Meet Our Staff
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Director
Cathy earned a Master's degree in Special Education in the area of social/emotional development and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and she has almost 40 years of teaching and administrative e
Director
Cathy earned a Master's degree in Special Education in the area of social/emotional development and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona. She is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and she has almost 40 years of teaching and administrative experience in both the public and private sector. Cathy lived in Highland Park, Illinois and worked for the North Suburban Special Education District for 17 Years before relocating back to Tucson in 2001. She worked as a preschool teacher where she met Susie Vincent (Founder of ISP) and helped start International School for Peace in 2004. Cathy enjoys exploring & hiking in beautiful Tucson with her husband Gerry and she looks forward to visiting her two daughters, Grace and Laura, in Chicago soon.
Meredith Keller
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Administrative Assistant
Meredith was born and raised in New Orleans, La. She is married with 4 daughters. Meredith holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from University of Arizona. She has worked as an English Teacher to 3 year old's in Japan for 2 years, as a Special Education Aide, Kindergarten Aide, and a substitute teacher in eleme
Administrative Assistant
Meredith was born and raised in New Orleans, La. She is married with 4 daughters. Meredith holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from University of Arizona. She has worked as an English Teacher to 3 year old's in Japan for 2 years, as a Special Education Aide, Kindergarten Aide, and a substitute teacher in elementary and high schools on military bases in Turkey & Spain for 5 years. She first came to ISP as a parent with her two daughters and quickly fell in love with the school and decided to work in the office with Ms. Cathy for 5 years. Meredith took some time off and had twin daughters who are now students at ISP! She is so happy to be back at ISP and feel the amazing energy! Meredith enjoys hiking, yoga, and laughing with her family.
Ana Santiago
Damaris Huerta
Damaris Huerta
2's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
After Care Assistant Teacher
Ana Santiago is a proud parent of two kids, Adanis (16 years old) and Pedro (8 years old). For the past 14 years she has worked in the preschool education field. She was a preschool teacher in Lawrence, Massachusetts for 3 years, then transitioned as a Sub-Director in
2's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
After Care Assistant Teacher
Ana Santiago is a proud parent of two kids, Adanis (16 years old) and Pedro (8 years old). For the past 14 years she has worked in the preschool education field. She was a preschool teacher in Lawrence, Massachusetts for 3 years, then transitioned as a Sub-Director in the administrative office at the Head Start Program in Puerto Rico, with a capacity of 1,846 kids of low income. After that she returned to Massachusetts where she held the position of Lead Teacher in Early Head Start Program with toddlers for 7 years. Nothing fills Ana with more joy than being a teacher and working directly with kids in a classroom. Education: Bachelor’s degree on Early Childhood Education- Inter-American University of Puerto Rico- 2004. Favorite activities: *Spending time with her kids *Reading a book* Going to the movies* Doing outdoors activities!
Damaris Huerta
Damaris Huerta
Damaris Huerta
3's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris brings eight years of Early Childhood Education experience with her to International School for Peace. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Intervention and has taught preschool, kindergarten, and first grade at bilingual institutes in Nogales, Sonora and Tucson, Arizona. Damaris was
3's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris brings eight years of Early Childhood Education experience with her to International School for Peace. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Intervention and has taught preschool, kindergarten, and first grade at bilingual institutes in Nogales, Sonora and Tucson, Arizona. Damaris was born and raised in Nogales, Sonora and moved to Tucson after getting married in 2018. She loves to teach values and principles for a peaceful world and looks forward to making new friends during her first year at International School for Peace. Damaris loves sushi, her two huskies, Frida Kahlo, and baking.
Lydia Seldner
Damaris Huerta
Lydia Seldner
3's / 4's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Lydia was raised in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico and received a professional degree in International Business Administration from Universidad De El Valle De Mexico, Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico. She has extended experience in early childhood education. This is Lydia's 6th year working at Internat
3's / 4's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Lydia was raised in Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico and received a professional degree in International Business Administration from Universidad De El Valle De Mexico, Hermosillo, Sonora Mexico. She has extended experience in early childhood education. This is Lydia's 6th year working at International School for Peace as a Lead Language Enrichment Teacher. She started as a volunteer and assistant during the Spring of 2015. She has a beautiful nine year-old daughter who enjoys spending time with her. Lydia likes to play tennis, practice yoga, and is a fan of outdoor activities, but most of all she loves raising her daughter.
Paola Sagar
Farzana Mohseni
Paola Sagar
4's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Paola is from Chile. She went to college there and obtained degrees in Learning Disabilities and Speech Pathology. She moved to the United States in January, 2001. Ms. Paola is married and has two boys (12 and 15 years old) and a dog named Shadow. She enjoys reading, gardening, running, and dancing!
4's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Paola is from Chile. She went to college there and obtained degrees in Learning Disabilities and Speech Pathology. She moved to the United States in January, 2001. Ms. Paola is married and has two boys (12 and 15 years old) and a dog named Shadow. She enjoys reading, gardening, running, and dancing! She's vegetarian and is always looking for some new recipes. This is Ms. Paola's 9th year at International School for Peace - a supportive community where we embrace children's curiosity for learning as well as their backgrounds. Ms. Paola not only believes that ISP is a wonderful place for children to learn, but for adults as well.
