Our Team – Teachers

Barbara was born and raised in Cordoba, Argentina. She graduated from Cliffside Park High School and has a B.A. in English Learner Studies. In 2011 she moved with her family to Hong Kong S.A.R., where she has been a multilingual teacher for over 11 years and has grown very passionate about Early Childhood. Barbara earned a Postgraduate Certification in Early Years Foundational Stage from the University of Sunderland, UK. She thrives on studying and researching Child Psychology and the many teaching methods that are most effective around the world.
In Hong Kong, Barbara taught in great local and international schools where she focused on early literacy skills and helping families through the adaptation stage at PreK.
Barbara has relocated back to New Jersey and is the happiest around a multicultural community. She loves to prepare healthy meals and spend time in the great outdoors with her loved ones.

Carmen was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States about 9 years ago. She earned an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education and later a BA in Foreign Language – Spanish in NYC.

Carmen began her journey with Tessa as a summer camp assistant teacher and has since progressed to roles as an assistant teacher and lead teacher during the school year. Her passion for teaching has been a part of her life since childhood. She has a specialisation in working with young children with special needs. She believes that empathy, kindness, and a positive attitude are key to making learning enjoyable and meaningful, and she strives to show her students that they matter and that kindness can open many doors.

In her free time, Carmen enjoys listening to music, reading Spanish books, and dining out with her family.

Joshy was born and raised in Guatemala, and is the oldest of five siblings. Her passion for education began at a young age, and at 14, she started teaching and caring for children at her local church.

Joshy earned an Associate’s degree in Technical Drawing and Architectural Design from the Canadian College of Guatemala. She then spent two years volunteering with the “Peronia Adolescentes” program, teaching drawing to children aged 7 to 12. During this time, she also worked part-time as an art teacher at the preschool “Cedros del Líbano.”

After moving to the United States, Joshy joined Tessa International School as a PreK-3 assistant teacher, later transitioning to PreK-4 and Kindergarten. In 2020, she obtained her International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP certification. She also began offering private Spanish classes for children aged 3 to 10 and served as Head Teacher at Spanish summer camps.

Currently, Joshy obtained a Bachelor’s in International Business with a specialization in Spanish at Keiser University’s online campus. As a lead teacher at Tessa, she is deeply committed to the IB PYP curriculum and believes that investigation and inquiry are essential for effective learning. She is dedicated to helping her students become lifelong learners, which she sees as vital for a promising future and the well-being of our planet.

Eulalia was born in Oviedo, Spain, where she developed a passion for education early in life. She pursued this passion academically, graduating from the University of Oviedo with degrees in Foreign Language Education and Early Childhood Education. Eulalia's dedication to her field led her to work in public schools across the North of Spain, where she gained extensive experience in teaching young children.

In Spain, Eulalia was actively involved in several European educational projects, collaborating with schools in Norway, Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Iceland. These projects not only enriched her professional skills but also broadened her understanding of diverse educational systems and practices.

Two years ago, Eulalia decided to expand her horizons further by embarking on an international journey. She moved to New York, driven by a desire to explore new cultures and educational methodologies. This move has been a transformative experience, allowing her to continue growing and evolving as an educator in a new and dynamic environment.

Raised in a bilingual family, Dayanna is dedicated to caring for others, finding her calling in nurturing both children and the elderly. From Elmhurst, New York, she brings natural compassion and a genuine love for people to her work. With a focus on child care since 2013, Dayanna excels in creating safe, nurturing environments and building strong connections with young minds and families. In 2019, she expanded her care to the elderly, offering companionship and comfort, particularly to her grandmother battling dementia.

Currently pursuing a child psychology degree at Kean University, Dayanna seeks to deepen her understanding of child development and make a lasting positive impact on young lives. Her unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to growth make her an inspirational caregiver in both child and elderly care settings.

Zulema was born and raised in Ecuador and moved to the United States at the age of 21. She pursued her higher education at Fairleigh Dickinson University through the “Puerta al Futuro” program, where she earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts. This program allowed her to improve her English language skills and engage deeply with her studies.

With a solid academic background, Zulema has over three years of experience as an Assistant Teacher, working with children from the infant room to PK4. In 2019, she completed training at the Bergen County Office for Children in Hackensack, New Jersey, earning certificates in areas such as “Traditional vs. Appropriate Circle Time” and “Developing Language and Cognitive Skills Through Music and Movement.”

