Faculty and Staff

Jallene Alonso is Mexican-American, born and raised in Southern California. She is currently pursuing her bachelors degree in Data Science at UC Berkeley. When Jallene is not studying or working, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and hiking new trails. She is excited to be part of EBI.

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 knowledegable 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 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.

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.

Jessica Dodson grew up in San Diego, California. She will be teaching Grade 6 English and assisting Daniel Nube with the MYP self-study process. She graduated from Chico State in 2012 with a Bachelors in English. She taught English as a Second Language in Beijing, China until teaching middle and high school English at Missouri Military Academy. Jessica has worked as an English tutor and middle school Special Education Instructional Assistant this past year in San Diego. She is looking forward to growing in her career at EBI and creating lasting relationships with students and colleagues. Jessica is happy to be living close to her family and friends in the Bay Area. She is also looking forward to finding new hiking trails and exploring her new environment.

Jennifer holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru, where she grew up. She completed undergraduate work in early childhood education at the Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón in Peru. Jennifer has worked in early childhood education for over 18 years, both in Peru and the United States. This extensive experience has supported her to develop a deep understanding of how young learners make meaning of themselves and the world around them. After moving to the Bay Area, Jennifer studied educational administration at San Francisco State University, where she received her master’s degree. In addition to teaching, Jennifer has several years of experience as a pre-kinder director. Jennifer’s educational philosophy aligns closely with that of the International Baccalaureate, and she is anxious to share her extensive knowledge of early childhood education with our community. Jennifer and her partner, José Antonio, have twins at EBI as well.

My name is Gustavo Hernández and I am from México. I worked as a carpenter in Chicago and I also studied car mechanics in Evanston Ill. I owend my own car shop in Berkeley. I have been married to Carmen Hernández (Carmen is a Pre-Kinder amarillo teaching assistant) for 35 years. We 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 student since 2006. We are a family very proud to be a part of the EBI community. My goal as a facilities manager is to preeserve the warm and safe environment that EBI has had for the past 10 years and to find new and innovative things to improve our community.

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, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

Wren is a first generation Cuban-American from Miami, Florida. She has a rich background in mentorship and teaching particularly as an ESL tutor for young children and elders in her home community. Wren is excited to be teaching at EBI where her fundamental values of family-like community, inquiry-based learning, and active social justice are powerfully supported and lived. In her free time, Wren enjoys exploring California’s natural beauty, strengthening her poetic Spanish, and daydreaming heavily about having tropical birds in her house.

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.

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 has most recently been a 1st grade associate teacher at EBI where she has immersed herself in and learning about the IB Primary Years Programme.

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.

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 student.

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 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 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 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 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! 

Bio Coming Soon! 

Janira is originally from Peru and has been working at EBI in Aventura since 2013 in Kinder and First Grade. In 2015, she received her units in Early Childhood Education.

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.

Patricia Sánchez came to the Bay Area from Mexico City, with the idea of expanding her education and skills in the field of education. Before coming to the United States she was a teacher in her country at the elementary and secondary levels. In recent years she has been interested in teaching in early childhood classrooms. She believes that learning should never end, so she enjoys keeping up with her studies. For her, being a teacher is about transmitting and encouraging her students to explore, discover, and experience new and wonderful things. She appreciates, admires and respects the sensitivity, feelings and ideas of children. She is proud to have the privilege of being part of the EBI team.

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.

Alberto was born in Cuba and he moved to California eight years ago. His passion is to contribute in comprehensive development for children and teenagers. He attended the University of Cuba and studied chemistry and philosophy. While taking those classes he found love for math, science and philosophy. He worked many years for the school district of Cuba from the high school to the university. Since He came to California, he set as a personal and professional goal to help children find their passion through school and make them aware of their dreams being possible.

Sheyla was born in Ecuador. Her brave mom, and seven daughters, moved to NY. At 15 years old, Sheyla became an aunt. That’s where her love for children began. She loves traveling, trying new food, and Zumba. Her husband and two teenage daughters enjoy baking, bowling, and Grey’s Anatomy. Brownie, a tiny yorkie, is the last addition of the family.

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 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 become part of the faculty and is looking forward to a great year of learning with your children.