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.
 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

Gary’s personal development and life experiences as a first-generation Filipino immigrant growing up in the Philippines, Guam, and Hawaii, he understands the impact of one’s identity on life outcomes. Gary has a deep understanding of the need to integrate diversity and multiculturalism into institutions and policies. Gary is committed to helping create opportunities, and develop and provide supports for all students, families, schools, and the community.

Gary has 27 years of experience in education as a psychologist, counselor, teacher, educational specialist, professor, consultant, and coach. His experiences are wide and varied, covering a variety of educational, psychological, behavioral, emotional, and cultural issues with diverse populations, and spanning many settings. He has in-depth knowledge of learning, learning differences, research and design, data analysis, psychological foundations and testing, mental health, human development, individual and family counseling, diversity and multiculturalism, and human sexuality. Equally important, Gary applies his knowledge and skills in meaningful and collaborative ways that allow his clients and students to grow and prosper.

Gary holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Washington State University, a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology, a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Cal State Northridge, and a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley.

Originally from Texas, Mark has been in the Bay Area since 1989.  Diversity in job skills has always been important to Mark.  He joined the Army at 17, spent 13 years in the corporate world of real estate taxes, owned his own construction company where he still holds his license as a General Contractor, was the Recycling Supervisor at a local east bay garbage company, and is now following his passion in managing school facilities at EBI.

Mark and his husband, Francisco, enjoy traveling internationally as much as possible.  At home, they are loved by their fur rescue Shih Zhu babies, Mochi and Shelby.

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.

Dr. Troyani is deeply honored to draw on her many experiences and distinguished record in education to serve the Escuela Bilingüe Internacional community. Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Troyani has been privileged with opportunities, including a Fulbright Scholarship, to participate in multilingual learning around the globe. She has mentored new and veteran instructors, designed and implemented curricula, to include Spanish language programs, and pioneered blended and distance learning to improve outcomes for students and communities at some of the most diverse high schools and universities in the world. Dr. Troyani holds a Ph.D. in literature, with training in teaching with technology, from the University of Notre Dame, an M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, a B.A., summa cum laude, from Cornell University, and an IB Diploma. She is most excited about joining the EBI team to help realize the limitless potential of its students. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and bilingual children.

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.

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.

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 am the new Spanish teacher for the 5th grade. 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, la nueva maestra de español de quinto grado.  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.

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. 

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.

 

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.

Bio Coming Soon! 

 

Judith nació en Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Se graduó de la Universidad Católica de Honduras en Administración de Empresas y trabajó como secretaria en una organización sin fines de lucro de Alemania. Al mismo tiempo, participó trabajando con niños en actividades lúdicas para desarrollar y desarrollar la autoconfianza. Más tarde comenzó su propio negocio y luego se mudó al Área de la Bahía con su esposo. ¡Le encanta trabajar con niños y está muy emocionada de trabajar en EBI como maestra de Aventura!

Judith was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She graduated from Universidad Católica de Honduras in Business Administration and worked as a secretary in a Germany non profit organization. At the same time she was involved working with children in playful activities to build and developed self-confidence. Later started her own business and then moved to the Bay Area to her husband. She loves working with children and she is super excited to work in EBI as an Aventura teacher!

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.

Melissa was born in California, her passion is emotional awareness among the children. Melissa volunteered for child development programs for three years such as Berkeley Arts Magnet and EBI. She was also a mentor for incoming freshmen and sophomores who had a hard time adjusting to Berkeley High School. Her goal as a Aventura teacher is helping the students communicate their feelings and to bring more awareness of children's personal and emotional needs to help them to improve their way of studying.

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.

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. 

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. 

Olga nació y creció en Colombia. Estudió en la Universidad Javeriana de Bogotá, especializándose en Educación. También estudió Gestión de Instituciones Educativas, en la Universidad del Tolima en Columbia. Trabajó durante 20 años en educación en Columbia. A Olga le gusta viajar para aprender sobre otras culturas y comparte el amor por el fútbol con su hijo menor.

Olga was born and grew up in Columbia. She studied at the Javeriana University of Bogota, majoring in Education. She also studied Management of Educational Institutions, at the University of Tolima in Columbia. She worked for 20 years in education in Columbia. Olga likes to travel to learn about other cultures and she shares a love of football with her youngest son.

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.