Saint Ambrose School employs or contracts teachers who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees, have at least 3 years experience in public or private schools, or have special skills, knowledge, or expertise that qualifies them to provide instruction in subjects taught.
Miss Mariana Albero, 3rd Grade Teacher
MAlbero@stambrosecs.org
Certification: Elementary Education, K-6
Ms. Albero is originally from New York, but moved to South Florida in 1999. She attended
Florida Atlantic University and earned a B.S in Elementary Education. For 17 years she was a
Nova Titan in South Broward, teaching 4th grade, 3rd grade and ending her time there as the
Math Enrichment Teacher for K-5. When the opportunity to teach 3rd grade at Saint Ambrose
opened up, she jumped at the chance to head back into the classroom!
When Ms. Albero is not teaching, you will find her driving her son Hendrix to playdates, baseball
or football. She also gets to enjoy time with her family, her two dogs, being with her friends,
reading, music and loves anything that requires creativity.
She feels incredibly lucky to be a part of the Saint Ambrose staff and is looking forward to a fun
and exciting year!
MAlbero@stambrosecs.org
Certification: Elementary Education, K-6
Ms. Albero is originally from New York, but moved to South Florida in 1999. She attended
Florida Atlantic University and earned a B.S in Elementary Education. For 17 years she was a
Nova Titan in South Broward, teaching 4th grade, 3rd grade and ending her time there as the
Math Enrichment Teacher for K-5. When the opportunity to teach 3rd grade at Saint Ambrose
opened up, she jumped at the chance to head back into the classroom!
When Ms. Albero is not teaching, you will find her driving her son Hendrix to playdates, baseball
or football. She also gets to enjoy time with her family, her two dogs, being with her friends,
reading, music and loves anything that requires creativity.
She feels incredibly lucky to be a part of the Saint Ambrose staff and is looking forward to a fun
and exciting year!
Miss Cindy Hagaman, 4th Grade Teacher
CHagaman@stambrosecs.org
Certification: Elementary Education, K-6, Catholic Catechist
Ms. Hagaman is from Texas and a graduate Of Louisiana State University. She earned a B.S. in Psychology. She has taught in both public, private, and IB schools. Ms. Hagaman has taught both 4th and 5th grades at St. Ambrose from 2013 to 2015, and returned as the fourth grade educator in 2016
Ms. Hagaman enjoys spending time with her cats Breezy and Elvis, reading, relaxing at the beach, sport fishing on the ocean, going to church, spending time with friends eating great food, and engaging in and watching sports. She is so happy to be a part of the St. Ambrose staff!
Why Catholic Schools?
I choose to teach at a Catholic School to guide, share, and worship Almighty God with the students each year. It is beautiful to study Scripture, practice and learn the Sacraments, and show those we come in contact with that we are Catholics. Faith is the most important part of my life.
CHagaman@stambrosecs.org
Certification: Elementary Education, K-6, Catholic Catechist
Ms. Hagaman is from Texas and a graduate Of Louisiana State University. She earned a B.S. in Psychology. She has taught in both public, private, and IB schools. Ms. Hagaman has taught both 4th and 5th grades at St. Ambrose from 2013 to 2015, and returned as the fourth grade educator in 2016
Ms. Hagaman enjoys spending time with her cats Breezy and Elvis, reading, relaxing at the beach, sport fishing on the ocean, going to church, spending time with friends eating great food, and engaging in and watching sports. She is so happy to be a part of the St. Ambrose staff!
Why Catholic Schools?
I choose to teach at a Catholic School to guide, share, and worship Almighty God with the students each year. It is beautiful to study Scripture, practice and learn the Sacraments, and show those we come in contact with that we are Catholics. Faith is the most important part of my life.
Mrs. Julie Johnson, 5th Grade Teacher
jjohnson@stambrosecs.org
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Florida International University
Certification: Elementary Education K-6, Catholic Catechist
Mrs. Johnson joined the Saint Ambrose family in 2022. She has been blessed to be an elementary
teacher for the Archdiocese of Miami for the last twenty-one years! Mrs. Johnson also taught for a few years in the public-school systems before she joined the ADOM, and she has taught Kindergarten
through fifth grade. Working with children has always been a huge passion in Mrs. Johnson’s life, and
she has enjoyed guiding her students through the years. Mrs. Johnson was born and raised in Miami,
Florida. She is married to her husband of thirty-five years and they have three grown children together,
as well as two grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson loves to travel and explore offbeat and unique places. She spends her free time working on crafts and home décor projects. She loves enjoying time with her large family. Mrs. Johnson is fun loving and values her sense of humor. She is excited to continue her journey at Saint Ambrose.
Why a Catholic School?
