Faculty, Staff & Board
La Scuola International School leadership, teachers, and staff are experts in some of the world’s leading educational models.
Leadership
Milano
Valentina was born in Modena, Italy and grew up in Bologna in a family of educators and policy makers, where the importance of high-quality education in society was a frequent topic of conversation at the lunch table. She graduated from the University of Bologna and received a PhD in Engineering of Materials from Bologna University and the University of Cambridge, U.K. After living and working in the UK she moved to San Francisco in 2000 to work as a researcher in Bioengineering for UC Berkeley and then at the Stanford Research Center (SRI) where she continued her research on biomedical devices and managed large grant proposals and a not-for profit scientific organization. Valentina enrolled her son Stefano at the La Piccola Scuola Italiana (LPSI) playgroup in 2005 and immediately fell in love with the idea of starting a school and the Reggio Emilia approach to education and became a vital member of the community.
After the birth of her second son, Matteo, Valentina re-discovered her passion for education and accepted the position of Direttrice in June 2007 with the goal to grow the program. She earned accreditation from the State of California as a program director and she worked to grow the school from a small family day care into a fully licensed childcare center and she brought the school to the beautiful Dogpatch site, designed by Michele Zini and ZPZ partners who also designed the Loris Malaguzzi International Center in Reggio Emilia. In 2011 Valentina founded the K8 program and obtained the IB accreditation in 2014 and the Parita’ (recognition as an Italian school abroad) from the Italian Ministry of Education in 2017. She is passionate about science, social constructivism, the Reggio Emilia philosophy and International and bilingual education. In her free time Valentina loves to spend time with her husband, her 2 boys and 2 cats, to learn new things, to bake and cook Italian food, to spend time in nature and to run and walk along the Pacific Ocean.
Robin is one of the founding Leadership Team Members of La Scuola. She previously worked for La Scuola from 2011-18 as the Director of Administrations and Operations and has both helped and observed the school flourish over the past decade. As a fluent Italian speaker, Robin is inspired by lifelong learning and believes absolutely in the power of bilingual education. She lived for two years in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and two children, who also enjoyed many wonderful years at La Scuola.
Robin earned her Bachelor of Arts, Italian Language & Cultural Studies at the University of Colorado and is a graduate of IULM, University of Languages and Communication in Milan, Italy. She is also a certified Barre Instructor for The Dailey Method.
Darcy has 41 years of experience working with teachers, schools, families and children in the Bay Area and around the world. She taught elementary school, was the head of elementary school programs and preschools. Darcy has been a professor, a teacher, and parent, teacher and school coach and is passionate about the Reggio Emilia approach, placing value on children and childhood, international mindedness, and making those values visible within interactions, choices and curriculum and environments. Although new in her role as Director of Admissions and Enrollment at La Scuola, Darcy has been a thought partner, guest speaker, CIRC director and fan of La Scuola for over 20 years. When she is not working on changing the face of education to better honor and value children and childhood, she takes long walks on the beach with her husband and little, not so friendly pup, Talullah. She loves to garden, cook when she can and spend time with her grandson and daughter who live in New York.
Amanda grew up in North Carolina, taking summer trips to visit family in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. There she got started learning Italian with all the critical food words, sparking a lifelong love of language learning (and lemon sorbetto!) and for experiencing different cultures. She majored in cultural and linguistic Anthropology at Yale University, where she also studied French, Italian, and Portuguese language and literature, then began her career in education by teaching English in France and Brazil.
Amanda moved to California to earn an M.A. in TESOL at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, taught at community colleges and nonprofits in the Bay Area, then worked for 14 years at K-8 bilingual schools in the Bay Area as an ESL Specialist, homeroom teacher, and Curriculum Coordinator at Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (French immersion), and most recently as a Math Specialist at Presidio Knolls School (Mandarin immersion).
Having discovered a passion for bilingual and bicultural education Amanda earned an Ed.M in Educational Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College of Columbia University. In her free time Amanda enjoys cycling, hiking, and cooking with her husband and son (mostly serving as sous-chef and taster for her husband, an amateur pizzaiolo and pastaio), as well as reading and sewing.
Carmen was born in San Francisco and grew up between California and Arizona. After graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in International Business, Carmen moved to Tuscany where she worked in eno-gastronomic tourism and marketing for several years before returning to the States to pursue a Ph.D. in Italian literature and culture at the University of California, Los Angeles. Carmen spent over 10 years teaching Italian language classes of all levels, literature, and culture courses at La Scuola in 2013-14, within the UC system, and most recently as the Italian language coordinator at UC Davis. Carmen’s love of teaching begins with a love of learning – studying Italian in college was a way for her to reclaim her family’s heritage and explore new configurations of her own identity.
I was born in Torino, Italy and I spent my first 25 years there before moving to the USA. This is my eleventh year in educational leadership. Prior to becoming an early childhood and K3 Director, I had many experiences in the classroom as a head teacher and running a program with children, caregivers and music. My background includes a MA in Clinical Psychology from “Universita’ di Torino” in 2005. In 2007 I passed the exam to be licensed as a Psychologist. During my project at the University I have been working with special needs and children and adults with “Internet Addiction” and attachment disorders. After I discovered my passion in early childhood I became an accredited Site Supervisor/ Program Director.
I have been working over these years in collaboration with teachers and administrative staff to design, implement and evaluate a developmentally appropriate Reggio inspired and IB PYP program. It is an honor to lead a school with such persevering students, an extremely dedicated staff, and a supportive school community. I feel fortunate to be part of this school and to support the students, families, and community. I have been living in San Francisco for 17 years. I have two amazing daughters who have taught me that every child is uniquely different. My family’s experiences have given me a great appreciation for the partnerships between school and family that support every child to reach their potential.
Alejandra Navarro (she/her) is a dedicated life-long learner, educator, and ardent advocate for marginalized voices. She holds a dual-degree in International Business from the Universidad de Valparaiso in Chile and San Diego State University with a minor in Education. Taking a transformative pause in her career, Alejandra lived and worked in France, pursuing a master’s degree from the University of Montpellier and becoming fluent in French.
Alejandra served as the inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) on the Senior Leadership Team at the Lycee Francais de San Francisco, leading efforts across three campuses. A few of her key initiatives at the Lycee include the implementation of an International Baccalaureate middle years program, the roll out of a school-wide PreK-12 Social and Emotional Learning curriculum, launching an Artist in Residency Program, developing Parent Committees, and establishing student affinity groups.
Prior to joining the independent school network, Alejandra worked in the public school system teaching in the elementary Spanish immersion program. In these roles, Alejandra took a leadership stance in DEIB initiatives. Her contributions spanned employee programming, curriculum development, socio-emotional learning, and parent education.
With over 20 years of experience in international environments, Alejandra has honed collaborative communication practices that bridge connections among people from diverse backgrounds. As an educator, she brings a profound commitment to equity, student-centered learning, and culturally responsive instruction.
Alejandra is grateful for her learning experiences during the Klingenstein Fellowship at Columbia University, which laid foundational work for her inclusive practices. Alejandra is not only a participant in the People of Color Conference but has also taken a proactive role in facilitating workshops on implementing culturally accessible lessons in the primary classroom. Alejandra is a past resident of the Diversity Leadership Institute and School Leadership Institute at NAIS. She currently serves on the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging Advisory Committee, contributing her expertise to shape policies at the state level. Alejandra collaborates actively with the Bay Area People of Color in Independent Schools, underscoring her commitment to fostering an inclusive educational community.
Serdar Orazov has an extensive background in education finance and accounting. Prior to joining the La Scuola team, he served at different secondary and higher educational institutions at various financial leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Magnolia Public Schools. He is a lifelong education supporter. He attended a language immersion school. He speaks four languages and is very enthusiastic about learning Italian.
Serdar is a huge soccer fan and loves to play himself. He likes traveling and enjoys going on road trips with his family. In his free time, he volunteers at local non-profit organizations to help further their mission.
Sally’s roots are in the Washington, D.C. area. She studied Italian and History at the University of Virginia, including a year abroad at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. After a dynamic career in international manufacturing, Sally transitioned to child development and education in 2008, earning a multiple subject teaching credential from San Francisco State University.
Her connection with La Scuola began in 2007 as a parent, leading her to embrace the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Joining the La Scuola staff in 2013, Sally has played pivotal roles as a founding IB-PYP teacher, Elementary Director, and Director of Teaching and Learning. She also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership (MEL) and a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification.
Sally finds immense joy in fostering creativity, curiosity, compassion, and competencies in La Scuola students. The vibrant La Scuola community enriches her life, and in her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, mathematics, coaching basketball and nurturing friendships.
With over two decades of experience in international and bilingual education, Michelle brings a deep passion for early childhood learning, admissions, and school leadership.
Before joining La Scuola, Michelle served as Head of Admissions and Marketing at the Bilingual European School in Milan, where she worked for 5 years successfully building an extensive program based on a full immersion yearly years program and a completely bilingual primary and secondary school. Her desire for creating a welcoming all inclusive environment at the Bilingual European School led her to create a language support program, a seamless admissions process that enabled families to feel part of a larger family.
Michelle’s expertise in early childhood education extends beyond administration—she founded and directed her own bilingual preschool DoReMi Baby in Milan Italy. Here she was able to develop an innovative program that included a Reggio approach to bilingualism as well as teaching art and music. Her ability to design engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments has been a hallmark of her career.
Michelle is eager to bring her experience, creativity, and leadership to La Scuola’s vibrant community. She looks forward to working closely with teachers, students, and families to further enrich our Reggio Emilia-inspired early years program.
Originally from Los Angeles, Dani received her undergraduate degree in Communications from UC Berkeley and went on to learn the Italian language and live in Florence, Siena, Sicily and Washington D.C. before settling down in San Francisco where she’s been for the last 16 years. She spent the first part of her career as the right hand to the CEO of seven different tech companies over 13 years and continued on to run content production and strategy for a Smart Kitchen startup.
Dani is passionate about working with educators and learners from around the world, and motivated by a mission she so deeply believes in. Dani and her husband, who is from Switzerland, have two children who are also Italian speakers and La Scuola students. In their free time, they like to spend time with family and friends, hike, travel, cook and eat together and take care of their two pups. They love driving up (or down) the coast with the windows down and lo zio Franco blasting.
