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. 

Danella Bunton nació y creció en Lima, Perú. A los 13 años se mudó a Los Gatos, California con sus padres y 2 hermanos. Aprendió inglés mientras asistía a la escuela secundaria. Asistió a la Universidad Estatal de San José, donde se graduó con una licenciatura en Administración de Empresas con especialización en Marketing. Anteriormente trabajó en una agencia de traducción e interpretación donde descubrió su amor por los idiomas y la diversidad. En 2016, se mudó a Berkeley, California con su esposo y comenzó a trabajar como Asistente del Director de la Escuela Intermedia y Primaria de EBI. Danella disfruta pudiendo hablar español todos los días con sus compañeros de trabajo, padres y estudiantes y también diseñar. Ella valora la educación y la diversidad y se siente afortunada de contribuir a la misión de EBI. En su tiempo libre le gusta viajar, tomar fotos, hacer yoga, cocinar para amigos y familiares, ver películas, ir a conciertos y leer.

 

Danella Bunton was born and raised in Lima, Peru. At the age of 13 she moved to Los Gatos, California with her parents and 2 brothers. She learned English while attending High School. She atended San Jose State University where she graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. She previously worked at a translation and interpretation agency where she discovered her love for languages and diversity. In 2016, she moved to Berkeley, Ca with her husband and started working as the Assistant to the Head of Lower and Middle School at EBI. Danella enjoys being able to speak Spanish every day with co-worker, parents and students and designing. She values education and diversity and feels fortunate to contribute to EBI’s mission. In her free time she likes to travel, take pictures, do yoga, cook for friends and family, watch movies, go to concerts and read.

La Dra. Paola V. Clark aporta más de 19 años de experiencia en escuelas independientes nacionales e internacionales de PK a12 y entornos de educación superior. La Dra. Clark tiene el honor de servir como la nueva Directora en la Escuela Bilingüe Internacional. Originaria de Miami, Florida, la Dra. Clark asistió a una escuela independiente bilingüe inglés-español en Lima, Perú, donde obtuvo su Diploma IB. La Dra. Clark obtuvo una licenciatura en biotecnología de la Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina en Lima, Perú, una maestría en ciencias en educación científica de la Nova Southeastern University en Fort Lauderdale, Florida, y un doctorado en educación en currículo e instrucción de la Universidad de Florida Central (UCF) en Orlando. También ha completado cursos avanzados en Liderazgo Educativo a nivel de Especialista y posee un Certificado Profesional en Educación / Tecnología Educativa. El Dr. Clark actualmente está estudiando pARA RECIBIR un Certificado Académico Ejecutivo en Gestión de organizaciones sin Fines de Lucro en la Kellogg School of Management – ​​Northwestern University, y también es miembro de la Asociación Nacional de Aspirantes a Directores de Colegios Independientes..

 

Dr. Paola V. Clark brings over 19 years of experience in national and international PK-12 independent schools and higher education settings. Dr. Clark is honored to serve as the new, Head of School at Escuela Bilingüe Internacional. A native of Miami, Florida, Dr. Clark attended an English-Spanish bilingual independent school in Lima, Peru, where she obtained her IB Diploma. Dr. Clark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biotechnology from Universidad Nacional Agraria la Molina in Lima, Peru, a Master of Science degree in Science Education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. She has also completed advanced coursework in Educational Leadership a the Specialist level and holds a Professional Certificate in Education/Instructional Technology. Dr. Clark is currently pursuing an Executive Scholar Certificate in Non-profit Management at the Kellogg School of Management–Northwestern University, and is also a National Association of Independent Schools Aspiring Heads Fellow.

Charlita was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in the Bay Area. She is passionate about music and thrilled to be able to teach music at EBI. She has taught adult choirs and youth groups, and conducted one-on-one vocal lessons. Charlita brings a diverse mixture of musical inspirations to motivate each student to become creative and feel empowered to discover their own individual voice.

 

Gustavo Hernández es de México. Trabajó como carpintero en Chicago y también estudió mecánica de automóviles en Evanston Ill. Tuvo su propio taller de automóviles en Berkeley. LLeva casado con Carmen Hernández (Carmen es asistente de enseñanza de Pre-Kinder amarillo) durante 35 años. Tienen tres hijos; Gustavo Jr. es tenor y tiene una maestría en voz de la USC, Jesús es un pastelero graduado de la Academia Culinaria de San Francisco y Anabella se graduó de EBI. Gustavo está muy orgulloso de ser parte de la comunidad de EBI. Su objetivo como gerente de instalaciones es preservar el ambiente cálido y seguro que EBI ha tenido durante los últimos 14 años y encontrar cosas nuevas e innovadoras para mejorar en nuestra comunidad.