Zulema is deeply passionate about her work with children, viewing them as a world full of opportunities for exploration and learning. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family.

Vanessa has been a valuable member of the Tessa International School community for over two years. Her passion for collaboration and strong sense of community make her a wonderful fit within our team. Vanessa brings a wealth of experience in nurturing and educating children, making her a cherished presence at our school. Her dedication and skill continue to positively impact both colleagues and students alike.

Rosa was born and raised in Ecuador. With certifications as a Child Development Associate (CDA) and Child Development Specialist, she has developed strong skills in managing behavioral challenges. Rosa has experience working with a diverse range of children, including those with ADHD, autism, speech impairments, and other conditions. These experiences have honed her ability to tailor teaching methods to meet individual learning needs. Known for her dedication and self-motivation, Rosa continuously seeks to enhance her skills and persevere in her efforts. She has been a valued member of Tessa since the school’s inception, and we are fortunate to have her on our team.

Irley, born in Ecuador, has her Bachelors of Science in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre as well as certifications from Dance Educators of America and The Institute for American Musical Theatre. She has nearly 11 years of teaching experience and has taught all ages from babies/toddlers to adult classes. Irley is very passionate about advocating for her students and helping them grow into confident adults and loving members of society. She wants each student to feel good about themselves and what they can learn and achieve.

Raised by her Ecuadorian parents she loved to hear stories of how her mom lived in many countries and spoke different languages! She is confidently bilingual and has always had an ever growing interest in learning more languages. As a mom herself, she and her husband are raising their most amazing and sweet  “Chinecuadominicarican” son to be trilingual!

Karla was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Universidad Central de Chile in 2018. Three years later, in 2021, she completed her Master's degree in School Management and Leadership. During her master's studies, Karla trained in several key areas, including Opening the World of Learning, Mathematics Their Way, and The Kindness Curriculum, as well as receiving MMCI CLASS training. These experiences enhanced her classroom teaching methods and the quality of her interactions with students. Karla spent five years as a Head Teacher before becoming a Mathematics Manager, where she led other educators in implementing the program.

A year ago, Karla relocated to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she worked as a Primary Teacher Assistant in a Spanish immersion program at a Montessori school.

In her personal life, Karla enjoys hiking, exploring new places, and savoring delicious meals with her husband.

Maria was born and raised in Chile, where she developed a deep passion for education. She earned her degree from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and has since gained extensive experience as a teacher in various educational settings. Over the years, Maria has worked as a Form Teacher at well-respected institutions like The Mackay School and Colegio Profesor Huguet, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Maria’s teaching style is characterized by her adaptability and resilience, which allow her to seamlessly integrate into new environments. She is always eager to acquire new knowledge and skills, ensuring that her teaching methods remain dynamic and effective. Maria is committed to continuous learning, believing that exploring different educational environments not only enriches her experience but also enhances her ability to inspire and engage her students.

Melanie, raised in a bilingual household with Argentine roots, brings a rich cultural perspective to her work. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from New Jersey City University. During Summer Camp, Melanie joined the Tessa team as an assistant floater, where her nurturing nature and strong dedication quickly resonated with both children and parents. Her warm and caring approach makes her an integral part of the Tessa community.

Jeffrey, a New Jersey native, was raised in a Mexican household, making him bilingual in both English and Spanish.

With two years of experience at Tessa International School as an Aftercare and Summer Camp teacher, Jeffrey has shown dedication and reliability. He brings patience, a positive attitude, and a natural ability to connect with children—skills further developed through his experience as an Assistant Teacher and as a father to his one-year-old child.

Jeffrey enjoys working on intricate Lego sets, which demonstrate his focus and attention to detail, and going on long bike rides, which bring him a sense of calm and balance.

In his role as Assistant Teacher, Jeffrey looks forward to contributing to a nurturing and supportive classroom environment.

Amina was born and raised in Algeria. Fluent in French, she received her degree in French Language and Literature at the University of Languages in Algeria.

She obtained a Children’s Educator Diploma at the National Training Institute of Youth and Sports Educators.

She started her professional career as a middle school French teacher,  then worked as an assistant educator for children with special needs at the psycho-pedagogical center for disabled children, and educator of children at the youth center.

Amina, in her 10 years experience working with kids, has taught a variety of different ages and categories of children.

