Faculty and Staff

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, Paloma Baquerizo holds a Law degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. After working as a Public Defender and an International Contracts Attorney, she moved to Berkeley. Here in the Bay Area she worked in Immigration Law for over 15 years. A firm believer in multilingual immersion programs, she and her husband are raising two trilingual sons. Paloma has seen the benefits of an international education, both in the academic and cultural realms. She is proud to be involved in EBI’s pioneering program where she can bring her experience and enthusiasm.

Nacida y criada en Madrid, España, Paloma Baquerizo es licenciada en Derecho por la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. Después de trabajar como defensora pública y abogada de contratos internacionales en España, se mudó a Berkeley y pasó quince años trabajando en u despacho de derecho de Inmigración.Como firme creyente en los programas de inmersión multilingües, Paloma ha visto los beneficios de una educación internacional de primera mano, tanto académica como culturalmente, en la vida de sus dos hijos adultos trilingües. Está orgullosa de desempeñar un papel importante en la implementación del programa pionero de EBI desde el principio y continúa siendo una entusiasta partidaria de los estudiantes y las familias de EBI. Cuando no está trabajando arduamente para promover EBI, a Paloma le encanta pasar tiempo con su familia, cocinar comida extraordinaria y caminar por las colinas de Berkeley. 

Ashley Céspedes Black is an experienced educator who specializes in the International Baccalaureate Program, mindful educational practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Peruvian-American, Ashley grew up in Florida where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and began her career as an IB PYP educator.

She is excited to join the EBI community after spending the last two years abroad teaching for an International IB school in Shanghai, China. Prior to her experience abroad, Ashley served as a PYP Coordinator in Portland, Oregon while earning a Master's degree in Leadership and Policy for Sustainability Education from Portland State University. In Portland, Ashley also served as a STEAM and DEI Coordinator, as well as an adjunct instructor at Portland State, training K-12 educators in interconnected curriculum design after receiving an additional Graduate degree in Teaching Adult Learners.

During her time as an educator, Ashley has been inspired by the positive impact that a school can have on its community. Her passion for collective work towards equitable outcomes for all students has informed the time she has invested serving as a leader and thought partner for Equity Teams in the United States and abroad.

Erica nació en Oakland y creció en El Salvador, donde obtuvo una licenciatura en Trabajo Social y una certificación en Educación para la Paz. Desarrolló un amplio conocimiento y experiencia en educación integral mientras trabajaba en programas comunitarios para el desarrollo juvenil durante 16 años en El Salvador. Comenzó en EBI en el verano de 2016 después de su regreso a California con su esposo Gustavo. En su tiempo libre, le encanta cocinar, acampar y pasar tiempo con su familia. Su pasión es contribuir al desarrollo de todo el estudiante a partir de los programas comunitarios.

 

Erica was born in Oakland and raised in El Salvador where she earned a BA in Social Work and a certification in Peace Education. She developed extensive knowledge and experience in comprehensive education while working in community programs for youth development for 16 years in El Salvador. She started at EBI in the summer of 2016 after her return to California with her husband Gustavo. In her spare time, she loves cooking, camping and spending time with her family. Her passion is to contribute to the development of the whole student from the community programs.

Gloria Costas nació en Barcelona, España, y ha vivido en el Área de la Bahía desde 1993. Gloria tiene un título de la facultad de Turismo y Negocios de Barcelona y un Certificado en Traducción de la Universidad de Manoa, Hawaii. Habla con fluidez inglés, español, francés y catalán, su lengua materna, y entiende portugués y alemán. Gloria aporta entusiasmo y experiencia a EBI. Está casada con Rob, nativo de Berkeley, y tienen dos hijos.

Gloria Costas was born in Barcelona, Spain and has lived in the Bay Area since 1993. Gloria has a degree from the Tourism and Business college of Barcelona and a Certificate in Translation from the University of Manoa, Hawaii. She speaks fluent English, Spanish, French and Catalan, her native language, and understands Portuguese and German. Gloria brings enthusiasm and experience to EBI. She is married to Rob, a Berkeley native, and they have two sons.

 

Karen Hayes pasó los primeros 18 años de su carrera en Ventas y Marketing en una empresa global de productos de consumo. Como ejecutiva, Karen viajó extensamente a nivel nacional e internacional creando y ejecutando plataformas de venta estratégicas, relanzando marcas de miles de millones de dólares y desarrollando procesos de trabajo de retención para los mejores talentos.

