ISP Celebrates 20 Years of Language Immersion!
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ISP Celebrates 20 Years of Language Immersion!
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
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.
Administrative Assistant
Laurie was born and raised in Hopedale, Massachusetts. She began her university studies at U of A in 1987 but left the state and moved to the midwest in the 90's. Eventually, she came back west and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at ASU, a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Christina Sell,
Administrative Assistant
Laurie was born and raised in Hopedale, Massachusetts. She began her university studies at U of A in 1987 but left the state and moved to the midwest in the 90's. Eventually, she came back west and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at ASU, a 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate from Christina Sell, and her Master’s in Public Administration from ASU. In essence, Laurie has been seeking peace since she was a pre-schooler and has learned that cultivating peace is an inside job. She is delighted to be here in Tucson planting seeds of peace in all that she does as she offers her support to Tuscon ISP. Laurie has one son in Tempe, AZ and relocated from Phoenix to Tucson in 2021. Laurie enjoys singing, dancing, meditation, yoga, bike riding and playing with kids on the grassy playground.
Younger 2's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanessa is returning to International School for Peace after a few years of serving at a Montessori-style school. She is happy to bring her 9 years of educational experience back to us to promote peace and kindness in our community. Ms. Vanessa grew up and studied in Hermosillo and ha
Younger 2's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Ms. Vanessa is returning to International School for Peace after a few years of serving at a Montessori-style school. She is happy to bring her 9 years of educational experience back to us to promote peace and kindness in our community. Ms. Vanessa grew up and studied in Hermosillo and has a Bachelor of Science in Education from The Universidad del Valle de Mexico. Ms. Vanessa moved to Tucson in 2002 and has grown to love our city. In her free time, she likes to shop at La Encantada, enjoys coffee with friends, and spends time with her son, her daughter and her three beautiful granddaughters. She loves reading books and takes pleasure in teaching children about geography.
3's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris brings ten years of Early Childhood Education experience with her to the 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
3's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris brings ten years of Early Childhood Education experience with her to the 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 time at International School for Peace. Damaris loves to spend time with her Family, camping, gardening, and baking.
"I believe that all children are unique and have something special that they can bring to their own education. I will assist my students to express themselves and accept themselves for who they are, as well embrace the differences of others”.
3/4'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 7th year working at Internationa
3/4'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 7th 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 ten 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.
4/5'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 dancin
4/5'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.
3's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
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 daughter; together, they love to read! Zulma is excited to return to her p
3's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
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 daughter; together, they love to read! Zulma is excited to return to her position as Lead Partial Immersion 3's Teacher. If Zulma is not spending time with her family, you can find her at the gym.
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.
Older 2'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 through 17
Older 2'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 through 17 years of age.
"I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine throughout their school day."
Younger 2'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
Younger 2'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.
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Vivian Olvera is the aftercare teacher at ISP. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arizona, 2 years of experience working as a special education paraprofessional, and 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is a mother of one and has lived in Tucson since 2017. Her hobbies incl
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Vivian Olvera is the aftercare teacher at ISP. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Arizona, 2 years of experience working as a special education paraprofessional, and 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is a mother of one and has lived in Tucson since 2017. Her hobbies include writing, reading, making jewelry, and playing board games.
Teacher Assistant
Lourdes Torres, or “Lulu” as she likes to be called, was born and raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora Mexico. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2008 after graduating from high school. Lourdes has more than 5 years’ experience working with children, including private Spanish tutoring as well as working as a preschool teach
Teacher Assistant
Lourdes Torres, or “Lulu” as she likes to be called, was born and raised in Magdalena de Kino, Sonora Mexico. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2008 after graduating from high school. Lourdes has more than 5 years’ experience working with children, including private Spanish tutoring as well as working as a preschool teacher assistant. She really enjoys working with children of all ages. Lourdes loves to learn and explore new languages and cultures; she is very excited to be part of the ISP team this year. When Lourdes is not working, she loves to spend time with her husband as well as her 2 schnauzer dogs Marcello and Nikita. She enjoys reading, singing, art, and movies.
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.
Program Assistant
Ms. Jennifer has strong family values. She brings over 7 years of multicultural social work experience to ISP. She has spent many years helping unaccompanied minors express themselves in fun and artistic ways as a means of helping them adapt to their new living environment. Ms. Valdes enjoys spending time with her fami
Program Assistant
Ms. Jennifer has strong family values. She brings over 7 years of multicultural social work experience to ISP. She has spent many years helping unaccompanied minors express themselves in fun and artistic ways as a means of helping them adapt to their new living environment. Ms. Valdes enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and the community. She has been developing her artistic skills and creating opportunities to commune with neighbors and provide exceptional care for others. Ms. Valdes is passionate about creative expression and diversity. She presents with an encouraging attitude and has a very outgoing personality which she uses to help educate young ones. Ms. Valdes is honored to be part of a team that is known for their unique immersion program and well-distinguished staff.
Susie Vincent, Founder & Interim Chair
Marissa Basch, Board Member
Judy Robinson, St. Francis Liaison
Entikhab Alsaraji, Board Member
Shannon Lindemer, Board Member
Pamela Tolero, Board Member
Melissa Landau, Board Member
Cathy DeMers, Director
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