Notre équipe – Enseignants

BBarbara was born and raised in Córdoba, Argentina. She graduated from Cliffside Park High School and earned a B.A. in English Learner Studies. In 2011, she moved with her family to Hong Kong S.A.R., where she began her career as a bilingual teacher. Over more than 11 years in the field, she has developed a deep passion for Early Childhood Education.

Barbara pursued further studies in Early Childhood Education through a PGCE program at the University of Sunderland and has a strong interest in child psychology and global teaching approaches. She is currently undertaking a Master of Arts in Innovative Early Childhood Education at the University of Colorado Denver, with a focus on the Reggio Emilia approach.

Barbara has been part of the Tessa community since 2022. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature and preparing traditional meals with her family.

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.

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.

Ana María is originally from Chile and has over 11 years of experience in the field of education. She holds a degree in education, specializing in early childhood literacy, language acquisition, and language disorders. She has also completed postgraduate studies in educational research and further specialized in mathematics education in Singapore. Ana María has worked in diverse educational settings and was a university professor, training future teachers.

She has lived in Canada and Panama and recently moved to New Jersey with her family. Ana María is excited to join this new community and share her experience and passion for education.

As a mother, Ana María enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active with her family. In addition, she dedicates many hours to her passion for dance. She has been part of Latin dance groups for years, performing and competing in various events.

Ana María is eager to connect with others and contribute to this new chapter in her life.

Noemi was born in the Basque Country, Spain and discovered her love for teaching languages early in life. She earned a degree in English Studies from the University of the Basque Country and gained experience in a trilingual setting teaching Basque, EFL and Spanish. She went on to complete a Master’s in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language at the International University of Valencia and is now finishing her Master’s in Secondary Education.
Throughout her career, Noemi has taught students from Early Childhood through High School in Spain and the United States, collaborating on Spanish immersion programs for English speakers. She loves combining other disciplines—such as theater and new technologies—to create an engaging and inspiring classroom atmosphere.
Noemi is passionate about fostering inclusive and culturally rich learning spaces. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling with her husband and their dog, reading classics (women authors are her favorite), and continually working on her teaching skills.

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.

Jenny’s life has been shaped by her love for cooking and her dedication to nurturing children. She graduated from culinary school in Portoviejo, Ecuador, and has always enjoyed sharing her cooking knowledge. Her three children make her proud; two are teachers like her, and one works in the tech industry.
Jenny sees teaching and cooking as closely connected. Whether she’s in the kitchen or classroom, she aims to inspire and educate young people. As a native Spanish speaker, she knows the importance of language in building connections. Learning English has been a passion for her to connect with more people and share her knowledge across cultures.
In Ecuador, Jenny taught children how to cook, reinforcing her belief in the power of education and cooking. Now, with her two grandchildren, she enjoys passing on their family’s cooking traditions and teaching them both Spanish and English. With her nurturing spirit, cooking skills, and love for teaching, she aims to make a positive impact on children’s lives, embracing bilingualism every step of the way.

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.

Abigail Zambrano was born in New Jersey and raised in a Honduran household, growing up fluent in both English and Spanish. She is currently pursuing a major in Psychology at Hudson County Community College. Abigail has always had a passion for working with children and previously worked as an aftercare and summer camp teacher at Tessa International School. She aspires to become a school counselor to support young people as they navigate life's challenges.

Carla was born in Santiago, Chile, where she obtained her degree as an elementary school teacher, complemented by studies in science and Spanish language. Since 2020, she has developed her educational philosophy, based on the belief that all of her students have unlimited potential. Her main goal is to strengthen the self-esteem and autonomy of children, helping them trust in their abilities to achieve their goals and overcome the challenges life presents to them.

For her, the classroom is a safe space where empathy, trust, and respect are essential. She promotes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, in which students enjoy the learning process and are not afraid to make mistakes, seeing them as valuable opportunities for growth. She fosters a collaborative environment where students support each other to achieve their goals and become integral citizens, committed to their personal well-being and the natural and social environment around them.

Isabella was born and raised in New Jersey, in a bilingual household, enriching her life with a deep appreciation for language and cultural diversity. Hailing from El Salvador descent, she brings a unique perspective and a rich cultural heritage to her interactions with the students. She has been working at Tessa for three years. 

With her extensive experience, genuine love for children, and multicultural background, Isabella is delighted to embrace a new chapter at Tessa as a full-time assistant. 

Beyond her work with children, Isabella finds joy in exploring the great outdoors. Additionally, she embraces a healthy lifestyle, dedicating time to the gym and staying physically active.

She is excited to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to foster a nurturing and enriching learning environment for all the young minds at Tessa.

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 and a Diploma of "Supporting the Entry into the Teaching Profession" from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne.

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.

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.

Léa was born and raised in Burgundy, France. Passionate about teaching and driven by a desire to pass on her knowledge, she studied educational science in Paris before teaching for several years in a nursery school.

Keen to develop her teaching skills, she then worked with young people with disabilities, then with older students in a small village in Brittany. These experiences enriched her both humanly and professionally, nourishing her thoughts on education and support for children.