“Being able to share my Catholic faith with others is the greatest gift in my life. Not only do I get to teach children, but I also get to help them grow spiritually as they build their relationship with Jesus. I empower students to live the Gospels in their daily lives, and help them to walk with Jesus. I love sharing my gifts with my students.”
jjohnson@stambrosecs.org
Degree: Bachelor of Science, Florida International University
Certification: Elementary Education K-6, Catholic Catechist
Mrs. Johnson joined the Saint Ambrose family in 2022. She has been blessed to be an elementary
teacher for the Archdiocese of Miami for the last twenty-one years! Mrs. Johnson also taught for a few years in the public-school systems before she joined the ADOM, and she has taught Kindergarten
through fifth grade. Working with children has always been a huge passion in Mrs. Johnson’s life, and
she has enjoyed guiding her students through the years. Mrs. Johnson was born and raised in Miami,
Florida. She is married to her husband of thirty-five years and they have three grown children together,
as well as two grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson loves to travel and explore offbeat and unique places. She spends her free time working on crafts and home décor projects. She loves enjoying time with her large family. Mrs. Johnson is fun loving and values her sense of humor. She is excited to continue her journey at Saint Ambrose.
Why a Catholic School?
“Being able to share my Catholic faith with others is the greatest gift in my life. Not only do I get to teach children, but I also get to help them grow spiritually as they build their relationship with Jesus. I empower students to live the Gospels in their daily lives, and help them to walk with Jesus. I love sharing my gifts with my students.”
Mr. Les Modlics, 6th Grade Homeroom
Grs. 6th-8th Social Studies and Religion Teacher
Terra Nova Testing Coordinator
LModlics@stambrosecs.org
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from FSU.
Certifications: Math Grades 5-9; Elementary Education Grades K-6; English 5-9, Catholic Catechist
This is Les Modlics's 10th year teaching at Saint Ambrose. He teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Studies and Religion for the 2023/2024 school year. Prior to joining the St. Ambrose family, he taught 5th grade for seven years within the Archdiocese of Miami and is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science.
On a personal note, he has been married to his beautiful wife for 18 years and they have two wonderful sons who are in high school. He looks forward to an exciting year!
Why Catholic Schools?
"I enjoy teaching in a Catholic environment as I believe we are not only developing an educational foundation for our students, but we also help our students on their spiritual journey as they grow both academically and spiritually."
Grs. 6th-8th Social Studies and Religion Teacher
Terra Nova Testing Coordinator
LModlics@stambrosecs.org
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from FSU.
Certifications: Math Grades 5-9; Elementary Education Grades K-6; English 5-9, Catholic Catechist
This is Les Modlics's 10th year teaching at Saint Ambrose. He teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Social Studies and Religion for the 2023/2024 school year. Prior to joining the St. Ambrose family, he taught 5th grade for seven years within the Archdiocese of Miami and is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science.
On a personal note, he has been married to his beautiful wife for 18 years and they have two wonderful sons who are in high school. He looks forward to an exciting year!
Why Catholic Schools?
"I enjoy teaching in a Catholic environment as I believe we are not only developing an educational foundation for our students, but we also help our students on their spiritual journey as they grow both academically and spiritually."
Mrs. Jennifer Dickenson, 7th Grade Co-Homeroom Teacher
Grs. 6th-8th Science/K-8th Music/Drama
NJHS Advisor
JDickenson@stambrosecs.org
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-6/ESOL- Lynn University
Master of Education in Curriculum and Secondary Instructional Technology, University of South Florida
Certification: Elementary Education K-6
Mrs. Dickenson is thrilled to be part of the St. Ambrose family. Mrs. Dickenson has taught in Catholic schools, public schools, and charter schools. She has taught kindergarten, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, and directed middle school musical theater. She is a trained DIBELS/Acadience mentor in early literacy.
Mrs. Dickenson loves to spend time with her family. She loves to travel to Disney World and to Vermont with her husband and two children. She is an avid reader and loves to go to the movies. She is looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year where she can share her passion of music and theater with her students and teach science which is one of her favorite subjects
Why Catholic Schools?
Teaching in a Catholic school is very important to me because I can share my faith with my students. I truly believe it is my calling to help my students not only grow academically but spiritually. I enjoy being part of an environment where everyone can share their faith with one another. It allows me to strengthen my faith and my relationship with God as it is part of our daily lives.
Grs. 6th-8th Science/K-8th Music/Drama
NJHS Advisor
JDickenson@stambrosecs.org
Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-6/ESOL- Lynn University
Master of Education in Curriculum and Secondary Instructional Technology, University of South Florida
Certification: Elementary Education K-6
Mrs. Dickenson is thrilled to be part of the St. Ambrose family. Mrs. Dickenson has taught in Catholic schools, public schools, and charter schools. She has taught kindergarten, first grade, third grade, fifth grade, and directed middle school musical theater. She is a trained DIBELS/Acadience mentor in early literacy.
