Faculty and Staff
Evelyn Umana, Director
Mrs. Evelyn, a native of El Salvador and long-time Miami resident, brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She pursued studies in Early Childhood Education at Nova Southeastern University and has dedicated her career to nurturing young learners in Miami. For over a decade, she has served as a respected preschool director, recognized for her leadership, warmth, and dedication to quality education.
For the past five years, Evelyn has been proud to serve at St. Andrew’s, where she has helped build a strong community of families and children. She is passionate about preserving values and fostering knowledge that will guide the next generation. Evelyn’s strength lies in creating a loving, supportive environment where children can thrive and teachers feel empowered. She is especially recognized for her talent in observation, innovation, and cultivating a learning community that meets the needs of every child.
EUmana@StAndrewsMiami.org 305-238-2161
Sonia Nieves, VPK Teacher
Sonia Nieves was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has lived in various cities across the United States as the spouse of an Army officer. She holds an Early Childhood Education Certification from Washington, D.C., along with Early Childhood Credentials from the State of North Carolina. Sonia began her career in early childhood education in Atlanta, Georgia, as an educational assistant and later became a lead teacher in Fayetteville, North Carolina. In 2020, Sonia relocated to Miami, where she became a certified VPK teacher with a Bilingual CDA Certification. She is currently pursuing her Professional Certification in the Fundamentals of Neurodivergence from Florida State University. This year, Sonia joined Saint Andrew’s Learning Center with great enthusiasm, bringing her passion for teaching and nurturing children as they grow and learn. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, cooking, collecting vintage dolls, and watching Hallmark movies.
Marcela Rascon, Teacher
Mrs. Marcela has worked as a teacher with 3 year olds, as well as with children in VPK and kindergarten. She has done this in both traditional style institutions and Montessori. She was born in California and raised in Mexico, which has helped her integrate the best of both cultures. She recently moved to Miami where she feels welcomed and excited.
She is creative, enthusiastic, and a devoted teacher to the children, always looking to attend to the specific needs and interests of the child as one, and also as a group. It is important to her to encourage the children to be independent, kind, and happy. Her goal is to create an environment that is fun for the children, but that also promotes confidence, safety, trust, and creativity.
Belinda Verdury, Teacher
Mrs. Belinda has 8 years of experience in early childhood education. She believes it is her high level of enthusiasm that contributes most significantly to creating a positive learning environment. She has earned her Florida Child Care Professional Credential and complies with all requirements of the Department of Children and Families.
ELC Board of Trustees 2025-2026
Reverend Spencer Potter, Rector
Alice Quarles, Chair
Cyd Heyliger-Brown
Miggie Griffith
Frederique Vabre
Pat Williams
Kevin Grace
John Zeien
Holly Jarrell