Aski-“Melik” Brown is the proud Principal of The Mighty Union Park Middle School. He attended the University of Central Florida (UCF) and received his Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English Literature. He earned his Masters of Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
Principal Brown has served in education for over 20 years, beginning as a Reading and Language Arts Support Teacher for 6 years in Alternative Education; an American Literature and AP Literature teacher for 4 years in the School District of Osceola County as well as an Academic and Administrative for 2 years, also in in the School District of Osceola County. In 2014 he returned to OCPS as High School Testing Coordinator for 2 years. In 2016 he was appointed Assistant Principal and served at Maitland Middle School (3 years), Union Park Middle School, (1 year), and Dr. Phillips High School, (1 year). In 2021 he was appointed Principal of Maitland Middle School (3 years), and now he returns to Union Park Middle as Principal.
Principal Brown enjoys being with his family, his wife and 2 sons. He is a talented singer and plays the piano. His favorite past time is watching HGTV and working in his yard. He enjoys watching college football as well. He loves to run. You may also see him running to UCF and back, or to UPMS and back.
“It is a great blessing and full circle moment to serve as Principal in the schools that I’ve served as an Assistant Principal. I look forward to building our school community family and bringing out the best in our students and staff.” – Principal Brown
Email: [email protected]
Grace Felipa is the Assistant Principal for Mathematics and Exceptional Special Education for 24 years. She began her career in Tampa, FL as a 2nd and 4th grade teacher. When she moved back to Orlando, she flourished as a 3rd grade teacher & Reading Coach. She started her role as an assistant principal in 2014, where she served both in OCPS and Seminole County Public Schools.
Ms. Felipa’s educational background includes a Bachelor's in Elementary Education from University of South Florida (Go Bulls!) and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Outside of her career, she loves to spend time with her beautiful daughter and two wonderful fur babies. She is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, and she enjoys making handcrafted jewelry.
“Union Park Middle School is a community working together to achieve academic, social and emotional growth for our students. I look forward to working together to positively and successfully navigate our journey for all of our students.” – Ms. Felipa
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Maria Gaspar is the Assistant Principal of Instruction and oversees Language Arts (ELA and Reading). She has served as an educator for twenty-two years (20 years in OCPS). She has experience in elementary and secondary schools. She has served in various roles from the school site as an ELA and Intensive Reading teacher and Instructional Coach to the district office in the Curriculum and Instruction Department. She became and assistant principal in 2020 at the elementary level, serving Pineloch Elementary for four years. She also an adjunct professor and the University of Central Florida.
She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education from Flagler College. She became a UCF Knight and obtained a Master’s in Reading Education. She continued and earn her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, also from UCF.
Dr. Gaspar loves spending quality time with her family, especially her two daughters ages 9 and 11. She enjoys outdoor activities and travel adventures. One of her travel goals is to visit and explore all of the U.S. National Parks with her family.
“I am excited to return to the middle school division to serve at Union Park Middle. With all of the dedicated educators, families, and community members working together to support our students, I know it is going to be a great year!” – Dr. Gaspar
Email: [email protected]
Joel Brown is the proud Dean of Union Park Middle School. Born in the beautiful city of Miami, Dean Brown attended Florida A& M University and received a Bachelor's of Science degree in History. He earned a MBA from Nova Southeastern University and an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Dean Brown has worked as an educator in the state of Florida, specifically Martin and St. Lucie County, since 1999. In 2014, he was afforded the opportunity to work as both an Instructional Coach and Dean. This experience was extremely rewarding. In this role, he was given an opportunity to closely interact with students and effect successful changes in their academic pursuits. In 2022, he joined the Union Park family and continued to serve as the Dean of Students. Dean Brown has worked as a classroom teacher (social studies grades 5-8), served as a delegate for various workshops, and facilitated staff trainings regarding classroom management strategies.
Dean Brown is the proud father of both a college graduate and student. His daughter, Jailyn, graduated with honors from the Florida A&M University School of Nursing and son, Joel III, is in the process of completing his studies at Indian River State College. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.. When Dean Brown isn’t mentoring young men and women, he moonlights as a professional bassist with several different tribute bands. He also enjoys watching SciFi flicks and working out at the gym.
"I am anticipating great success and a strong push to become one of the premier middle schools in Orange County. We are faced with developing unconventional teaching methods that must inspire, influence, and transcend the mind of the twenty-first century student. We will do it. Union Park is the Place to "B!"
- Dean Brown
Email: [email protected]
Cindy Peterson is the Testing Coordinator and ELA/Reading Coach. She has served as an educator for 28 years, all of which has been in OCPS. She has experience in both elementary and secondary schools. She has taught in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade and been an instructional coach for the last 10 years.