Gustavo Hernández is from México. He worked as a carpenter in Chicago and also studied car mechanics in Evanston Ill. He owend his own car shop in Berkeley. He has been married to Carmen Hernández (Carmen is a Pre-Kinder amarillo teaching assistant) for 35 years. They have three children, Gustavo Jr. He is a tenor and holds an MA in voice from USC, Jesús is a graduate pastry chef from the San Francisco Culinary Academy and Anabella is an EBI graduate. Gustavo is very proud to be a part of the EBI community. His goal as a facilities manager is to preserve the warm and safe environment that EBI has had for the past 14 years and to find new and innovative things to improve in our community.

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.

 

Linda, nacida en California, se mudó al Área de la Bahía desde Los Ángeles en 1995, después de carreras en periodismo y política.
Como profesional de la contabilidad con un énfasis especial en la producción y distribución en televisión y cine, comenzó a trabajar como contratista con EBI en sus primeros años y ha disfrutado, en los últimos 10 años, el desafío de construir, desde cero, un infraestructura contable completa para apoyar las operaciones financieras de la organización. En el otoño de 2018, Linda se unió oficialmente al personal de EBI como empleada.
Linda le encanta la jardinería y vive con su esposo, Jeff, en Sebastopol. Ella también sirve como Tesorera del Festival de Jazz de Healdsburg.

Linda, a native Californian, moved up to the Bay Area from Los Angeles in 1995, after careers in journalism and politics.
As an accounting professional with a special emphasis on television and film production and distribution, she started working as a contractor with EBI in its early years and has enjoyed, over the past 10+ years, the challenge of building—from the ground up—an entire accounting infrastructure to support the financial operations of the organization. In the fall of 2018, Linda officially joined the staff of EBI as an employee.
Linda is an avid gardener who lives with her husband, Jeff, in Sebastopol. She also serves as Treasurer of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival.

 

 

 

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.

Daniel nació en los Estados Unidos y, con cuatro años, se mudó con su familia a La Paz, Bolivia. Todavía recuerda vívidamente la primera semana de preescolar como el único que no hablaba español en su clase: el sentimiento inicial de aislamiento, seguido de la euforia de aprender un nuevo idioma y la apertura de una puerta emocionante en su mundo cuando se volvió bilingüe y bicultural. Daniel vivió en Bolivia por el resto de su infancia hasta que fue a la universidad en Illinois para una segunda ronda de conmoción cultural, esta vez al revés. No es sorprendente que Daniel se convirtiera en profesor de idiomas extranjeros. Sus primeros puestos fueron como profesor de inglés: tres años en Japón, un año en Nicaragua, y de regreso a su ciudad natal boliviana durante dos años.

En 1995, Daniel se mudó a California y enseñó español en la escuela secundaria durante ocho años en Redwood Day School en Oakland, seguido de cinco años enseñando español en la escuela secundaria en Bentley High School en Lafayette. En Bentley, Daniel hizo la transición a la administración como decano de la escuela secundaria. Más recientemente, antes de venir a EBI, Daniel fue subdirector en Berkeley High School.

Daniel posee una licenciatura de la Universidad Northwestern, una credencial de maestro del estado de San Francisco, una maestría en liderazgo educativo de la Universidad de California en Berkeley, una credencial de administrador de la Universidad de California en Berkeley y un certificado en lenguaje intercultural / desarrollo académico de la Universidad de Stanford. También se formó como IB y como profesor de español AP. Daniel vive en Berkeley con su esposa, Kristine (con quien habla inglés), y su hija, Camila (con quien habla español).

Daniel was born in the United States and, at the age of four, moved with his family to La Paz, Bolivia. He still vividly remembers the first week of preschool as the only non-Spanish speaker in his class: the initial feeling of isolation, followed by the elation of learning a new language and an exciting door opening in his world as he became bilingual and bicultural. Daniel lived in Bolivia for the rest of his childhood until he went off to university in Illinois for a second round of cultural shock, this time in reverse. Not surprisingly, Daniel became a foreign-language teacher. His first posts were as an English teacher: three years in Japan, one year in Nicaragua, and back to his Bolivian hometown for two years.

