RELATIONSHIPS ARE OUR FOUNDATION AND OUR SUCCESS.
Creating a community where collaboration and success are possible starts with our amazing team.
Astrid Magana
Astrid is an artist and educator based in Florida.
She believes in child-inspired education and the power art has to make learning more meaningful. Astrid has always valued the playful and lighthearted nature of children, for over a decade she has been able to guide her students to strengthen their connection with the natural world while creating works of art, developing their innate curiosity, and building self-confidence through creativity.
Astrid currently teaches an art-integrated curriculum in her 4th-5th class at The Walden School. She holds a Masters in Art Education from the University of Florida and a BA in industrial design from Universidad Iberoamericana, in 2022 she obtained a certification as a green educator from Green Schools Bali.
Ann Marie Hacic
Ann Marie is an experienced educational professional with 20 years of expertise in homeschooling, private, and public school settings. Specializing in language arts and reading, she has a deep passion for helping young learners develop strong literacy skills.
Originally from upstate New York, Ann Marie moved to Florida in 2005 with her four children, where she continues to inspire and educate second and third-graders at The Walden School.
Her wealth of knowledge and commitment to student success has made her a trusted and respected teacher in every setting she’s worked.
NIa Blevins
Miss Nia is the dynamic 6th-8th grade teacher at The Walden School, where she brings her love of theatre into the classroom. Her passion for both education and the arts drives her to inspire her students to think critically, express themselves confidently, and embrace the joy of learning.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Ohio State University, Miss Nia blends her theatrical background with the Montessori method, making learning an engaging, hands-on experience for her students.
Outside of the classroom, she has been actively involved in various theater productions across the city of Orlando and is fueled by her passion for education and the arts. Miss Nia’s ultimate dream is to establish a Montessori-inspired program of her own, blending creativity and learning in a unique way.
Margarita Escobar
Margarita Escobar brings 12 years of experience in education, with a specialized focus on Project-Based Learning (PBL).
Margarita’s work centers on fostering academic excellence through creative problem-solving. She is passionate about using PBL to inspire students to engage deeply with real-world challenges and become active, thoughtful citizens.
In 2024 she joined Walden Community School, where she is excited to align her expertise with the school's mission and vision.
Diane Young
Diane Young is a dedicated AMS Montessori MACTE certified teacher and mentor with over 20 years of experience in education.
Originally from England, at The Walden School, Diane has developed a highly successful Montessori Hybrid program for first and second-grade students. Her program is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, while seamlessly incorporating other educational best practices to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Through her expertise and passion, Diane has made a significant impact on her students’ academic and personal growth, guiding them to become independent, thoughtful, and engaged learners.