I am originally from Central Chile, and after two years living in Barcelona (2009-2010), moved to the south of Chile at the beginning of Pätagonia, where my three kids were born and raised. I lived there until last year, when La Scuola offered a Spanish teacher position to my wife and we decided to start a new adventure, this time in San Francisco, California!
In the Bay Area, I gave myself the chance to explore new paths, especially in something related to Education (that has always attracted me), and that’s how I’ve been working as a paraeducator for a SFUSD public school.
I like sports (soccer is my favorite one), movies and good food. I also enjoy acting, a hobby that started at the very beginning of my life. Overall, I love to play and to read aloud with my kiddos, which is a passion that I discovered when my first daughter was born.
Mauro Spicci is an educational leader, curriculum innovator, and the Founding Principal of La Scuola International Milano. An educational director, trainer, and teacher with over twenty years of experience in both Italian and international school settings, he specializes in curriculum design, the development of bilingual programs, and the strategic leadership of schools and educational institutions. From 2024 to 2026, he served as the Italian Curriculum Director for Globeducate, responsible for coordinating the academic programs across the group’s accredited schools and training school leaders in educational leadership and innovation. Previously, he spent ten years leading the Bilingual European School in Milan, where he coordinated the bilingual curriculum, taught Future Studies, and represented the school within the international Globeducate network.
As Operations and Outreach Lead at La Scuola International School Milano, Silvia brings over 30 years of international leadership experience across FMCG, luxury brands, innovation, and business transformation. Her career includes serving as Managing Director of Acqua di Parma and holding senior leadership roles at Barilla, where she developed expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, stakeholder engagement, and community building. Today, Silvia continues to advise companies and non-profit organizations on growth, innovation, and engagement strategies. Silvia is passionate about creating meaningful connections within the school community and supporting an environment where students and families can thrive.
Administration
Milano
Jonny was born and raised in the city of San Francisco and recently graduated from San Francisco State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in business marketing. His love for futbol from the very first kick, opened a gateway to diverse cultures and languages. Propelling him to explore the richness of world cultures and learn their languages. Jonny is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. He hopes to learn Italian soon! In his free time, he enjoys going to amusement parks, enjoys collecting, and loves exploring restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Jonny is excited to join La Scuola to be part of a wonderful international community and is looking forward to providing a helping hand!
Meron Benti was born in Ethiopia, raised in Italy, and completed high school in Oakland, California. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Middlebury College and an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.
Her professional background spans education administration, recruiting, program management, and innovation-focused startups. Meron has collaborated with mission-driven organizations across sectors to design educational initiatives, support talent development, and create community-centered solutions.
She is joining La Scuola as an Admissions Assistant, eager to help cultivate inclusive, student-centered environments where young learners can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the world. With a global perspective and a strong commitment to equity, Meron brings curiosity, empathy, and creativity to every team she joins.
Uyanga was born in Erdenet, Mongolia to a family of history and chemistry teachers. She studied at Russian International school in Mongolia.Uyanga speaks Mongolian, Russian, English and Japanese. In her free time she enjoys exploring outdoors with her husky mix, Laika, the opera, road biking, paddle boarding and trying new cuisines. She likes playing and watching sports. She was a competitive swimmer through high school. Uyanga is an unconfirmed world record holder for watermelons eaten in one sitting.
Uyanga is thrilled to be working with and learning from highly intellectual people, support the mission, share joy and be a part of something bigger than her. She would love to learn Italian language and culture.
Ingrid was born in San Francisco, grew up on the Peninsula, and has been living in the City for over 30 years. For the last 14 years, Ingrid has worked in the Advancement office at a K-12 Independent School in San Francisco. She has extensive experience in managing databases and organizing fundraising events. She also speaks German and is looking forward to learning Italian. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, live music, cooking, gardening, travel, and spending time with her daughter who recently graduated college. Ingrid is very excited to join the Advancement team at La Scuola.
Estella was born and raised in Modena, a small town in Northern Italy. Her journey in education and community engagement began at American University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated with a degree in International Relations. During her tenure as an International Student Coordinator, she became a pivotal contact for prospective international students, exemplifying her commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments. Her experience ranges from teaching English in Italy to enhancing community engagement in Puerto Rico, all while fostering a passion for sustainability and innovation.
Karen has several years of experience working in accounting and finance. She graduated from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelors Degree in Economics. She was born and raised in Peru and moved to the Bay Area to complete her studies. She is a supporter of bilingual education and dual language exposure at a young age. In her free time, she loves exploring new trails to hike with her dog, trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.
Lori’s degree is in Italian and International Studies from The Ohio State University. She has lived, studied, and worked in many countries, including Italy, Switzerland, and Germany, where she discovered her love of learning languages and learning through language. Her experience includes hosting exchange students, supporting international patients and students, participating in service trips, and building community. Lori has been part of and managed a variety of interdisciplinary teams, and her favorite thing to do is to assist others with the tools they need to solve problems.
She says, “When I read the words Niente senza gioia, I felt an immediate connection to La Scuola, and I am honored to join this community.” Lori and her husband recently moved from Ohio to the Bay Area to join their children. Their family likes to travel, cook, explore, and learn together through curiosity, creativity, and courage.
Joanna grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was what she affectionately refers to as a “classroom kid” – spending most of her free time in her mother’s fifth grade classroom while worksheets were being graded or lesson plans were being written. She got a taste of what it meant to be a part of a school community, and while she never had ambitions of being a teacher herself, she is thrilled to draw on her marketing and communications experience in her role at La Scuola.
Joanna earned her BA in English from Tulane University, where she was a coxswain on the university crew team. Her time in New Orleans ignited a passion for food and food culture, and she continues to love trying new recipes and eating at new restaurants.
After earning an MFA in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design, Joanna moved to San Francisco in 2017. She and her husband love exploring California with their friends, traveling any and everywhere, visiting family, and, most especially, walking their rescue dog, Cypress, in Golden Gate Park.
Essie was born in San Francisco, grew up in Sonoma County and recently returned to the city after earning her bachelor’s degree in philosophy at UCLA. Her love of Italian culture, food and language has led to many solo travels through Italy, including a semester abroad in Rome studying the Italian Renaissance.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and photography.
Essie is thrilled to join La Scuola and looks forward to learning all there is to know about this unique educational community!
Zack has always loved playing with words. He’s applied that affection to Hollywood film production, in San Francisco’s tech booms, as a travel writer, a cruciverbalist, and — for the past decades — as a brand, fundraising, and marketing strategist. That’s how he first connected with La Scuola International School, leading the team that helped develop the school’s brand strategy and more in 2018. Back for a return engagement in 2024, he was thrilled to find a longer-lasting way to stay engaged, advance La Scuola’s unique educational model, and hopefully learn Italian as the school’s Director of Marketing. Finding the big idea that makes La Scuola stand out, translating complex ideas into energizing language, and helping prospective families find the joy that awaits them here, that’s his motivation.
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Zack’s a Bay Area transplant by way of Ann Arbor, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Melbourne, Australia, and years of international travel. Now in Berkeley with his wife and daughter, he enjoys role-playing and board games, watching and writing about film, and mixing up craft cocktails. He serves on the board of Berkeley’s Shotgun Players, where he helps support their distinctive brand of provocatively disarming theater. If you’d like to join him for a show someday, he’d be glad to play host.
Elisa was born and grew up in Bologna, Italy, where she received her degree in Medical Biotechnologies and a PhD in Cellular Biology. She spent the first part of her career working for almost 10 years as a researcher and clinical biologist, while nurturing her love for education volunteering in many youth and multicultural associations.
Once she moved to the Bay Area in 2014, she fell in love with La Scuola joy, pedagogy and international environment, both as a parent and staff member. For the following 10 years Elisa covered various administrative roles at La Scuola San Francisco, including Director of Facilities, supporting the renovations of multiple campuses, and coordinator of the Parita’ Scolastica, strengthening the connection with Italian Institutions, language and culture. Recently relocated back to Italy, she joined the Milano team in launching the La Scuola newest adventure!
Elisa believes that lifelong learning is the key to building a better world for everyone. In her free time she loves to travel, enjoy art and music, and spend time outdoors with family and friends.
Stefano moved to San Francisco recently from Brescia in Northern Italy and has a degree in mathematics and computer science. Stefano plays soccer and basketball and has been a soccer referee for the past 21 years. He is excited to join the La Scuola team and to contribute to the experiential growth of the students with passion and joy.
Mallory was born in Louisville, Kentucky and studied elementary education at Indiana University. She spent much of the last decade at Living Classroom, a garden-based education nonprofit where she served as the Program Director and now as a member of the Board of Directors. Mallory has over 12 years of summer camp experience and has traveled to work at programs in Germany and the Fiji Islands. Here in San Francisco she has supported Montessori programs and spent 4 summers as a Camp Director for Galileo Learning. In her free time, she loves to read, get outdoors, and cook new recipes with her wife. Mallory is overjoyed to be joining the La Scuola International School community where she looks forward to supporting families and staff!
Megan was born and raised in Menlo Park, California; a true Bay Area native. She attended UCLA for her undergraduate degree, studying International Development and Italian. Her desire for an authentic, full-immersion study abroad experience led her to the charming medieval town of Ferrara. Megan’s several months in “la citta delle biciclette” solidified her lifelong love of the Italian language and culture.
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Megan worked with Garden School Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary program of education through garden-based learning in outdoor living classrooms. Megan is deeply excited to be a part of La Scuola’s family and integrate her passions of interactive learning, being outdoors, and of course, Italian!
Mario Rossetti grew up in the Bay Area and has spent the last 15 years working in the youth sports industry throughout the peninsula and San Francisco. He obtained a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching, a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Mario has been involved with multiple schools, physical education organizations, and youth soccer clubs; developing curriculum, while teaching and overseeing their classes/programs. Mario Rossetti’s number one priority is making sure that each student is being given the tools necessary to succeed. Former students and athletes that Mario has worked with would describe him as supportive, open, passionate, and driven to succeed.
License & Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching
- Master’s degree in Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- NSCAA Advanced National Diploma
- US Soccer Federation C License
- ACF Fiorentina Method Basic & Advanced courses
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates Youth Strength Conditioning Specialist Certification
- FC Barcelona Positional Play Methodology Certification
- La Liga Formation Methodology Certificate
- NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1,2 Diploma
- Frans Hoek Goalkeeper Course / Hoek Method Stage 3
- Mary Kok Willemsen – Female Coaching Education Diploma
- SL Benfica Game Model / Scout Focus Certificate
Giulia was born and raised in Milan. After earning a Master Degree in Communication Theories and Methods at Universita degli Studi di Milano she started working for different communication agencies, taking care of many national and international brands. After her husband received a job offer in the Bay Area they decided to start a new adventure in San Francisco. Giulia fell in love with the city and the diversity which runs in its veins. She thinks that experiencing new things and adventures with your own hands and facing new realities is the best way to learn for every human being. That’s why she was impressed by the Reggio Emilia approach of La Scuola. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, eating good food, visiting art exhibition, camping and practicing outdoor activities.
Virginia holds a degree in Public Relations and Advertising from IULM University and brings more than 15 years of experience in project management, communication, and organization. Virginia first discovered La Scuola during the early stages of its journey and immediately embraced its educational vision and values. She has been a passionate supporter of the project from the very beginning and is delighted to contribute to its continued growth.
Laura holds a degree in Economics and Business from Bocconi University and brings over 25 years of experience in the retail and fashion industries, with a particular focus on marketing, communications, and events. Laura first learned about La Scuola International School several years ago, through a friend, and has followed its journey toward its opening in Milan. She has always loved the La Scuola education project and its values, and is very happy to be able to contribute to it.
Sabrina has 29 years of experience working as a secretary. It is a demanding job, but one she continues to enjoy because she loves being around the children, who, with their simplicity and spontaneity, make working in a lively and ever-youthful environment enjoyable. Throughout her time as secretary, she has always found a work environment that is attentive to the needs of its staff, based on warm and collaborative relationships.
“La Scuola is more than a school — it’s a community and one of my strongest connections to my hometown of Reggio Emilia.”
—
Silvia Bagnacani
Lead Atelierista, La Scuola International School, San Francisco
Faculty
Milano
Jonny was born and raised in the city of San Francisco and recently graduated from San Francisco State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in business marketing. His love for futbol from the very first kick, opened a gateway to diverse cultures and languages. Propelling him to explore the richness of world cultures and learn their languages. Jonny is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. He hopes to learn Italian soon! In his free time, he enjoys going to amusement parks, enjoys collecting, and loves exploring restaurants throughout the Bay Area. Jonny is excited to join La Scuola to be part of a wonderful international community and is looking forward to providing a helping hand!
Alessandra was born and raised in a small town called Cosenza, in the south region of Calabria Italy. In 2012 she decided to change her career and to pursue her dream. She moved to San Francisco to become an Interior Designer and studied at the Academy of Arts University in San Francisco. After graduating she worked in a Tile showroom as a Design Consultant, and later she moved on to work as a Design Manager in a small boutique in Pacific Heights.
Despite her love and passion for Design, she always collaborated and worked as an Italian teacher. After becoming a mother of two boys she became more involved and interested in teaching Italian to kids. She started working in after school programs teaching Art and cooking classes. She likes to share her passion for art, design and cooking with her kids. Alessandra started working as a substitute teacher at La Scuola in October 2025, and has been providing Italian language support for Elementary students.
Prah was born in India, spent her formative years in northern Virginia, and recently moved to San Francisco. She grew up speaking English and four different Indian languages. She has always loved learning languages and is excited to learn Italian this school year!
Prah pursued her academic journey at James Madison University, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education. Following this, she dedicated eight years to teaching fourth graders before transitioning to working with K-8 students. She is enthusiastic about sharing her passions for sustainability, environmental self-efficacy, and design with the vibrant, international community at La Scuola.
In her free time, you’ll find Prah diligently keeping up her language-learning streak on Duolingo, indulging her love for travel and cooking, or sneaking cuddles with her goofball pup, Mowgli!
Silvia Bagnacani is a very experienced art teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Her approach to teaching is focused on Inquiry-based learning settings, with specific knowledge in both International Baccalaureate and Reggio Emilia Approach. She grew up in Italy, Reggio Emilia and she worked for the International Center for Education Reggio Children/Loris Malaguzzi Foundation before moving to San Francisco. She worked at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, together with many galleries and museums both in Italy and California. In 2012 she started her career as a Visual Art teacher and curriculum coordinator at La Scuola International School in San Francisco, where she worked for almost 10 years developing the Prek and K-8th Visual Art curriculum. She is very skilled in integrating multimedia, interdisciplinary and multicultural curriculum that links the arts, history, and social movements.
Silvia has a BA in Art History, a Master of Arts in Critic, Curatorial and Museum Studies at University La Sapienza in Rome, and a second Master in Management for Curator of Art and Architecture Museums at Valle Giulia, Architecture La Sapienza, Rome. She is a painter and illustrator, her passions include architecture, design, music, photography, and mostly floral design. Silvia is returning to La Scuola as a Middle School Art teacher and Atelierista, after spending one year leaving and working in Sonoma as Teaching Artist at Sonoma Valley Museum or Art, Sonoma Community Center and Art Escape. She will keep working in Sonoma as a teaching artist while re-joining the La Scuola community.
Born and raised in Santiago de Chile and with strong family roots in Spain, Daniela graduated with the highest honors of her bachelors degree in Education. Her passion for language and literature led her to Barcelona where she decided to further her studies with two masters degree with focus on the research and promotion of children and young people’s literature.
Her professional career led her to assume various roles in different educational settings: she has been a classroom teacher and school leader, university professor, pedagogical advisor to organizations and elaborator of educational resources, among others. For the last eleven years she has been living with her family at the beginning of Chilean Patagonia, surrounded by volcanoes, lakes, and rainforests. In that place, in the city of Frutillar, she worked for six years at the Kopernikus School, a unique and outstanding educational project in her country. Here she specialized in the Pedagogy of Creativity receiving training from recognized international experts.
As Director of Teaching and Learning, she led the construction of the Educational Model and the team of teachers at the school. In her free time Daniela, loves to cook, dance, read and, above all, spend time with her husband and their three wonderful children: Elena, Miguel and Tadeo.
Jordan Blaquera, whose family likes to call him Jordy, was born and raised in San Francisco He graduated from City College of San Francisco with an Associates in Science Child Development in December 2021. The reason he wanted to work in the field of child development was because when he became an uncle, his nieces and nephews inspired him, and he loves to play with them and teach them. Because he wants to teach them more, he studied the child development field. Being around children is fun, and he loves when he can use what he learns from other children with his nephews and nieces.
Jordan has been working as a CCC (Child Care Career) substitute teacher at La Scuola for a long time. Being in La Scuola, he has become a beginner in Italian. “I love working at La Scuola, and now I am excited to be joining La Scuola and learn more Italian and learn more in my field.”
My name is Nathalie Cadenillas, I am 39 years old, born in Peru but raised in Italy. I characterize myself as someone with excellent communication skills, I like to collaborate in work groups and I have a great affinity in dealing with children.
Born and raised in Puglia, the region you might know as the heel of the Italian boot, Angela moved to the Bay Area recently with her husband, a native Californian, and their son. She graduated in Literature and Philosophy from Naples University and holds Masters degrees in Italian Didactics and Linguistics and Intercultural Communication from the University of Siena. In addition, Angela is certified with DITALS I and DITALS II, the Certifications of Competence in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language.
An inventive and passionate educator who aims to communicate Italy’s culture to her students, over the past twenty years, Angela’s teaching experiences have brought her around the world. Before coming to La Scuola in 2021, she taught Italian in China, Japan, Qatar, and the United States. Fascinated by music and art, and impassioned by current events, especially those concerning the developing issues of countries and international political matters, Angela also enjoys reading, cooking, and watching movies. Angela is excited about joining La Scuola and starting to be part of such a unique educational environment.
Claudia was born in Cagliari, capital of the region of Sardinia (Italy). She was raised in a French-Italian family and travelled all around Europe from an early age. She studied foreign languages in Italy and she completed two master degrees and a PhD in comparative literature (French, Italian, Spanish) at the Sorbonne in Paris. Her developed passion for languages and the importance of understanding cultural differences exude through her teaching style as she shares this passion for knowledge into the classroom.
Claudia is the author of many books and articles, among them La Mediterranee se colore de noir ou le renouvellement du roman policier: Yasmina Khadra, Andreu Martin et Giorgio Todde recently published.
Two years ago, she moved to San Francisco following her husband, a Bay Area native, with her three children. Willing to get to know the culture of Silicon Valley she worked in the Tech industry for a year as a Project Manager. Now she is very excited about working at La Scuola where plurilingualism and multiculturalism, as well as critical thinking and empathy are part of the core principles for our future generation. Being Italian, the Italian Community at La Scuola is like a home away from home.
“I think that the Reggio Emilia approach, along with the International Baccalaureate Programme, offer the best learning environment for our children to become the responsible adults that will lead the future. What makes me the most excited about working at La Scuola is the ability of this environment to bring out the best in each student, and each teacher.
I was born and raised in San Francisco to a family who values the importance of volunteer work and being an active member in our community. My child care journey began with Volunteering for day camps under Daly City, which led to counselor jobs for sleep away camps during my summers. I completed two years of my undergrad at Chico State, continuing my studies back in the city while simultaneously gaining experience in order to obtain a child development degree. La Scuola allows me the opportunity to interact with the next generation of City kids the way my own educators displayed for me when I was in school.
Born in Milan, Flavio is a physical education teacher certified to teach at all levels. After gaining experience in middle and high schools he devoted himself to elementary school education and strongly believes in the importance of movement and motor experiences so much so that he has extended this focus to include the final year of preschool.
