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.”

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Contact: info@checthecenter.com

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.

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Contact: info@checthecenter.com

CHEC’s view of Fine Arts is that it is fundamental to a whole education, which distinguishes us in Palm Beach County homeschool communities. Our artistic director teaches an array of subjects and classes to the students and coordinates the yearly schedule to guarantee exposure to as many skills as possible in the arts.

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Lorianne graduated Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Theatre from Union College in Kentucky and received a 2nd bachelor’s degree from PBA in Ministry. She has been a professional actress for over 30 years working in New York, abroad and all over Palm Beach County. She lives in Lantana with her husband, Daniel, and their two children.   

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Contact: info@checthecenter.com

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 canine Kenya. In her spare time, she loves to train for races and bake (and eat) yummy cookies. 

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Contact: info@checthecenter.com

​Angie Mondragon is a passionate advocate for children with autism, with a background in psychology from Nova Southeastern University and over seven years of experience in a special needs preschool. She has also worked as a behavior therapist, supporting families through home and community-based care.​

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After marrying her husband Miguel in 2014, Angie began homeschooling their three daughters and co-founded a co-op that blends social connection with unit studies. She is the author of Simple Connections: Our Journey Navigating Autism from the Heart and a frequent speaker for homeschooling families of children with special needs.

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Contact: angelica.mondragon@checpalmbeach.com

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Contact: suzanne.atkin@checpalmbeach.com

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! 

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Contact: heather.wells@checpalmbeach.com

Kerstyn has been with CHEC since 2020. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University with her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Before determining her major, she was a substitute teacher for the School District of Palm Beach County. While attending PBA she spent time in Guatelamala with a group of colleagues. Their mission was to share God’s word through songs and stories in a newly established and constantly expanding school in Escuintla. She has a passion for having a hand in developing young human minds and being a strong supporter to them in the process. She was born and raised in Palm Beach County and now lives in Lake Park. She is dedicated to her students, plants and animals and in addition hopes to have children of her own in CHEC one day. 

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Contact: kerstyn.pacillo@checpalmbeach.com

Laura is a joyful, spirited mom of autistic children who sees each day as a chance to connect, discover, and play. To her, play isn’t just for kids—it’s a lifelong habit that fuels learning and laughter. Whether through LEGO builds, video games, puzzles, or board games, she brings fun and meaning to everyday moments. Laura turns challenges into games and obstacles into adventures, believing play is the best way kids learn.

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Her classroom reflects this mindset—full of energy, imagination, and curiosity. Rooted in Scripture, Laura teaches with the heart of Jesus: welcoming each student with love, patience, and kindness, while gently guiding them to grow.

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Contact: laura.bragel@checpalmbeach.com

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.​

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Contact: robyn.russo@checpalmbeach.com

​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.

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Contact: lexi.mcgowan@checpalmbeach.com

Peyton is a South Florida native who is passionate about sharing her love for math and science in ways that are hands-on, engaging, and connected to real life. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University and gained valuable research experience in labs focused on neuropharmacology and pharmacotherapy. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Toxicology at the University of Florida. Peyton strives to create a classroom environment where students feel supported, curious, and excited to explore the world through math and science.

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Outside the classroom, Peyton is a proud mom to a joyful little boy and a playful puppy named Jet. She brings her nurturing spirit into her teaching and is committed to helping students grow both academically and spiritually.

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Contact: peyton.raub@checpalmbeach.com

Lauren has a Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree from Nova Southeastern University. She has  worked with children since 2018 and truly enjoys watching little minds burst with creativity. Lauren likes to explore working with all types of materials and on many different scales. When she was in High School, she painted a mural for her Travel and Tourism class that is still there to this day. She also made many parade floats and has lots of indoor and outdoor art activities up her sleeves. When students are allowed to be creative and express themselves through art, magical things happen.

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Contact: lauren.wilt@checpalmbeach.com

HighTouch HighTech has served the local students in South Florida and has been providing hands-on science enrichment programs for almost 30 years.  We are committed to creating a passion for science in children. Your students will become “real” Jr Scientists as we safely discover the world around us and learn how to problem-solve while we conduct FUN experiments​