World Languages

It has been a very rewarding and fulfilling experience to serve as a HS Spanish Guide at  Headwaters School over the past five years. During this time, I have developed a deep appreciation for my students, who continually bring intellectual curiosity, thoughtfulness, and a wide range of talents into the classroom.

 

I was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Universidad San Martín de Porres. After moving to the United States, I pursued further studies and earned a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from Ohio University and a Master’s Degree in Economics from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

While working in the fields of economics and international affairs, I had the privilege of collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds. These experiences instilled in me a deep respect for different cultures, perspectives, and languages. Most importantly, it taught me the value of humility and open-mindedness.

 

I am continually fascinated by the incredible aptitude of young minds. Over the past several years, I have taught in private, public, and international schools across elementary, middle, and high school levels. I am an IBDP trained teacher and hold state certifications in Foreign Languages and Bilingual Education. It is a joy to share my native language and culture, and to help students discover their own love for languages and global awareness.

 

At Headwaters, I have the unique opportunity to combine my passions and academic background by engaging students not only in Spanish language and culture, but also in rich discussions about economics and international issues, especially in my IB Spanish classes. This integration of language, culture, and global issues makes my work deeply meaningful.

 

I cherish spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, and traveling, both near and far.

I’ve been a guide at Headwaters since 2017, and it’s truly a joy to share my passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures with students every day. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing students grow in confidence and skill as they learn to communicate in a new language.

 

I have over 35 years of international education experience and Spanish instruction in the U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, and Spain—as a teacher, program coordinator, department chair, conference presenter, and trainee in professional development programs.

 

I hold a Master of Arts in Hispanic Linguistics from The Ohio State University, a Master of Arts in Spanish Literature from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Mexico, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

 

Whether we’re exploring grammar, literature, or real-world communication, my goal is always to create a welcoming and engaging environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and enjoy the journey of language learning. I’m currently exploring the concept of gamification in the foreign language classroom as a way to make learning more interactive and motivating.

I was born in Albania, and from an early age, I developed a deep interest in languages—an interest sparked by Albania’s proximity to diverse European cultures. I studied English and Italian extensively before moving to Greece, and later to Chicago as a teenager.

 

I earned a Bachelor's degree in Spanish and a Master’s in International Relations from DePaul University in Chicago. During my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad and further explore the romance languages. Learning multiple languages has not only expanded my appreciation for different cultures but also given me the ability to see the world through a variety of perspectives.

 

My academic and international experiences have led me to work in diverse educational settings, from private to public and international schools. Over the past eight years, I’ve taught Spanish—ranging from Spanish 1 to AP Spanish—in both Lisbon, Portugal and the Bay Area. I currently teach Spanish A and C at the middle school.

 

What drew me to Headwaters was its strong sense of community, commitment to academic excellence, and meaningful mission. I’m truly grateful to be part of this vibrant school.

 

Outside of the classroom, you’ll often find me enjoying the outdoors around Austin with my husband and our son, who attends the Springs Campus. I also love reading and discovering new restaurants.

I am an educator, dancer, mother, and fan of live music and nature. I was born in Lima, Peru and raised bilingual in eastern North Carolina with frequent trips back to Peru. I have worked in education for over 20 years and I’m honored to join the Headwaters community! 

In 1999, I received a Bachelor's degree in Spanish from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (Go Heels!) I continued my studies at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina where I got my teaching certificate, and in 2001, I started teaching Spanish nearby in a rural town called Farmville. After teaching there for three years, I moved to Austin. Here in Central Texas, I taught at Austin High School with the Academy for Global Studies, Elgin High School and Fulmore Middle, now called Lively. I have taught all levels of Spanish, from Spanish 1 through AP Spanish Language and Spanish for Spanish-Speakers. In 2015, I earned a Master of Arts in School Counseling from the University of Texas at Tyler. Since then, I have been the school counselor at Casey Elementary in South Austin. 

I love travel and dance, and incorporate both into Spanish class! While teaching for the Academy for Global Studies at Austin High School, I chaperoned students on international, domestic and local learning expeditions to destinations including Turkey, Spain, Costa Rica, New Orleans and Austin's own MexicArte Museum. I also hosted a weekly salsa dancing lunch group at Austin High. I have studied all kinds of dance throughout my life, but I particularly enjoy salsa, flamenco, samba and West African dance. 

I can be found around Austin spending time outdoors with my son who attends the Creek Campus, performing with West African dance companies Lannaya and Afrique Gninze, and promoting local bluegrass music as the vice president of the Central Texas Bluegrass Association.