In 1995 Daniel moved to California and taught middle-school Spanish for eight years at Redwood Day School in Oakland, followed by five years teaching high school Spanish at Bentley High School in Lafayette. At Bentley, Daniel transitioned into administration as the school's junior class dean. Most recently, before coming to EBI, Daniel was a vice principal at Berkeley High School.

Daniel holds an undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, a teacher's credential from San Francisco State, a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of California at Berkeley, an administrator's credential from the University of California at Berkeley, and a certificate in cross-cultural language/academic development from Stanford University. He was also trained as an IB and as an AP Spanish teacher. Daniel lives in Berkeley with his wife, Kristine (with whom he speaks English), and his daughter, Camila (with whom he speaks Spanish). 

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.

 

Como educadora, Amelia ha pasado la última década enseñando en una variedad de aulas, que van desde una escuela charter pública Título 1, un programa de verano de UC Berkeley, hasta escuelas independientes competitivas, que incluyen cuatro años en Stuart Hall High School como jefa del departamento de inglés. Tiene una licenciatura en literatura inglesa y francesa de la Universidad Emory, una maestría en educación de  UC Berkeley y un certificado en terapia educativa en la Universidad de Holy Names. Amelia está profundamente comprometida a colaborar con estudiantes, familias y maestros para capacitar a los estudiantes con estrategias de aprendizaje exitosas para la escuela preparatoria y más allá. En su tiempo libre, le gusta nadar, leer, caminar y pasar tiempo con su novio, familia y amigos.

As an educator, Amelia has spent the last decade teaching in a variety of classroom settings, ranging from a Title 1 public charter school, to a UC Berkeley summer program, to competitive independent schools, including four years at Stuart Hall High School as the English Department Chair. She holds a BA in English and French literature from Emory University, an MA in Education from UC Berkeley, and a certificate in educational therapy at Holy Names University. Amelia is deeply committed to collaborating with students, families, and teachers to empower students with successful learning strategies for high school and beyond. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, reading, hiking, and spending time with her boyfriend, family, and friends.

Adrian Arias nació en Perú con ascendentes de la cultura Mochica. Creció en varias regiones del Perú, y ya de adulto comenzó a viajar por todo el mundo. Estudió Filosofía y Letras en la PUC, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú. Su padre era pintor y su madre y abuelo poetas, y aprendió de ellos su práctica artística y todo lo relacionado con el arte. Adrian es profesor de arte, artista visual, poeta, intérprete y promotor cultural. Enseñó arte desde 1985 y para Adrián esta es la profesión más hermosa que existe en el planeta Tierra, ya que enseñar y ser un facilitador de arte para niños es un regalo para el espíritu. En su tiempo libre le gusta cocinar, hacer collages con amigos; colaborar con artistas de otras disciplinas para crear trabajos o simplemente para divertirse. Pintar, escribir y leer poesía a Adrian se considera una parte natural de su vida y no un pasatiempo.

Adrian Arias was born in Peru with ascendants of the Mochica culture. He grew up in several regions of Peru, and as an adult he began to travel all over the world. He studied Philosophy and Literature at the PUC, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Perú. His father was a painter and his mother and grandfather poets, and he learned from them his artistic practice, everything that is related to art. Adrian is an art teacher, visual artist, poet, performer and cultural promoter. He taught art since 1985 and for Adrián this is the most beautiful profession that exists on planet earth since teaching and being an art facilitator for children is a gift for the spirit. In his spare time he likes to cook, make collages with friends; collaborate with artists from other disciplines to create pieces of work or just to have fun. Painting, writing and reading poetry to Adrian is considered a natural part of his life and not a hobby.

 

Belen nació en Lima, Perú y se mudó a los Estados Unidos en 2003. Recientemente se graduó de la escuela secundaria y pronto comenzará las clases de desarrollo infantil en el Laney College. Le encanta trabajar con niños y espera abrir su propia guardería algún día.

Belen was born in Lima Peru and moved to the United State in 2003. She recently graduated High School, and soon will be starting Child Development Classes at Laney College. She loves working with children and hopes to open her own daycare one day.

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!

Carlota nació en Madrid, España, donde completó una licenciatura en historia y arqueología. Ella también tiene un postgrado en educación. Carlota comenzó en EBI como maestra asociada de 1er grado. Se ha sumergido y está aprendiendo sobre el Programa de la Escuela Primaria del IB.

Carlota is originally from Madrid, Spain where she completed a bachelor’s degree in history and archeology. She also has a postgraduate degree in education. Carlota started at EBI as a 1st grade associate teacher. She has immersed herself in and learning about the IB Primary Years Programme.