Karen recibió su B.S. en Marketing de la Universidad de Howard y su MBA de la Haas School of Business de UC Berkeley. En la comunidad, Karen ha sido miembro activo del programa Big Brother, Big Sister, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Boys and Girls Club y ha servido como tutora voluntaria. También contribuyó al desarrollo de aquellos que persiguen una educación superior al trabajar como instructora universitaria en los cursos de Administración de Empresas de Florida Atlantic University.

A Karen le encanta pasar tiempo con su familia, explorar nuevas cocinas, viajar y ser voluntaria en la comunidad. Lo que más entusiasma a Karen de unirse al equipo de EBI es tener la oportunidad de ser una fuerza positiva en un mundo cambiante donde nuestros hijos son el futuro.

 

Karen Hayes spent the first 18 years of her career in Sales & Marketing at a global consumer products firm. As an executive, Karen traveled extensively both nationally and internationally creating and executing strategic selling platforms, re-launching billion dollar brands and developing retention work processes for top talent. 

Karen received her B.S. in Marketing from Howard University and her MBA from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. In the community, Karen has been an active member of the Big Brother, Big Sister program, Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Boys and Girls Club and has served as a volunteer tutor. She also contributed to the development of those pursuing a higher education by working as a college instructor at Florida Atlantic University for Business Management courses.

Karen loves spending time with her family, exploring new cuisines, traveling and volunteering in the community. What excites Karen most about joining the EBI team is having the opportunity to be a positive force in a changing world where our children are the future.
 

Zeltzin nació y creció en la Ciudad de México, donde estudió Derecho y practicó Derecho de Propiedad Intelectual con especial atención en marcas registradas y derechos de autor. Obtuvo su certificado en Interpretación Legal Español-Inglés de la Universidad Estatal de SF en 2016, y considera que el bilingüismo es una habilidad valiosa y extremadamente útil en la comunidad cada vez más globalizada en la actualidad. Zeltzin se unió a la comunidad de EBI en la primavera de 2012 y está muy feliz de ser miembro de un equipo en el que la diversidad, la riqueza de diferentes culturas y el aprendizaje están presentes todos los días. Ella vive en Oakland con su esposo Russell, y ambos disfrutan viajando, probando nuevos restaurantes y volviendo a visitar sus favoritos favoritos. Y de vez en cuando, quedandose en casa viendo películas.

Zeltzin was born and raised in Mexico City, where she studied Law, and practiced Intellectual Property Law with a focus in trademarks and copyright. She obtained her certificate in Spanish-English Legal Interpretation from SF State University in 2016, and considers bilingualism a valuable and extremely useful skill in today’s increasingly global community. Zeltzin joined the EBI community in the Spring 2012 and is very happy to be a member of a team in which diversity, the richness of different cultures, and learning are present every day. She lives in Oakland with her husband Russell, and they both enjoy travel, trying new restaurants and visiting old favorites. And every now and then, to just stay home and watch movies.

 

Rich se unió a EBI como CFOO en febrero de 2019 y había pasado 30 años en la gestión y comercialización de productos tanto en la industria de corretaje como en la de productos empacados. En sus 15 años en Charles Schwab, Rich ha liderado una variedad de negocios, actualmente la experiencia del cliente para la oferta de asesoramiento minorista de Schwab. También ha dirigido equipos en el negocio de servicios de comercio minorista de Schwab y dentro de Schwab Bank. Antes de unirse a Schwab, Rich pasó más de 10 años trabajando en la industria de bienes de consumo en Nestlé y Dole. Rich descubrió la pasión por apoyar escuelas independientes hace ocho años y actuando como Fideicomisario y Jefe del Comité de Finanzas en The San Francisco School. Durante los últimos cuatro años, ha actuado como administrador de  Bay School of San Francisco y actualmente es presidente de la Junta Directiva. Rich recibió su B.A. en Sociología por la Universidad del Sur de California y M.B.A. de Kellogg School of Management de la Universidad Northwestern. Rich y su esposa Nancy tienen dos hijas, una en la universidad y la otra en el último año de la escuela secundaria. Cuando no trabakndo o realizan tareas en su hogar, Rich disfruta de los viajes internacionales con su familia, el buceo y la cocina cuando el tiempo lo permite.

Rich joined EBI as CFOO in February of 2019 and had spent 30 years in product management and marketing in both the brokerage and packaged goods industries. In his 15 years at Charles Schwab, Rich has led a variety of businesses most currently the client experience for Schwab’s retail advice offering. He has also led teams in Schwab’s retail trading services business and within Schwab Bank. Prior to joining Schwab, Rich spent over 10 years working in the consumer packaged goods industry at both Nestle and Dole. Rich discovered a passion for supporting independent schools eight years ago and served as a Trustee and Finance Committee Head at The San Francisco School. And for the last four years, he has served as a Trustee for the Bay School of San Francisco and currently serves as Board Chair. Rich received his B.A. degree in Sociology from the University of Southern California and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Rich and his wife Nancy have two daughters, one in college and the other a senior in high school. When not focused on work or duties at home, Rich enjoys international travel with his family, scuba diving and cooking when time allows.