She moved to the United States in 2017 and started working at Tessa in 2019. She is very happy to be a part of the Tessa family.

Elodie was born in Salon-de-Provence, a charming medieval town in the South of France. As the eldest of four sisters, she gained early experience in tutoring and childcare. At twenty, she moved abroad to complete her studies in International Trade.

Her career has taken her across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, North Africa, and even New Zealand. Elodie began teaching pre-K eight years ago at Science Language and Arts International School in Brooklyn and currently leads a French class at Tessa.

Elodie is passionate about teaching Visual Arts using the Language of Arts method by Ann Pelo. She is skilled in conversational teaching, scaffolding language, responsive classroom management, hands-on math, yoga for young children, anti-bias discussions, beginner critical thinking, and the Reggio Emilia method. Fluent in French, Spanish, and English, with extensive knowledge of Italian, Provencal, and ASL, Elodie is committed to continually expanding her language skills.

In addition to her professional interests, Elodie enjoys creating little adventures for her Bulldog-Pitbull mix, Max, and her two daughters.

Élodie was born and raised in Paris by her Guadeloupean parents. She received her Associate Degree in Administration, Social Science and Economics, but wanted a career that focused more on social concerns. She therefore decided to earn a social work certificate in Quebec; since then her mission has been to improve children’s lives wherever she is.

Élodie worked as a Social worker in Montreal and realized there how vital education is for children; she learned that it brings knowledge as well as solid values in their lives.

She started her teaching career working as an educator for children with behavioral issues in a foster home and as a tutor for a community resource center in Montreal. She still volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused or neglected children in order to provide them with a safe and healthy environment in permanent homes.

Élodie is very excited to be a part of Tessa’s mission and be able to teach French in such an empowering and open-minded environment. She makes giving each child a way to express himself or herself a priority. Elodie has been working with Tessa since the school opened its doors, and we are very lucky to have her!

Sandra was born and raised in Reunion Island, France. After high school, she pursued a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, followed by a Master's degree in Sociology in 2011.

Her first experience abroad was as a teaching assistant in New York City, which inspired her to begin a career in education. After working with NGOs in Asia and France, she obtained her French teaching certification in 2016 and started working as an elementary school teacher in Paris.

In 2021, Sandra taught for two years at a French immersion school in Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a year at a French private school in Vancouver, Canada.

As a teacher, Sandra's goal is to instill a love of learning in her students, and she is excited to achieve this at Tessa International School.

Thibault was born and raised in the French Alps. Before transitioning to teaching, he explored various fields, including anthropology, manufacturing, and volunteering with a homeless children’s association. He also served as a camp advisor for several years.

Thibault holds a Master’s degree in Youth Literature, a Master’s in Anthropology, and a certificate in Education. After completing the French National Exam for teachers, he taught in the public sector in the beautiful city of Marseille before relocating to Casablanca, where he taught at a bilingual Arabic-French school.

Thibault is passionate about learning foreign languages, 20th-century literature, choir singing, football, and enjoying long walks. In his teaching, he is dedicated to engaging students in cooperative pedagogy and creative projects with an interdisciplinary approach.

Mireille was born and raised in Lebanon and brings over a decade of experience in education. She previously served as the assistant principal for the preschool section at De La Salle College in Beirut. Since relocating to New Jersey, Mireille has worked as an assistant teacher at Montessori schools.

Since 2022, Mireille has been a valuable member of the Tessa International team, where her caring and compassionate approach shines through. She is deeply committed to supporting each child’s individual needs, fostering a nurturing environment that helps students feel valued and confident. Her dedication to creating a positive and supportive learning experience is evident in her interactions with both students and colleagues.

Laura was born and raised in a small town in the South West of France. She fell in love with the English language as soon as she started learning it at school. In 2011, she moved to Bordeaux to study the English language, culture and literature for three years. After she graduated, she decided she wanted to become a teacher.  She obtained her Master’s in Education and started her teaching career.

She traveled to several English-speaking countries that she loved such as Scotland, Ireland, England and in 2019 she took a road trip across the USA. After this enriching experience, she decided she wanted to move here in order to improve her knowledge of this amazing country and discover new ways of teaching. She loves to spread French culture to her students and learn from theirs.

