Guisell comes from Peru. As she says, it may be shocking to many people, but she is the oldest of 9! Being surrounded by so many kids her whole life made her want to be involved in education. She was able to see, from personal experiences, that kids have so much to give, their minds are capable of so much!

Through high school her heart  settled on teaching.

She pursued a Psychology major and once she graduates, she will be getting her master’s in clinical psychology with a concentration in adolescents and children. Growing up, her parents pushed her to accomplish everything that she wanted. This is why she was able to do some mission work in Philadelphia for two years. She helped many families that were in need and taught many kids that did not have the opportunity to go to school. Besides going to Philadelphia, she traveled around the world. Being able to see different cultures made her realize that she should not take for granted what she was given. She is very pleased to be working for Tessa.

Carmen was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. She moved to the United States about 9 years ago and got her associate degree in early childhood education. Afterward, She got a BA in foreign language – Spanish in NYC.

She first joined Tessa as a summer camp assistant teacher, and has been passionate about teaching since she was a kid.
Carmen started working with special Ed young children in 2020. She says that being empathetic, kind, energetic and always positive has been her way of showing her students that learning is fun and important, that they matter regardless of anything and that kindness will open many doors.
A few of her hobbies include listening to music, reading Spanish books and eating out with her family.

Fluent in Spanish, Rosa was born and raised in Ecuador. Since earning Child Development Associate (CDA) and Child Development Specialist certification (CDA) she has become very proficient in managing behavioral issues. She has had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of children including children who are challenged by ADHD, autism, speech impairments, and other conditions. These experiences have helped Rosa to gain expertise in planning and implementing teaching methods that incorporate individual students’ learning. Rosa is hard-working and self-motivated. She always tries to improve herself and she never gives up. Rosa has been working with Tessa since the school opened its doors, and we are very lucky to have her!

Joshy was born and raised in Guatemala where she learnt her mother tongue, Spanish, and is the oldest of 5 siblings. From a very young age, she liked children and felt a passion for education. At 14 years old, she started teaching and taking care of young children at her local church. 

Joshy obtained an Associate of Technical Drawing and Architectural Design at the Canadian College of Guatemala.She then volunteered for 2 years in community service activities in Guatemala City. The program, called “Peronia Adolescentes”,  consisted in giving drawing classes to children from 7 to 12 years old. At the same time, she worked part time as an art teacher in a preschool “Cedros del Libano”.

She later moved to the United States where she started working at Tessa International School as a Prek-3 assistant teacher for 2 years, and in prek-4 and Kindergarten for two more years. In 2020 she obtained her International Baccalaureate (IB) PYP certification. Since then,  she also dedicated herself to giving private Spanish classes to children from 3 to 10 years old and as Head teacher in Spanish summer camps.

In parallel to being a teacher at Tessa, she is studying to obtain a Bachelor’s in International Business with a specialization in the Spanish language at Keiser University, online campus.

Joshy is very invested in the IB PYP curriculum and truly believes that investigation and inquiry are the best learning process a child can experience. She believes ensuring  her students become lifelong learners is the key for a promising generation and for the sustainability of this society and of the planet.

Carlos is a native Spanish speaker from Ecuador. He was born in Manta, Ecuador. When he finished high school he went to an English Institute to learn English, and 2 years later he was hired by the Institute to become an ESL-Teacher.

He is also an Industrial Engineer, and will soon obtain his master’s degree in “Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.” His passion to teach keeps him on track. As soon as he moved to the United States, he decided to go back to teaching.

He has over 15 years of experience as a teacher, 12 years in Ecuador teaching different subjects such as English, Math, Chemistry, Science, Social Studies, and more; and 3 years teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language in a Montessori School in Jersey City, before joining Tessa in 2021. 

Mr. Carlos is always happy and very enthusiastic. He understands that every student is different, and they have their own unique way to learn. He makes learning Spanish FUN!

Miranda was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She moved to New Jersey in June 2022 to start a new life. She has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and has been working with children  from P-second grade for more than 6 years. Mrs. Miranda loves dancing salsa and making accessories in her free time. She is energetic, artistic and a wonderful addition to our school community. Miranda loves children, and has the ability to see each child’s strengths and provide a challenging but fun program.

Zulema was born and raised in Ecuador. She embarked on her journey to the United States of America at the age of 21. Zulema pursued her higher education at Fairleigh Dickinson University through a program known as “Puerta al Futuro” or “Gateway to the Future.” It was within this program that she achieved her associate degree in Liberal Arts, leveraging the opportunity to not only enhance her English language skills but also to engage deeply with her major.

With a strong academic foundation, Zulema boasts two years of valuable experience as an Assistant Teacher, catering to children across the spectrum from infant room to PK4. In the year 2019, she underwent comprehensive training in fundamental knowledge areas, earning certificates of attendance for accomplishments such as “Traditional vs. Appropriate Circle Time” and “Developing Language and Cognitive Skills Through Music and Movement,” at the esteemed Bergen County Office for Children in Hackensack, New Jersey (07601).