Sandra nació y creció en Caracas, Venezuela, donde obtuvo su licenciatura en Ciencias de la Computación en el Instituto Universitario de Tecnología de Venezuela. Tiene más de cinco años de experiencia enseñando español como segunda lengua. Trabajó como instructora de español y asistente de dirección en Houston, Texas, donde vivió durante cinco años. Sandra también tiene más de 10 años de experiencia en tecnología de redes. Sandra ha sido parte de la familia EBI desde 2006. Sandra ha administrado las operaciones y la tecnología de la escuela durante los últimos tres años. Sandra está casada y es madre de un hijo.

Sandra was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela where she earned her degree in Computer Science at Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Venezuela. She has over five years of experience teaching Spanish as a Second Language. She worked as a Spanish Instructor and Director Assistant in Houston, Texas where she lived for five years. Sandra also has over 10 years of expertise in networking technology. Sandra has been part of the EBI family since 2006. Sandra has managed the operations and technology of the school over the last three years. Sandra is married and the mother of one son.

Originally from Texas, Mark has been in the Bay Area since 1989. Diversity in job skills has always been important to Mark, who joined the Army at 17, spent 13 years in the corporate world of real estate taxes. He then obtained his General Contractor's License in 2006 and is currently working toward a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership at College of Marin. Previously, Mark owned his own construction company and worked in the recycling industry.

Mark was the Director of Facilities at Marin Montessori for the past five years and is thrilled to continue following his passion of managing school facilities as part of the EBI community. Mark and his husband, Francisco, enjoy traveling internationally as much as possible. At home, they are loved by their fur rescue Shih Tzu babies, Mochi and Shelby.

Riva es oriunda del medio oeste, donde obtuvo una licenciatura en inglés de la Universidad Estatal de Michigan y una maestría en ciencias de la información de la Universidad de Michigan. También posee una maestría en literatura infantil de Simmons College, Boston. Si bien ha trabajado en bibliotecas públicas, privadas y universitarias, encuentra la mayor alegría trabajando como bibliotecaria escolar, y ha llevado una pasión por los grandes libros y la instrucción de alfabetización informativa a las bibliotecas escolares en Boston y el Área de la Bahía desde 2005.

Riva hails from the midwest, where she obtained a BA in English from Michigan State University and a Master's of Information Science from the University of Michigan. She also holds an MA in Children's Literature from Simmons College, Boston. While she has worked in public, private, and university libraries, she finds the most joy in school librarianship, and has brought a passion for great books and information literacy instruction to school libraries in Boston and the Bay Area since 2005.

Stephanie is a San Francisco native who has always enjoyed living and teaching within a rich tapestry of cultures in the Bay Area. This fall, Stephanie looks forward to working with the multilingual faculty, students, and parents of EBI. She studied biological sciences and Spanish at UCSB but decided to pursue her love of language and music at San Francisco State University where she received a Bachelor of Music. Additionally, Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Holy Names University, an Adult Education teaching credential, and professional certificates in Assistive Technology, College Counseling and Advising, Educational Therapy, and English as a Second Language. With over 15 years in education, Stephanie has worked in both private and public K-12 settings including Marin Primary & Middle School, Raskob Day School & Learning Center, and Bayhill High School. She also served as the Education Liaison of Contra Costa County Children and Family Services where she provided educational advocacy services to foster-adopt families. During her free time when Stephanie is not hiking or swimming on the Cal Aquatics Masters swim team, she spends time with her friends and family. She also relishes quiet time at home refinishing furniture, listening to music from around the world, or reading both fiction and nonfiction.

Sara nació en la Ciudad de México y creció en San Diego, CA. Criada en un hogar bicultural, los viajes entre México y los Estados Unidos establecen sus fuertes raíces en la comprensión intercultural y el amor por los viajes. Sara completó su licenciatura en biología y estudios de posgrado en enseñanza de inglés como segundo idioma en la Universidad Gonzaga. Su experiencia profesional es en educación superior internacional, enfocada en servicios estudiantiles, enseñanza del idioma inglés, reclutamiento, admisiones e inscripciónes. La misión de EBI resuena con la filosofía educativa de Sara y está entusiasmada de ser parte y promover la comunidad de EBI.