Mrs. Peterson received her undergraduate degree in education from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights) and her master’s degree in education from Nova Southeastern University.
Outside of teaching, Mrs. Peterson loves spending time with her family and friends. She spends most of her free time with her husband and her two children. She also enjoys traveling and working on home improvement projects.
“I am looking forward to another great school year at Union Park Middle School and developing positive relationships with all of our teachers and students.” – Mrs. Peterson
Email: [email protected]
Angie Yowler is the Math Instructional Coach and Lead Mentor
of new teachers at UPMS. This is her 20th year as an educator, all in OCPS. Ms.
Yowler has experience in both elementary and secondary schools teaching grades
2nd - 8th. She has been a Math Instructional Coach for the past 10 years.
Ms. Yowler earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary
Education K-6 from California University of Pennsylvania and her Master’s
Degree in Mathematics Education from Walden University.
Ms. Yowler enjoys spending time with family and friends and
her fur-baby, Niko. She also loves Zumba classes!
“I am looking forward to another successful school year at UPMS.
We have the most amazing students and staffulty!”
Email: [email protected]
Sonia Barcelo is the
Lead School Counselor. She works with 8th grade students
and 6th graders with last names beginning with L-Z.
Ms. Barcelo has been teaching since 1991 and has taught reading, language arts,
social studies, and business education. She has also been a school
counselor since 2000 and worked for 10 years as a district instructional coach
for the Multilingual department at OCPS.
Ms. Barcelo graduated
from Rider University with a bachelor's degree in education, she obtained
a master's degree in education from the University of Hartford and
earned her educational leadership at Stetson University.
Ms. Barcelo loves
anything having to do with being outside on the water, be it fishing, crabbing,
boogie boarding, or just hanging out in the pool. She loves football (Go
Jaguars!) and played on a flag football team in college. She even
considered trying out for the WNFL!
"We all have a role
in a student's success- teachers, deans, administrators, paraprofessionals, and
counselors are just a few of the parts that UPMS plays in supporting our
students. When working together with families and the community, there's
nothing our students can't achieve!" -Ms. Barcelo
Email: [email protected]
Wendy Griffin is the School Counselor serving all 7th
grade students and 6th grade students with last names beginning with
letters A-L. As a native Floridian growing up in Central Florida’s Space coast,
she began her professional career in school counseling in Broward County Public
Schools. There, she opened Riverglades Elementary School in Parkland and transitioned
with her administrator to a middle school in Pompano Beach. In Orange County
Public Schools, she has served in many roles: parent volunteer, substitute
teacher, Elementary School Counselor, Media Specialist, K-8 School Counselor,
High School Counselor, and Middle School Counselor.
Ms. Griffin earned a Bachelor of Health Science in Rehabilitation
Counseling from the University of Florida (UF). Go Gators! She continued at UF to
earn both her Masters and Educational Specialist Degrees in School Counseling
and Guidance.
Her heart is fullest in the rare and precious moments she and
her three sons are together: A Knight, a Gator, and a Veteran Marine. Enjoying
the beach or hiking in the mountains are her happy places. And, the family’s mini
Aussie fills the spaces in between with unconditional love.
“The
opportunity to support, validate, empower, challenge, and equip our students
with tools for the future is inspiring. As we facilitate positive student
growth and hold them to high, achievable standards within our caring school
community, our students will excel on their unique paths to success.” – Ms.
Griffin
Email: [email protected]
Alyssa Casey is a school-based social worker. A Central Florida native, she began her professional career as a social worker for the Orange County Public Defender's Office where she specialized in connecting individuals to community resources and supporting those facing mental health challenges.
Alyssa earned both her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She has a passion for advocating for mental health and is dedicated to supporting young people in her community through social work.
Outside of work, she is an avid fan of both Marvel and DC superheroes and storylines. Alyssa also enjoys spending her time hiking and hanging out with her dog and two cats.
"I am excited to join the dedicated educators, faculty, families, and community of Union Park Middle School and help support, and empower the students to grow and reach their fullest potential!" - Ms. Casey
Email: [email protected]
Giselle Rackley is the SAFE and 504 Coordinator, Access and Opportunity
Mentor Coordinator, Foster Care Designee, Safe Ambassadors and the Restorative
Practices Contact for Union Park Middle School.
Ms. Rackley has been an educator for over 30 years. Her career began as a High School Biology Teacher, then she moved to become a Middle School Science Teacher.
In the middle school setting is where she honed her skills to become a leader. As an Instructional Coach then Dean, she worked to help students on a more personal level. Most recently, her
work supports students as part of the Student Services Team.
Ms. Rackley is a native Floridian. She graduated with her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Central Florida. She also has completed work towards her Education Leadership
Certification at UCF.