Some of her priorities are to teach her students to be kind to others, understanding and open-minded. She makes it her priority to help her students develop their knowledge as well as their self-esteem. School must be a happy place to come to, and a safe haven to improve oneself.

Angelique was born and raised in a small village near Poitiers, France. She earned an Associate Degree in Social Science and Economics from Poitiers University. For 13 years, she worked as an IT developer before relocating to the UK and then the US, where she began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

After moving to the US, Angelique focused on raising her daughter. In 2021, she joined Tessa as a floater and substitute teacher, before becoming an assistant teacher. Angelique finds great joy in being with children and is inspired by watching them grow with confidence and an open mind.

In her free time, Angelique enjoys traveling, DIY activities, knitting, and rugby.

Born and raised in Algeria, Noura's journey has been rooted in her cultural heritage. She pursued studies in English and Literature, and her commitment led her to a teaching diploma for French. Noura's passion for education found its purpose as she became an assistant teacher, focusing on young children aged 4 to 7. Guiding these budding minds through their formative years became a source of fulfillment, reflecting her dedication to nurturing young learners.

Outside of her educational endeavors, Noura embraces the joy of dance and the art of cooking.

Jeanne was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, where she began her journey in education and cultural engagement. After completing her studies, she moved to Morocco to further her education and earned her diploma there. She then launched her professional career in the airline industry, working with Air France in Dakar and Atlas (Royal Air Maroc) in Morocco, before becoming a flight attendant. This role allowed Jeanne to experience diverse cultures around the world and developed her strong skills in communication, patience, and empathy—qualities she brings to her work with children.

In 2020, Jeanne moved to the United States to be with her husband and has since earned a certification as a Medical Office Assistant. She worked in a Montessori school, where she gained extensive hands-on experience with young children, building nurturing and supportive classroom environments. Jeanne is passionate about inspiring curiosity and joy in her students, and she finds great fulfillment in helping children grow and thrive. In her free time, she enjoys music and spending quality time with her own children.

Liangrui is a native Mandarin speaker and completed her bachelor's degree in English Literature at Tongji University in Shanghai, China. Her academic journey continued at Teachers College, Columbia University, where she earned her master degree and excelled in the Bilingual/Bicultural Education program, achieving a straight A grade record.

Commencing her educational path in 2015, Liangrui has amassed a wealth of bilingual teaching experiences across various age groups and cultures, spanning China, Cambodia, and the USA. As a bilingual educational practitioner, Liangrui places a paramount emphasis on students' emotional well-being and health. She values the significance of cross-cultural communication in language acquisition and actively employs culturally responsive pedagogy to honor students' home cultures. She also has a great passion in exploring interdisciplinary education and leveraging dynamic teaching tools to effectively engage students of diverse ages and meet their unique needs. Throughout her study at Teachers College, Liangrui proactively absorbed insights from gifted/special education and art education, seamlessly integrating these into her teaching practice. She firmly believes in utilizing art as a potent pedagogical tool, enriching students’ language acquisition and nurturing their creativity.

Susan Yang was born in a little town called Ningde, in China. After graduating from Beijing Normal University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, she taught Early Childhood Education at a teacher’s college for five years. She then moved to Cambridge, England with her husband. She obtained an MA in education at the Cambridge Institute of Education. After several years of enjoying English tea and customs, she decided to move to the USA, in 1992, and has been here ever since. She has worked in a private school for over 20 years, and has a passion for childhood education. She loves exploring, discovering and challenging herself as a teacher, trainer, and program director. She uses her previous educational experiences to bring out the best in each student! She loves being a teacher because she can touch each child’s life every school day, and she loves all the people that she has encountered. Because we are woven into the same universe that we live in, there’s always a purpose for all of us to meet! In her free time, she enjoys traveling to different parts of the world, taking long walks in nature, meeting different people and reading books of many different genres.

Wang Jing’s formative years in China have profoundly shaped her understanding of traditional Chinese culture. She earned her undergraduate degree in education from Zhejiang Normal University and pursued a master’s degree in education at the world’s top education institute at University College London.

She has engaged in educational work in China, Indonesia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Wang Jing dedicated six years to Chinese education in the United Kingdom, where she excelled and was promoted to the position of principal. She has become a highly praised Chinese teacher with a strong cross-cultural awareness. As an enthusiastic educator, she not only possesses a deep understanding of Chinese traditional culture but also has extensive knowledge in classical, modern, and contemporary literature, enriching her teaching with additional depth.

