Get to Know Casa’s Lower Elementary Staff!
Teacher Bios
Pictured Standing (Left to Right): Lynda Nicholson, Nancy Montenegro, Ingrid Caudle, Eliana Ventura, Debra Trask, Damarys Gomez, Margaret Collazo, Marylui Rios
Pictured Kneeling (Left to Right): Brenda Diaz, Olga Delgado, Maria Nass Chaves, Marisa Marquez)
“I moved to NC from NYC and I have been teaching for 7 years. My love for teaching began during my senior year of undergrad a Virginia State University, where I had the opportunity to student teach 2nd graders. I enjoy making people laugh, and making them feel welcomed. When I’m not teaching you can catch me on vacation or binge watching a show.”
“My name is Nancy Montenegro. I was born in the province of Victoria de Las Tunas, Cuba. My parents emigrated when I was two years old so I grew up in San Juan, Puerto Rico and when I was 15 years old we moved to Miami, Florida where I graduated from high school. After taking several courses at the university I graduated as a certified nursing assistant. In 2021 I obtained my Montessori teacher certificate. I’m also a volunteer serving the community and teaching adults who do not know how to read and write so they can improve their lives. My greatest personal achievement and the one I enjoy the most is being a mother of two spectacular daughters who make my life more joyful. I enjoy being with my family. I love dogs, positive people, hiking, nature, traveling and of course, I love my job. Keep smiling.”
“I am from the happiest country in the world: Colombia, South America. This is my 9th year of teaching experience in North Carolina, but I have 17 years of experience as an educator. I have taught all elementary and middle grade levels from K through 8th and have thoroughly enjoyed each one of them. I joined the Casa team in August of 2021 and have loved being part of this great family. I have a Montessori Fundamental Certificate, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Languages: Spanish, English, and French. I’m currently working to obtain my license for K-6 grades. Last year, I was nominated for Best Teacher of the Year for Teachers of Tomorrow.
For parents who do not yet know me, I am a caring and enthusiastic individual with a strong commitment to student development and the learning experience. I fell in love with Montessori Philosophy years ago when I had the opportunity to work at the Montessori Community School. I developed the Spanish program for K to 8th grade students, trying to follow the Montessori standards. I also have experience developing and writing curriculum using the North Carolina state standards while incorporating the Montessori philosophy in both English and Spanish. My goal for this year is to create a classroom environment that is fun, exciting, and enriching, and that we can work together for the best interest of your child. I am confident my educational background, experience, and passion for teaching will provide your child with a positive atmosphere for learning and growth.
A little bit about me: I’m married with no children. In my free time, I like to cook for my family. I’m a family-oriented person. I also love to travel and meet different people and discover new places. We are looking forward to a great school year.”
“I am from the Dominican Republic. I am married and we have 3 children who are at CASA. I came to the United States in 2011 and since that time I have been working with children in Spanish. I love reading, watching movies, traveling and spending time with my family. I have a bachelor’s degree in communication and studied at Wake Tech early child education. I like to study and learn new things.”
“My name is Mrs. Trask and this is my 24th year teaching as an elementary teacher. I relocated to North Carolina from upstate NY 11 years ago with my husband of 27 years, my daughter Madison, and my son Kaden. We absolutely love this state! I have experience teaching every grade from pre-k to fifth grade. I absolutely love first and second grades, though, and am thrilled to be teaching it again this year! I am certified in Elementary Education, both in New York and in North Carolina, and also have a Master’s Degree with a specialization in Literacy instruction. I am very passionate about what I do and truly love having the opportunity to teach and nurture children. My favorite part of teaching is developing incredible relationships with my kiddos and their families. I’m excited about this new school year and look forward to watching our Casa children grow over the months to come!”
“I am Damarys Gomez. I was born in Venezuela and I arrived to this country in 2015. I have a degree in elementary education in addition to a degree in law from my country and a Montessori certification from the AMI.
This is my third year teaching at Casa! My first two years as a paraprofessional and this will be my first year as a lead teacher. I am very happy for this opportunity and to be able to demonstrate my passion for teaching at Casa.
In my free time, I like to be with my family and travel. I like to read and discover new places. As a curious fact, I am afraid of insects.”
“Hello Casa Family! My name is Margaret Collazo. I was born in the Dominican Republic but I’ve been living in the United States for 35 years. I’ve been happily married for 31 years. I’m a mother of five, which were Casa students and I’m also a grandma to two beautiful toddler girls. My favorite things to do are gardening, baking and cooking! I’ve been a teacher for 28 years; it’s my passion to make a positive difference in my students’ lives. This will be my 16th year at Casa and I can’t wait to meet you!”
“I am from Venezuela, South America. This is my seventh year teaching in North Carolina, but I have 15 years of experience as an educator in Middle grades, High School and Elementary School. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my years as a teacher. I joined the CASA team in January 2018 and have loved being a part of this great family!
I have a master’s in educational planning and a bachelor’s degree in education with a concentration in Biology. I have a North Carolina Teaching License in Science 9-12 and Elementary Education (K-6).
I am married and have 2 children. Luis is 14 years old, and he is a good baseball player. Paola is 10 years old, and she practices gymnastics at a competitive level. My family is my #1 priority. I love learning, crafting and watching my kids play their sports. I look forward to a great year with all of my new 1st and 2nd graders.”
“I am from the island of enchantment; Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean Sea. I arrived in North Carolina in November 2017, after Hurricane Maria passed through my country. This is my fourth year teaching at Casa Esperanza as a lead teacher, but I previously worked 4 years as a paraprofessional. I also have 5 years of experience as a Special Education educator in my country. I have worked all levels from K to 12th. I joined the CASA team in January 2018 and have loved being a part of this great family! I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a certification in Special Education K-12 and also a certified teacher in North Carolina. I am married and have 3 children. Joseph is 16, Luis is 14, and Yerianne is 8 and a third grade CASA student. My family is my #1 priority. I love learning, helping others and I love shopping. I look forward to a great year with all my new first graders and I am thrilled to still working with all my second graders. We have an exciting year planned and cannot wait to get started.”
“My name is Olga Delgado. I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. This will be my 9th year working at CASA Esperanza Montessori. I’ve been happily married for 31 years, I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I am so excited to start this new school year and I am looking forward to meeting you and your children!”
“Hello Casa Family. My name is Maria Nass-Chaves. I am from Venezuela. I have worked in Education for over 20 years (mostly in preschool). This is my second year at Casa. My 3 children attend Casa. Sebastian is in LEUE Enrichment, Sofia in LEUE Immersion, and Santiago in CH Immersion. I have a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. I love teaching, and it is a privilege and honor to be part of your children’s live and learning experience.”
“My name is Sra. Marisa Marquez. I am from Guadalajara, Mexico. This is my 11th year working at Casa. A few of my favorite things are science & math, arts & music, reading, and traveling. I am very happy to be working with Lower Elementary once again.”
“I’m Sra Rodriguez! I’m from Caracas, Venezuela and I have 2 kids at Casa! I love this community!”
“To introduce myself, my name is Ms. Aisha Brown, and I am from Kodiak, A.K.. I graduated from North Carolina Central University with a bachelors in Elementary Education and English Literature. I was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Cross Country. I also received my Masters in Teacher Leadership Curriculum in Instruction from Gardner-Webb University. I am currently going on my fifteenth year of teaching experience.”
