Faculty & Staff

Co-owner: CHEC Director

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.”

Contact: info@checacademy.com

Co-owner: Director of Operations

The Director of Operations manages the school 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 program and ensures our students are preparing themselves for STEM careers if that is their area of interest.

Contact: info@checacademy.com

Head of School

A native South Floridian, Carissa Werder holds a BA in Education from Stetson University and a Master’s in Teaching Mathematics from Florida Atlantic University. She spent 20 years in Broward County Public Schools before the COVID season led her and husband, Matt, into the world of homeschooling. A lifelong learner with a heart for education and educators, she has served CHEC in a variety of roles—subbing across all grade levels, teaching Junior High and High School electives, and now stepping into the role of Head of School. Known for her encouraging spirit and candid approach, Carissa strives to make teaching and learning engaging and joyful. She’s often spotted with a smile—especially at the dismissal car line! 

Contact: carissa.werder@checpalmbeach.com

Scholarship & Registration Processor

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. 

Contact: info@checacademy.com

Day Manager

Christy is originally from Michigan.  She made the move to Florida in 1997 to attend Palm Beach Atlantic College. Theatrical and dance productions played a major role in her studies.  In 2001 she graduated with a major in Biblical Studies and a minor in Dance Arts. 

Christy and her husband Bob were married in 2002 and have since raised 4 children.  All of her children have been homeschooled at some point in their education and all of them were involved in CHEC during its inaugural year!

Contact: christy.garnett@checpalmbeach.com

Junior High/High School Math Teacher

Giuliana has had a passion for working with children since a young age! She attended the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education (Go Gators!). She is Endorsed in Reading, ESOL, Teacher Leadership, and Instructional Coaching. 

After graduating from the University of Florida, Giuliana wanted to experience “big city life” and moved to Atlanta, GA where she was a First Grade Teacher for 3 years and then a K-5 Math Interventionist for 3 years. During her time teaching in GA, she took on numerous leadership roles and learned that she also has a passion working with teachers. After moving to Palm Beach in 2021, Giuliana became an Instructional Math Coach for grades K-7. 

Giuliana lives in West Palm Beach with her husband—Zach, their girls—Giada, Liliana and their dog—Ty! She feels so welcomed into the CHEC Family and is enjoying every second learning more about the world of homeschooling and the positive culture it holds!

Contact: giuliana.sisk@checpalmbeach.com

Junior High/High School Writing Teacher, Junior High/High School History

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.

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.

Contact: laura.bragel@checpalmbeach.com

Junior High/High School Science Teacher

Mary Yearwood has always had a passion for teaching. Raised in Lake Worth, she began early as the oldest helper in her mom’s in-home daycare. After high school and early childhood courses, she worked in local elementary schools while earning her B.A. in Exceptional Student Education, with endorsements in Autism, ESOL, and Reading. With 15 years of experience in Palm Beach County schools, she now homeschools her son and has loved being part of the CHEC community for the past two years. Mary is excited to join the team and connect with students!

Contact: mary.yearwood@checpalmbeach.com

Kindergarten Teacher

From a very young age Patty dreamed of being a teacher and working with children. Following that dream, she graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Palm Beach County until she had children of her own. Patty is passionate about teaching Kindergarten because she sees the benefits teaching children from a young age has such as social, emotional, problem-solving and collaborative skills.

Contact: patricia.giacomino@checpalmbeach.com

Elementary Art Teacher

Hilary was born and raised in Missouri and went to college at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA where she met her husband Aaron.   After getting married in 2008 they moved to northern Virginia where Hilary worked for George W. Bush’s administration.  Later she worked at Virginia International University as an Admissions Counselor and a Program Manager for the School of Business. 

Hilary has been the elementary art teacher at CHEC Academy since 2023 and is excited to bring fun, creative ideas and projects to the classroom.   Hilary incorporates learning scriptures from the Bible with each art project.   She especially loves teaching with the help of her mom, Regina, who volunteers as her art assistant at the Academy.  Hilary lives in Delray Beach with her husband Aaron and homeschools their two young daughters.

Contact: hilary.kozikowski@checpalmbeach.com

Elementary Music Teacher

Chec's elementary students take a traditional music class following a curriculum. Here they learn to read music, learn music combinations, learn traditional school songs and children's music, study classical composers, musical history and musicals, learn beat, rhythms and more. 

Elementary Literature & History Teacher

Annette holds a B.A. in Special Education and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Florida. She holds a Florida teaching certificate in PreK–Primary Education in Florida, with endorsements in Reading, ESOL, and Pre-K Disabilities.

With over 21 years of experience working with children, Annette has served as a classroom teacher, Reading Recovery instructor, Reading Coach, private tutor, and homeschool cooperative leader. She taught in the Palm Beach County School District from 2004 to 2012 and has been homeschooling her three daughters since 2017. Annette is passionate about nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through meaningful connections and hands-on experiences.

Contact: annette.gerlitzappel@checpalmbeach.com

Elementary Sports Teacher

Katia Rodrigues, with over 9 years of experience in physical education, she is one of the founder of Xcell Jiujitsu in Boynton Beach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition in Brazil and combines her knowledge of health with her passion for sports and physical activity . Katia is dedicated to helping homeschoolers develop confidence and strength through engaging physical activities.

Contact: katia.rodrigues@checpalmbeach.com

Elementary STEM Teacher

Contact: samantha.astemborski@checpalmbeach.com

Little CHEC'ers Coordinator

While their older siblings are at “school” little CHEC’ers have options to stay and play with their family in our great preschool rooms. They can spend time together playing and getting fresh air and, at times, even go on adventures around the school to see their big sisters/brothers in class. 

Melissa has been volunteering and working with nursery and preschool children for over 10 years.  Her welcoming smile radiates warmth and love from your first interaction with her. Her family has been at CHEC for 4 years and she loves her role in our preschool rooms and can often be seen taking the young children on “field trips” around campus to see their siblings.