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 Liliana

Teacher

Hola! My name is Liliana and I am so excited to join the wonderful teachers (Maestras Maravillosas) of Jardin De Mariposas School. I was born in Lima-Peru and moved into the Bay Area more than thirty years ago.

I have worked with children for over eighteen years teaching preschool age all the way to third grade in various private and public schools. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development; academic, social, language and motor skills. It is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.

Personally, I have been married and have three fantastic children who are 25, 15 and 14 years old. We love to watch our kids’ sports – basketball, volleyball, and soccer! I also enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the beach, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

I look forward to working together with you as partners in your child’s growth and development.

Maestra Denisse

Teacher

Hi! My name is Denisse and I’m from Colombia. I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and before I moved permanently to the US I did a cultural exchange as an Au Pair for a year (2017) living with an American family in Connecticut. During that year I took care of three children ages 2 to 5. This experience allowed me a complete immersion in this society and I learned how important family values are and the way they are taught to the kids. Thus, today I understand that patience, assertiveness, flexibility and love are essential attributes to success in child-rearing and every day I do my best to put them into practice with your kids at JDM. Also, I’m the youngest of three siblings, and consequently, I’m the favorite auntie and with my nieces I learned everything related to the caring of babies from 6 to 24 months old, as I participated actively in their early years nurture.

JDM gave me the opportunity to initiate my path in early education and I feel lucky to have found a place that motivates me and inspires me each day thanks to its teaching philosophy and also to its wonderful team work. Currently, I’m taking classes at Foothill College to obtain my units in ECE in order to continue growing up in this marvelous labor of teaching and educating the little ones.

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 Rose

Teacher

Hi! My name is Rocio but I prefer going by Rose. I was born and raised in the Bay Area but lived for many years in Guadalajara, Jalisco. I have 2 sons, 2 grandsons and one granddaughter who bring me so much joy! I began my teaching career in Morelia, Michoacan, MX, which I then continued in Guadalajara.

I started with Early Childhood Education here in California. I’ve worked with preschoolers for more than 10 years. I love reading for pleasure and also to gain knowledge, biking and exploring nature!

I enjoy eating and cooking and always try to learn recipes from different cultures. On the weekends, you’ll find me in the library or you’ll see me calmly riding my bike through the neighborhoods! A fun fact about me: I love having my hair braided and I love Rap!

Maestra Alice

Teacher

About your Maestra: I was born in San Jose, California but raised in Lima, Peru. My mother is from Peru and my father was from Argentina. I came from Peru in 2006 to bring my 3 daughters and give them a chance to get a better future. Here I married and had my son Matias who is 16 years old.

My Education: In Peru I graduated in early childhood education, and I have been working with children for more than 35 years. In 2010 I continued with my education in ECE and I have a site supervisor permit . I am working towards my certificate in inclusion and early intervention. I also have a Family Development credential from Connecticut University and a music teacher accreditation( I also have a YouTube channel with some of my songs in Spanish, I have 2 cds.)

Things I love: I love children, singing and playing my guitar, animals, going to the beach, coffee, chocolate, coloring mandalas and watching movies.

Why I love teaching:Children are honest, smart, loving and fun among so many other great qualities. But I experienced what it is like being loved by them when I was 14 years old. I was invited to play my guitar for preschoolers and that’s when I knew working with children was what I wanted to do for the rest of my days!

Something Surprising about me: I am a grandmother of 3 beautiful girls and one boy, Karolina(15), Sabrina (11) and Kaela (4.5) Sebastian (2) and Valentina is on her way. My grandchildren are my greatest joy. I was a professional singer in Perú. I also have 2 bearded dragons (Nicky and Hershey), a dog(bruno), a cat (Albert) and I am not scared of feeding them with crickets, superworms, mealworms, etc. My son’s friends think I am “a weird mom” and some parents called me “the dragon lady”.

Maestra Andrea

Teacher

Hola mi nombre es Andrea Saravia I was born In San Jose California and grew up in Palo Alto. My family is from El Salvador Izalco, Sonsonate with my father being partly cuban. I have two beautiful children, my son being 8 years old and my daughter being 4 years old.

I went to school at the college of San Mateo and studied Art and Literature, and later changed my studies to focus on Early Childhood Education. I love working with children and have worked with children for over 12 years. I love seeing children laugh and learn, especially learn through play. I like helping children navigate through their challenges and through their emotions. And seeing them succeed in their learning process at school.

I like having a good time with family and friends. Dance, and art are some of my passions. I like trying new things, being creative and having fun! 🙂 During my free time I enjoy taking walks, reading, writing, and sewing. I like eating good food and relaxing at home with my loved ones.

I’m glad to have joined the Jarin team this year. And I’m excited for what is to come. And for getting to know the children

Maestra Luisa

Teacher

My name is Luisa Fernanda López, I was born in Colombia, specifically in a city called Villavicencio, located at the east of Colombia. My mother language is Spanish. I trained as an industrial engineer and I moved to San José two years ago. 

I love walking while I enjoy the landscape and listening to the animals or just the peace that comes with the air. One of my hobbies is to decorate spaces for special moments, it is part of a family tradition and Colombian culture. Is it such an important tradition to me that in the last few years I have developed a business called @ludecoration, that creates special moments with amazing decorations.

Last year I decided to work in Jardín de Mariposas and I feel it is one of the best experiences of my life. I love the experience to share and be witness to the ways that the children develop their skills, discover tools, and let their imagination fly. I can only describe this experience as an adventure, where every day I learn something different while I am sharing knowledge in my first language.

Now, I am studying early childhood education with the aim to be a teacher, offer my students a great experience and have enough tools to deal with the challenge of learning a new language.

Maestra Ellie

Teacher

About your Maestra:   Ellie 

I was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and at the age of 4 years old. My parents decided to immigrate to the U.S. because they wanted their kids to have a better future with more opportunities. San Jose, CA was where my parents decided to establish a life. I’ve lived in San Jose since 1994. I am  grateful to my parents for not allowing me to speak English at home. I love having the ability to change and communicate in two languages.  

My Education: 

I have an AA from San Jose City College. I am continuing to further my education in early childhood and Psychology with a focus on Applied Behavioral Analysis. I have worked as an RBT (Behavioral Specialist) for 7 years. My experience in working with children comes from working with kids on the spectrum and other behavioral needs. I love helping tiny humans, what better way than having fun while doing it?

Things I love: 

I love going to the beach, spending a morning or evening just laying on the sand and listening to the sound of the waves. Going on hikes/walks is my favorite form of exercise. I love being in nature, especially if there is a creek. Watching horror movies is something I also love. Reading fiction books is another of my favorite things to do when I want a break from horror movies. 

Something Surprising about me:  

I’ve swam with dolphins in Hawaii and went ziplining for the first time in 2021. Since age ten, I have been around farm animals such as goats and chickens living in the city. My dad had them in the backyard. One more surprising thing about me is I love spicy foods.