Mrs. Dickenson loves to spend time with her family. She loves to travel to Disney World and to Vermont with her husband and two children. She is an avid reader and loves to go to the movies. She is looking forward to an exciting and rewarding school year where she can share her passion of music and theater with her students and teach science which is one of her favorite subjects
Why Catholic Schools?
Teaching in a Catholic school is very important to me because I can share my faith with my students. I truly believe it is my calling to help my students not only grow academically but spiritually. I enjoy being part of an environment where everyone can share their faith with one another. It allows me to strengthen my faith and my relationship with God as it is part of our daily lives.
Mrs. Kari Saifman-Price, Co-7th Grade Homeroom
Grs. 6th-8th Math
K-8 ESE Pull-out
KSaifman-Price@stambrosecs.org
Ms. Kari was born and raised here in South Florida. She attended University of South Florida in Tampa and earned a B.S in Elementary Education. For 19 years she worked in public schools in Central Florida and North Miami Beach as a teacher. In 2017, she moved into a Title 1 position at another Catholic school in Hollywood. In 2020, she began to teach middle school Math and Science. She was also the ESE Coordinator. When the opportunity to teach Middle School Math and ESE pull-out at Saint Ambrose
opened up, she was eager to be back to working with middle schoolers as well as small groups.
When she is not working with students, Ms. Kari at the beach with her 2 sons, Braydon (18) and Colin (17). She loves music and coffee; with the two combined she will be in her happy place for hours. Ms. Kari is looking forward to an incredible year here at St. Ambrose!
Grs. 6th-8th Math
K-8 ESE Pull-out
KSaifman-Price@stambrosecs.org
Ms. Kari was born and raised here in South Florida. She attended University of South Florida in Tampa and earned a B.S in Elementary Education. For 19 years she worked in public schools in Central Florida and North Miami Beach as a teacher. In 2017, she moved into a Title 1 position at another Catholic school in Hollywood. In 2020, she began to teach middle school Math and Science. She was also the ESE Coordinator. When the opportunity to teach Middle School Math and ESE pull-out at Saint Ambrose
opened up, she was eager to be back to working with middle schoolers as well as small groups.
When she is not working with students, Ms. Kari at the beach with her 2 sons, Braydon (18) and Colin (17). She loves music and coffee; with the two combined she will be in her happy place for hours. Ms. Kari is looking forward to an incredible year here at St. Ambrose!
Mrs. Tara Torres, 8th Grade Homeroom
Grs. 6th-8th Language Arts and Literature
TTorres@stambrosecs.org
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Magna Cum Laude, Golden Key National Honor Society
Certification: Elementary Education 1-6; Catechist Certification
Mrs. Torres is very excited to join the Saint Ambrose family. This will be her 25th year teaching for the
Archdiocese of Miami. Mrs. Torres has taught Kindergarten, 5th Grade and Middle School ELA,
Literature and Religion. She most recently stepped in as Interim Principal at her prior school for the last
several months of the school year.
What does Mrs. Torres like to do in her spare time?? Mrs. Torres loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially traveling to wherever the next adventure leads them! In her free time, you will find her in her happy place at the beach! Event planning, cooking/baking, and floral arranging are also among her favorite hobbies.
Mrs. Torres is looking forward to an amazing year ahead teaching middle school and connecting with our Saint Ambrose family.
Why Catholic Schools?
I believe that God gives each one of us a vocation, and mine is to educate our children in all of the core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies, but most importantly, our Catholic Faith. It is important that our youth understands the great love God has for each one of us. As an educator, first and foremost, it is my job to teach our “children of God” how to be kind and loving human beings. It is my privilege to be able to instill my faith and love for God on a daily basis with these “children of God”
Grs. 6th-8th Language Arts and Literature
TTorres@stambrosecs.org
Degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Education, Magna Cum Laude, Golden Key National Honor Society
Certification: Elementary Education 1-6; Catechist Certification
Mrs. Torres is very excited to join the Saint Ambrose family. This will be her 25th year teaching for the
Archdiocese of Miami. Mrs. Torres has taught Kindergarten, 5th Grade and Middle School ELA,
Literature and Religion. She most recently stepped in as Interim Principal at her prior school for the last
several months of the school year.
What does Mrs. Torres like to do in her spare time?? Mrs. Torres loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially traveling to wherever the next adventure leads them! In her free time, you will find her in her happy place at the beach! Event planning, cooking/baking, and floral arranging are also among her favorite hobbies.
Mrs. Torres is looking forward to an amazing year ahead teaching middle school and connecting with our Saint Ambrose family.
Why Catholic Schools?
I believe that God gives each one of us a vocation, and mine is to educate our children in all of the core subjects such as math, language arts, science, and social studies, but most importantly, our Catholic Faith. It is important that our youth understands the great love God has for each one of us. As an educator, first and foremost, it is my job to teach our “children of God” how to be kind and loving human beings. It is my privilege to be able to instill my faith and love for God on a daily basis with these “children of God”
