Faculty and Staff

Dr. Balfour is an experienced school leader, teacher and researcher with a passion for early years education. Holding American/Italian dual-citizenship, and being trilingual, she grew up in Italy and lived worked and studied in the US, UK, and Ecuador. After completing my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley and being a PYP teacher at La Scuola, she completed a Masters and PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge where she was awarded the highest honors for her dissertation on the Reggio Emilia Approach—a renowned and progressive educational approach for children from 0-6 years old that originated in Italy after the Second World War. She then worked in Ecuador where she was Professor of Education at the National University of Education of Ecuador and where she led the creation of the laboratory school connected to the University, which became a national model. After moving back to California, she continued her career in school leadership leading a local school in the East Bay. She is excited to be joining EBI in July and looks forward to getting to know you!

When she is not working in education, she enjoys going for walks in nature, traveling, being with her family, friends, and her cat, Adar.

Alejandra nació en Aberdeen, Washington y se mudó al Área de la Bahía hace diez años después de casarse. Trabajó como asistente de maestros en una escuela de PK. Alejandra se dedica a estar bien informada y quería compartir su experiencia y continuar aprendiendo más sobre las operaciones escolares. Cuando no está trabajando, le encanta estar cerca de cuerpos de agua (océanos, lagos, etc.) para reencontrarse con su ser interior.

Alejandra was born in Aberdeen, Washington and moved to the Bay Area ten years ago after getting married. She worked as a teachers assistant at a Pk school. Alejandra is dedicated to being knowledgeable and wanted to share her expertise and continue to learn more about school operations. When she is not working, she loves being near bodies of water (oceans, lakes, etc.) to reengage with her inner self.

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. 

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. 

 

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.

Rachel es originaria de Walnut Creek, California y se graduó cum laude de la Universidad de Fordham en Nueva York, obteniendo un BFA en danza del programa de danza Ailey / Fordham y una especialización en Psicología. Rachel tuvo el privilegio de actuar internacionalmente con JUNTOS Collective y AATMA Performing Arts y actuó como Directora del Programa JUNTOS Abroad desde 2012-2016, cuando hizo la transición para unirse a la Junta Directiva. Ella decidió poner su carrera de baile en espera y se unió a Teach for America, donde fue ubicada en Oakland. Rachel trabajó como maestra de quinto grado en la Academia Cox durante dos años. Rachel se unió al equipo de EBI el otoño de 2018. Ella vive en Berkeley con su esposo, Ajay, y su perro, Junebug.

Rachel is originally from Walnut Creek, California and graduated cum laude from Fordham University in New York earning a BFA in dance from the Ailey/Fordham dance program and a minor in Psychology. Rachel has had the privilege of performing internationally with JUNTOS Collective and AATMA Performing Arts and acted as JUNTOS Abroad Program Director from 2012-2016, when she transitioned to joining the Board of Directors. She decided to put her dance career on hold and joined Teach for America where she was placed in Oakland. Rachel worked as a 5th grade teacher at Cox Academy for the two years. Rachel joined the EBI team  on Fall 2018. She lives in Berkeley with her husband, Ajay, and dog, Junebug.

 

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.

 

Cordelia "Deia" Nickelsen nació y creció en Berkeley, California. Recibió su BA en Antropología en la Universidad de California en Berkeley y su maestría en Lingüística en la Universidad de Auckland, Nueva Zelanda. Está entrenada como arqueóloga y trabajó en el campo y como gerente de laboratorio. Después de muchos años como madre y voluntaria en la escuela, está emocionada de formar parte del personal de EBI como Registradora.

Cordelia "Deia" Nickelsen was born and raised in Berkeley, California. She received her BA in Anthropology at the University of California at Berkeley and her MA in Linguistics at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. She is trained as an archaeologist and she worked in the field and as a lab manager. After many years as a parent and volunteer at the school, she is excited to be on the staff at EBI as Registrar.

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.