Zulma Nunez
Farzana Mohseni
Paola Sagar
Teacher Assistant
Zulma was born and raised in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. She moved to Tucson over 15 years ago and loves it here. Zulma has experience working with children at Bonillas Elementary School and Ventana Vista. Angelique is Zulma's nine year old daughter; together, they love to read! Zulma is excited to return to International S
Teacher Assistant
Zulma was born and raised in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. She moved to Tucson over 15 years ago and loves it here. Zulma has experience working with children at Bonillas Elementary School and Ventana Vista. Angelique is Zulma's nine year old daughter; together, they love to read! Zulma is excited to return to International School for Peace this year as our program assistant. When Zulma is not spending time with her family, you can find her at the gym.
Farzana Mohseni
Farzana Mohseni
Farzana Mohseni
Farsi Teacher &
Program Assistant
Farzana was born in Afghanistan and moved to Tucson, AZ in March 2004. Farzana has three wonderful girls (13, 11, and 8 years old). The oldest is in Sonoran Science Academy, and the other two are in Basis Tucson North and Basis Tucson Primary.
Farzana has over 16 years of experience working with children
Farsi Teacher &
Program Assistant
Farzana was born in Afghanistan and moved to Tucson, AZ in March 2004. Farzana has three wonderful girls (13, 11, and 8 years old). The oldest is in Sonoran Science Academy, and the other two are in Basis Tucson North and Basis Tucson Primary.
Farzana has over 16 years of experience working with children infant-12 years old. While she was working with children, she was also the Safety Captain and helped out in the office.
Farzana enjoys walking and hiking.
Siria Esquivel
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Tiffany Vander-Woude
3's Partial Immersion Lead Teacher
Precare Lead Teacher
Siria was born and raised in Hermosillo Mexico. She is married and mother to two children ages 7 and 15. Most recently, Ms. Siria held a lead teacher position for 5 years at Strauss Early Child Center in Tucson. She has experience working with children ages 6 months thru 17 years of age.
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Tiffany Vander-Woude
2's/ 3's Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Teacher Assistant
Tiffany recently relocated from Riverside, California, where she was raised on the family dairy farm. She holds a BS in Liberal Arts from California Baptist University and a Teacher Assistant Certificate from Riverside Community College. In addition, Tiffany holds an Associate Te
2's/ 3's Assistant Teacher & Aftercare Teacher Assistant
Tiffany recently relocated from Riverside, California, where she was raised on the family dairy farm. She holds a BS in Liberal Arts from California Baptist University and a Teacher Assistant Certificate from Riverside Community College. In addition, Tiffany holds an Associate Teacher Permit. She comes with extensive experience working in private preschools, public school programs, and Vacation Bible programs throughout Riverside County, California. Tiffany enjoys painting, latch work, and spending time with her 5-year-old niece.
Ashley Femrite
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Ashley Femrite
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Program Assistant
Ashley was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with a Minor in Anthropology from NAU. She is currently working towards her Master’s in School Counseling at GCU online! Ashley has experience working with young children through her time with WIC during the
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Program Assistant
Ashley was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health with a Minor in Anthropology from NAU. She is currently working towards her Master’s in School Counseling at GCU online! Ashley has experience working with young children through her time with WIC during the free summer meals and education program, as a dental assistant at a family practice, and in over 10 years of nannying experience—most recently with two of our own International School for Peace Students! During her free time, Ashley enjoys visiting all of her extended family in Phoenix, baking new recipes for her friends and neighbors, hiking with her Black Lab Mix puppy Korra, and creating her own essential oil mixes!
Jodi Gottlieb
Jodi Gottlieb
Ashley Femrite
Hebrew Enrichment Teacher
Jodi is so excited to be returning to ISP. She was born and raised in Johnstown, PA and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She moved to Tucson in 1992 and doesn't miss snow one bit! Jodi has volunteered for many years in various preschools and elementary schools; she loves spe
Hebrew Enrichment Teacher
Jodi is so excited to be returning to ISP. She was born and raised in Johnstown, PA and has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She moved to Tucson in 1992 and doesn't miss snow one bit! Jodi has volunteered for many years in various preschools and elementary schools; she loves spending time with children and she enjoys watching them learn and grow. Jodi has two beautiful daughters and a wonderful husband who keep her very busy. She enjoys long walks, practicing yoga, and Zumba workouts. Jodi is forever grateful for all the beautiful things that life has to offer.
Lori Lopez
Jodi Gottlieb
Lori Lopez
Multicultural Music Enrichment Teacher
Hello to the families at the International School for Peace. My name is Lori Lopez and I am pleased to be the new multiculturalism and Spanish music teacher. I have just retired from a 34 year career in education in Riverside, California. I still love teaching, but there is something I love even m
Multicultural Music Enrichment Teacher
Hello to the families at the International School for Peace. My name is Lori Lopez and I am pleased to be the new multiculturalism and Spanish music teacher. I have just retired from a 34 year career in education in Riverside, California. I still love teaching, but there is something I love even more…my family. I am the grandmother of Eleazar (Lazer) Lopez who is in Miss Siria’s class. I am really excited to sing, dance and learn more about our marvelous world with the children.
Advisory Board Members
Susie Vincent, Founder & Interim Chair
Marissa Basch, Board Member
Jason Ground, Board Member
Judy Robinson, St. Francis Liaison
Entikhab Alsaraji, Board Member
Shannon Lindemer, Board Member
Pamela Tolero, Board Member
Cathy DeMers, Director