Meet the Team
Mrs. Lauren Sands, M.Ed.
Founder of The Sands Academy / Director
Meet Mrs. Lauren—our founder, director, and heart behind The Sands Academy!
With over 15 years of experience working with diverse learners—including students with autism, ADHD, developmental delays, and ESOL needs—Mrs. Lauren brings deep expertise and lived experience to every corner of our school. She graduated magna cum laude from Ashford University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Political Science, and later earned her Master’s in Education with a focus on reading literacy and instruction. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at University of Miami.
As a Certified Autism Specialist, play-based practitioner, and proud neurodivergent parent, Lauren created The Sands Academy to be a place where all children feel safe, included, and empowered to learn in ways that honor their individuality. and neurotype. Whether she’s supporting families, guiding staff, or advocating for policy change, she leads with compassion, creativity, and a fierce commitment to inclusion.
Mr. Stephen Sands
Maintenance
Meet Mr. Stephen—our behind-the-scenes hero and keeper of the play yard!
Mr. Stephen Sands may be quiet, but his impact is loud and clear. As our maintenance man and outdoor caretaker, Stephen makes sure everything at The Sands Academy runs smoothly and safely—from repairing classroom essentials to keeping the play yard clean, fun, and ready for action.
A steady and calming presence, Mr. Stephen takes great pride in supporting our students and staff in quiet, meaningful ways. Whether he’s fixing what’s broken or building what’s needed, he’s always working hard to help create a joyful, well-kept space where kids can learn and play freely.
We’re grateful for all the ways Mr. Stephen helps keep the magic going—one task, one tool, and one smile at a time.
Mrs. Kate Gaul
Part-Time Hybrid School Administrator
Meet Mrs. Kate—administrator, coach, and chaos coordinator!
Mrs. Kate Gaul brings a unique blend of leadership, compassion, and hands-on experience to her new role as Administrator at The Sands Academy. A dedicated advocate for students and families, she has a background in education that includes paraprofessional training, lead teacher at The Sands Academy, and service as a trusted substitute teacher in Volusia County Schools.
In addition to her administrative duties, Mrs. Gaul is known for her mentorship as a softball coach and her ability to connect with students in meaningful, empowering ways. As a devoted mother, she brings a nurturing presence and a deep understanding of the importance of community and care in education. Her commitment to neuroinclusive practices and her proactive support of both staff and students make her an invaluable part of our leadership team. We are honored to have her guiding our school community forward!
Ms. Maggie Sorge
Full-Time Administrator and Hub Program Director
Meet Ms. Maggie—our full-time administrator and Director of The Hub!
Ms. Maggie Sorge serves as our full-time Administrator and Hub Program Director, bringing a powerful blend of professionalism, empathy, and innovation to The Sands Academy. With a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from UCF and a background in administrative roles at companies like Sykes and Frontier, she offers strong organizational leadership paired with a deep understanding of systems and structure.
As a parent of neurodivergent children, Ms. Maggie brings lived experience and a heartfelt commitment to creating a calm, co-regulated, and neuroinclusive environment for all students. In addition to her leadership role, she also serves as a tutor, supporting students academically while fostering trust and confidence. Ms. Maggie’s ability to lead with both heart and clarity makes her a cornerstone of our team, and we are grateful for the warmth, structure, and support she brings to our community every day.
Ms. Arlisa Pertiller
Kindergarten and Fourth Grade Teacher
Meet Ms. Arlisa—our game-based learning guru and positive classroom force!
Ms. Arlisa Perliter is entering her second year at The Sands Academy, bringing joy, creativity, and determination into every corner of the classroom. A master of gamified learning, Ms. Arlisa is known for turning academics into adventures, making lessons come alive for students of all learning styles. She is currently pursuing her studies in Education and American Sign Language at Daytona State College and is serving this year as a student teacher in 4th grade under the mentorship of our founder, Lauren Sands.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Arlisa is a dedicated single mother of five, an active member of her church, and a proud contributor to her community. Her work ethic, warmth, and positive energy inspire both students and staff alike. We are honored to have Ms. Arlisa as part of our teaching team, where she continues to grow as an educator while being a powerful, uplifting presence in our school family.
Mrs. Yomara Mojica
First & Second/Third Grade Teacher
Meet Ms. Yomara—our vibrant, movement-loving educator who brings music, rhythm, and heart into the classroom!
Originally from Puerto Rico, Ms. Yomara recently relocated to Deltona, FL, and brings with her over a decade of classroom experience, a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and a passion for building strong relationships with students and families.
Known for singing and dancing her way through lessons, Ms. Yomara uses movement and routine to create a joyful, structured environment where students feel safe, motivated, and loved. With a gentle but firm approach, she teaches her students the value of hard work, kindness, and consistency. In addition to her role as a lead teacher, Ms. Yomara also teaches our Spanish I elective—sharing language and culture in fun, interactive ways.
She’s excited to help build a strong, connected community at The Sands Academy this year!
Ms. Laura Andrews
Middle School / High School Teacher
Meet Ms. Laura—science-lover, Army veteran, active National Guard, and nurturing builder of resilient learners!
Ms. Laura is thrilled to be partnering with The Sands Academy, where she brings a one-of-a-kind blend of gentleness, consitency, academic knowledge, and personal grit to the classroom. She began her educational journey at Florida International University as an Early Childhood Education major before answering the call to serve in the U.S. Army in 2006. After nearly a decade of active-duty service, she returned to her studies and earned her degree in Exercise Science, with an emphasis in Physiology and Chemistry.
Now, she’s channeling her love of math and science into shaping curious, confident learners. Known for her ability to build teamwork and resilience in her students, Ms. Laura fosters a classroom culture where challenges are embraced and effort is celebrated. When she’s not inspiring young minds at The Sands Academy, you’ll find her at the gym or spending quality time with her two sons.
We’re so excited for the focus, creativity, and drive she brings to our community!
Mrs. Robin Randall
Art Teacher and Assistant Teacher
Meet Mrs. Robin—our resident artist, co-regulation expert, and creative force behind the scenes!
As a mother of three and a passionate educator, Mrs. Robin brings both heart and talent to everything she does at The Sands Academy. She leads our art classes with thoughtfulness and flair, often weaving together literature, culture, and history to create meaningful, multidimensional experiences for her students. Her artistic eye and love for storytelling help students express themselves in powerful and imaginative ways.
In addition to teaching art, Mrs. Robin also serves as an assistant teacher, providing invaluable support in the classroom. She’s especially skilled at co-regulation and gamified education, helping students stay engaged, calm, and connected throughout the day.
We’re grateful for the creativity, compassion, and steady presence Mrs. Robin brings to our school family!
Ms. Natalie Padron
Cohort Teacher and Young Engineers Teacher
Meet Ms. Natalie – Our Vibrant Cohort Teacher at The Hub!
Ms. Natalie is our lead co-hort teacher for our full-time students at The Hub. Our students love her energy, creativity, and heart.
Ms. Natalie holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida International University and is trained in child development, inclusive learning, play-based strategies, and safety crisis management. She brings a perfect blend of knowledge and warmth to everything she does.
With a background in both clinical and educational settings, Ms. Natalie has a calm, holistic approach to behavior support and always leads with compassion. She’s also trained in project-based learning and loves turning everyday lessons into exciting, hands-on adventures. From arts and crafts to collaborative projects, her classroom is a place where imagination and learning go hand-in-hand. Her joy is contagious, and her classroom is full of creativity, connection, and lots of smiles!