MARY ASTA
Executive Director
Mary has served on the board of the Gargiulo Education Center since 2017 and was named its Executive Director in January, 2018. She has an extensive history in philanthropy. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at Rockefeller University in New York City, she developed the foundation’s structure from the ground up, raising millions of research dollars as well as pro bono media dollars. She has sat on the board of and/or advised several foundations, including The Intrepid Museum, Fisher House Foundation, Michael Stern Parkinson’s Foundation, Fallen Heroes Funds, and Hanover Charities. Mary currently serves on the board of the Montessori Academy of Naples. As a successful entrepreneur, she owns a patent-holding company, Master Poe Innovations, and has an extensive history in the entertainment and fashion worlds. In her spare time, she works with Alzheimer’s patients.
EILEEN ARAMBARRI
Educational Director
My name is Eileen Arambarri. I was an educator for 38 years. I attended New York University where I completed my Bachelor’s degree is Teaching English As A Second Language. I also
have a Masters degree in Teaching English As A Second Language. My second Masters degree is in Educational Administration and Supervision.
After retiring from teaching in June 2021, my husband and I moved to Florida. After one month of being in Florida, I realized that I missed teaching and started to apply for teaching positions. As luck and fate might have it, I applied for a teaching position at Gargiulo Education Center. I have been at Gargiulo for close to two years.
Needless to say, the students and staff here are my family. The strong relationships I have formed here have solidified my confidence in continuing to work with the students and families here at Gargiulo.
I have two children of my own. My son is a Mental Health Counselor and my daughter is about to graduate from Law School. I have always motivated my own children to excel and overcome any and all obstacles. This is the same determination I will impart to all the students here at Gargiulo. As we all work together, we can insure that every student here at Gargiulo will be successful and accomplish and fulfill all their dreams and ambitions.
ANGELA OWNSBEY
1st and 2nd-grade Teacher-Substitute
Angela has received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with an ESOL endorsement from Florida Gulf Coast University. She has taught in the classroom for eight years and prior to that has spent years as a volunteer in different classroom settings. She enjoys helping children learn and helping them reach their full potential with a passion in teaching phonemic awareness and phonics. On her free time Angela enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, fishing, going to the beach and painting.
BETH ESTENSON
Technology Teacher
Miss Beth comes to us with a degree in Interdisciplinary Education studies. She teaches our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program. By mixing subject matter she believes students receive a well-rounded education in technology. She teaches her class that the goal of integration is for students to understand the importance of innovation in solving many of today’s professional challenges. Miss Beth is committed to growing student’s abilities with creative ideas because STEAM is the wave of our future.
LARRY JENSEN
3 – 5 Teacher
Larry’s background includes experience as an eighth grade U.S. History and ESL Reading teacher at Gidley Elementary School in El Monte California. He has also taught eighth grade Communication Skills and Social Studies at Parkwood Middle School in Monroe North Carolina. His education consists of a B.A. in Politics and Public Affairs from the University of Miami and a B.B.A. in Marketing and Business from Northwood University in Midland Michigan. He completed his teaching curriculum at Chapman University in Orange California. In addition to his formal education, he has also completed courses in Teaching ESL students and Writing Skills. When not teaching he enjoys swimming, bicycling, reading, sports, and travel.
KATHERINE RICE
K-5 Teacher
Bio coming Soon.
KEELEY FRINIER
Smart Program Director
Bio coming soon.
MARILLE WARNER
Dramatic Arts Teacher
Marilee Warner works as an actress and singer in NYC, California, and Florida. Her theatrical credits include Broadway, Off-Broadway and Regional Theatre Productions – many of which were World or Regional Premieres. She also has Film, TV & Voiceover credits. Besides her performing, Marilee is passionate about discovering and developing new theatrical works. In 1997 she founded Playwrights’ Circle – a company dedicated to developing new works, the Palm Spring International Playwriting Festival, the Palm Springs National Short Play Festival and Songwriters’ Circle. A graduate from University of Miami, Marilee is thrilled to be back in Florida.
DION RAHILL
Math Teacher
Bio coming soon.
KATHY McGRATH
Math Teacher
Bio Coming soon.
TYRONE TAYLOR
Math Teacher
Bio coming soon.
MARY FAHRER
Substitute Teacher
Bio Coming Soon.