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.

Florencia was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She came to the United States in 2016 and she  is currently enrolled in Berkeley City College studying Childhood Development. Florencia has more than 10 years teaching as a tutor in Argentina and as a private Spanish teacher in the US. In her spare time she loves spending time with her daughter Lucia. They both enjoy doing arts and crafts, cooking, hiking and playing with their two cats,  and their dog. Florencia loves her job as a teacher and everything that relates to child development. She is very excited to be part of the EBI community.

 

Florencia nació en Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ella vino a los Estados Unidos en 2016 y actualmente está inscrita en Berkeley City College estudiando Desarrollo Infantil. Florencia tiene más de 10 años enseñando como tutor en Argentina y como profesora privada de español en los Estados Unidos. En su tiempo libre le encanta pasar tiempo con su hija Lucía. Ambas disfrutan haciendo manualidades, cocinando, haciendo caminatas y jugando con sus dos gatos y su perro. Florencia ama su trabajo como maestra y todo lo relacionado con el desarrollo infantil. Ella está muy emocionada de ser parte de la comunidad EBI.

Fredy Herrera ha enseñado durante 19 años. Está encantada de pertenecer a la familia EBI en la capacidad de maestro de Individuos y Sociedades, trabajando con estudiantes de la escuela intermedia. Fredy tiene un título de enseñanza de inglés, una licenciatura en derecho y una maestría en educación. Creció en El Salvador, donde aún vive su familia. Ama a su familia y amigos, y espera hacer nuevos amigos en California. Su objetivo como maestro es tratar a cada niño como único y ayudar a los estudiantes a mejorar sus habilidades de estudios sociales. 

Fredy Herrera has been teaching for 19 years. He is thrilled to be part of the EBI family as Individuals and Societies Teacher, working with Middle School students. Fredy holds an English Teaching degree, a Bachelor's degree in Law, and a Masters in Education. He grew up in El Salvador, where his family still lives. He loves his family and friends, and looks forward to making new friends in California. His goal as a teacher is to treat each child as unique, and to help students improve their social studies abilities. 

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! 

Beatriz Martínez es hispanohablante, originaria de Colombia y ahora reside en Oakland con sus dos hijas y su esposo. Beatriz es la última incorporación de EBI al equipo español de PK, pero ha estado involucrada con EBI en varias capacidades a lo largo de los años. Le apasiona ayudar a los niños a prosperar, así como brindar apoyo continuo a sus familias. Beatriz tiene una licenciatura en educación de la primera infancia, experiencia como maestra de preescolar y como maestra asociada de español de segundo grado en EBI. Beatriz está muy emocionada de trabajar en EBI porque, como aprendiz de un segundo idioma, valora y comprende la importancia de la adquisición del idioma. Ella es una educadora entusiasta que brinda orientación positiva mientras sus alumnos aprenden orgánicamente español a la vez que comprenden los conceptos de Pre-K. En su tiempo libre, Beatriz disfruta llevar a sus hijas al parque, a nadar y a visitar la biblioteca.

Beatriz Martínez is a native Spanish speaker, originally from Colombia and now resides in Oakland with her two daughters and husband. Beatriz is EBI's newest addition to the Spanish PK team but has been involved with EBI in various capacities over the years. She is passionate about helping children thrive, as well as providing ongoing support to their families. Beatriz has a degree in early childhood education, experience as a preschool teacher, and as a Spanish second grade Associate teacher at EBI. Beatriz is very excited to work at EBI because as a second language learner herself, she values and understands the importance of language acquisition. She is an enthusiastic educator who provides positive guidance as her students organically learn Spanish while grasping Pre-K concepts. In her free time, Beatriz enjoys taking her daughters to the park, swimming and visiting the library.

Roy es originario del Estado de México y se graduó de la Universidad Privada del Estado de México con un título en Pedagogía con enfoque en artes escénicas en el aprendizaje. Roy ha enseñado a estudiantes de primaria y secundaria en México y Estados Unidos y está encantado de seguir aprendiendo y ser parte de la comunidad EBI.

Roy is originally from the State of Mexico and graduated from the Private University of the State of Mexico with a degree in Pedagogy with a focus in performing arts in learning. Roy has taught elementary and middle school students in Mexico and the United States and is delighted to continue learning and to be part of the EBI community.