Martina was born and raised in Treviso, a beautiful small city near Venice. She graduated in Primary Education at the University of Padua, an opportunity that helped her to develop her interest in teaching, focusing above all on cognitive processes in the developmental age and on the advantages or disadvantages deriving from the exposure of children in a multilingual context. During her university studies, she chose to participate in the Erasmus and in a Studio project in Madrid, a formative experience that has revealed and developed her desire to acknowledge and learn, furthermore it has provided a different pedagogical, methodological and cultural acquired values. In particular, she was lucky enough to observe and experience her internship in a bilingual school with Reggio Children philosophy.
Thanks to the university career, and after it, her growing curiosity for various pedagogical and didactic methodologies, made her approach the Montessori philosophy, which led her to move to Milan, where she reached the Montessori specialization for Primary School, lived for three years and worked in a Bilingual Montessori school. Her involvement in teaching and for children has moved and also involved her passions that she has cultivated since she was six years old, such as dance and swimming. Among her passions, she enjoys reading and, in particular, getting lost among the shelves of bookstores in search of illustrated books for children, which she finds a wonderful metaphor for transmitting values and essential pillars for the education of every child.
She also loves hiking in the mountains, experimenting with vegetarian and healthy cuisine and photography.
Valeria comes from Monza, near Milan. In 2018, she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Teaching at the University of Bergamo, and is currently pursuing a degree in Pedagogical studies at the same university. She has been working as a preschool teacher since 2011 and as soon as she started realized immediately that it would be the job of her life. Valeria created a plan of professional development through study and training. In 2018, she started working with the Reggio Emilia Approach at schools in Monza and Milan. This approach revolutionized her concept of children and childhood, pushing her to face new challenges with determination and awareness. As a person and teacher, she is extremely open, always willing to challenge herself and experiment. Valeria believes that communication and listening are the key in a fruitful exchange of ideas and perspectives with people, either children or colleagues. She loves dancing and this has prompted her to concentrate on giving activities a kinetic focus, thus encouraging children to move their bodies and increase their confidence.
Maria was born and raised in Milan. Since childhood, she has always dreamed of becoming a preschool teacher, and as she grew up, this desire materialized through her experiences and chosen educational path. Soon Maria realized she wanted to be part of a change within the educational system, seeking a method that truly puts children at the center of their learning journey. She began working with children at a very young age, first as a babysitter and educator in summer camps,then she spent 6 Years as a teacher in the preschool. She attended and graduated from the Primary Education Sciences program at the University of Milano Bicocca. Here, she studied and became familiar with the Reggio Emilia approach, an approach that reflected her own values and thoughts on education. Maria worked for four years in a school inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, where she could grow professionally by learning to plan, document, and take care for children within an environment designed for them.
“I decided to join La Scuola because I believe this place is part of a revolution within the educational field, to experience a multicultural environment where children grow in an approach of research, reflection, and openness to the world. I can’t wait to be part of this place, to start this adventure, and to meet you all.”
Alkida was born in Albania and raised in La Spezia, Italy, a beautiful city close to Cinque Terre.
She graduated from the University of Parma and worked as a cultural mediator for the Albanian- Italian language. Before moving to the US, she lived in Rwanda, Africa for 5 months. She then moved to California where she worked as an au pair in Petaluma, California. From all these experiences, what she really enjoys is the diversity, the cultural differences and how every difference enriched her. Volunteered for the Italian red cross for ten years, organizing activities for kids, in the emergency sector, and social. She is very excited to be part of La Scuola, as coming from a multicultural background and experiences, she is very happy to be part of our community.
“Kindness and Empathy will shape a better future”.
Gabriele Luca Ciullo was born and raised in Rome, Italy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education Sciences from eCampus University. Gabriele attended an international school in Rome from second grade through high school graduation. While completing his university studies, he returned to the same school as a Substitute Teacher, a role he held for three years. He then spent the following two years as a Student Needs Paraprofessional, providing one-to-one support to an elementary student in an international school setting. Returning to the same school where he grew up gave Gabriele the unique opportunity to experience international education from both a student’s and an educator’s perspective.
Outside of school, Gabriele enjoys horseback riding, fishing, traveling, and spending time outdoors. He is excited to join the La Scuola community and looks forward to meeting the students, families, and colleagues.
“Growing up in an international school inspired me to become an educator. I am excited to join the La Scuola community and give back by helping children grow in an environment that celebrates language, culture, and curiosity.”
Paola’s personal and professional journey bridges two worlds. After several years teaching at La Scuola International School, San Francisco, she returned to Italy, and helped open the Milano campus. She has also coordinated an entire Italian department at a prestigious international school in Milano, without ever leaving the classroom. This experience makes her the ideal person to coordinate our Italian program.
Sandra is new to San Francisco after having worked for more than 25 years in preschool and elementary school at the “Leonardo Da Vinci” school in Bogotá, Colombia. Sandra is bilingual in both Italian and Spanish, her mother tongue. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Preschool Education and Family promotion where she specialized in writing and pedagogy of written language.
Sandra was a pioneer in the creation of community homes in Colombia to improve the quality of life of families with children between 6 months and 5 years old. She helped instruct mothers in early stimulation, nutrition and cognitive development for their children and is a yoga instructor for children and adults. She believes that children learn with greater pleasure and happiness through play and experiences that are meaningful to them. Family and the learning environment are fundamental pillars. Sandra is Colombian and likes sports, especially cycling and yoga. She also loves listening to music and reading books.
I’m 25 years old and originally from Milan, Italy. I’m passionate about languages and early childhood education, inquiry-based learning, and helping children develop curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning. I’m excited to begin my career as an Early Childhood IB-PYP Teacher at La Scuola International School of San Francisco and look forward to growing every day in an international environment! I have been abroad for 4 years now and I love to travel and explore new places.
Simona was born in Sicily, in a small town in the center of the island. From a young age, she was attracted to the world of art, inspired by watching her grandfather paint. She enrolled in the Academy of Fine Arts in Palermo and then decided to continue her studies in Milan, at the European Institute of Design, where she explored the digital world of graphic design, and at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, where she specialized in painting and visual arts. After working as a designer in publishing, she discovered the Reggio Approach and began working in Milan at a school that collaborates with Reggio Children, allowing her to deepen her understanding of this pedagogical approach. “La Scuola allowed me to gain international experience, to step out of my continent while keeping my national identity alive. I am very excited to be part of this team!”
Andresa was born and raised in Brazil but has lived and taught in six different countries. She has worked with learners from early years to high school, served as a pedagogical consultant, and authored educational resources across various levels and subjects.
She holds a degree in Pedagogy from the University of São Paulo (USP), a Master’s in Education from the University of Cambridge, and a degree in Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica (ITA). Passionate about transdisciplinary learning with a focus on STEAM, Andresa has taught at IB schools in Denmark, Spain, and Brazil, as well as in democratic education institutions, including the pioneering Summerhill School in the UK.
Her deep interest in learning and childhood has led her to pursue a variety of courses and immersions, including the Reggio Emilia study group in Italy, Mathematical Mindsets at Stanford University, Teach with Space at the European Space Agency (ESA), School Management and Leadership at Harvard Business School, and Making Thinking Visible with Harvard Project Zero. She is a contributor to the book STEAM in the Classroom.
Andresa lives with her husband and two children and is an enthusiast of all types of dancing, having recently joined amateur musical theatre groups. In her free time, she enjoys travelling with her family, baking bread and panettone, and perfecting her homemade gelato.
I’ve grown up around the world because I’m a diplomat’s daughter. From a young age I’ve nurtured a love of languages and stories. I am currently getting my master’s degree in writing from the University of San Francisco, and I received my bachelor’s at Bowdoin College. I’ve been studying Italian and Latin for well over ten years, fostering a love for Italian culture and the language. I enjoy sharing stories and playing with kids; I’m an aspiring children’s book author.
Sidnea D’Amico was born in São Paulo, Brazil and has been living in the US for over 27 years. She is a professional artist and has an art studio a few blocks from La Scuola’s Mission Campus. Since 2019 she has been teaching art classes during the summer and in 2021 she started teaching art and volleyball in after school programs.
She loves to travel. She practices meditation and believes that a loving and kindness heart is essential to human connection. She believes in teaching as a way to guide each person to discover what they are passionate about and likes to encourage positive thinking.
Sidnea shares “I am very happy to be part of La Scuola after school program and to be able to offer my artistic experiences to contribute to the kids’ skills development.”
Giulia grew up in the city of Padova, in the north-east of Italy. After a High School Diploma in Art, she became a mom in 2013. While raising Eva, she fell in love with child development and education, and she obtained her degree in Primary Education at the University of Padova in 2018. After that, she specialized in teaching Italian as a Second Language with the DITALS Certification and a Master’s degree. Her career started working as a teacher in a private preschool inspired by the Reggio Children approach in Padova, which had a big impact on her. Then, she moved to Merano, a bilingual city in South Tyrol, where she worked as an Italian L2 teacher for foreign children and as a primary school teacher in different schools. There, Giulia confirmed her idea about the beauty of learning different languages from an early age; that’s why she enrolled Eva in a German school. Giulia loves to travel and try new cuisines from around the world. She traveled all around Europe with Eva. She’s passionate about learning new educational approaches, playing board games, discovering illustrated books, and creating connections with people. Her dream has always been to teach Italian abroad, but she never expected to join an International Italian school with a Reggio Emilia approach and an IB program in beautiful San Francisco! Too much beauty all together!
Carlo was born in New York City and raised in New York and New Jersey. He received his Bachelors in Music from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and his M.F.A. in Music Composition from the California Institute of the Arts. Carlo has been teaching both in the classroom and privately for 15 years, with experience teaching all grade levels and special education. In addition to his classroom teaching, he currently maintains a private teaching studio of 60 students, has composed music for film, theater and dance, and regularly has his concert music performed. Carlo’s daughter is in her third year at La Scuola and she never wants to leave. Carlo is excited to be teaching such a wonderful group of children at the start of La Scuola!
Eleonora was born in Legnano, a historical town located near Milan. Eleonora followed in the footsteps of a family of educators. Her grandfather was the director of education in Monza, Milan. Her aunts and uncles were all teachers, professors and directors of schools throughout Italy. Eleonora’s passion is working with elementary age students. She received her teaching credentials in Italy in 1993. Eleonora has taught in Public and Private schools, 1st through 5th grade. For the last 9 years, she has been a primary school teacher for a project based private elementary school in Busto Arsizio, Varese. After almost 20 years of educating young students in Italy, she moved to America to join her husband, a native of the Bay Area.
