Alumni Spotlights

Aismaray Haro earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Florida Atlantic University in 2024. She is currently the Director of an Early Childhood Center in Boca Raton, leading more than 25 teachers and supporting over 150 students. In her role, she trains staff to implement curriculum effectively and meet the needs of a diverse student population.

Aismaray’s favorite memory from the program was collaborating with peers and working closely with professors on curriculum design projects. She valued taking ideas from discussion to practice, seeing how theory could be applied in real lessons, and experiencing the power of teamwork and mentorship in shaping effective learning experiences.

She credits her FAU experience with providing the deep knowledge of curriculum and instructional strategies needed to lead a high-quality early childhood program. Her advice to new students is to ask questions, use faculty as a resource, stay organized, remain open-minded, and persist through challenges. To those entering the teaching profession, she emphasizes remembering why you chose this path, leading with heart, seeking guidance, and never losing sight of the difference you can make in children’s lives.

Dr. Brian M. McMahon is the Director of Accountability and Research for the School District of Indian River County and a two-time Florida Atlantic University alumnus, earning an MEd in Educational Leadership in 2007 and a PhD in Curriculum in 2018. He oversees data visualizations and reporting, information services, artificial intelligence initiatives, assessment systems, internal and external research, and the district IRB. His work sits at the nexus of research and practice. He has led the design of integrated data systems and Early Warning models that turn rigorous evidence into timely, actionable supports for students and schools. Under his leadership, the district rose from 38th in 2018–2019 to 5th in 2024–2025 statewide, a shift powered by aligning data, technology, and policy to improve outcomes. His doctoral training in qualitative statistics and literature review sharpened his ability to evaluate complex outcomes and synthesize broad evidence into clear narratives that inform district strategy. His advice to current doctoral students is to use the program to clarify their professional identity as researcher, practitioner, or educator while pairing disciplined focus with a willingness to refine direction. He encourages doctoral students while they’re in the program to test their ideas, build depth, and cultivate habits that balance expertise with perspective. In his experience, bringing authenticity and clarity to the work makes it easier to lead change, build partnerships, and improve outcomes for others. Connect with Brian McMahon on LinkedIn.

Keri Andres earned her Bachelor’s degree in English Education from Florida Atlantic University in 2019 and is currently pursuing her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, which she began in Spring 2025. She serves as a teacher and instructional lead at Spanish River High School, where she combines her passion for teaching with a commitment to guiding colleagues and shaping instructional practices. Her favorite memory from FAU’s College of Education was building lifelong friendships while persevering through the challenges of her bachelor’s program. She is especially grateful to professors such as Dr. Klein and Traci Cato, whose guidance and support were instrumental to her success. Keri credits her FAU experience with helping her discover her voice and purpose, as well as uncovering the leader within herself through active involvement in campus life. Her advice to new students is to stay open-minded, get involved, and take advantage of every opportunity for growth and discovery. To those entering the teaching profession, she emphasizes the importance of balance: caring for yourself so you can bring your best self to the classroom and inspire your students.