She loves accompanying young children in their first learning experiences, transmitting to them the joy of going to school and the pleasure of discovery. For her students, she designs numerous projects around children's literature, the arts (dance, theater, painting), as well as sensory and scientific experiments, always in a spirit of benevolence, curiosity and joy.

Outside school, Léa is a theater enthusiast: she has performed for several years in amateur workshops and enjoys attending shows. An avid reader, she also enjoys cooking and sharing her dishes with friends and family.

With over a decade of teaching experience, including four years at the Lycée Condorcet de Sydney, Silke brings a rich international perspective to the classroom. She holds a Master’s in Education (MEEF 1er  degré) and the French CRPE teaching certification.

Throughout her career, Silke has taught a wide range of early childhood grades, from  Kindergarten to upper primary. She has extensive experience teaching 1st to 5th grade  in both France and Australia. Her diverse teaching background allows her to support  students at various developmental stages, ensuring a smooth academic progression. 

Silke’s approach to education emphasizes differentiated instruction, fostering  autonomy and critical thinking in every student. She has led engaging classroom  projects, such as an eloquence competition, and integrates innovative teaching tools,  including digital resources, to enhance student learning. 

She values strong partnerships with families and believes that open communication is  key to a child's success. Passionate about international education, Silke thrives in  multilingual and multicultural environments. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys  organizing enrichment activities, such as music and sports programs, to further  support student development. 

Dedicated, adaptable, and always eager to inspire curiosity in her students, we're very  excited that Silke is part of Tessa International School’s mission of fostering global citizens. 

Originally from Strasbourg, France, Sandra Perez has taught for many years in international schools, in her hometown and abroad. She has taken part in European collaborative projects with schools in Germany, Finland, and Spain, and completed a teaching internship in Senegal. Her teaching journey then took her abroad—first to California, then to Sydney, and for the past three years to New York City.
Specialized in French as a Foreign Language (FLE) and co-author of a French CM1 (Grade 4) textbook, Sandra enjoys weaving art, culture, and music into her teaching. A passionate admirer of New York’s cultural life, she also has a long-standing love for dance and creative expression.

Elodie was born in Salon de Provence, a tiny medieval town in the South of France. As the eldest of four girls, she was bathed in tutoring and childcare early on. She expatriated herself when she was twenty years old to complete her studies in International Trade at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. Her earlier career took her across Canada, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, North Africa and even as far as New Zealand.

Elodie started teaching pre-K ten years ago at Science Language and Arts International School in Brooklyn. SLA closed in 2020 and she joined the ranks of Tessa International School's amazing educators in 2021. She is passionate about teaching via Arts Integration within the framework of the International Baccalaureate, well versed in conversational teaching, scaffolding language, responsive classroom management, hand-on math, yoga for little ones, culturally responsive teaching, introducing critical thinking in preschool and the Reggio Emilia method. Fluent in French, Spanish and English - with extensive knowledge of Italian, Provincial and ASL, Elodie has always made a point to keep learning languages. Besides her passion for languages and Arts, Elodie loves to create little adventures for her dog, Bowie, and two daughters to engage in.

Elodie holds a double bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Quebec in Outaouais and Sup de Co Marseille as well as a Masters in Project Management from the UQO and another in Integrated Teaching through the Arts from Lesley University. She is also currently working on developing her career as a visual artist.

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.

Born and raised in the French countryside, Bleuenn Alvarez's path has always been guided by a love for children and a deep appreciation for her culture. She studied personal care and service, building a foundation in supporting and nurturing others. Her journey then took her to the United States, where she embraced a new adventure as an au pair.

Passionate about the French language, Bleuenn finds joy in sharing her heritage and traditions with others. Living in a bilingual environment, she values cultural exchange and the opportunity to connect through language and shared experiences. Her experience caring for children aged 1 to 8 has been at the heart of her journey. Whether teaching little ones new things or encouraging their creativity through scrapbooking and crafts, she thrives on nurturing their development and imagination.

Outside of her work with children, Bleuenn enjoys traveling, cooking, and engaging in creative projects that spark connection and joy.

A worldwide culture enthusiast, Virginie followed her passion for the English language which ultimately led her to move permanently to the United States.

She fell in love with English at the age of 12 during her first English class. After high school, she decided to pursue a degree in languages, specializing in both English and Spanish. She spent one year studying in England and later traveled to Spain to deepen her understanding of both languages and cultures. Virginie taught English for one year in junior high and high school in France before moving to the US.

While living and traveling in the US, she explored various career paths and developed a deeper understanding of American culture, as well as a great appreciation for its international dynamic. A few years ago, she rekindled her passion for education and became a preschool teacher’s assistant, helping young children develop foundational learning skills and laying the groundwork for their future success in school.

In her free time, Virginie enjoys playing music and singing, writing, reading, learning new languages, traveling, and discovering new things. Passionate about languages, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Spanish, has a basic knowledge of Italian, and knows some Hebrew. Fun fact: She can say “Thank You” in 44 languages.

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.

