Meet the Team
Mrs. Lauren Sands, M.Ed.
Founder of The Sands Academy & Third Grade Teacher
Lauren graduated magna cum laude at Ashford University, receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in English with a minor in Political Science and Government. She continued to study at Ashford, receiving her Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in reading literacy and instruction. She is currently a Ph.D student at NSU.
Lauren has over 15 years’ experience teaching different populations, including children with neurological differences, autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, developmental delays, and ESOL learners. She also has experience teaching in behavioral health settings and foster settings. She is dedicated to making life-long learners by cultivating a love of learning with her students.
Her goal is to create an inclusive environment where all kids are welcome to learn!
Mrs. Pamela Spence
Administrator
Pamela Spence works hard and is dedicated to all the families here at The Sands Academy. She is a Deltona local who enjoys riding her bike, kayaking, and spending time with her family. She is a CPR/First Aid instructor and always knows what to do if there’s an emergency! She ensures all of our teachers are supported, our families are taken care of, and makes our little school house feel like a home.
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386-241-7952
Mrs. Yomara Mojica
First & Second Grade Teacher
Meet Ms. Yomara! Ms. Yomara is from Puerto Rico and recently moved to Deltona, FL. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Education, with over 10 years of experience working in the classroom, fostering relationships with her community, and making a difference. Ms. Yomara is also our Spanish 1 elective teacher! She is excited to create a community with her students this year at The Sands Academy!
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Mrs. Melody Bradley
Fourth & Fifth Grade Teacher
Meet Ms. Melody! Melody has a Bachelor’s in Science from FSU with over 18 years of experience teaching. Melody enjoys making her curriculum hands-on, accessible, and incorporates Montessori teaching philosophy into her classroom. Outside of the classroom, you can find her spending time with her family, focusing on holistic healing, and building relationships with the community. We are excited to have Melody on our team!
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Ms. Laura Andrews
Middle School Teacher
Meet Ms. Laura! Laura is so excited to be partnering with The Sands Academy. Laura briefly attended Florida International University as an Early Childhood Education major. Her time there was cut short when she left college to join the Army in 2006. She spent almost 10 years as an active-duty Soldier. After leaving the Army, she finished her degree in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Physiology and Chemistry. She is so excited to share her love of math and science with young minds. If she’s not at The Sands Academy, she is with her 2 sons or at the gym. We are excited for the energy and creativity Laura will bring to The Sands Academy!
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Mrs. Kate Gaul
Teacher's Assistant
Mrs. Kate Gaul brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team as both a skilled softball coach and a compassionate educator. With a strong commitment to supporting students, she completed her paraprofessional training and previously served as a substitute teacher for Volusia County Schools. Outside of her professional life, Mrs. Gaul is a devoted mom who brings the same care and dedication to her family as she does to her role. Her enthusiasm and experience make her an invaluable member of our staff, and we are thrilled to have her with us!
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Ms. Arlisa Pertiller
Teacher's Assistant
Ms. Arlisa is a dedicated mother of five and a passionate educator with a deep commitment to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments. With training in systematic phonics instruction and neuroinclusive game-based teaching, she brings a thoughtful and intuitive approach to her work. Known for her compassion and self-driven nature, Ms. Arlisa inspires those around her to cultivate a love for reading and learning. An avid reader herself, she continually seeks new ways to support her students’ growth, making her a valued and inspiring member of our community.
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