About Us
"The Marian Center is a place of beauty and peace. While walking on its property you find unexpected treasures. Some of them need to be cured because of age or illness, and need the hands of a good arbor culturist. We found him! It costs something, but who has the heart to neglect such need? God's creation deserves the best."
- Sr. Lucia -
Her vision, principles, and her dedication
What Marian center is today cannot be separated from the influences of Sister Lucia. She did so much more than that. Her vision, her principles. and her dedication remains fundamental to who we are and how we operate in today's society.
"This was our calling... God, through the Catholic Church of Miami, and the Archbishop's voice, called us. We believed in the call and followed it."
-Sr. Lucia
Our Mission
The mission of the Marian Center is to educate and empower persons with diverse abilities, and nurture them to wholeness, following the Gospel and the Church's call to love, charity and justice.
Over 50 Years Strong
In 1963 Archbishop Coleman Carroll envisioned a school whose primary purpose was to serve those with developmental disabilities throughout the Diocese. The Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo was the congregation most renowned within Italy for its work with people with developmental disabilities. The Marian Center was the first endeavor to be operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph Cottolengo outside of Europe.
The first classes at the Marian Center began in September 1964 and were held in the Convent, then the only building on the beautiful 50 acre property that had previously consisted of mountains of wild grass and trash.
In March 1965 a new school building was dedicated on the grounds, in the summer of 1966 the swimming pool and adjacent locker-rooms were inaugurated, in 1968 the Multi-Purpose Building was dedicated, in 1971 the Cottage, and in 1979 the Workshop (now the Adult Day Training).
Eleven Sisters traveled to Miami from Italy on October 21, 1963:
Sisters Lucia, Consolata, Enrichetta, Giuseppina, Carla, Paola, Ada, Enrica, Maria, Giovanna, and Giuliana.
Marian Center is currently under the leadership of Sister Lidia Valli, who came from Italy in 1996. There is also a specialized and caring staff of professional teachers, aids, therapists, and support staff.
Since the beginning, the Sisters of St. Joseph B. Cottolengo, have worked with a large group of highly qualified and trained staff members who have helped keep the vision alive.
Marian Center Today
The Marian Center today includes: a fully-accredited School for students 6-21; an Adult Day Training and Work Program; a full-time residential Cottage for women.
Each of these programs welcomes students of all races, religions, and background and provides financial aid to all those who qualify. Currently, over 80% of the student population receives some form of assistance.
Meet The Sisters
Sister Lidia Valli
Principal/Executive Director
Sister Fausta Rondena
Residential Assistant
Sister Filomena Mastrangelo
Director of Residential Services
Sister Mary Ellen Doyle
Religion Teacher
Meet The Faculty
Coach Gloria Oyarzun
Physical Education and Special Olympics Coach
Mr. Ralph Dovidio
Music Teacher
Ms. Elena DiCiccio
School Teacher
Mrs. Ida L. Dawson
School Teacher's Assistant
Johnnie Brown
Educational Consultant
Ms. Josianne Stewart
Residential Assistant
Ms. Sylvia Woods
Residential Assistant
Mr. Cliff Gibson
MCAT (Marian Center Action Team) Treasurer
Mrs. Toni Acocella
MCAT (Marian Center Action Team) President
Mr. Servilio Pico-Reina
Property Manager
Mr. Steve Williams
Maintenance Assistant
Vivian Campa
Housekeeper
Mrs. Nelvis Alvarez
Housekeeper
Monica Martinez
Housekeeper
Edna Dixon
Chef
Ilse Valdes
Dietary Assistant
Mr. Calvin Randle
Dietary Assistant
Ms. Barbara Psinakis
Adult Day Training Director
Mrs. Maite Roca
Adult Day Training ART Coordinator
Mrs. Debhar Daily
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Gloria Gordon
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Urzula Bednarek
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Sandra Green
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Carol Kilgellon
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Erica Brooks-John
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Barbara Morgan
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Ms. Celia Rodriguez
Adult Day Training Coordinator
Mrs. Claudia Molina
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Maria Amador
Adult Day Training Supervisor
Mrs. Lisa Moore
School Secretary
Meet The Boards
Our Current Members
Mr. Sean M. Clancy
Mr. John F (Bud) Farrey
Mrs. Maria Fogarty
Mr. Tom Przybojewski
Mr. William Kent
Mr. David M. Long
Sr. Lidia Valli
Sr. Filomena Mastrangelo
Sr. Fausta Rondena
Mr. Julian Rubio
Mrs. Toni Acocella
Mrs. Sudi Bredemeyer
Marian Center Action Team
The MCAT, is made up of parents and staff members who collaborate together, to not only help the Marian Center fulfill their mission but to give extracurricular activities and experiences to the students and clients. We are always looking for new ideas and a fresh perspective. And welcome all who are interested to join us.
For more information please contact:
Mrs. Toni Acocella
Our Auxiliary Members
The Marian Center Auxiliary is a group of volunteers committed to raising funds needed to help support the mission of the Marian Center. The auxiliary hosts social events throughout the Miami-Dade area and have built a community of supporters who truly believe in the cause of the Marian Center
For more information please contact:
Mrs. Toni Acocella
