Faculty & Staff Directory
Meet Our Principal
Ms. Raiza Buie
Raiza is the Director of Baycrest Academy for Creative Learning. She studied at the University of South Florida (USF) and Hillsborough Community College (HCC) and also earned a Certificate in Accounting from the University of Alabama. In addition, she holds both a Director’s Credential and a Child Development Associate (CDA).
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With eight years of experience in early childhood education and five years working with children and families with diverse learning needs, Raiza is passionate about creating an inclusive, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. When her family adopted the Academy during the COVID-19 pandemic, she fell in love with the community and committed herself to its success. Under her leadership, Baycrest has grown into one united campus, combining the long-standing child care center with the Academy to serve children of all ages.
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Raiza is also a proud mom of three—two daughters, ages 12 and 13, and a son who attends the University of Iowa as a wide receiver . Her experience as both an educator and a parent inspires her dedication to building strong partnerships with families.
Charlotte Burden
Ms. Burden has been an educator for over 25 years, beginning my career in the public school district before moving into private education. For the past 8 years, I have specialized in teaching students with special needs at the middle school level, where I have taught a variety of academic subjects.
Throughout my career, I have served as a team teacher, tutor, and mentor, always striving to support students both academically and personally. I also worked with the University of South Florida’s Upward Bound Program as a residential counselor and tutor for 10 summers, and with the College Reach Out Program. In addition, I gained valuable experience at Nova Southeastern University, serving in Student Services and Enrollment.
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Education & Credentials:
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Master’s Degree in Education/Curriculum & Instruction – Nova Southeastern University
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Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology – Bethune-Cookman University
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Certifications: Social Science – Middle Grades, Gifted Endorsement, ESOL Training
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Additional Training: CPR & Intervention Training
Meet Our Founders
Mitchell and Carmen Echevarria
Mitchell and Carmen Echevarria are the proud founders of Baycrest Academy Child Care Center, which has served the community for more than 20 years. As pastors of Family of Faith Church for over two decades, they have dedicated their lives to supporting children, families, and the community through both faith and education. Their vision has always been to create a safe, nurturing, and family-centered environment where children can learn and grow with confidence.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, their commitment grew even stronger as they adopted Baycrest Academy for Creative Learning to ensure children and staff would not lose the school they had come to rely on. Today, their leadership and values continue to guide the Academy as it merges with the long-standing child care center to create one united campus. Their legacy of compassion, resilience, and faith remains at the heart of Baycrest Academy, ensuring that every child and family feels welcomed, supported, and valued.
