Get to Know Casa’s Upper Elementary Staff!
Teacher Bios (Pictured from Left to Right Standing, and then Left to Right Kneeling)
“I am from Peru where I worked as a Lawyer with a Bachelor degree and Master degree in Criminal Law. I came to the USA in 2006. I have been working with young children for more than 15 years, which led me to study at Wake Technical Community College getting a Certificate in ECE. I have taken many training and courses at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation of NC State University, MHTTC, and I got the Montessori Fundamental training to best serve and meet the needs of our children. I have been working at Casa since 2019, and I am so excited to work this year with an amazing teacher, Sra. Ana Torres with 5th and 6th Graders. I am sure this is going to be a wonderful year full of opportunities for your children to continue learning and building knowledge!”
“I grew up in a small town in Rockland County, NY. My parents were both born in Puerto Rico (PR) and taught me the value of hard work and a strong work ethic. When I was 16 years old, I moved to PR with my Mom and little sister and finished high school there. As life would have it, I did not go to college until I was 22 yrs old. I studied two years in the University of PR, Río Piedras campus. Due to family circumstances I moved back to NYS but was unable to continue my studies.
So I worked, got married, and had five children before going back to college to finish my Bachelors degree. I worked towards that degree while working full-time and raising my children. During that time, I came to Casa Esperanza to work and my two youngest children studied and graduated from Casa. My Casa family supported my college journey which ended last year. I’m so grateful that I am part of such a wonderful community.”
“I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and learned English at a bilingual school there. I graduated from Universidad Nacional de Colombia as a Biologist and completed a Master’s program at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota. I started teaching at bilingual schools in Colombia and there I got married to an American teacher, which brought me to USA. I completed my teaching certification in science and math at NCSU and have been teaching for 37 years. I love teaching! I also love nature, cooking, reading, and traveling.”
“My name is Carolina Arreaza. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where I worked as a teacher for 18 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and an Associate Degree in Educational Psychology. I moved to North Carolina in 2016 through a teacher exchange program and worked in Wilson County Schools for 6 years. I have been living in North Carolina for 8 years. I am married and have one son, Pablo.”
“I was born and raised in Spain. I live in Wake Forest with my wonderful wife and two amazing children. We love living in North Carolina. The idea of helping and caring for people is what led me to become a physical therapist and a teacher. I enjoy science news, good music, and sports.”
“I was born in Caracas-Venezuela, I have been in the United States for 7 years, I have only lived in Raleigh, NC. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. 1 granddaughter and 2 grandsons. I love making friends, dancing, reading and cooking. But above all, sharing and being with my family. I am a Business Administration Graduate, I worked in my country for 20 years for Commercial Banking. I completed a Teaching Component, where I began my true passion, which is teaching for 18 years. Then I came to live in the United States. I am always available to help, support and collaborate with my students, work friends and anyone who needs my help.”
“Hi, my name is Eileen Bucklen. I grew up in Southern California, but have lived in N.C. for many years. I have been married to my husband for over 25 years, and we have 1 daughter who is a senior in high school. I have 2 Labrador’s and 2 cats. I love to travel, and watch baseball, especially my favorite team, the Dodgers.”
“My name is Andrea Gamboa and I am originally from Costa Rica. I have been passionate about numbers since I was a kid , so I earned my Accounting Degree from Instituto Tecnologico de Costa Rica. I have over 10 years of experience working in various areas of accounting, so as you can see, numbers are a part of my life. I am excited about the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of the students and to contribute to the vibrant community at Casa Esperanza Montessori. I am looking forward to working with parents and students to create positive and enriching educational experiences.”
“Hello, my name is Michael Song. This is my 10th year of teaching and my first year at Casa. Teaching has been my passion at a very young age. Something about a school setting makes me feel at “home.” When I’m not teaching, you can find me on the golf course or at a movie theater.”
“I was born in Venezuela and have been married for 15 years, I have 2 children. I moved to the USA 7 years ago. Since I arrived, I have been actively involved at Casa, initially volunteering and substitute teaching. I spent 2 years as an after-school teacher and I am currently working as a paraprofessional. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Communication (journalist) and have spent the last 7 years focusing on education, obtaining certifications in various educational areas, including Montessori certification.”
“Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! I am Ms. Denison and I am very excited to be working with 3rd and 4th grade students again! My son began attending Casa in its inception year in 2003, and I joined as a faculty member in 2006. During my tenure I have worked with all grade levels. I am a North Carolina native and feel lucky to have beaches and mountains close by. In my spare time, I love arts and crafts and reading.”