En su tiempo libre, Sara disfruta probando nuevas comidas, leyendo, viajando, mantenerse activa a través de la exploración y ser la mejor tía del mundo para sus sobrinos y sobrinas.

 

Sara was born in Mexico City and grew up in San Diego, CA. Raised in a bi-cultural household, travel between Mexico and the U.S. set her strong roots in cross-cultural understanding and a love of travel. Sara completed her Bachelors in Biology and graduate studies in Teaching English as a Second Language at Gonzaga University. Her professional background is in international higher education, focused on student services, English language instruction, recruitment, admissions and enrollment. EBI's mission resonates with Sara's own educational philosophy and she is excited to be a part of and promote EBI's community.

In her free time, Sara enjoys trying new foods, reading, travel, staying active through exploration and being the world's best Tía to her nephews and nieces. 

Natalia fue maestra de Español de Kindergarten y de Inmersion Transicional de Español en Sylvia Mendez Elementary (anteriormente LeConte) en Berkeley, CA durante 11 años. Ella es nativa bilingüe y su familia es de Uruguay. Ella creció en el área de Washington, D.C. y se mudó al Área de la Bahía en el año 2000. Tiene una Maestría en Educación, una credencial de enseñanza bilingüe y está capacitada para enseñar música para la primera infancia a través de Music Together y yoga para niños a través de It’s Yoga Kids. Actualmente enseña el programa Healthy Me Music & Movement y los programas de música familiar Canta y Baila Conmigo y Music Together, también enseña yoga en EBI y español en Mills Children’s School. Ella tiene una hija bilingüe de 7 años que la inspira todos los días.

Natalia was a Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten Spanish Immersion teacher at Sylvia Mendez Elementary (formerly LeConte) in Berkeley, CA for 11 years. She is a native bilingual and her family is from Uruguay. She grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and moved to the Bay Area in the year 2000. She has a Masters in Education, a Bilingual teaching credential and is trained to teach early childhood music through Music Together and children’s yoga through It’s Yoga Kids. She currently teaches the Healthy Me Music & Movement program and family music programs Canta y Baila Conmigo and Music Together, yoga at EBI and Spanish at Mills Children’s School. She has a bilingual 7 year-old daughter that inspires her every day.

A nerd, a writer, and a physics buff, Reggie is a small-town guy from Northern California making his way in the big city. Reggie is a proud (dog) dad to two little girls, Rumi (7 years old) and Gremly (under one year). Reggie is a big fan of the outdoors, whether he’s snowboarding, camping, or just hiking with his dogs through Tilden Park. Reggie moved to Berkeley in 2013 to cover investment in real assets and energy as a reporter and journalist. He has also worked in marketing and PR for a number of bay area tech and blockchain startups. Reggie is a musician whom you may catch playing bass at a local venue in the East Bay. Reggie is excited to share his love of math with EBI students and help them find their numerical groove.

Kyla es nativa de Berkeley y apasionada por enseñar y tocar música. Violinista desde los cinco años, Kyla creció estudiando música clásica y música klezmer y descubrió su amor por la improvisación a través de la exploración de Son Jarocho, Son Huasteco, "jazz gitano", música balcánica, danzón y boleros. Desde entonces, ha viajado a Veracruz varias veces para estudiar, grabar y actuar con sus mentores allí, y actualmente toca con los grupos locales Tarimba y Cascada de Flores. Kyla es una maestra dedicada; además de muchos años impartiendo clases de alfabetización a estudiantes de secundaria y preparatoria en Richmond, enseñó música en la Escuela Primaria Wilson y clases de violín y música en el East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. En 2016-17, Kyla participó en el programa Adventures in Music de la Sinfónica de San Francisco, realizando un programa interactivo de música mexicana desde Pre-Kínder hasta segundo grado en más de cien escuelas públicas de San Francisco. Más recientemente, Kyla completó la pasantía intensiva de enseñanza de música Orff Schulwerk en la Escuela de San Francisco. ¡Está muy emocionada de ser parte de la comunidad EBI!

Kyla is a Berkeley native who is passionate about teaching and playing music. A violinist since the age of five, Kyla grew up studying classical and Klezmer music and discovered her love of improvisation through the exploration of Son Jarocho, Son Huasteco, "gypsy jazz", Balkan music, danzón and boleros. She has since traveled to Veracruz a number of times to study, record and perform with her mentors there, and currently plays with local groups Tarimba and Cascada de Flores. Kyla is a dedicated teacher; in addition to many years teaching literacy classes to middle and high school students in Richmond, she taught music at Wilson Elementary School, and violin and musicianship classes at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts. In 2016-17, Kyla participated in the San Francisco Symphony's Adventures in Music program, performing an interactive Mexican music program to kindergarten through second graders in over one hundred San Francisco public schools. Most recently, Kyla completed the intensive Orff Schulwerk music teaching internship at the San Francisco School. She is excited to be part of the EBI community!