Raquel was born and raised in Madrid, Spain, where she earned her Bachelor in Elementary Education and Teaching, as well as her Master in Educational Psychology. She brings 13 years of experience in the K-12 education field. She has served as a teacher and in different leadership positions both in Spain and the United States. When she moved to the Bay Area, she studied Early Childhood Education and specialized in second language acquisition and teaching. At her last school, Raquel served as Upper School Head, supporting families, students, and teachers in the division 5-8. During her time at Spanish Infusion School (former Marin Preparatory School), she also served as Spanish Language Director for four years where she proudly developed and led the K-8 Spanish Program. She believes that the role of educators is guiding students to think critically and support them in their journey of finding their path. Partnering with all members of the community to enable students to become compassionate adults and long-life learners, ready to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Raquel is a sports fan who loves to cook, read, work out, and discover new places with her husband and child.

Rosa Abedini nació en Lima, Perú y reside en El Cerrito. Rosa ha estado trabajando como maestra de español durante varios años en el Este de la Bahía. Tiene experiencia enseñando español a niños desde preescolar hasta secundaria. Su pasión es inspirar a los niños a amar la riqueza de la cultura española. Le gusta pasar tiempo con familiares y buenos amigos. Rosa también disfruta de la música peruana y es una gran fanática de la obra de arte de Diego de Cibela.

Rosa Abedini was born in Lima, Peru and resides in El Cerrito. Rosa has been working as a Spanish Teacher for several years in the East Bay. She has experience teaching Spanish to children from preschool through middle school. Her passion is to inspire children to love the richness of Spanish culture. She enjoys spending time with family and good friends. Rosa also enjoys Peruvian music and is a big fan of Diego de Cibela’s artwork.

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.

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.

Mercedes es de Cuba. Ella vino a los Estados Unidos en 2015 para vivir con su hija y sus nietos. Estudió pedagogía, con especialización en astrofísica, durante tres años en Cuba y está entusiasmada con la idea de continuar sus estudios en el campo de la educación. Está emocionada de unirse al equipo de Aventura y apoyar a los estudiantes para mejorar sus habilidades en español. En su tiempo libre, a Mercedes le encanta pasar tiempo con sus nietos.

Mercedes is from Cuba. She came to the United States in 2015 to live with her daughter and grandchildren. She studied pedagogy, with a specialization in astrophysics, for three years in Cuba and is enthusiastic about the idea of ​​continuing her studies in the field of education. She is excited to join the Aventura team and support students in improving their Spanish skills. In her free time, Mercedes loves spending time with her grandchildren.

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. 

 

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.

Gustavo es cantante, compositor y profesor de música. Criado en El Salvador, Gustavo comenzó a tocar la guitarra y a escribir canciones a los siete años. Como compositor, lanzó dos álbumes de música pop-rock: "Quiero estar contigo" y "Dame tu amor", logrando el reconocimiento en su país natal. La canción individual "Quiero estar contigo" fue muy popular en las estaciones de radio salvadoreñas. Como cantante, actuó como acto de apertura para artistas latinos como Franco de Vita y Cristian Castro. Enseña guitarra y canto a niños, adolescentes y adultos desde 2010, porque cree que la música podría ser una experiencia de compartir y construir comunidad a través de experiencias educativas. Además de su pasión por la música, tiene una licenciatura en Comunicación y un diploma en administración de proyectos culturales, que han respaldado su desarrollo en el campo educativo.

Gustavo is a singer, songwriter and music teacher. Raised in El Salvador, Gustavo began playing guitar and writing songs at age seven. As a songwriter artist he released two albums of pop-rock music: "Quiero estar contigo" and "Dame tu amor", achieving recognition in his native country The single track "Quiero estar contigo" was very popular in Salvadoran radio stations. As singer he performed as opening act for mainstream latin artists like Franco de Vita and Cristian Castro. He has been teaching guitar and singing to kids, teenagers and adults since 2010, for he believes that music could be an experience of sharing and building community through educational experiences. In addition to his passion for music, he has a bachelor degree in Communication, and a diploma in cultural projects administration, which have supported his development in the educational field.

