Our Team

Maestra Melissa

Founder & Director

I come from a long line of educators and although I received bachelor degrees in Biology and Spanish, I returned to university after traveling extensively to complete my teaching credential. As a student of the world, I love to travel and discover all that it has to offer. Learning is my true passion, to be out in the world meeting people, trying new food, learning new languages and exploring nature. This passion is what I bring to the Jardín. I love to see the world through the eyes of the children and watch them discover.  I truly enjoy their natural curiosity and problem solving. After teaching Kindergarten in bilingual public schools for 8 years and developing my vision in the field for the ultimate Spanish immersion preschool, I created Jardín de Mariposas in 2010 so that my daughter  would have the opportunity to explore, discover and develop in a natural environment where Spanish was spoken and highly valued. I am proud to have a family with two bilingual daughters.

Maestra Eda

Assistant Director

I’m originally from Toluca Mexico where I taught music to preschool-age children before moving to the U.S. with my family. I have worked as a Spanish teacher since 2011, including 5 years at Jardin de Mariposas in Palo Alto, and 1 year running my own home-based program in Los Altos. I attended Santa Cruz University, where I obtained a certificate in Early Childhood Development.

My passion is working with preschool children. At that age they are curious, they are imaginative, and most importantly, they are sponges for knowledge. As a teacher, I have always believed this age is the best time to teach, to guide, and most importantly, to learn from them! I believe in teaching through experiences, techniques, and “tricks” to support your child’s learning. We create an environment where your child plays, enjoys, feels safe experimenting, and all of this without even realizing he/she is learning Spanish!

Maestra Deysi

Teacher

Hi, my name is Deysi. I was born in Mexico but I grew up in between Mexico and the United States. I have two children, a 17 year old son who loves sports and music and a 2 year old girl which keeps me very busy. They are my inspiration and the reason why I try to be a better person each day.

I am very excited for the upcoming year. I began working at Jardin de Mariposas on summer 2016 as an intern and found myself delighted with its program because it allows children to learn Spanish, interact with others and have fun at the same time.  I am currently enrolled in the Child Development Program at Foothill College where I also finished my Associate Degree. I have been working with children of preschool ages for many years. I took care of my cousins, nephews and nieces until I had my own children,  I also volunteered in my son’s school for several years and all these years of working with children have been a rewarding experience. I am a native Spanish speaker and I will put my skills to work to help your children learn Spanish and to make their learning experience a positive one. I am looking forward meeting all of the families of Jardin de Mariposa.

Maestra Yaya

Teacher

My name is Yadira Diaz. I’m originally from Mexico. I began working with preschool age  children 6 years ago and I was thrilled by the way they  can learn and their own way to see the world. Children have the amazing ability to spread happiness, hope, unconditional love, their zest of life and beyond. Children have taught me to see life from a different perspective, the side of life that as an adult I tend to forget. Working with children is one of the most rewarding and gratifying experiences. 

Currently, I am enrolled in Canada College where I am planning to finish my Associate degree  in child development. I believe children are the future and I would make my best effort to guide them and support them in the most positive manner.

Maestra Brenda

Teacher

My name Brenda and I am very excited for this school year!

A little bit about me:

I love being in my garden, crafting and painting! I am from Mexico City and I moved to California at the age of 9. I have experience working in school settings “behind scenes” doing community reach and office work with all different age groups across the board— from elementary school to high school. However, this is my 4th (almost 5th) year inside the classroom.

Things I love: I love plants! I may not be an expert but I have found a love for gardening. My passion for plants started with succulents and have gradually transitioned to house plants and seasonal plants. My dream is to one day have my own cottage house where I can have a giant greenhouse.

Something surprising about me: I have six dogs! The oldest one is a 11 year old chihuahua and the youngest one is an 11 month old Doberman, the one that follows me around everywhere is a mini labradoodle.

I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher! This school year will be filled with fun, lots of learning and new adventures!

Maestra Robin

Teacher

About your Maestra: Robin 

I was raised in Minnesota and my parents used Spanish as a way to talk at the dinner table about things they didn’t want us to understand, until my older brother and I learned enough by the time we were in middle school to catch on. I was fluent in Spanish by the time I was 16 and am trying now to remember all the words I’ve forgotten over the years. I have two boys (one who just graduated from Jardín and is off to 1st grade!) and one who will be joining the Águilas.