Wang Jing conducted research in child psychology, is well-versed in theories of child development, and has accumulated rich practical experience over the years. She firmly believes that children’s language acquisition is closely tied to their environment, games, social interactions, and integration with other disciplines. Advocating for immersive Chinese learning that is both enjoyable and incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, she aims to provide children with a happy, comprehensive and efficient language acquisition experience.

Hersalyn Grossy/孪西仁 (Li Xī Rén) has dedicated the past 10 years to caring for children and served as an Assistant Teacher in Mandarin at TESSA. She finds joy in watching children learn and have fun simultaneously.

Hersalyn is from New Jersey and has studied at a Chinese school from early childhood through tertiary education, graduating from Chiang Kai Shek College. She enjoys reading, running, playing board games, and taking photos.

Hersalyn is excited to continue supporting the children at TESSA, helping them reach their developmental milestones and enjoy their learning journey.

Miao Nie is an experienced educator with a Master of Arts in TESOL from New York  University, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in Russian from Beijing International Studies University. Miao has developed a strong foundation in intercultural communication and  language education. Miao’s teaching experience ranges from serving as an ESL Teaching Assistant in the United States, where she supported Spanish-speaking students, to  independent consulting in Beijing, providing English tutorials with a notable 100% pass rate for PET and FCE exams. Throughout her career as an English teacher and assistant teacher, Miao has made curriculum plans to meet individual student needs and engage students in the learning process. Miao is fluent in three languages: Chinese, English, and Russian. Miao is passionate about language education and is dedicated to fostering a  supportive and dynamic learning environment for her students.

With an extensive background in teaching high school and young children, Wendy brings a rich blend of knowledge and practical experience to Tessa International School. Originally hailing from China, Wendy is fluent in both Mandarin and English, allowing her to connect with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Her passion for education is matched by her enthusiasm for fostering critical thinking and real-world skills in her students.

Outside the classroom, Wendy is an avid reader, always seeking to expand her horizons through literature. She enjoys staying active through running, which she finds both invigorating and a great way to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Wendy is also a fan of board games, appreciating the strategic thinking and camaraderie they encourage.

Wendy’s diverse experiences and dynamic interests make her a valuable member of the Tessa community, where she is committed to inspiring and guiding her students to achieve their fullest potential.

Tawna’s instructional journey spans across diverse locations. She has shared her expertise in education, Dance and P.E., contributing to the educational landscape in both Los Angeles, California, at the High School level, and in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, New York, at the Elementary level. She also worked at Tessa as a PE teacher in 2020!

Tawna’s belief in the indomitable spirit of humanity is unwavering. She is committed to creating secure intellectual, artistic, and environmental spaces that foster learning and support academic endeavors. Her innate positivity, combined with a genuine curiosity for the lives and passions of those around her, lays the foundation for the trust she cultivates with her students. Fuelled by her personal enthusiasm for learning through performance, Tawna brings a unique dimension to education, enriching the classroom experience with the infusion of music, theater, and dance.

Kristina is a passionate educator who finds joy in lifelong learning and nurturing curiosity. Originally from Chicago and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Kristina’s journey has taken her across various educational landscapes. She holds an MA in Private School Leadership from Teachers College and an MBA from Columbia Business School, complementing her BA in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia. With over a decade of experience, she has taught and led in public, charter, and international schools.  

Kristina’s career began with an immersive international experience, completing her student teaching at a bilingual school in Berlin, Germany. She then taught as a primary public-school educator in Georgia before moving to Florida, where she enriched the educational experience at a public charter school through creativity, leadership, and the arts. Her career continued with four impactful years at an International School in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where she learned Spanish, led curriculum design teams, mentored new teachers, and coached basketball. While pursuing her graduate studies at Columbia University, Kristina served as a preschool graduate assistant, expanding her expertise across early childhood classrooms.

Kristina is eager to collaborate with colleagues at Tessa International School and build meaningful relationships with families. She currently resides in New York City, where she enjoys spending time with her two sisters and two nephews who also live in Manhattan. Kristina enjoys living an active lifestyle, cooking new recipes, appreciating nature, and spending her time outdoors.