For Eleonora teaching isn’t just a job, it is a vocation. She shares her passion for education with her students; she believes that when a teacher is passionate about teaching, students become passionate about learning. She strives to guide each individual student, helping them achieve their learning goals. For Eleonora, education is a gift of love, and a passion for life. Eleonora loves reading books on medieval history, biographies of historical figures, and world classical literature.
She loves traveling with her husband across Europe and America and enjoys learning and meeting new people and discovering new cultures. She believes traveling helps make the world a better place by exploring the similarities we all share instead of seeing only the differences.
Aimee Drew was born in San Francisco and raised here and in Sonoma County where she grew up spending her time performing with a local theater company and studying lyrical opera. When Aimee was 18 years old, she moved to Rome, Italy to live and work as an au pair to a young family in a vibrant, artistic neighborhood. She immediately fell in love with the city, language, culture, and country as well as her host family, with whom she remains quite close. Over the years Aimee returned to Italy several times and has worked diligently to maintain her command of the language and connection to the culture.
Aimee graduated from UC Davis in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Italian Language and Literature. She feels it is important to maintain a balance between art and science, expression and explanation, which is a guiding principle in her pursuit of knowledge and experience. She has spent the last several years working collaboratively with several local environmental non-profits as a climate change and environmental justice educator for children ages kindergarten through high school. Education is a passion of Aimee’s and she considers teaching a great privilege. In her free time, Aimee loves to swim, cook, act, and arrange flowers for friends and family. She is thrilled to join La Scuola’s vibrant community of students, parents, teachers, and lifelong learners.
Olivia was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and moved to San Francisco to get her bachelors in nutrition with a concentration in dietetics from San Francisco State University. Upon completion of her degree she did a short study abroad in Ischia and fell in love with Italian culture.
Olivia has worked with kids in all different capacities her entire life; starting as a babysitter at age 13, then becoming a nanny in college, teaching cooking in elementary schools (La Scuola Mission campus being one of them), and working as an administrator with kids with disabilities. She is so excited to become a part of the La Scuola community, and cannot wait to learn Italian alongside the students!
Originally from New York, Lily Erb’s love for multicultural exploration began early, inspired by her travel agent mother. Of all the corners of the world she has been fortunate to visit, Italy holds a particularly special place in her heart. Lily studied Latin throughout middle and high school, continuing her studies into her college years. While conversational partners were hard to find, she deeply appreciates her classical background as a powerful foundation for Romance language acquisition. Lily also participated in her high school’s International Baccalaureate program and earned her IB Diploma, and she is thrilled to join the IB community once again!
Lily graduated from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, earning a BFA in Creative Writing with minors in Literature and Classical Humanities. Upon graduating, she moved abroad to teach secondary English in Madrid, Spain, for two years. Her time in Spain left her with a deep appreciation for Spanish tortilla and Flamenco, as well as conversational Spanish skills and a true passion for teaching.
Most recently, Lily lived in Tucson, Arizona, where she taught 7th-grade English Language Arts for two years while earning her teaching credential. After a hard-fought battle against the desert heat, she decided the desert wasn’t quite for her. She, her partner, and their cat, Kitty, have set their sights on the beautiful Bay Area. Lily is incredibly excited to join the La Scuola community. She is deeply inspired by the curiosity-driven mindset at the core of the school’s pedagogy and cannot wait to let curiosity, open-mindedness, and joy lead the way in her classroom.
“I am thrilled to be joining the La Scuola community and embarking on this exciting new chapter. I believe deeply in the school’s motto, “Nothing without joy,” and look forward to creating many joyful learning memories with the students and staff.”
Stefano was born and raised in a small town near Milan. After graduating in Early Childhood Education, he immediately started working with children, after many years of volunteering. He worked as a teacher at a primary school with children with special education needs, in a preschool and last year he worked at another Reggio Approach preschool, where he learned to work with the Reggio Approach. He graduated in Pedagogical Sciences this past July. Stefano enjoys theater and acting, reading, and discovering new restaurants around the city.
Jo was born and raised in California and has proudly been a San Francisco resident for almost 20 years. She studied child development through the interdisciplinary lens of Family and Consumer Sciences at San Francisco State University. Upon graduating, Jo had the privilege of working as a lecturer at her alma mater, teaching an undergraduate course on early childhood program planning and administration. At the same time, she worked in SF public schools with deaf and hard-of-hearing children where her lifelong passions for American Sign Language and language immersion flourished. For the past decade, Jo worked as an elementary educator and program director for a nationally recognized after school arts program with a unique focus on social justice and social-emotional learning – Children’s After School Arts (CASA) at Rooftop School. Jo is a passionate educator who is committed to creating inclusive spaces where students of all backgrounds can thrive and feel seen as their authentic self. Joining the La Scuola team and working in a Reggio Emilia program is a dream come true for Jo. She is also eager to connect more deeply with the Italian community in San Francisco, where her Finetti family roots can be traced back five generations. Outside of school, you can find Jo traveling the world with her family whenever possible, taking dance classes, and following Formula 1 racing.
Debora comes from Terni, a town in the green heart of Italy, Umbria, where Saint Valentine is said to come from, the Saint of Love. In 2023, she completed a Master’s Degree in Linguistics and International Communication, specifically in teaching Italian language and culture. She graduated from the University of Foreigners of Siena, in beautiful Tuscany.
She gained some experience in teaching Italian as a tutor at her university for students coming from all over the world. She was a volunteer for an association that helps children during their schooling in elementary and middle school. Recently, she completed a teaching experience in Philadelphia at the American – Italy Society. All these experiences made her even more passionate about her language and culture. She is very creative, loves playing with children and listening to them attentively because they are an inexhaustible source of kindness, creativity, love and imagination.
Vanessa was born and raised in Castel Goffredo, a small town in the province of Mantua, Italy.
She obtained a master’s degree in Primary Education at the Catholic University of Milan, Italy. During those years she met many people and had many experiences that allowed her to grow personally and professionally. The desire to get involved and learn about different cultures took her first to Spain for a study and internship experience and then to the Peruvian Andes to volunteer.
Vanessa during her years of study has become passionate and has delved into the world of creativity in relation to education, writing the final dissertation to investigate the relationship between the creative brain and the decision making process.
During a workshop at the Loris Malaguzzi Research Center in Reggio Emilia, she was introduced to and fascinated by the Reggio Children’s approach and was able to study it in depth through an internship.
In recent years she has also become very interested in human and children’s rights and the importance of schooling and education in improving the lives of many children in different parts of the world.
She loves photography because it gives her the chance to capture so many details and emotions, she takes her small camera everywhere. She enjoys traveling and discovering new places, hiking in the mountains and being out in the nature, listening to music and painting with watercolours.
Camilla was born and raised in Northern Italy, where she became deeply familiar with the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education. This philosophy has since shaped her way of thinking and her approach to learning alongside children and educators.
After completing her Master’s degree in Education and gaining experience at a Reggio-inspired school in Milan, she moved to North America, where she worked for many years at La Scuola.
Her curiosity and openness to learning from others led her to move to Vancouver, where she collaborated with children, educators, families, and the broader educational community in British Columbia. During her time in Canada, she also worked as a pedagogista in collaboration with Western University and gained valuable leadership experience as a school director. She is always guided by her cultural roots and a deep appreciation for the land that welcomed her.
Camilla is now very excited to return to the La Scuola community—a place that continues to inspire her professionally and personally. She looks forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and building new relationships grounded in shared values and a passion for learning.
She is passionate about art, nature, and international and bilingual education. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, discovering new places, and cooking Italian (and other!) recipes.
Ramayane was born in a small town in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. After high school, she moved to the capital to study Pedagogy at the University of São Paulo. During her time at university, she was exposed to a variety of educational approaches, which shaped her vision of the type of teacher she aspires to be.
It was also during these years that she connected with students from diverse international backgrounds who were part of exchange programs. Inspired by these interactions, she realized the profound impact of learning new languages. This realization led her to move to the Bay Area in 2020 to study English. In the Bay Area, Ramayane met her now-husband and adopted two beautiful basset hounds, Lola and Luffy.
Born not far from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, a native of St. Louis’ own “Little Italy,” The Hill, Carlo has spent the past 3 decades teaching, directing, and performing circus around the globe. At 18 years old, Carlo ran away with his first show, the Royal Lichtenstein Circus. And he’s been on the move ever since. His specialties include comedy, many forms of juggling, unicycling, and the lesser known arts of Icarian Games and antipodism which he studied while living in China.
Always one to keep a keen eye on the next generation, Carlo is a charter member of the American Youth Circus Organization. He was co-Artistic Director of CircEsteem and the Chicago Youth Circus. In 2002, Carlo co-founded Fool Time Circus, an ensemble of teachers and performing artists dedicated to building confidence and expanding life choices through recreational circus arts.
Locally, Carlo appeared alongside his family for over a decade with San Francisco’s own homegrown circus, Circus Bella.
A lifelong Bay Area resident, I grew up just across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Rafael, CA. After graduating with a Political Science degree from San Francisco State University, I pursued a teaching credential at Dominican University. My passion for working with young people has driven my nearly decade-long career in education, where I’ve had the opportunity to work as an afterschool program coordinator and most recently as a high school teacher. I’m excited to join this team and create a supportive learning environment for all students. When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me snowboarding, golfing, or attending 49ers and Giants games.
I’m thrilled to introduce myself to your wonderful school community. While I’m from a small town in the north of England called Wigan, I’ve spent the last 16 years exploring the globe and teaching in some amazing places! I’ve lived and worked in Germany, Sweden, India, and most recently, Thailand, and I’m excited to bring all those experiences to the school community.When I’m not in the classroom, you can find me enjoying some “friendly” competition. I’m a huge fan of football, darts, and bowling, especially when I get to play with my dad! I try to keep myself healthy with regular trips to the gym although it is not always easy.