She is married and has 2 adult children. In her spare time, she loves to travel, shop, read, go to the beach and volunteer in Orlando and Orange County Communities.
“Everyone has potential to do great things. Just take the first step!" - Ms. Rackley
Email: [email protected]
Sophia Afriani is the Staffing Specialist. She graduated with a
bachelors in Business Administration Marketing from the University of Central
Florida and transitioned to education through Americorp’s Teach for
America. She spent 4 years educating and overseeing compliance for ESE
(Exceptional Student Education) in California before moving to Florida and
becoming a staffing specialist. She later earned her Master’s in Educational
Leadership from the University of Florida and continues to support children and
families within Orange County.
In her free time, she enjoys traveling and
spending time with family. Any opportunity to enjoy the views atop a mountain
she will take it.
“Every year is a new year to see more students and
families get the supports and education they need. This is an exciting time for
everyone but a special one here at Union Park.” -Ms. Afriani
Email: [email protected]
Juan Roman is the Positive Alternative School Suspension (P.A.S.S) Coordinator, Transportation Liaison, and
the Restorative Justice Facilitator here at Union Park Middle School. Mr. Roman
has served in the education field for twenty years. He began his career as an
English teacher for middle and high school level for three years at Colegio
Pentecostal de Arecibo in Puerto Rico. In 2007 he moved to Orlando, Florida and
was an ESOL teacher at Avalon Middle for nine years. In 2016 he became the PASS
Coordinator here in Union Park Middle.
Mr. Roman’s
educational background includes a Bachelor Degree in English as a Secondary Language
K -12 from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico.
Outside of his
career, Mr. Roman loves traveling and spending quality time with his family. He
is also a MARVEL and STAR WARS fan specially The Mandalorian “This is the way”.
“Every
student has the potential to become successful academically and serving the
community in a positive way. I look forward for another great year.”
– Mr.
Roman
Email: [email protected]
Pamela Joseph is
Union Park Middle School’s Librarian/Media Specialist. She is responsible for managing and
maintaining the books, periodicals, teacher resources, as well as assisting our
students in research methods.
Additionally, Ms. Joseph supports the technology our Digital Instruction.
Ms. Joseph earned
her bachelor’s degree in education from Tennessee State University and began
her teaching career immediately thereafter.
She holds Master’s Degrees in both Curriculum & Instruction and
Educational Leadership. She is also a veteran of the United States Army Reserves and
specializes in educational library media science.
Ms. Joseph taught
in the classroom for twenty years before entering her role in the
library/bibliotecha where she has been for the past fifteen years. She is passionate about reading and getting students excited about not only the adventures in books, yet the wealth of information
that can be obtained.
In her personal
time, Ms. Joseph enjoys (you guessed it) reading, surfing the web, watching the
news, listening & dancing to music.
She is a proud mother of two young adults and two canine babies which
bring her the most joy.
“I am very excited to welcome students, staffulty, and community to an exciting year at UPMS. The Media Center awaits." - Ms. Joseph
Email: [email protected]
Ana Bocourt is the ESOL Compliance Specialist at Union Park Middle School
as well as she teaches ELD, DLA-R , and Latinos In Action classes. Mrs. Bocourt
has worked at OCPS schools for 17 years. She came from Cuba where she worked as
a teacher as well for 7 years after graduating at the Higher Pedagogical
Institute in Havana, Cuba. She obtained her
bachelor's degree in English as a Second Language K-12. Later on, Mrs. Bocourt received
her certification in Spanish and Reading.
Mrs. Bocourt's
experience in OCPS has been based in middle school. She’s served at Walker Middle
School for 9 years and the rest at Union Park Middle.
Spending time with her
family and pet is one of her favorite things to do as well as visiting Cuba to
reconnect with her parents and relatives. Gardening and watching historical
period drama have been part of her hobbies lately.
“English Language Learners
can achieve goals successfully in every class when receiving the support
needed, acknowledging their efforts, along with building strong relationships.
I am here to facilitate this.” – Mrs. Bocourt
Email: A[email protected]
Paul Antonelli is the
Athletic Director and a physical education teacher at Union Park Middle School.
Coach Antonelli holds a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Exercise Science and a
master’s degree in Kinesiology. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with
the American College of Sports Medicine and a Certified Sports Nutritionist
with the ISSN.
Having started his
career in the private sector, Coach Antonelli has worked with athletes from the
MLS, NBA, UFC, NFL, and PGA. An accomplished martial artist, Coach Antonelli
has trained, competed, and taught martial arts around the world. He even worked
for the U.S. State Department training foreign allies. On weekends, you might
find him refereeing MMA and Muay Thai throughout the state of Florida.
“I’m very excited to join Union Park Middle
School. The sky is no longer the limit; let’s dream big together!” – Coach
Antonelli
Email: [email protected]