Zulema’s heart resonates with her work involving children – a passion that ignites her spirit. She perceives children as a captivating realm brimming with opportunities for exploration and enlightenment. Beyond her professional endeavors, she finds solace and joy in spending quality moments with her cherished family.

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.

Susan was born in New Jersey and raised in a bilingual household by her Mexican parents. She is majoring in Child Psychology and wants to dedicate her time and expertise to support and nurture young minds within the educational setting. Susan has been working at Tessa as an aftercare teacher and sub, and then all summer long as a Summer Camp assistant teacher before joining the team full time. When she’s not busy with work or academics, Susan enjoys unwinding at home with her cat Olive, indulging in shared hobbies such as watching movies, crocheting, and exploring new interests.

Vanessa Baez brings her exceptional dedication and experience to Tessa International School, where she has been an invaluable member of our community for over a year. With a genuine passion for collaboration and a deep sense of belonging, Vanessa thrives as she works alongside colleagues and students alike, seamlessly integrating into the Tessa family. Her extensive background in nurturing and educating children spans a considerable duration, making her a cherished and adept presence within our school.

Kimberly was born in Honduras and has called New Jersey her home since her childhood. Her passion for working with children began at a young age, and she has dedicated herself to nurturing and educating kids in various environments. From her teenage years, Kimberly has been actively involved in providing care and guidance to children through her work in daycares and summer camps.

She is currently studying to obtain her associate degree in early childhood education. With her deep love for nature, she strives to create enriching and holistic learning environments for the children she serves. Kimberly’s dedication and enthusiasm make her a valuable asset in shaping the futures of children from infancy to 12 years old, leaving a positive impact on their lives and her community.

Miriam was born and raised in Mexico. She holds an MA in Health Education and Promotion and has worked several years in the mental health field providing guidance to schools and community organizations on the area of depression and connecting them to help.

She has experience providing academic programs and tutoring in multiple settings. Her first experience as instructor was in a rural community providing elementary education and basic literacy to parents.

Miriam is the first one in her extended family to obtain a higher degree which has reinforced her connection to education and her commitment to give her best to Tessa’ students.

She joined Tessa in early 2022 and believes that each child is a human being that deserves respect and to be listened by adults. She hopes to preserve the children’s natural smiles and looks forward to to raising the love for language, culture and academics in our students.  

Eloïse was born and raised in Liege, a city in the French speaking part of Belgium. Coming from a family of teachers, teaching has always been a part of her life but it was really the experience of a few months of volunteering in a kindergarten in Venezuela that finally convinced her to choose this career.          

During her studies at Helmo Sainte Croix de Liège, she was able to complete her knowledge in pedagogy at the Blasco Ibáñez University in Valencia, Spain, thanks to an Erasmus program. 

She graduated as a kindergarten and primary school teacher in 2011 (Two separated careers in Belgium), and then  took the opportunity to teach on different continents (Congo DRC, Vietnam, Chile).  

Back in Belgium after five years of experience abroad with young children, she challenged herself and spent six years with students from 12 to 20 years old with learning disabilities and academic difficulties. 

In her classroom as in her life, she loves projects and challenges because they are the driving force that pushes us to surpass ourselves and give purpose and meaning to our learning. As a teacher, she seeks to promote inclusion, autonomy and self-esteem by allowing children to evolve in a reassuring, encouraging and benevolent environment. 

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.

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 can’t wait to spread French culture to her new students and learn from theirs.  

Some of her priorities are to teach her students to be kind to others, understanding and open-minded. She will do her best 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. 

She is thrilled to be part of the Tessa adventure!

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.

Thibault was born and raised in the French Alps. Before coming to teaching, he used to study anthropology, worked in manufactory, volunteered for a homeless children association and was an animator for several years. 

Thibault holds a Master’s degree in youth literature, a Master in anthropology, and a certificate in Education. When he completed the French National Exam for teachers, he practiced for the public sector in the marvelous city of Marseille before moving to Casablanca, where he taught in a bilingual Arabic-French school.

Thibault is very passionate about learning foreign languages, 20th century literature, choir singing, football association fandom and having long strolls. In his work, he is dedicated to enrolling students in cooperative pedagogy and creative projects with an interdisciplinary approach.

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. She is excited to be a part of Tessa!

Yiying, also known as Luna, was born in Shanghai, China. Her deep passion for language education led her to pursue a degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to her studies in the United States, Luna spent two years in Australia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies, Luna’s enthusiasm for Mandarin teaching and multilingual education has been a driving force in her academic and professional pursuits. She is inspired by the principles of inclusive and culturally-responsive teaching, always striving to help students develop confidence in their identities and cultures, while fostering a sense of diversity and multiculturalism.

