Faculty & Staff
Cindy Marler

Co-owner: CHEC Director
The Director of CHEC oversees all aspects of the program. They set the schedule, seek counsel and make decisions that align the offerings each year with the Mission and Vision of the community.
Born and raised in South Florida, Cindy had the privilege of attending one of the finest private schools in the state for 9 years. At that institution she developed a passion for learning that is never satiated. As an adult, she realized how much of that was due to the environment cultivated at school. When your passion collides with your gifts and talents you have found your place. Children, education and homeschooling are her passions and organizational leadership is her gift.
“I pray for God’s guidance over CHEC and firmly believe that He is our true leader. I strive for CHEC to maintain a standard of excellence in all we do and that everything we do bring as much value to the students as possible on a part time basis. It is very special to be part of a group where everyone is committed and focused on what is best for their children and their families.”
Contact: info@checthecenter.com
Jessica Figueroa

Co-owner: Director of Operations
The Director of Operations manages the center's budget, assists in the admissions process and coordinates the master school schedule. Preparing students to be competitive in the college admission process starts well before high school; our Director of Operations oversees the school’s role in assisting families through this process.
Jessica and her husband, Javier, are from Puerto Rico and met in college on the island. After graduating from University of Puerto Rico as engineers, they both left Puerto Rico and headed to California to pursue their master’s degrees in engineering at California Polytechnic State University. Jessica worked as an engineer moving around the country for different opportunities until they made their home in Lake Worth shortly after welcoming their daughter. Jessica oversees CHEC's STEM & Math program and ensures our students are preparing themselves for STEM careers if that is their area of interest.
Contact: info@checthecenter.com
Sarah Barnes

Director of Schools
With more than 25 years of experience in education, Mrs. Barnes has served as both a dedicated classroom teacher and a respected instructional leader. Known for building strong relationships with students and encouraging teacher growth, she brings passion, insight, and steady guidance to every role. She is especially passionate about equality, justice, and creating an environment in which every person feels valued, respected, and empowered to grow. Outside of school, she is a wife and mother of four sons who balances family life with a deep commitment to faith, learning, and community.
Contact: sarah.barnes@checpalmbeach.com
Paul Dragone

3 Day Program Day Manager
Paul and his wife, Melissa, are lifelong South Floridians and have been part of the CHEC community for 10 years. Together, they homeschool their two children and consider it one of their family’s best decisions. With more than 15 years of management experience, Paul supports CHEC through HR, accounting, operations, and teaching. He also enjoys working on sound and lighting for CHEC productions while training students in new technology. Serving this community has been an incredible blessing for his family.
Contact: paul.dragone@checpalmbeach.com
Heather Wells

English Language Arts Teacher - 3 Day Program
Heather grew up in south Florida, and always knew she wanted to be a teacher from a young age. She attended Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she received a degree in Elementary Education. She has experience teaching elementary in private schools in Palm Beach County. Being a mom to her own three children has also given her invaluable teaching experience; she truly loves working with children!
Contact: heather.wells@checpalmbeach.com
Robyn Russo

Math Teacher - 3 Day Program
Robyn graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Early Childhood
Education and from Lesley University with a M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a
specialization in Literacy: Language, Reading and Writing. She is from Massachusetts
where she taught in a public school as a classroom teacher for over 18 years. Robyn is
passionate about discovering all the different ways children learn and creating a safe,
happy, and inspiring place to grow. She recently moved to Florida with her son to be
closer to family and sunshine. Robyn loves watching sports, especially football,
baseball, and golf. She is very excited to be teaching math and helping students thrive
as lifelong learners.
Contact: robyn.russo@checpalmbeach.com
Lexi McGowan

Math Teacher - 3 Day Program
Lexi holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University and has worked with all elementary grade levels in Boca Raton and Lake Worth. She is passionate about helping diverse learners thrive and loves witnessing the moment when a concept finally clicks for a student.
Contact: lexi.mcgowan@checpalmbeach.com
Maria Fraino
%20(3).png)
Science Teacher
Ms. Maria teaches elementary Science at the Academy and the Center. She has served in Kids Ministry at Christ Fellowship, teaching elementary students, leading STEM activities, and helping develop volunteer leaders. She loves encouraging students to explore God’s creation with curiosity, wonder, and confidence. A graduate of Leadership College at Christ Fellowship, she is currently completing her nursing education. She looks forward to supporting students’ academic, personal, and spiritual growth.
Contact: maria.fraino@checpalmbeach.com
Lexi McGowan
%20(1).png)
History Teacher
Ms. Meyling brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Nova Southeastern University. She has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, center director, and infant and toddler specialist.
At CHEC, Ms. Meyling taught history in the one-day program and worked in After Hours, both of which she truly enjoyed. She has also taught Spanish and art and continues to coach early childhood educators. She is passionate about family engagement, intentional teaching, creativity in the classroom, and helping children grow in confidence, perseverance, and excellence.
Family and faith are very important to Ms. Meyling. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, serving alongside her husband in Spanish ministry, and exploring new places.
Contact: meyling.arguello@checpalmbeach.com
Justina "Tina" Costandi

Scholarship & Registration Processor
Justina graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and a Master's in Medical Science. She has a passion for learning and teaching about God's creation. An active member in her Church community, Justina has been teaching children for over 15 years. She is a proud mother of 3 beautiful children and devoted wife of a pastor. She also shares her love with her sweet dog Kenya. In her spare time, she loves to train for races and bake (and eat) yummy cookies.
Contact: info@checthecenter.com
Electives
CHEC’s elective programs give students the opportunity to discover new interests, develop practical skills, and enjoy learning alongside friends. Across our campuses, students can participate in engaging electives such as art, theater, cooking, sewing, photography, music, creative writing, chess, STEM, sports, and leadership. These hands-on classes encourage creativity, confidence, collaboration, and curiosity while providing meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond traditional academics.

Angie Mondragon

Jessi Thomas

Danielle Vick

Justin Gooden
.jpg)
Jennifer Pedraza

Laura Bragel
_edited.jpg)
Natalie Bennett

.jpg)