Ms. Bonawitz is a native Floridian who grew up in Pembroke Pines and has been teaching since 1993. Although she is new to Academic Village, she has been a member of PPCS since 2012.  Ms. Bonawitz began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Broward County. Since then, she has been a Reading Coach in both elementary and middle school. In addition, she has taught Social Studies and Reading in grades 6-8. Ms. Bonawitz enjoys boating, crafting, and spending time with her family. She graduated from FIU and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her certification in Reading.

Jennifer Carson has been teaching since 2004 and is one of the founding faculty members of the Academic Village Middle School.  Mrs. Carson began her teaching career in Canada as a high school Social Studies and English teacher focused on the at-risk population. Currently, Mrs. Carson is the 8th grade Cambridge English teacher.  She also teaches the Debate program, including the 6th grade elective wheel.  Mrs. Carson lives to travel to places like Tanzania, Ireland, and Hawaii while reading anything she can get her hands on.  Mrs. Carson has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and History, along with a Professional Degree in Education from the University of Ottawa.

Deborah Carvajal has been teaching since 2010 and is one of the founding faculty members of the Academic Village Middle School.  Mrs. Carvajal began her career teaching World Religions and Drama to middle and high school students. Currently, Mrs. Carvajal is the Drama teacher.  Her energetic and passionate personality flows outside the classroom as she sings and performs with her husband at their local church.  Mrs. Carvajal is also a vocal coach at her husband's music school.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and minor in Musical Theater from Valparaiso University.

Jeana Diaz has been teaching since 2004 and began her journey at the Academic Village Middle School in Fall 2015.  Mrs. Diaz began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Miami-Dade County. Currently, Ms. Diaz is the 6th grade Reading & Critical Thinking Skills Teacher.  Besides enjoying her experience at charter, Mrs. Diaz loves to spend time with her husband and two girls. Mrs. Diaz holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Reading from Barry University.

Gustavo Gil has been teaching since 2006 and began his journey at the Academic Village Middle School in Fall 2015.  Mr. Gil began his career teaching Social Studies in Miami-Dade County Schools.  Mr. Gil currently teaches 8th grade US History and the 6th grade Research class.  He enjoys mountain biking and traveling with his wife and two children.  Mr. Gil holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Studies Education from Florida International University.

Rebecca Lewis has been teaching since 2013 and is one of the founding faculty members of the Academic Village Middle School.  Ms. Lewis began her teaching career as a middle school Language Arts teacher and has worked closely with ESE, Gifted, and ESOL students.  Currently, Ms. Lewis is the 6th grade Language Arts teacher.  She has a passion for art and enjoys reading mystery novels.  Dr. Lewis has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.  In addition, Dr. Lewis was recognized with her Ph.D. at her alma mater with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction in Multicultural Education.

Mrs. O'Connor started her journey at AVM in the Fall of 2021, but has been in education since 1995.  She is currently our 8th grade Science and 6th grade STEM teacher.  She has taught K-12 Science in a number of settings, including with ESE, Gifted, and ESOL populations.  Mrs. O'Connor has a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Miami and Master's in Medical Lab Sciences from Florida International University. Throughout her lengthy career in Science education, Mrs. O'Connor has enjoyed preparing students for a variety of science competitions encouraging the students to create a passion for the subject.  Outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Lady Pino is a Spanish teacher with twelve years of teaching experience.  Mrs. Pino graduated from Montclair State University with a Language Arts/Spanish degree.  Mrs. Pino is continuing her teaching career at our Academic Village Middle School.  Prior to joining Pembroke Pines Charter School, Mrs. Pino was a teacher at the Morristown NJ school district.  Mrs. Pino is highly committed to the education of her students and takes pride in teaching in dynamic, creative and inclusive ways.  Mrs. Pino is a passionate supporter of language arts and cultural diversity.  Outside of school Mrs. Pino enjoys painting, crafts and spending quality time with her family.