Luna’s linguistic abilities extend beyond Mandarin and English, as she is also proficient in Japanese and Shanghainese dialect. Motivated by a genuine curiosity for languages and cultures, Luna eagerly embraces opportunities to learn new languages and connect with people from around the world. In her free time, she indulges in her hobbies of reading, writing, and playing the piano. Luna’s diverse skill set, coupled with her passion for education and cultural exchange, make her a valued member of the Tessa International School community.

Ziyi, originally from China, has a strong background in education. She holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from The Pennsylvania State University. During her undergraduate years, she also worked as a researcher for the Educational Pedagogies Research Group.

One of her notable achievements is co-authoring the bilingual children’s book, “Precious Misunderstanding.” This book features bilingual dialogues in Mandarin and English with vivid visualizations, aiming to teach children about love, courage, cultural acceptance, and diversity. It quickly gained popularity among kindergarten-aged children.

With her diverse educational background and teaching experience, Ziyi looks forward to contributing to Tessa’s international community, where her passion for education and cross-cultural understanding will surely make a positive impact.

Ting was born and raised in China. She holds a master’s degree in Chinese Linguistics from Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a bachelor’s degree in Chinese Language and Literature from Hunan Normal University in China.  Ting has rich teaching experience in transdisciplinary curriculum in elementary school in Hong Kong. She has taught both native and non-native speaking students aged 5-12 in international schools and private schools in Hong Kong and Macau for over 9 years.  Ting is an open-minded and knowledgeable enthusiast, who has traveled to over 40 countries. She has excellent skills in playing Chinese traditional instrument er’hu. 

Kathryn was born in Morristown, NJ and grew up in nearby Northeast, PA. Her journey as an educator began in Washington, DC, where she has lived and worked for the last 13 years. Kathryn has taught extensively in DC’s language-immersion elementary schools, starting as a School Garden Teacher in a Spanish-immersion setting. For the last six years, she worked as a lead English teacher at Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School, a top-rated IB PYP and Chinese-immersion school. During her tenure as a kindergarten and second grade teacher at Yu Ying, Kathryn served as a Team Lead, piloted a Forest School program, and was honored with three nominations for DC Teacher of the Year. Since relocating to NYC, many of her former students have traveled here to visit her, which she considers an even greater honor. As an educator, Kathryn cherishes students’ wonder and curiosity, and her responsibility to hold space for them as they explore, discover, and grow. She creates a classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and appropriately challenged. Her high expectations allow students to feel confident in themselves, and capable of anything. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys long distance running, cooking and baking, and watercolor painting. She’s currently marathon training and completing her MS.Ed in Childhood Education. Kathryn is absolutely delighted to be joining Tessa’s esteemed faculty, and can’t wait to get to know the wider Tessa community.  

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.

Jessica was born in Manta, Ecuador, and immigrated to the USA with her family as a preschooler. She has called Jersey City her home ever since and has grown up in a multicultural environment. 

She is the first generation of her family to have attended college and currently has her associate degree in early childhood education. She worked for over five years in the educational field. Last year, she was one of our Spanish teachers. She finds joy in witnessing a child learn something new. She feels the impact she makes in their lives makes for an even bigger and completely gratifying impact in her own life. Being a mother of young children, she understands the importance of a great partnership between parent and teacher.  

She obtained a bachelor’s degree in primary education and plans on obtaining a masters in special education and behavioral analysis. 

In her spare time she loves to volunteer in the community.  In the last few years she developed a passion for gardening!

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.

Marielle is from Long Island, New York.  Her desire to be a teacher started when she was in preschool, when she would “teach” her younger sister and her stuffed animals on her bedroom floor.  Marielle attended the University of Maryland for a degree in Elementary Education, and then Bank Street College of Education to obtain her masters in Childhood Special Education.  Marielle had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Rome and then traveled throughout Europe.  She fell in love with different cultures and especially food!  Marielle has 10 years of experience as a special education teacher, and is excited to bring her enthusiasm, creativity, and energy to Tessa!  Marielle is a new mom to a 1 year old daughter.  You might see them on the swings in parks all around Hoboken!

Luis Lucero is of Mexican heritage! He loves spicy food and tacos without a single doubt! He studied at Kean University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Science in Physical Education and minor in Health, with a background in Athletic Training. He has taught kids of all ages to swim and improve on their abilities. He has also helped people 1 on 1 to improve their daily lives by becoming more flexible and to help relieve pain.  Luis has two younger brothers who are 20 and 13, they love spending time and traveling together. Their favorite travel destination was Brazil due to the amazing food! They also love to watch soccer and basketball together. Luis enjoys playing basketball with his friends and enjoys working-out to keep in shape. During his free time, he likes to play guitar along with a little ukulele and practice some songs that just put him in a great mood. Luis is looking forward to joining the Tessa family especially because he will be working alongside his fiancée Guisell!