Professionally, I’m all about student-led learning and empowering young people to take charge of their own education. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student light up with the pure joy that learning brings, and I can’t wait to share that excitement with all of you.
I’m so looking forward to meeting everyone and becoming a part of your vibrant community!
I was born and raised in San Francisco, to Nicaraguan parents. My mother was a nanny and Sunday school teacher, so as her personal assistant, and sometimes to the children, I learned a lot from them at a young age. This led me to volunteer at my local church, taking care of babies and preschool-age children later on. After a gap year during which I became enamored with Italian culture after a night in Rome, I started teaching myself the language through music. After that gap year, I resumed my studies at CCSF, majoring in Psychology. I had the opportunity to go on a solo trip to Italy and Germany during a holiday, which inspired me to solidify my Italian. My desire is to continue expanding my linguistic abilities to be able to travel and merge with the culture, and leave a mark with my photography.
Silvia was born in Viareggio, a seaside town on the West coast of Tuscany. She graduated in 2019 from the University of Florence in Primary Education Teaching with a Thesis in Teaching Creative Thinking. The reason why she wanted to go in-depth on this topic is due to her strong belief that creative thinking is the way to open us up to the world, in a continuous discovery with an infinite number of possible answers. Thanks to this research she also studied the Reggio Emilia Approach and attended the Digital Study Group by Reggio Children.
After her graduation, Silvia taught for two years in Italian public schools as a class teacher and special needs teacher. She feels a strong need to be part of a community like La Scuola because she believes that a more open, creative, multicultural, and child-orientated educational system is the key to a better world. Silvia is a sea lover and she used to practice Scuba diving when she was a teenager. She really enjoys reading, mostly about astrology, psychology, and mythology. Writing poems is another hobby of hers but also traveling, hanging out with her friends and family. She’s excited to be a part of the La Scuola community and bring the beauty of Italian culture, her passion for teaching, and her love for children.
Miranda was born in Milan and grew up in a large family with many pets in a small town near Lecco, Italy. She began working with young children in high school while studying developmental psychology and educational processes. Miranda has always had a fascination for child development and pedagogy, which solidified after an internship at a local kindergarten. After high school she worked in childcare for over 2 years before deciding to join her husband (a native San Franciscan) across Europe and America, working as a teacher and translator. They have lived in Milan, Paris, Boston MA, and now, San Francisco! In her free time she loves to read, watch movies and go on long walks.
“I’m incredibly thrilled to start this new journey and contribute to La Scuola’s wonderful mission!”
Christine grew up in Saugatuck, MI, a small beach community on the southwestern coast of Lake Michigan, where the arts were part of her daily life. She attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in the department of Film, Video, and New Media.
After college, she moved to Los Angeles, CA, where fiber arts became her main artistic outlet. When Random House approached Christine to write her first of four books, she turned her focus to teaching others the joy of making clothing for themselves, through her patterns, books, and workshops. Following more than a decade in Los Angeles, Christine relocated to New York, NY, where she continued to teach sewing and fiber arts. Christine moved to San Francisco, CA in 2023, and is thrilled to expand her creative teaching even further at La Scuola.
When not teaching, Christine can be found behind the lens of an analog camera, in her little urban garden, digging through record shops, or wandering the acres of Golden Gate Park.
Cassidy was born and raised In Huntington Beach, CA with her mother, father, and younger sister. She went on to earn a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Youth Development at the University of San Francisco. While earning her degree she was able to play Division 1 soccer USF, earning a captain’s band her senior year. Cassidy’s travels with the women’s soccer team at USF allowed her to experience different cultures across the country. When she traveled and played in Italy and Switzerland she truly fell in love with Italian culture which led to her interest in La Scuola and the Reggio approach. Cassidy has volunteered at Rosa Parks Parks Elementary School where she helped students in reading groups grades K-5 as well as helped them navigate zoom during the pandemic. In her free time she also enjoys babysitting and coaching kids soccer. She is excited to work towards her Early Childhood Education certificate while being a part of the close-knit La Scuola community.
Cassidy is very passionate about making a positive impact in the childrens’ lives and education, and strives to be a great mentor both in and out of the classroom. She can’t wait to learn alongside her students as she dives deeper into her appreciation of Italian culture and the Reggio approach.
Mia was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio but grew up longing to see more of the world. While studying classical voice throughout high school and college, she fell in love with the Italian language and spent a year abroad living with a host family in Perugia, Italy while studying at the Università per Stranieri. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Williams College and after graduating in 2020, she worked as a music teacher at a high school in Philadelphia. She later returned to Italy to attend the Università di Siena and is currently writing her thesis for her Master’s in Art History. During her four most recent years abroad, she worked as an au pair in Sweden, taught English to children and professionals, and worked with international education organizations such as IES Abroad in Italy. These experiences deepened her interest in language learning and child development, especially in multicultural and multilingual contexts.
Mia is passionate about the intersection of creativity and education. She believes in nurturing children’s curiosity through storytelling, music, and visual art. Her approach to caregiving is grounded in patience, connection, and mutual respect and she is excited to bring her warmth, international perspective, and love for learning to La Scuola’s community! In her free time, Mia enjoys composing and performing music, going on hikes, practicing yoga, and baking.
I am Gloria, I grew up on a lake near Brescia, and after graduating from a language-focused high school I knew I wanted to work with different cultures. After graduating in Early Childhood Education from the University of Bergamo I left for 2 years to become an au pair in Mill Valley. I fell in love with the Bay Area, and I formed a wonderful relationship with my host family. I then went back to Italy to work in a bilingual preschool as an English teacher, and now I am excited to come back to the vibrant San Francisco to work at La Scuola. I love seeing little kids explore different languages and cultures and learn about the world. I love traveling, cooking, meeting new people and going to the beach.
Joanna brings to the classroom a passion for multilingual education, an appreciation for inquiry- based learning, and experience supporting students in international settings. Growing up j outside Milano made her curiosity about different cultures and languages, which led her to attend a language- focused high school and still inspires her today.
Jake grew up just outside San Francisco in Novato, Marin County. His interest in languages began in high school, where he studied Spanish for three years before traveling to Honduras for the summer with a program called Amigos de las Americas. While living with a family in a rural village, he taught health lessons at the community primary school and became immersed in the local culture. He realized the value of learning a language both inside and outside the classroom. Being a fluent Spanish speaker opened up opportunities to travel and create connections with people from diverse backgrounds. He was hooked. After completing a degree in Psychology and Spanish from Bates College, Jake went on to work as an English Teaching Assistant in Argentina on a Fulbright grant. In his free time, Jake can be found swimming in the waters of an aquatic park or adventuring through the mountains by ski, bike, or foot.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ilana is thrilled to call this beautiful city her home. She is equally thrilled to be back and supporting the amazing community of La Scuola, after taking a year off to finish her graduate school studies.
Ilana has a deep passion for working with children and adolescents, stemming from watching her parents be educators for many years. Ilana has close to two decades of experience working with kids, all of which include many years of nannying, an internship with AmeriCorps where she co-created the mentorship program at two elementary schools within SFUSD, and 4 years teaching at La Scuola.
Alongside her deep devotion to helping children grow and thrive, Ilana brings a natural curiosity and genuine desire to understand each individual’s unique experiences, perspectives, and needs. She is a recent graduate with her Master of Arts degree in Integral Counseling Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. When Ilana is not supporting children at La Scuola, she works as an associate therapist, where she continues to build her clinical experience and work toward licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
By returning to La Scuola, Ilana looks forward to continuing to build meaningful relationships with the children, families, and community while bringing together the knowledge and experience she has gained as an educator with the therapeutic skills she has developed as a clinician.
I was born and raised in India, and I come to La Scuola International School with more than 19 years of teaching and administrative experience in International baccalaureate( IB) Schools. I have always had a passion for learning and this led to my decision to pursue a career in education. At the University in India, I obtained a Bachelor’s of Science and Bachelor’s of Education degree. After teaching for a few years in an IB School in India, my husband Anoop and I decided to take our young daughter abroad and embarked in a career in international education.
My daughter, Aditi, was raised abroad. She is the product of IB Schools and now pursuing her Management Degree in New Zealand. My IB teaching experiences have taken me to many countries. I cherish my experiences working and learning at an IB world school in Jakarta, Indonesia and later at IB world School in Bangladesh. My journey in education has brought me to La Scuola. La Scuola International school is a vibrant school, with its talented teachers, motivated students and supportive parent community. I am very proud to be part of this learning organization.
Puja joins the La Scuola community with nine years of rich international teaching experience across India and Portugal. She is deeply committed to inquiry-based, hands-on learning and enjoys helping students discover how mathematics, science, and design connect to each other and to the real world. Before moving to San Francisco, Puja served as IB Extended Essay Coordinator and Physics educator at Oporto British School in Portugal, where she led whole-school Extended Essay coursework, contributed to IB 5-Year Reviews, and supported large, multilingual cohorts of students in developing confidence as independent thinkers and researchers. She has been deeply involved in mentoring students through long-term research projects, from Extended Essays to independent STEM inquiries, and has also taught in leading IB schools in India, where she founded STEM clubs and robotics initiatives and facilitated professional learning on ATL and academic integrity for colleagues.
Puja holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physics, a Postgraduate Diploma in International Education (IB Educator Certificate for Teaching and Learning), and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK from Canterbury Christ Church University, and she is a Member of the Chartered College of Teaching, reflecting her commitment to research-informed, equity-centered practice. During her postgraduate studies, she conducted a research project at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bangalore, working on Ethernet protocol implementation in edge sensors for a segmented mirror telescope, a role that bridged embedded systems, communication protocols, and precision optical engineering. These experiences with real-world scientific inquiry and engineering design shape the way she helps students frame questions, design investigations, and work with data in IB Maths, Science, and Design.
Originally from India and most recently based in Porto, Puja is excited to make San Francisco her new home and to contribute to La Scuola’s multilingual, Reggio-Emilia-inspired IB community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, Pilates and yoga, hiking and trekking, and exploring international cuisines and culinary arts, she loves experimenting with recipes from around the world and recreating dishes she discovers when she travels as well as reading astrophysics and cosmology magazines and research papers, interests that often find their way into her lessons and conversations with students.