April was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She has lived in Southern California with her husband, our very own Dr. Mallare, and son for the past four years. April brings over 10 years of experience in education as a teacher, mentor teacher, curriculum specialist, STEM Coordinator, and Technology Integration Coach. April has a B.A in Psychology, an M.Ed. in Cultural Diversity in Teaching Instruction, and a CA Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. She also received a specialized certificate in Blended Learning from Santa Clara University. April loves to garden and teach her son about growing fruits and vegetables. April and Dr. Mallare love to try new cuisines and restaurants. 

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.

 

 

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.​

Bio Coming Soon! 

An enthusiastic, dedicated educator who has an exceptional love of learning. 

Dee-Ann graduated from teachers training college in Johannesburg, South Africa with a 4 year double diploma (HDip Ed PP/JP) specializing in teaching children from 6 to 10 years in age. She has had the privilege of working in the teaching profession for 20 years. Dee-Ann ran her own business, an educational robotics design and technology program, with emphasis on training teachers and giving back to the community. She got to meet and work with renowned speech and occupational therapists, enhancing her understanding of how students learn in different ways and has had a rich and diverse experience in educating children from all over South Africa. In December 2014 she relocated to the Bay Area from South Africa. Dee-Ann moved after winning our diversity visa in the green card lottery, she still didn't want to leave her home country and families but after her husband, Kevin, got an incredible job opportunity in San Francisco, Dee-Ann could not say no. They feel very fortunate to live this amazing adventure. They have a daughter, Gabriella, in Middle School and a son, Cameron, in High School and two rescue dogs who flew all the way from South Africa with us. Dee-Ann loves to learn and study, at the moment she is learning as much as she possibly can about IB PYP, having just completed her 1st level certification. She am in the process of learning all there is to know about the California educational system. Dee-Ann looks forward to this wonderful opportunity of being a part of EBI and getting to know and teach everyone of your 2nd graders.

Alicia was born in Lima, Peru. She has been working at EBI since 2013 as a substitute teacher in different levels, as well as an Aventura teacher. This year she is excited about working in Aventura at PK classroom 2, and as an assistant teacher in Verde during the day. She loves reading, listening to music and walking on the beach. Also, her favorite hobby is solving puzzles.

Karina Robleto started at EBI in 2011. She has experience working as an assistant teacher in the Prekinder classrooms as well as in Aventura.

Ernesto Rousseaux was born in Cuba, and received his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sports. He worked with students of all ages in Cuba, from lower school through university. He has experience teaching physical education to diverse learners. At EBI Ernesto has been an Aventura teacher, substitute teacher, second grade physical education teacher and a coach for most EBI middle school sports teams. This year he will be expanding his role as athletics director and physical education teacher. Ernesto will teach P.E. to kindergarteners and first graders.

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.

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.

Anita nació en Nicaragua y vive en el este de la bahía con su esposo y sus dos hijos. Se mudó a los Estados Unidos cuando tenía seis años y se crió en San Francisco. Anita estudió psicología y bienes raíces en el San Francisco City College. Anita se unirá a Adwoa como profesora de inglés asociada para K-1er grado. Su hija asistió a EBI y Anita se convirtió en parte del personal de EBI poco después como recepcionista del campus de Alcatraz. Su experiencia como madre y miembro del personal de EBI la inspiró a convertirse en educadora, y actualmente está inscrita en la escuela para ampliar su conocimiento del campo de la educación. Durante su tiempo libre le gusta escuchar música, escribir poesía, bailar y hacer viajes locales con su familia. Anita está emocionada de formar parte de la facultad y espera un gran año de aprendizaje con sus hijos.

Anita was born in Nicaragua and lives in the East Bay with her husband and two kids. She moved to the U.S. when she was six-years-old and was raised in San Francisco. Anita studied psychology and real estate at San Francisco City College. Anita will be joining Adwoa as an Associate English Teacher for K-1st Grade. Her daughter attended EBI and Anita became part of the EBI staff soon after as the Alcatraz campus receptionist. Her experience as an EBI parent and staff member inspired her to become an educator, and she is currently enrolled in school to expand her knowledge of the field of education. During her free time she enjoys listening to music, writing poetry, dancing and going on local trips with her family. Anita is excited to be part of the faculty and is looking forward to a great year of learning with your children.