My name is Sandra Duong; I have been teaching Spanish since 2014 in different private schools in the Bay Area.  I am passionate about education because I am intrigued by the process of learning. I was born and raised in Cali, Colombia. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and our children to different parts of the United States and Mexico. I also love reading, hiking, cooking, and salsa dancing.  

 

Mi nombre es Sandra Duong;  Desde el año 2014 he trabajado en diferentes escuelas privadas en el Area de la Bahia.  Soy apacionada con todo lo relacionado con educacion porque siempre he tenido interes sobre el proceso de apreder. Yo nací y crecí en la Cali, Colombia. En mi tiempo libre disfruto viajar junto a mi esposo e hijos a diferentes lugares no solo los Estados Unidos sino ademas Mexico. Ademas,  me encanta leer, cocinar y bailar salsa. 

 

Nelson was born in El Salvador and immigrated to the US in 1992. He loved school and became very interested in Math and Science classes. Nelson graduated from High School in 2002 and attended SFSU where he graduated in 2010, and then went on to Medical School in El Salvador. He became pretty well known for his ability to teach and explain Biochemistry. Nelson quickly fell in love with teaching and made one of the hardest decisions in his life to leave medical school, and become an educator. Nelson has 10 years of experience teaching Pre-Algebra and Algebra in middle school, as well as Physical Science and AP Biology in high school. He is bilingual, holds a teaching credential in math and science; he has completed graduate studies in Biology and Biochemistry and holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies. Nelson come from Colegio Maya in El Salvador, where he has taught middle-school math and high-school science. He has also taught at the University level.  Before moving to El Salvador Nelson worked for Mt. Diablo Unified School District in the Math and Science Dept. He is excited to welcome students into the fascinating world of Math!

Maritoña es de Tapachula, México. Ella vino a los Estados Unidos en 2009. Tiene varios años de experiencia trabajando como niñera en México y en los Estados Unidos. En su tiempo libre le gusta cocinar y estudiar técnicas de medicina natural y compartir con otros su conocimiento al respecto. Está emocionada de unirse al equipo de Aventura porque le encanta enseñar español a sus alumnos y aprender de ellos mientras juegan y se divierten juntos.

Maritoña is from Tapachula, Mexico. She came to the United States in 2009. She has several years of experience working as a nanny in Mexico and in the United States. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and studying natural medicine techniques and sharing with others her knowledge about it. She is excited to join Aventura team because she loves teaching her students Spanish and learn from them while playing and having fun together.

Bio Coming Soon!

Carmen Hernández nació en México, donde vivió hasta que emigró a los Estados Unidos hace varios años. Carmen continuó sus estudios sobre el desarrollo infantil en los EE. UU. Carmen ha trabajado en las escuelas públicas de Berkeley durante más de 14 años y le apasiona la educación y el apoyo al profesorado y al personal. Además, Carmen ha apoyado a la comunidad EBI desde que se fundó la escuela, primero como voluntaria y luego como asistente. Carmen está casada y tiene tres hijos, la más joven de los cuales es una antigua alumna de EBI.

Carmen Hernández was born in Mexico where she lived until she migrated to the United States several years ago. Carmen continued her studies of childhood development in the U.S. Carmen has worked in Berkeley public schools for more than 14 years and is passionate about education and supporting faculty and staff. Additionally, Carmen has supported the EBI community since the school was founded, first as a volunteer and later as an assistant. Carmen is married and has three children, the youngest of which is an EBI alumni.

Clio se graduó con una licenciatura de Smith College, especializándose en literatura comparativa. Enseñó jardinería y cocina en las escuelas primarias del Este de la Bahía durante seis años. Asistió a la escuela de posgrado en Vermont y completó una maestría en Enseñanza para la Justicia Social, con un enfoque en el papel de las bibliotecas escolares y de aula en la promoción de diversos libros. Más recientemente, ha trabajado en Marin Country Day School en los grados 2do y 3ro. Clio creció en Washington DC, donde fue a la Escuela Internacional de Washington.

Clio graduated with a BA from Smith College, majoring in Comparative Literature. She taught gardening and cooking in East Bay elementary schools for six years. She went to graduate school in Vermont and completed an MA in Teaching for Social Justice, with a focus on the role of school and classroom libraries in promoting diverse books. Most recently, she has worked at Marin Country Day School in the 2nd and 3rd grades. Clio grew up in Washington DC where she went to Washington International School.