Benedetta was born and raised in Rome, surrounded by a dynamic and challenging environment. Her passion for Italian heritage and culture grew stronger as she graduated in classical studies, with a special program in arts. During her experience in the Italian Scout movement, she worked with kids from 8 to 14, embracing the belief that we ought to leave the world a little better than we found it. She has a bachelors degree in Law and a Masters degree in Cultural Event Management. Lastly, she obtained the DITALS Certificate for teaching Italian to foreign speakers.
She immediately felt at home in the Bay Area and she’s excited about teaching at La Scuola!
Vincenzo Lomaestro is a professional pianist from Ripacandida (Potenza, Italy). He started playing the piano at the age of 10 the same time that he found another passion, soccer. Vincenzo earned his Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Piano Major with 110 cum laude at the Conservatory of Music Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa in Potenza, under the guidance of Maestro Umberto Zamuner and Alessandro Stella. He has been inspiring the youth toward concerts in many Italian cities both as a soloist and in chamber music ensembles. In 2022 he attended an advanced Piano training at the European Arts Academy ‘Aldo Ciccolini’ Foundation in Trani, with the Maestro Pierluigi Camicia. Last Summer, Mr Lomaestro was accepted at the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA), where he expanded his knowledge as a Pianist, Teacher and as an Artist. As a soccer player, Vincenzo has played in various Italian soccer teams as well as competing for many years in leagues. Most recently, he joined the C.S: Vultur 1921 from 2021-2023.
Currently pursuing the Professional Study Certificate at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in Sharon Mann’s studio, Vincenzo is excited to be joining the La Scuola International School community where he looks forward to encouraging and supporting children to find their own path in music and sports.
Stefano moved to San Francisco recently from Brescia in Northern Italy and has a degree in mathematics and computer science. Stefano plays soccer and basketball and has been a soccer referee for the past 21 years. He is excited to join the La Scuola team and to contribute to the experiential growth of the students with passion and joy.
After initially joining La Scuola in the Fall of 2021, we are very excited to share that Veronica Longo will be returning as Preschool Teacher for the 2023-24 school year! Veronica was born and raised in Udine, an Italian city of 100,000 inhabitants, and moved to California in February 2020. She loves Italy and in particular her region, Friuli Venezia Giulia, the last region in the northeast before crossing the border with Slovenia. She loves gymnastics and movement, in fact, she practiced rhythmic gymnastics for many years, starting from the age of 5 and continuing until her second year of university. Thanks to this passion, after graduating from the psycho-pedagogical high school, she obtained a degree in Physical Education and then in Sports Science.
She has been working with kids and young people since she started her university career 12 years ago. She likes to spend her free time practicing yoga and doing sports, and also loves to spend time with the people she loves and with her dog, Athena. She is very happy and excited to be returning to La Scuola!
Agnese Macocco was born in Perugia and raised in Castiglione del Lago, a picturesque town on the shores of Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. She pursued a degree in Primary Education at the University of Perugia, earning her teaching qualification for preschool and primary school. Her studies had a particular focus on special educational needs and inclusion, areas in which she is deeply passionate.
After several years of teaching at an Italian primary school, Agnese specialized in teaching Italian as a foreign language at the University for Foreigners of Perugia in 2021, where she also earned the DILS-PG II certification. This specialization allowed her to embark,in 2022, on an enriching experience as a language assistant in Sydney, Australia. Agnese has a passion for children’s literature, photography, traveling, and exploring new cultures. She enjoys incorporating her love for storytelling and creativity into her teaching, making learning an engaging and dynamic experience for her students. Agnese is thrilled to be joining the warm and welcoming community at La Scuola.
Carolina was born and raised in Italy where she lived for twenty years near the Lake of Como in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. She holds a degree in Scienze della Mediazione Interlinguistica e Interculturale from Insubria, University of Como where she specialized in teaching Italian as a second language.
Immersing herself in the diverse world of language acquisition has been a lifelong passion for Carolina. From learning English and Spanish to the intricate characters of Mandarin, each linguistic journey has broadened her horizons and deepened her appreciation for global cultures.
Following her passion for learning and teaching, she became a passionate and motivated IB educator. Her career in an IB school prepared her to work in an intercultural environment with different internationally established curricula and become an open-minded teacher and person.
At the core of Carolina’s teaching philosophy is a belief in the importance of student-centered learning. She strives to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Her approach emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, critical thinking skills, and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Carolina is eager to join La Scuola International School to contribute her expertise and passion to an institution known for its commitment to excellence in education. She is excited about the opportunity to collaborate with fellow educators, engage with a diverse student body, and make a positive impact within the school community.
Jane Mauchly is a teaching artist who describes her own arts education beginning in her childhood living on a small family farm on the outskirts of an east coast city. She hails from a family of tinkerers and makers. Her father, a metal sculptor, founded an artist guild in an old granary, and Jane would immerse herself in this creative setting, absorbing the art processes and teachings of the craftspeople there. Also important to her is time spent traveling and in nature, and she turns to wild spaces as well as the human story to inform her work.
She has been described as a social practice artist, with individual and collaborative projects involving storytelling, dance, mural- making, film, installation, and performance grounded in community, the beauty of nature, and social and environmental justice. Jane has a BFA in fine art from San Francisco State University. Her experiences include a year studying painting at LAccademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, a time which she considers a turning point in her life, the beginning of life-long friendships and appreciation for Italian language and culture. She misses fish Fridays at Mario’s by mercato centrale and i dolci di Patrizio Cosi.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ruby is currently a junior at San Francisco State University, studying Sociology and Education. She has a passion for working with kids and will be part of the Extended Care program at La Scuola Elementary this year. Ruby is excited to continue building meaningful connections with students while supporting their growth and learning outside the classroom.
Cristina was born and raised here Milan and graduated from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. During her studies, she began working in education— first as an educator and later as a special needs teacher. She am truly excited to begin this new journey at La Scuola and look forward to getting to know you and your children!
Martina grew up in a tiny village tucked between Padova and Venice in northeast Italy. After finishing high school, she moved to London to study Psychology, and later trained as a primary school teacher in Scotland. That’s where her journey in education really took off!
Since then, Martina has taught in the UK, Mexico, and most recently Australia. Now, she’s getting ready for her next adventure—moving to San Francisco and joining the preschool team at La Scuola! She’s really excited to become part of the community and bring her passion for early years education to the classroom.
Working with young children has always been close to Martina’s heart. During university, she was also an au pair, and has loved being around little ones ever since.
In her free time, Martina enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and getting outdoors.
Francesca has been a primary school teacher for 20 years and currently serves as a school coordinator in Bologna. She holds degrees in Educational Sciences and Performing Arts with a specialization in Music. Francesca is also the Vice President of a Social Promotion Association dedicated to socio-educational projects for children and adolescents. As a volunteer for the Italian Red Cross and a member of the Italian Mission Bambini Foundation, she is committed to supporting children in difficult situations. Francesca specializes in inclusive teaching and the instruction of the Italian language. She is passionate about reading, music, and traveling to meet people and explore different cultures.
I was born and raised in San Francisco. I am a first generation from my family that migrated from Peru. I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University with a B.S in Kinesiology and B.A in French Studies.
I love traveling to learn about other cultures and trying new food. I’ve previously worked and lived in Paris teaching English to lower school students.
My husband is French and we have two children together. We are a multicultural household who speak three languages at home-English, Spanish, and French. I am looking forward to learning some Italian at La Scuola! On the weekends, you will usually find me with my family exploring local museums and parks.
Growing up in San Diego, CA, Annie Nguyen (she/her) was raised by Vietnamese immigrant parents who taught her the value of kindness, honesty, and justice. Annie continued on to study at University of California, Davis for her Bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology, with an emphasis on Law and Society. During her time as an undergraduate, Annie tutored at multiple elementary schools for the after school program, Davis BRIDGE Program, which supported students of low socioeconomic status. From this experience, Annie developed her passion to help youth and families.
Annie pursued a Master’s degree from Santa Clara University in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis on Correctional Psychology, and a focus on becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Throughout this time, Annie also tutored elementary, middle, and high school ages in English and test preparation. Since graduation, Annie has served Cupertino Union School District as a Mental Health Therapist to provide counseling services for children and families with groups and individuals, taught social-emotional learning, hosted social opportunity groups, and consulted with school staff to support their classrooms. Annie is excited to transition to La Scuola community and looks forward to developing connections and relationships with staff, students, and families!
Leticia was born and grew up in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Always curious about different cultures, she went to High School at an Italian international school based in her hometown and fell in love with the Italian culture. She graduated in Languages at the University of Minas Gerais, spending one year at King’s College London as an exchange student. In 2010, she was hired as a k-8 teacher at the same Italian international school where she studied, and taught Math, Science, Geography and History in Italian for first, second, third and fourth graders. Because of some very dear pupils, she engaged herself in research on learning disabilities, and invested time and resources to be a better teacher for them. Leticia moved to San Francisco in the Summer of 2015 to join the La Scuola team and to pursue a Master of Arts in International and Multicultural Education at the University of San Francisco.
Erika Pace was born and raised in Foggia, a city in Apulia, Southern Italy. She earned a master’s in World Language and Literature from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” and has been an Italian instructor since 2004, when she joined the Italian Institute of Culture in Hamburg, Germany. Ever since, she has taught Italian to children and adults at all levels of language instruction.
In 2013, Erika joined a publishing company, where she was put in charge of pro-social projects. One of these led to the publication of the illustrated short story “Se casco senza casco sono caschi miei,” in collaboration with Campania Ministry of Education-University-Research, and UNICEF.
In her spare time, Erika loves hiking, sewing, swimming, and dancing. She has been a certified Aqua, Fitness, and Dance instructor since 2020.
Erika is thrilled to be part of the La Scuola team and thriving community, and is looking forward to being amazed by the curiosity, spontaneity, and creativity of each and every child at La Scuola.
Margherita was born in Siena, the beautiful and traditional city in the heart of Tuscany. She graduated with honors in 2017 in Primary Teaching Education from the University of Florence. In 2021, she specialized in Teaching Italian to Foreigners, earning both the DITALS Level II Certification and the DITALS Level I Master’s Degree at the University for Foreigners of Siena.
