Faculty & Staff

Bilingualism is a unique and valuable strength that opens doors in the classroom and in the workforce. Bilingualism in the classroom creates a more inclusive environment and prepares students to engage with people of all cultures and languages in the future. Students at DIA are going to be valuable employees and community members who can communicate well with others, appreciate differences, and build bridges across communities. My hope is to help students recognize what a strength they have in their bilingualism and continue to grow it!

Growing up in Peru and now teaching science in the U.S., I’ve seen how bilingualism opens doors—because it did for me. Learning English from a young age meant I could study from chemical engineering textbooks that weren’t available in Spanish and later take on roles that required communicating with international clients or writing reports for bilingual boards of directors. In Peru, that often meant working with Americans, so being bilingual wasn’t just helpful—it was necessary. In the classroom, I see how bilingual students gain confidence and access to deeper understanding. Beyond school, it gives them real-world advantages—more opportunities, more mobility, and a better chance to shape their future. Bilingualism isn’t just an academic skill—it’s a tool for growth and impact.

I work at DIA because I am passionate about the benefits of multilingualism and the incredible opportunities it creates for students to connect, understand, and grow together. Bilingualism empowers students not only by enhancing their communication skills but also by fostering empathy, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives—skills that are invaluable both in and beyond the classroom. DIA’s inclusive environment aligns perfectly with my belief that language and culture are powerful tools for building community. I teach because I believe our students have the potential to change the world, and by helping them express their ideas across languages, I aim to give them the tools to shape a brighter, more connected future.

As a middle school teacher born in the United States to hard-working Mexican immigrant parents, I see bilingualism as a powerful tool that empowers students to embrace their full identities, connect with diverse communities, and expand their academic and professional opportunities. In my classroom, I incorporate bilingualism daily by validating and using students’ home languages as assets, offering visual supports, translated materials, and culturally responsive content that reflects their lived experiences. I share my own background with students to help them see the value in their multilingualism and to encourage pride in their heritage. I hope that by nurturing bilingualism, my students will grow into confident communicators who feel equipped to lead, collaborate, and thrive in a global society where language is a bridge, not a barrier.