My Education:
I majored in Spanish and Psychology at Santa Clara University, and got my master’s in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Child Life from Mills College. I have been teaching young children for many years and am glad to get back to my roots with the Colibríes this year.

Things I love:
I love to read and spend time outdoors. The beach is a personal favorite. I love to travel but vacationing with kids is a lot of work right now. Working with children and families is my passion- I’ve left the field a couple times but I always end up back.

Something surprising about me:
I got scuba certified to get over my fear of sharks and open water. I wouldn’t say it worked, and I haven’t had a chance to use my certification since I received it.

Maestra Irma

Teacher

Hello! My Name is Irma Contreras. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. I have 3 wonderful children, 21, 18 and 11 years old and I enjoy every moment with my family.

My favorite thing to do is camp and spend time exploring the great outdoors.

I love working with children and learning from them. I have spent many years working as a nanny and recently decided to go back to school to make early childhood education a career. I am studying at Chabot College. I am very excited to be a part of the Jardín de Mariposas Team, where children learn Spanish through games, music and many diverse experiences throughout the day!

Maestra Linda

Teacher

About your Maestra: Linda 

I was born in Colombia in a beautiful city called Cali. I spent my childhood surrounded by trees, rivers and mountains. I have lived most of my life in Colombia and at other times I have lived in other countries like Argentina and Chile. I love my Spanish language and now I’m very happy to study English, I’m married to Jaimito, a lovely Spanish teacher who works in San Jose CA, I love to travel and learn about new cultures, that’s why I’m living in this beautiful place now

My Education:
I have a passion for learning, reading and studying. I have a degree in Theatre Arts from Colombia. I worked for several years as a teacher of physical expression and theater for children. I also trained as a storyteller and later earned my Doctorate in Education in Costa Rica. I am currently studying English as a Second Language and am looking forward to starting college in the winter.

Working at Jardin de Mariposas:
I am very happy to be part of this team of teachers. Our Canarios are my best teachers, by observing them and listening to their hearts we will build new ways of learning.

Maestra Mila

Teacher

My name is Milagro Arias, and I am from a tiny town in the Pacific foothills of the rainforest in Costa Rica. I vividly remember waking up to loud toucans and howler monkeys.

I first learned about Jardin de Mariposas while looking for a Spanish immersion program for my daughter. Walking to Jardin de Mariposas in the morning with my daughter is a time I treasure in my heart, and right around that time, I decided I wanted to work with young children.

I have a BS in Computer Science from Universidad de Costa Rica, so problem-solving and mathematical thinking are deeply rooted in my teaching approach. I am one class short of getting an AS in child development and two classes short for the math AS at Foothill College. While a student at Foothill College, I worked as an embedded tutor in pre-calculus and calculus classes. I also did multiple independent studies on mathematical teaching and learning.

I am passionate about working with young minds, learning about each child, and finding ways to make the curriculum and activities attractive to them. I have two children, Marisol (13), who is in 7th grade, and Felipe (almost 3!), who is in the Canarios here at JDM. We enjoy watching our daughter’s sports– softball, soccer and volleyball. I enjoy reading (primarily audible with a toddler and a teen!), traveling, cooking, baking, hiking, swimming, and hosting dinner parties for family and friends.

Maestra Alexa

Teacher

Maestra Alexa

Hello, My name is Alexandra but everyone knows me as Maestra Alexa. I am very proud to be from the capital of Colombia, Bógota. I am a mother with two grown children, Laura Sofía and Orlando Arturo. I love to be with my family.

I enjoy playing many roles, learning new things and experiencing new cultures. I love nature and animals. I don’t have any hobbies because I try to leave each experience to the maximum as if it were my hobby.

Being part of the Jardín de Mariposas team has allowed me to learn new methodologies and develop my passion for early childhood education. I love learning from the children who share their smiles, sweetness and knowledge with me. Each day I learn something new from them.

Maestra Vanesa

Teacher

Maestra Vanesa

Hello, my name is Vanesa, but I prefer to be called Vane.

I’m Colombian, born in a beautiful city called Ibagué, famous for having the best tamales and lechona in Colombia. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, dancing, riding my bike, and listening to podcasts. Since I was very young, I’ve felt an incredible connection with children and babies, although I never imagined that this would become my profession. I like to joke that I became a teacher by accident!
Working with children is definitely my calling. Everything related to childhood truly inspires me. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tolima, along with various certifications in child development, and I have extensive experience working with young children.
I’m so happy to be part of the JDM team! It’s a place where you can explore, laugh, and dream.