ISP Celebrates Over 20 Years of Language Immersion!
Meet Our Staff for the 2025-2026 School Year
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 over 40 years of teaching and administrative exp
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 over 40 years of teaching and administrative experience in both the public and private sector. She worked as a preschool teacher where she met Susie Vincent (Founder of ISP) and helped start International School for Peace in 2004. Cathy and her husband, Gerry, enjoy visiting their oldest daughter in Chicago and their youngest daughter in New Orleans.
Elizabeth Wallace
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Cathy DeMers, M.Ed.
Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth is a native Tucsonan with over 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education; most recently working in Special Education Preschool. She is a firm believer in the importance of Early Childhood Education and the positive impact it can have on a child's life.
Elizabeth is a wife and a mother
Administrative Assistant
Elizabeth is a native Tucsonan with over 15 years of experience working in Early Childhood Education; most recently working in Special Education Preschool. She is a firm believer in the importance of Early Childhood Education and the positive impact it can have on a child's life.
Elizabeth is a wife and a mother to a free spirited toddler. She is also a dog and reptile mom. She has a great love for animals and nature. In her free time you can find her with her family, crafting and creating with polymer clay.
Vanessa Torres
Vanessa Torres
Vanessa Torres
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 Bache
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.
Damaris Huerta
Vanessa Torres
Vanessa Torres
3's/4's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris Huerta is the Lead Teacher for the 3's/4's Full Spanish Immersion classroom at the International School for Peace. She has over 13 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Intervention. Throughout her career, Damaris has had the joy
3's/4's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Damaris Huerta is the Lead Teacher for the 3's/4's Full Spanish Immersion classroom at the International School for Peace. She has over 13 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and holds a Bachelor's degree in Educational Intervention. Throughout her career, Damaris has had the joy of teaching preschool, kindergarten, and first grade at bilingual schools in Nogales, Sonora and Tucson, Arizona.
Born and raised in Nogales, Sonora, Damaris is passionate about nurturing children’s curiosity and creativity while teaching values and principles that support a peaceful world. In the classroom, she encourages children to express themselves freely, embrace their uniqueness, and appreciate the differences in others.
She is excited to continue learning, laughing, and growing alongside her students each day. Outside of school, Damaris enjoys spending 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”.
Lydia Seldner
Vanessa Torres
Lydia Seldner
3-5'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 10th year working at Internation
3-5'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 10th 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 twelve year old daughter who enjoys spending time with her. Lydia likes to travel, exercise, play tennis, practice yoga, and is a fan of outdoor activities, but most of all she loves raising her daughter.
“As play-based educator, I believe that my principal mission is to ignite a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. I will encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a growth mindset, empowering children to become lifelong learners who embrace challenges and explore the world around them.”
Paola Sagar
Paola Sagar
Paola Sagar
4's/5's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Paola is from Chile. She attended college there and obtained degrees in Special Education-Learning Disabilities and Speech Pathology. She moved to the United States in January 2001. She is married and has two boys, Liam and Noah (16 and 19 years old) and a dog named Shadow. This is her 12thyea
4's/5's Full Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Paola is from Chile. She attended college there and obtained degrees in Special Education-Learning Disabilities and Speech Pathology. She moved to the United States in January 2001. She is married and has two boys, Liam and Noah (16 and 19 years old) and a dog named Shadow. This is her 12thyear teaching at ISP and still counting.
Paola enjoys reading, gardening, yoga, running and doing puzzles. She just started to learn crochet. Paola and her family love traveling to visit family and explore interesting places.
She truly believes children can thrive in an environment in which they feel comfortable to be creative, try new things, embrace their curiosity, and feel safe if they make mistakes. Paola is committed to building a strong and supportive community among her class by modeling peaceful and respectful communication, so children and families feel seen and heard.
Zulma Nunez
Paola Sagar
Paola Sagar
3's Full 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 posi
3's Full 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 Full Immersion 3's Teacher. If Zulma is not spending time with her family, you can find her at the gym.
Lupitha Harris-Diaz
Lupitha Harris-Diaz
Lupitha Harris-Diaz
2's/3's and 3's/5's Partial Spanish Immersion Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
Farzana Mohseni
Lupitha Harris-Diaz
Lupitha Harris-Diaz
Farsi Enrichment Teacher
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-
Farsi Enrichment Teacher
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
2's/3's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Precare Lead Teacher
Siria was born and raised in Hermosillo, Mexico. She is a mother to two children aged 10 and 20. Ms. Siria held a lead teacher position for 5 years at Strauss Early Child Center in Tucson. She has experience working with children 6 weeks through 17 years of age. She is pa
2's/3's Partial Spanish Immersion
Lead Teacher
Precare Lead Teacher
Siria was born and raised in Hermosillo, Mexico. She is a mother to two children aged 10 and 20. Ms. Siria held a lead teacher position for 5 years at Strauss Early Child Center in Tucson. She has experience working with children 6 weeks through 17 years of age. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning in young children. She is currently pursuing her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. When she is not in the classroom she enjoys walking and spending time with family.
"I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine throughout their school day."
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Tiffany Vander-Woude
2's Teacher Assistant & 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 Pe
2's Teacher Assistant & 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.
Paula Wright
Tiffany Vander-Woude
Jodi Gottlieb
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Paula Wright completed her studies toward her AA Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018 at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA. Before she went to college, she started out as a secretary and then transitioned into bookkeeping. She is also a writer. She has been married for 38 years and has 3 grown children;
Aftercare Lead Teacher
Paula Wright completed her studies toward her AA Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2018 at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, CA. Before she went to college, she started out as a secretary and then transitioned into bookkeeping. She is also a writer. She has been married for 38 years and has 3 grown children; all are artists. She has been a Preschool Teacher for over 15 years. She spent the bulk of her teacher training in the Head Start Program. She has strong abilities in teaching coping skills, building resilience, and conflict resolution. She loves working with children and enjoys helping them find their best self.
Jodi Gottlieb
Jennifer Valdes
Jodi Gottlieb
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.
Jennifer Valdes
Jennifer Valdes
4's/5's Teacher Assistant
Jennifer Valdes
Jennifer Valdes
Jennifer Valdes
Program Assistant
Jennifer is a passionate early childhood educator with over nine years of experience in bilingual and multicultural learning environments. She has worked as a preschool teacher assistant at Corvallis Waldorf School and is now returning to the International School for Peace in Tucson. Previously, she spent nine years as
Program Assistant
Jennifer is a passionate early childhood educator with over nine years of experience in bilingual and multicultural learning environments. She has worked as a preschool teacher assistant at Corvallis Waldorf School and is now returning to the International School for Peace in Tucson. Previously, she spent nine years as a youth care worker, helping unaccompanied minors express themselves through art and storytelling.
Ms. Valdes values family, community, and creative expression. With her warm and encouraging personality, she strives to inspire young learners and celebrate diversity in the classroom. She is honored to be part of a team dedicated to immersive and meaningful education.
Advisory Board Members
Susie Vincent, Founder & Interim Chair
Marissa Basch, Board Member
Judy Robinson, St. Francis Liaison
Entikhab Alsaraji, Board Member
Pamela Talero, Board Member
Cathy DeMers, Director