Bio Coming Soon! 

 

Adwoa nació en Berkeley y ha vivido en casi todos los lugares del Área de la Bahía, excepto San Francisco. Ella ha trabajado con niños desde que era una niña. Adwoa comenzó a trabajar como Especialista en Educación Multicultural. Desde entonces, ha trabajado como ayudante, directora de un programa extracurricular, un P.E. Profesor, formadora de profesores de inglés, profesora de primer, segundo y tercer grado, y profesor de ciencias, matemáticas e inglés. Adwoa ha enseñado ciencias a estudiantes desde Kínder hasta la escuela intermedia, matemáticas a estudiantes desde preescolar hasta la universidad, y todas las demás materias, incluido inglés, desde preescolar hasta primaria.

Adwoa was born in Berkeley and has lived almost every place in the Bay Area except San Francisco. She has been working with children since she was a child. Adwoa began work as a Multicultural Education Specialist. Since then she has worked as an aide, Director of an After School program, a P.E. Teacher, a trainer of English Language Teachers, a first, second, and third grade teacher, and a science, math and English teacher. Adwoa has taught science to students from kindergarten through high school, math to students from pre-school to college, and all other subjects, including English, from pre-school through elementary school.

 

Michelle creció en el área de la bahía. Se unió a la comunidad EBI durante el otoño de 2018 como maestra de Aventura. Michelle es maestra asociada para el 1er grado A. Descubrió su pasión por los Derechos del Niño durante un programa de escuela secundaria en 2015. Desde entonces, se ha ofrecido como voluntaria en programas que ayudan a los niños a mejorar sus habilidades académicas, campamentos de verano al aire libre y escuelas de intervención temprana. Ella está emocionada de crecer y construir comunidad con la nueva clase de primer grado.

Michelle grew up in the Bay Area. She joined the EBI community during the fall of 2018 as an Aventura teacher. This year, Michelle is an associate teacher for 1st grade A. She discovered her passion for Children’s Rights during a high school program in 2015. Since then, she has volunteered with programs that help children improve their academic skills, outdoor based summer camps, and early intervention schools. She is excited to grow and build community with the new first grade class.

 

 

Alex nació en El Salvador y está casado con una maravillosa mujer salvadoreña. Juntos tienen tres hijos increíbles: dos hermosas niñas y un niño maravilloso. Alex estudió en la Universidad Nacional de El Salvador de 1998 a 2004 para obtener una licenciatura en enseñanza del idioma inglés. Trabajó como profesor en UNICAES (Universidad Católica de El Salvador) enseñando gramática y composición de inglés y también trabajó como profesor de traducción de inglés (estrategias de enseñanza para traducir inglés al español) en IEPROES (una guardería) en Santa Ana, El Salvador. Alex trabajó durante diez años como maestro principal en los grados 1-3 en la Escuela Primaria Lamatepec en la ciudad de La Libertad en El Salvador. Alex también tiene una Maestría en Consejería Familiar y ha ayudado a muchas familias a desarrollar planes educativos para sus hijos que van desde los siete hasta los diez años. Alex trabajó durante 12 años en las escuelas del Bachillerato Internacional del mundo como maestro del Programa de Año Primario. Ha trabajado en la Escuela Bilingüe Internacional desde 2015. Alex aprende continuamente y, a través de cursos de desarrollo profesional, siempre está aprendiendo técnicas nuevas y creativas para hacer que el aprendizaje sea divertido y significativo. Lo que más le gusta a Alex de sus estudiantes es su espontaneidad y curiosidad por aprender cosas nuevas. Planea escribir un libro que comparta sus experiencias de aprendizaje como maestro para guiar a otros educadores en su viaje de enseñanza a medida que aprenden tanto de sus habilidades más fuertes como de sus errores.

Alex was born in El Salvador and is married to a wonderful Salvadoran woman. Together they have three awesome children - two beautiful girls and an amazing little boy. Alex studied at the National University of El Salvador from 1998 to 2004 to obtain a B.A in English Language Teaching. He worked as a professor at UNICAES (Universidad Católica de El Salvador) teaching English Grammar and composition and also worked as a Translation English Teacher (Teaching strategies for translating English into Spanish) at IEPROES (a Nursery School) in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Alex worked for ten years as a lead teacher in Grades 1-3 at Lamatepec Elementary School in the city of La Libertad in El Salvador. Alex also has a Masters Degree in Family Counseling and has helped many families develop Educational Plans for their children ranging in ages from seven to ten years old. Alex worked for 12 years in the International Baccalaureate schools of the world as a Primary Year Program teacher. He has worked at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional since 2015. Alex is a continuous learner and through professional development courses, he is always learning new and creative techniques to make learning fun and meaningful. What Alex loves most about his students is their spontaneity and curiosity for learning new things. He is planning to write a book that shares his learning experiences as a teacher to guide other educators in their teaching journey as they learn from both his strongest skills and also, his mistakes.

