Get to Know Casa’s Children’s House!

Teacher Bios (Pictured from Left to Right)

“I am from the happiest country in the world; Barranquilla, Colombia, South America. This is my eleventh year teaching in North Carolina, but I have 27 years of experience as a Childhood Educator. I taught Spanish immersion for three years in San Jose, California. I piloted the implementation of a dual language program in Asheville N.C. for Buncombe County schools. I joined Casa 10 years ago and I have loved being part of this wonderful school ever since. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in childhood education, a master degree of Science in Multidisciplinary studies from Buffalo State University of New York, I went to study in (Reggio Emilia) Italy and got specialized in the Reggio Emilia Approach, I am a certified lower elementary Montessori teacher from the North American Montessori Center. I hold a North Carolina Teaching License for Elementary Education K-6. I am a Google certified educator. I’m married and have a 8 year old Nicholas Michael who has been the joy of my life and is a Casa student! I love learning, watching movies, traveling and shopping. I am looking forward to a great school year!”

“I have been working for 20 year in this amazing school! I am from el Salvador and have been married for 25 years. I love my dogs Dakota and Odin, love to take them for walks and to the beach! My passion to teach my little ones every day and work with Sra. Salcedo.”

“Hi, I am Christina Badenchini, or Mrs. B, as my students call me. I began my teaching career in 2002. This year will be my 7th year teaching Kindergarten at Casa. I am originally from New York City, but North Carolina has been my home since 1993. My husband and I have two grown children and a wonderful rescue dog, Sammy.”

“Hi, my name is Julieth Guerrero and I am from in Colombia. I am married and have two children. I have a degree in preschool Montessori education. I am very happy to be part of the great Casa Esperanza Family.”

“My name is Kimberly Ayala. I’m 21 years old, and this is my second year as a paraprofessional in Children’s House. I love to travel, spend time with family & friends, stay active, and try new food/culture.”

 

“I’m entering my 20th year at Casa, I believe in integrity and honesty. I am very committed to our school and our students.”

“I was born in Venezuela and moved to the United States in 2016. I have always lived in North Carolina, I love this city, how green it is and it reminds me a lot of where I come from. This is my third year teaching at Casa as an Immersion teacher in the Children’s House.

I have a degree in Education with a major in Geography and Earth Sciences from my country, Venezuela. And I have a certificate from the North Carolina Early Childhood Education Foundation. One of my greatest personal achievements is being able to do what I like in this country that welcomed me and is my second home. I love spending time with my two children and family, going to the beach and I love music, dancing and going to concerts.”

“My name is Juan Pimentel. I am from the Dominican Republic, a tropical country. I have 9 years of experience working in an educational environment. I have an associate’s degree in liberal arts and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and early childhood education. Currently, I am pursuing my master’s degree in early childhood education.”

“This is my Sixth year at Casa. I love being a teacher and be a motivation for my students. I am from Venezuela. I am a mother and a grandmother. One of my beliefs is that children are never too young to learn. I think every situation is a learning opportunity and most importantly, as an adult, we are role models for the children.”

“I’m from Puerto Rico. I came to North Carolina from my native country 11 years ago with my family of three. I have a seventeen year old daughter and a husband, both of which I enjoy spending time with.

This 2024-2025 school year will be my third year working at Casa Esperanza Montessori. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work at Casa in the After School program with the Pre-K/K children. Last year I had the opportunity to work with an excellent team of first and second grade teachers as a paraprofessional and this year I am more than happy to join the group of Children House teachers where I know we will have many beautiful experiences.

I have a Bachelors of Preschool and Elementary Education as well. I also have postgraduate study in curriculum area and assessment, with a specialty of Spanish at the elementary level. With more than 14 years of experience as an elementary school teacher in Puerto Rico I have taught reading, math, science, and social studies in kindergarten through sixth grade.

I have enjoyed the experience of working with my students, respecting their individuality, as a unique entity that learns at their own pace and development.
My commitment is to provide an environment where the child feels safe and loved. I understand that teamwork between teachers and parents is important, and there should always be open communication.”

“This is my 5th year teaching Montessori and second year teaching at Casa. My three children love coming to this school as well. I enjoy hiking, camping, reading, and playing board games.”

“My name is Areli K. Carreras and I am from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. I began my teaching career 7 years ago with the Department of the Army. During my teaching years, I found a Montessori school for my child and decided to join the same school as a teacher. I fell in love with the Montessori method and earned the Early Childhood Montessori Teaching Diploma. I also earned a Bachelor in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Psychology.

What I love about being a teacher is the way children learn through choosing, trying and doing themselves. I enjoy witnessing children develop independence, a sense of empathy and social justice, and a lifelong love of learning.”