Jia was born and educated in China before moving to the U.S. to earn her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Boston University. She later earned her M.S.Ed. in TESOL from the University of Pennsylvania with distinction and a Dean’s Scholarship. She actively participates in research projects at the Early Childhood Learning Lab, gaining in-depth knowledge of children's cognitive, emotional, and social development. For the past five years, Jia has taught children ages 5–12 in Beijing, Boston, and Philadelphia across preschool, bilingual immersion, and subject-based settings. As a passionate bilingual educator, Jia is deeply committed to building warm, trusting relationships with her students. She strives to create a safe, inclusive, and student-centered learning environment that supports each child’s individual growth.

Xiaocong (Chloe) was born and raised in China and is a Mandarin educator with experience from early childhood education through high school. She holds a Master's degree in Urban Secondary Education with a concentration in Mandarin from Cleveland State University, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Educational Foundations from Iowa Wesleyan University. 

Before joining Tessa, Xiaocong taught kindergarten and 2nd-grade Mandarin immersion, worked as a high school Mandarin student teacher, taught preschool Mandarin, and tutored college-level math. These diverse experiences allowed her to gain a well-rounded understanding of student learning and development and deepened her passion for teaching. 

Xiaocong is committed to fostering strong learning habits in students and using effective, multisensory teaching strategies to help all students reach their full potential. She inspires students’ interest in learning through various fun classroom activities and supports them in becoming lifelong learners. She wants her students to not only learn the structure of Mandarin, but also to apply it in real-life situations. 

In her free time, she enjoys trying different kinds of food, spending time by the sea, and all kinds of outdoor activities.

Lena Lee was born and raised in Taiwan and is passionate about helping young children discover the joy of learning Mandarin through engaging, hands-on activities. With over a decade of experience teaching English and piano to children in Taiwan, she blends creativity, structure, and warmth to create a nurturing environment where children feel confident exploring a new language.

Lena holds a Master degree from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from National Dong Hwa University. Fluent in both Mandarin and English, Lena integrates music, movement, and play into her teaching to make every lesson dynamic and joyful. Her multicultural background and love for working with children make her a dedicated and inspiring educator.

Karen Jin is a dedicated bilingual educator with over six years of teaching and mentoring experience across China, Taiwan, and the United States. She holds both a CTCSOL and a TESOL certification, allowing her to teach in both Mandarin and English classrooms. Karen completed her Master’s degree in Education at Northwestern University, where her studies focus on curriculum design, language, and identity. Her professional background includes teaching at universities, primary schools, preschools, and tutoring international students in subjects ranging from Mandarin and English to math and science. She is passionate about creating student-centered, engaging learning environments that celebrate curiosity, cultural diversity, and individual growth. Karen’s goal is to inspire confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.

Charlotte Yu is a Taiwanese American educator who is passionate about helping young children grow into confident and joyful bilingual learners. She believes language learning should feel meaningful and engaging, and she strives to create a warm classroom environment where children feel safe to explore, play, and express themselves. Having attended Taipei American School, she experienced an international IB education that continues to shape her commitment to inquiry-based and globally minded learning.

Charlotte graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and a minor in Education Studies. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Bilingual and Bicultural Childhood Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Fluent in Mandarin and English, she incorporates movement, storytelling, and hands-on activities into her teaching, bringing creativity, empathy, and energy to support the growth of the whole child.

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.

Solomie is a dedicated educator who finds great joy in nurturing children's curiosity and fostering their love of learning.

Born in Ethiopia, Solomie moved to Toronto, Canada, as a teenager. This Ethiopian-Canadian background has profoundly shaped her worldview, offering a unique blend of perspectives that she deeply values. It has taught her the richness that comes from bridging different cultures and experiences. After completing high school and her undergraduate degree in Toronto, she pursued early childhood education, where she discovered her passion for inquiry-based learning.

Later, Solomie moved back to Ethiopia to be near family and had the opportunity to teach at the International Community School of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia an IB World School. Her time there involved leading play-centered and inquiry-driven classrooms and collaborating closely with colleagues on curriculum and student support. This experience further highlighted for her the importance of international education and learning within a truly diverse community.

Always eager to learn, Solomie completed her Master's in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, which further deepened her understanding of how to best support children's holistic growth and development.

Solomie is incredibly thrilled to join the Tessa community and anticipates building meaningful connections with students, families, and colleagues. She firmly believes that an educational environment that celebrates diversity is incredibly powerful for helping children grow into empathetic, open-minded, and well-rounded global citizens.

Solomie is here with her husband and their twins who will be joining Tessa International School as first graders. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with her family.

Originally from the United States, Jon holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Massachusetts teaching license. Over the past ten years, he has taught in diverse international settings in Seoul, South Korea, Beijing, China, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. These experiences have shaped his belief in the power of global-minded education and the importance of nurturing curiosity, empathy, and resilience in every child.

With a strong background in early literacy instruction, Jon is passionate about helping students develop the skills and confidence to become lifelong readers and writers. He strives to create a classroom environment where every learner feels valued, challenged, and inspired to reach their potential.

Outside the classroom, Jon is an avid runner, cyclist, and skier. As a three-time marathon finisher, he enjoys taking on challenges and looks forward to exploring the running scene around Hoboken.

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.