Tiffany was born in Toronto, Canada but grew up in Hong Kong and Massachusetts. She has a BA in English Literature and a MA in Literary & Cultural Studies. She brings both national and international experience at the elementary and high school levels, having taught IB Diploma and IGCSE English in a bilingual school in Hong Kong before relocating to California where she taught 5th grade. She is excited to be in the Bay Area and to join the EBI community!

Deysi es originaria de Los Ángeles, California, pero vivió muchos años en Guadalajara, México, donde estudió su programa de pregrado en turismo. Hace varios años, Deysi regresó a los EE. UU. y se estableció en East Bay. La familia de Deysi es latina y está muy orgullosa de sus raíces.

Deysi is originally from Los Angeles, California but lived many years in Guadalajara, Mexico where she studied her undergraduate program in tourism. A while ago, Deysi returned to the U.S. and settled in the East Bay. Deysi’s family is Latina, and she is very proud of her roots.​

Siobhan is thrilled to join the EBI Community in the 2020-2021 school year as a second grade associate teacher.  Prior to working at EBI, she was an assistant teacher for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) at a large East Oakland Charter School.  Siobhan grew up in Fresno, CA, but has lived in the Bay Area for many years and hopes to never leave this wonderful diverse place.  Siobhan has a masters degree in English with an Emphasis on Teaching Speakers of other languages and is currently earning her teaching credential and Masters in Education through BATTI.  She looks forward to helping create a strong and joyful classroom community. 

Prior to moving to the United States in 2013, Hongyu taught world history in middle and high schools in China for 25 years and is the author of numerous papers regarding the teaching of history. She also achieved certification as a national level psychological counselor. Since moving to the United States, Hongyu has been employed as a Mandarin language teacher and has provided tutoring in Chinese.

Yésica Perea was born in the city of Celaya, in Guanajuato, Mexico. She studied Tourism Administration, obtaining her BA at the University of Guanajuato. Yesica lives in Fremont, California, with her husband. In 2007, she began her studies in Early Childhood Education at Chabot College and has a Site Supervisor Permit. She feels very lucky to have the opportunity to start a new career in the area of early childhood education and to do it in her native language. Her hobbies are painting, cooking, singing and watching suspense movies. Yésica has been working with children for seven years and she feels very proud of belonging to the staff of EBI.

Natalie is Peruvian-American who was born and raised in California. She studied as a Nursing Assistant at Contra Costa Academy. For the last five years, she has been working in customer service and as a babysitter. Natalie is excited to be an Aventura teacher and to be part of the EBI community. She loves painting and cooking in her free time.

Nacido y criado en Chicago, Jimmy llegó a EBI a través de su experiencia enseñando en Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI). Mientras estuvo allí, enseñó los planes de estudio de ciencias marinas más formales, de forma práctica. Algunos de los temas que enseñó Jimmy incluyeron clases sobre invertebrados, peces óseos, peces cartilaginosos (tiburones, rayas y rayas), algas, plancton, oceanografía, ecología y astronomía. Todo lo cual fue enseñado a través de actividades de aprendizaje vivencial, como snorkel, kayak y senderismo. Con su enfoque práctico de la ciencia, un estudiante en el aula de ciencias de Jimmy puede esperar referencias del mundo real y actividades auténticas. Su pasatiempo favorito es la pesca submarina.

Born and raised in Chicago, Jimmy came to EBI via his experience teaching at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI). While there, he taught the more formal, but still hands-on, marine science curricula. Some of the topics that Jimmy taught included classes on invertebrates, bony fish, cartilaginous fish (sharks, skates and rays), algae, plankton, oceanography, ecology, and astronomy. All of which was taught through experiential-learning activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking and hiking. With his hands-on approach to science, a student in Jimmy's science classroom can expect real-world references and authentic activities. His favorite hobby is spearfishing. 

Bio Coming Soon! 

