence, resilience, and intellectual curiosity required for the next level.
