Get to Know Casa’s Support Team!
Teacher Bios
Pictured: Sarah Fuller, Bethany Thuku, Samantha Alcantara, Ryan Kleinschmidt, Jackie Deravil, Karen Westbrook, Bre Guzman, Kelli Freeman, Michele Dyroff.
“Ms. Fuller is an EL and reading teacher at Casa. She has a degree in English, with a Specialization in Creative Writing. She is a current graduate student at Greensboro College, where she is studying a Master of Arts in Teaching – TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Ms. Fuller enjoys cooking, and reading thoughtful literature. In her spare time, she studies Cebuano, and loves being with her friends.”
“My name is Bethany Thuku and I am an interventionist at Casa with a focus on reading. I have 21 years of teaching experience with 11 of those years being at Casa Esperanza. I am originally from Michigan and do not miss the winters there! My daughter is currently a 7th grader at our school. I spend my time outside of school watching her play soccer and basketball. When I’m on my own I enjoy reading and being out in nature.”
“Samantha Alcántara is the ML (Multilingual Learner) Coordinator at Casa. Señora Alcántara has been teaching for almost 17 years, and holds degrees in Applied Linguistics (B.A.), Global Studies of Education (M.Ed) and TESOL (MAT). She loves to read, cook, and spend time with her husband, Israel, and their two daughters.”
“Mr. Kleinschmidt (better known as Mr. K) is excited to start his second year as the school counselor here at Casa. He has lived up and down the east coast and is happily settling into North Carolina. His degree is in clinical psychology, having worked at a state run psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, group homes and the state. In his free time he likes long hikes, old books and gardening.”
“My name is Jackie Deravil, and this is my tenth year in education. I have a four year old daughter who is attending CASA and a two year old fur baby. I love working in education, and I am very excited to join the CASA family!”
“With over 25 years of experience in education, I have dedicated my career to fostering student success and promoting innovative teaching practices. I have served as a classroom teacher specializing in English Language Arts, Social Studies, and various Humanities electives. Throughout my journey, I have taken on leadership roles as a team lead, department chair, teacher mentor, instructional coach, and curriculum specialist.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Millersville University and hold two Master’s Degrees: one in K-12 Literacy from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and another in K-12 Academically and Intelligently Gifted Education from Duke University. My expertise is further enriched by extensive training in areas such as Leadership, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Project-Based Learning, Instructional Coaching, and The Science of Reading, among others.
My experience across public, charter, and independent school systems in the Triangle Area informs my current role as an Assistant Director, where I support teachers and students in creating inclusive and engaging learning environments that empower all to thrive.”
“Nurse Bre joined our school in 2022. She has become a trusted face by our students when they are not feeling their best. Her nursing background is Pediatric Critical Care, so parent’s rest assured your children are in safe hands when they are with us! Her favorite part of Casa is all the hugs and happy faces from all the students :)”
“Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of working with high school graduates, honor students, and Montessori students in both North Carolina and California. In 2023, I embarked on a new chapter at Casa, working with educators and sharing the Montessori philosophy with our community. Outside of Casa, I’m a dedicated mother of three who loves the occasional afternoon nap, the beauty of nature, and quality time with family.”
“My name is Michele Dyroff, I am Colombian. I have 3 kids, 2 came to Casa. I have been at Casa since 2013 at different grade levels as a teacher. Since 2022 I have been the math interventionist. I really enjoy helping students built a positive relationship with Math, as it was my most fierce subject growing up. I love working at Casa. Casa is my home away from home.”