Rita was born in El Salvador and moved to the Bay Area in 2008. She has been a teacher and Family Advisor for preschool and first grade for 10 years. She obtained her teaching degree from the Evangelical University of El Salvador and holds an MA in Counseling and Family Education from Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Before coming to EBI, she taught 6-year-old children at Centro Escolar La Floresta. As a teacher, one of her goals is to educate children with joy and freedom. Rita has worked with the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate for six years, and hopes to encourage students to develop the attributes of the PYP profile. Rita is married and has a daughter, and she feels fortunate to belong to the EBI family.

Yanet is originally from Sinaloa, Mexico. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education and has experience working with children of various ages, including preschoolers. She is very passionate about working with her team and students to learn in new and creative ways.

Ms. Susy is a native Spanish speaker originally from the country of Ecuador, where she previously owned and ran a school for 26 years. There she gained invaluable experience, exposing her to all aspects of education and education administration from the role of teacher to the role of principal. After immigrating to the USA, Ms. Susy became a Spanish teacher at Lighthouse Community Charter Public School in East Oakland. There she taught Spanish and ESL and loved to incorporate lessons about Latin American culture into her classes so that students become engaged and learn about their Latino heritage.

As a teacher, she uses a practical and flexible approach in order to promote interaction and incorporate student creativity. With 30 years of teaching experience, she is proud to have taught generations and to have seen some of her best students grow up to become successful contributors as adults. 

When she is not teaching, Ms. Susy enjoys singing, dancing, cooking, riding roller coasters and visiting Ecuador to see her family and kids, Joshua and Sarah. She is so excited to join EBI family and learn to become an even better teacher.   


 

Ximena Soza was born in Chile, she is an artist, poet and educator. She has worked with very diverse communities. She has worked children to adults with mental illness in a variety of settings, from Granda, Spain to the mountains in the south of Mexico and a small island in Chile. She is a Doctor in Philosophies of Urban Education, holds a masters degree in Cultural sciences of Education and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. As an educator, Ximena has worked as an educator in urban and rural areas designing an anti-racist curriculum for bilingual and intercultural settings.

As an artist, Ximena has participated in several collective exhibits, showing her work in different medias; stone carving, metal work and weaving across the United States, including universities, galleries and the Oakland Museum of California. Her traveling exhibit “Bajo las Suelas/ Underneath the Soles” has been presented in Italy, Mexico, Guatemala, Spain, Chile and Brazil. As a writer Ximena, has been awarded with a couple of literary prizes for her fiction, becoming part of Latin American short stories anthologies. She has also published in literary journals and her writing has been performed in several theater performances. 

Chloé nació en la Ciudad de México de padres franceses y asistió al Lycée Français en San Francisco, graduándose con el Bachillerato Francés. Completó su licenciatura en Desarrollo Internacional en la Universidad McGill en Montreal y se graduó de la Escuela de Posgrado en Educación de Harvard con una Maestría en Educación Internacional. Antes de unirse a EBI, fue profesora de español en la zona rural de Carolina del Sur durante dos años.

Chloé was born in Mexico City from French parents and attended the Lycée Français in San Francisco, graduating with the French Baccalaureate. She completed her bachelor’s degree in International Development at McGill University in Montréal, and graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with a Masters in International Education. Before joining EBI, she was a Spanish teacher in rural South Carolina for two years.

Carmen Vargas was born in Cuernavaca, Morelos, México. At the young age of five years old she and her family migrated to the United States in hopes for a better life. During high school she developed an interest in child development since she loves working with children as she was a Sunday school teacher . She's currently in a community college getting transferable credits to obtain an education major. Her goal is to be an elementary school teacher and further her education by getting a Master's degree. She's looking forward to meeting you and learning more from her peers to be the best she can be at her job.

Merly Vicente nació en Lima, Perú y es licenciada en Derecho y Ciencias Políticas. Hace cinco años, llegó al Área de la Bahía con el objetivo de trabajar en el sistema educativo bilingüe. Trabajar con niños le ha dado una perspectiva diferente de la vida y ha cambiado sus valores y sentimientos de una manera que hace que se sienta más creativa y productiva dentro de la comunidad. Merly cree que el multiculturalismo en EBI es muy importante en la vida de un niño. Merly completó estudios para la enseñanza en educación infantil. Ella continúa estudiando para mantenerse actualizada en el área de educación y enriquecer su trabajo con niños.

Merly Vicente was born in Lima, Peru and has a degree in Law and Political Science. Five years ago, she arrived to the Bay Area with the goal of working in the bilingual educational system. Working with children has given her a different perspective on life and changed her values and feelings in a way that causes her to feel more creative and productive within the community. Merly believes the multiculturalism in EBI is very important in a child’s life. Merly completed studies for teaching in early childhood education. She continues studying to remain current in the area of education and to enrich her work with children.