Áine hails from the scenic County Wicklow in Ireland, where her passion for education took root. She pursued a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching at the renowned Froebel Department of Maynooth University. Eager to broaden her horizons, Áine seized the opportunity to study abroad through the Erasmus programme, immersing herself in the vibrant culture of Denmark. It was during this transformative experience that she discovered her love for international education, teaching English lessons in the city of Copenhagen. Upon graduating, Áine returned to her roots, teaching at her former primary school. For the past four years, she has been a dedicated educator at a prestigious British International School in Dubai, imparting academic knowledge alongside a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

At the core of Áine’s educational approach lies the belief that students thrive in an environment where they feel secure and valued. Áine’s ultimate goal is to empower each student to reach their full potential whilst fostering a sense of responsibility towards their community. As an educator, Áine aspires to ignite a passion for critical thinking within her students. She aims to equip them with the tools to analyze and understand the complexities of the world around them, enabling them to become agents of positive change. By encouraging intellectual curiosity and awareness, Áine hopes to inspire the next generation of thoughtful and engaged citizens. Her teaching philosophy underscores the importance of holistic development, where academic excellence is intertwined with personal growth, empathy and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Carlos was born in Manta, Ecuador. With a background in Industrial Engineering and a deep passion for teaching, Carlos has pursued a diverse career in education both in Ecuador and the United States. He has 17 years of teaching experience, including 12 years in Ecuador where he taught subjects such as English, Math, Chemistry, Science, and Social Studies.

Carlos joined Tessa as a Spanish teacher and Spanish Program Coordinator and is now the STEM teacher and Coordinator. He is well-versed in various educational environments and is dedicated to fostering a love of learning in his students. His enthusiasm for teaching is contagious, and students are naturally drawn to his dynamic and inspiring approach.

In recognition of his dedication and expertise, Carlos has been named a STEMteachersNYC 2024 Siegel STEM Fellow. This prestigious fellowship supports Teacher Fellows in their professional growth and leadership, enhancing the understanding of the needs of STEM educators.

Daria Wolicka is a musician and musicologist by profession and a dancer by passion. Daria comes from Poland, where she graduated from the Primary and Secondary State Music School Complex in the transverse flute and piano class, studying classical music. She continued her education at the University of Warsaw, gaining a BA and MA in Musicology Studies with a pedagogical specialization. During MA, she received the rector’s award for the highest academic results. She played in orchestral projects and took part in recording albums in the field of jazz, ethnic and improvised music. She has been passionate about dancing for 10 years. In 2017-2018 she studied contemporary and jazz dance in Barcelona, Spain, and in 2020 she obtained a sports instructor license in the discipline of dance. For several years she has been teaching music and dance in international schools. So far, she has worked in schools in Warsaw, Poland and Bangkok, Thailand. During her music classes, she combines professionalism with a lot of patience and a smile. As a dancer, she introduces many dance and movement elements even to her music classes. Privately, she loves to sing, cook vegan food and listen to psychological podcasts.

Lydia was born in Spain. She studied a degree in Primary Education specializing in Physical Education at the University of Cádiz. Teaching has always been her passion. She started her educational journey in Ireland where she took the role of an Early Childhood teacher. After her work in Ireland she started teaching in international schools as a Primary and Secondary teacher.

While working as a Physical Education teacher, Lydia studied her Master's degree in Teaching Spanish as an Foreign Language, which gave her the opportunity to become a Spanish teacher.

She is passionate about sport, having played rugby in Spain for 15 years. She was Andalusian Rugby 7's champion in the 2021/2022 season. She has been a rugby coach and rugby promoter in schools since 2015. She also enjoys running and CrossFit. Lydia loves to innovate and look for new challenges to engage her students and make learning meaningful and fun. 

Tawna’s instructional journey spans across diverse locations. She has shared her expertise in education, Dance and P.E., contributing to the educational landscape in both Los Angeles, California, at the High School level, and in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, New York, at the Elementary level. She also worked at Tessa as a PE teacher in 2020!

Tawna’s belief in the indomitable spirit of humanity is unwavering. She is committed to creating secure intellectual, artistic, and environmental spaces that foster learning and support academic endeavors. Her innate positivity, combined with a genuine curiosity for the lives and passions of those around her, lays the foundation for the trust she cultivates with her students. Fuelled by her personal enthusiasm for learning through performance, Tawna brings a unique dimension to education, enriching the classroom experience with the infusion of music, theater, and dance.