Rosy Mendoza-Brown es de Guadalajara, México. Obtuvo su BA en Educación en México y obtuvo su Certificado de Profesor Asociado en Educación Infantil de Peralta College. Antes de unirse a EBI, trabajó como profesora de español en las escuelas de Albany. Se siente afortunada de tener la oportunidad de enseñar primer grado en EBI. Como maestra, el objetivo de Rosy es preparar a sus alumnos para un mundo mejor y alentar a los niños a ser indagadores. La hija de Rosy, Sofía, es antigua alumna de WBI. Cuando Rosy no está enseñando, le gusta llevar a su perro a dar largos paseos, leer y ver deportes.

 

Rosy Mendoza-Brown is from Guadalajara, Mexico. She got her BA in Education in Mexico and earned her AssociateTeacher Certificate in Early Childhood Education from Peralta College. Before joining EBI she worked as a Spanish teacher in Albany schools. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to teach first grade at EBI. This is her sixth year. As a teacher, Rosy’s goal is to prepare her students for a better world and to encourage children to be inquirers. Rosy's daughter is an EBI alumni. When Rosy is not teaching she enjoys taking her dog for long walks, reading and watching sports.

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.​

Bio Coming Soon! 

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.

Now in his second year at EBI, Jimmy will have an expanded teaching role this school year. In addition to teaching Middle School Science, he will also be teaching Grade 5 Science. This change will not only grow and strengthen our STEM programming, but will also prepare students for the transition to middle school. Born and raised in Chicago, Jimmy came to us via his experience teaching at the Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI). While there, he taught Marine Science through several experiential learning activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. He has brought this hands-on approach to science at EBI, where students know his classes will always include real-world references and authentic activities. As an added bonus, we were able to add a week-long outdoor educational trip to CIMI to the 7th graders’ curriculum—with Jimmy as one of their chaperones, naturally. 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.

Bio Coming Soon! 

Norma is from Puerto Rico. She came to Oakland in 2000 and has been a member of the EBI faculty since August 2007. Norma received her degree in education from the University of Puerto Rico. She has worked as a special education teacher, in regular school programs and as a tutor. She loves to share her energy, her talents and knowledge with children and the EBI community. Norma has two children and a granddaughter. Besides her passion for working with children, she also enjoys sewing, designing and cooking.

Melanie Slater was born in New Orleans, Louisiana but grew up in England, Texas and Newfoundland. She attended West Virginia University, earning a BA and MA in Elementary Education. She has taught primarily in early childhood education in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is excited to transition into the elementary grades. Along with her passion for education and youth, Melanie loves biking, playing music, sports and coaching. She is excited to join the EBI community as a second grade English associate teacher.

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. She recently was a Spanish teacher in rural South Carolina for two years and is so excited to transition into teaching English at EBI.

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.

Como maestra de teatro de la escuela intermedia, Sooz agregará diseño a su cartera en 2019-20. Es una gran combinación con sus puntos fuertes de enseñanza y su experiencia creativa. Además de su Maestría en Bellas Artes en Dirección, Sooz ha tomado el desarrollo profesional Design Thinking. En sus clases de teatro, nuestros estudiantes y sus familias han llegado a saber que Sooz tiene una habilidad natural para atraer y nutrir la creatividad individual de cada estudiante. En sus nuevas clases de diseño, Sooz planea utilizar un enfoque basado en proyectos, en el que los estudiantes continuarán explorando algunas de las identidades de diseño introducidas en años anteriores (diseñador de juegos, diseñador de moda, creador) y explorarán nuevas identidades de diseño como arquitecto, productor de medios, diseñador de producción teatral y artista gráfico. Ella ha pasado parte de este verano asistiendo a actividades adicionales de desarrollo profesional relacionadas con el diseño. Antes de EBI, Sooz enseñó en las escuelas del Área de la Bahía durante 22 años, incluidos 10 años en Park Day.

As the middle school drama teacher, Sooz will add design to her portfolio in 2019-20. It’s a great match with her teaching strengths and creative background. In addition to her Master of Fine Arts in Directing, Sooz has taken Design Thinking professional development. In her theater classes, our students and families have come to know that Sooz has a natural ability to draw out and nurture each student’s individual creativity. In her new design classes, Sooz plans to use a project-based approach, in which students will continue to explore some of the design identities introduced in previous years (game designer, fashion designer, maker) and explore new design identities such as architect, media producer, theatre production designer, and graphic artist. She has spent part of this summer attending additional design-related professional development activities. Prior to EBI, Sooz taught in Bay Area schools for 22 years, including 10 years at Park Day.