Margherita began her teaching career in Modena as a homeroom elementary teacher, working with students from 2nd through 4th grade. During this experience, she also attended professional development courses focused on the Educational Approach of Reggio Emilia. She later returned to Siena, where she taught as a homeroom teacher in the Italian public school system from 1st through 5th grade.
In August 2022, Margherita moved to San Francisco and joined La Scuola at the Mission Campus. During her years at La Scuola, she deepened her knowledge of the IB methodology by completing PYP Early Years Category 1 and 2 trainings. She also continued specializing in teaching Italian as a second language through professional development programs organized by La Scuola in collaboration with Ca’ Foscari University in Venice. In addition, she specialized in Singapore Math and earned a certification from the Singapore Math Teacher Institute.
After a wonderful year dedicated to motherhood with her little Leonardo, she is excited to return to school and cannot wait to join the team once again at the Silicon Valley Campus.
Ottavia was born in Brescia, close to Milan. She graduated in 2020 with honors in Primary Teaching Education from “Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore” of Brescia and she also taught in Italy as an elementary teacher. Due to her studies and her passions she had different experiences abroad. She worked as Italian assistant teacher in Perth (Australia) in 2017, She lived in Madrid for the erasmus program in 2019 and she worked as Italian primary teacher in an Italian international school in Buenos Aires.
She loves arts, traveling and spending time with her friends, but she especially has a deep passion for dance; in fact she studied ballet and contemporary dance and she obtained a certificate as ballet teacher. She also participated in an international program for dancers in New York (Broadway Dance Center).
Living in different countries is an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and spending time abroad has allowed her to experience different cultures, making her more flexible and open-minded. She thinks life is a wonderful journey where you never stop learning, so she is very excited to be a part of La Scuola and she loves the quotes “Nothing without Joy” because it reflects a positive mindset and environment. She is very passionate about working with children and she thinks that teaching gives you the chance to make an impact on the lives of others.
Born and raised in Singapore, Celine’s journey with Italian began at age sixteen when she moved to Duino (Trieste) to attend the United World College of the Adriatic. There, she lived and learned alongside peers from around the globe. What began as one of several IB subjects soon became a passion: Celine fell in love with the Italian language and culture and went on to earn a BA in Italian and German at University College London.
Her first major classroom role was teaching Italian at Burlingame High School. As the sole Italian teacher, she was responsible for crafting and delivering four curricula, ranging from ab initio to AP Italian. She also organized the Italian Exchange Program, traveling with her students in the spring and, in turn, hosting Italian students in the fall. Her time in this role was transformational: not only did it help her find her voice as a teacher, but it also deepened her commitment to education and working with children and youth.
Celine is passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and intercultural connections thrive. Inspired by her own high school experience, her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that education should nurture compassionate, critical thinkers committed to building a more peaceful and sustainable world.
Victoria grew up bilingual in Italian and English, spending her early years in Zambia and her teenage years in Italy before moving to Germany for university, where she graduated and began her career as a translator and interpreter. That path across different countries, sectors, and cultures has shaped the ease with which she navigates different cultures and working styles, a quality she brings directly into the classroom.
A San Francisco native with roots in the Apennine region of Emilia-Romagna—and an English teacher for over 25 years—Sabina Piersol is thrilled to be joining the La Scuola community as a middle school literature and writing teacher. Sabina learned to speak Italian during a transformative year of study abroad in Padua, Italy, where she fell in love with all things Italian art, literature, history, and culture, and met her Italian cousins for the first time. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, San Diego, and a master’s degree and teaching credential in English from San Francisco State University, where she was awarded a fellowship for literary translation of Italian poetry. In addition to teaching, Sabina is a professional content writer and playwright who loves the challenging, fun, and sometimes messy nature of the creative process. She is excited to work in an Italian language environment and share her passion for writing and literature with her students.
Emma is delighted to be joining the La Scuola International School community. Originally from Scotland, she holds a degree in English Language and completed her teacher training at the University of Edinburgh. She has been teaching for over ten years, including the past 5 at an international school in Milano within the IB Primary Years Programme.
I was born in Biella, a small town in the north of Italy. I studied Foreign Languages (English and Spanish) and in 2018 I earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching Italian to Foreigners at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. During university years I participated in exchange programs and experiences: a college in Norway, the University of Maryland in the USA and a traineeship at the Italian Institute of Culture in Athens, Greece. Upon graduation I earned the DILSPG certificate to improve and enrich my skills about teaching Italian as a foreign language. In 2019 I worked as a Language Assistant in three public schools of Western Australia where I could build confidence and relevant experiences with primary, middle and high schools. In 2021, after working with Dante in Linea, I moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where my main role was teaching Italian in a kindergarten, in addition to courses for adults and for middle school students. In July 2013, I graduated at the Master in Progettazione Avanzata dell’Insegnamento della lingua e cultura italiane a stranieri at the Università Ca’ Foscari di Venezia. I lived and worked in different cultural contexts and this allowed me to broaden my view and enrich my skills and experiences. I love teaching and sharing my culture. I do believe teaching is the best way of learning and learning is the best way of growing. But they both require a lot of curiosity and a lot of courage. During my free time I love expressing my creativity through drawing, writing and sewing my own clothes. I love plants, cats and a good cup of tea. Brief quote: Teaching is the best way of learning and learning is the best way of growing. But they both require a lot of curiosity and a lot of courage.
Paola grew up in Barletta, a beautiful city surrounded by the sea and historical monuments, in the South of Italy. During her high school years, she volunteered at an anti-domestic violence center, carrying out educational activities for children from abusive households and disadvantaged socio-economic environments. This experience had a great impact on her, as she realized she was passionate about education and children’s rights.
Paola graduated in Education in 2020 and obtained a Masters degree in Pedagogy and Educational planning this year. Her desire for authentic cultural experiences led her to Spain. The first time to the wonderful city of Granada, where she attended university and, the second time, to Madrid, where she worked in a bilingual nursery school. Then, Paola worked in a public preschool, supporting children with special educational needs. The great respect she feels towards children led her to the Montessori Method, in which she specialized with the Opera Nazionale Montessori association. This year she worked at an authentic Montessori kindergarten in the city of Foggia, where she collaborated to create a nurturing and safe environment for Children.
In her free time, Paola loves to travel, get outdoors, volunteer, advocate for others and create deep connections. Paola is overjoyed to be joining the La Scuola International School community where she looks forward to helping children thrive in their own unique ways.
Born in San Francisco and raised just across the Golden Gate Bridge, over the last 30 years Libby has developed a deep sense of connection to the Northern California landscape they call home. They have always had an interest in botany, ecology, and the magic that happens in a garden, and consequently in 2017 Libby received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Analysis from Scripps College.
While in college, Libby took their interest in gardening internationally and participated in the Worldwide Opportunities in Organic Farming program (WWOOF) in the south of France. They also spent a year working at Huerta del Valle Community Garden in Southern California, conducting research and collaborating with the community to create garden-based curriculum for children and adults alike. In 2020, Libby took their first steps into the world of early childhood at a nature-based, Reggio-inspired preschool, and they haven’t looked back! Four years later, they have received a Master’s degree in Innovative Early Childhood Education, specializing in the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, through the University of Colorado at Denver.
Beyond education, Libby has just shy of ten years of experience working in a library setting. Libby is absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to bring all of their expertise together into the garden with the children at La Scuola! When not teaching, you can find Libby hiking around the Bay Area, playing guitar, or tending to their plot at the community garden. Nothing without joy, indeed!
I am Gloryanna Ricci and I am a third generation San Francisco native. I grew up attending San Francisco public schools and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. I am currently attending City College of San Francisco. I was previously a Liberal Arts major in 2019 but discovered my passion for working with children during the pandemic. Since then I have earned my ECE Associates Teacher Certificate and am currently working towards my Associate degree in Child Development and Family Studies.
I was raised by two working-class parents of Italian and Mexican descent. In high school, I had the opportunity to take an Ethnic Studies class that restored my love for learning and gave me a sense of cultural identity. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood and school system and taking Ethnic Studies shaped how I value Multicultural Education, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Reggio Emilia Pedagogy. These experiences informed my view on the role school plays in society by reminding me teachers should educate, prepare, and inspire our youth to feel confident in their intelligence and identity.
I enjoy reading, archery, and all forms of art. I am a big advocate of inspiring creativity and channel this in my work. I began my work in childcare by babysitting during the pandemic. I later worked in an extended care program at a Theatre Summer camp. Now, I am excited to be making the transition from being a substitute teacher aide across San Francisco Schools to becoming a part of the La Scuola team!
My name is Alessandro; I was born in Vimercate in the province of Monza and Brianza. I have a degree in Education and Training (L-19) from the Sacred Heart Catholic University of Milan. During my university studies I started working inside a Kindergarten as an Educator. During these years of work I had the opportunity to learn about the Reggio Approach and participate in training courses at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center in Reggio Emilia. In 2024 I completed a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management.
I am a person with a strong motivation for learning and professional growth in the educational context in order to develop coordination skills. I enjoy playing sports, especially soccer, traveling, meeting new people and new cultures.
Ana grew up in Mexico, between Monterrey and Saltillo, before moving to Miami at age 15. There, she attended ISPA, an international magnet school, where she became part of a diverse community of students and cultures. These experiences cultivated an appreciation for different perspectives that continues to shape her approach to learning and teaching.
Her path to physics grew out of a passion for art, which shapes how she visualizes and communicates complex scientific and mathematical concepts.Combining her artistic and technical background, she strongly resonates with the Reggio Emilia approach and its view of creative expression as a language for research and discovery. She recently earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Physics and minored in Mathematics at Bishop’s University, a liberal arts university in Canada, and completed coursework in Computational Physics at the University of Waterloo during her final year. While at Bishop’s, Ana served as a teaching assistant and marker for Precalculus and Calculus through the Maple League’s OTLC—an inquiry-based initiative that empowers students as active collaborators in their education. This experience reinforced her dedication to student-centered, inquiry-driven instruction.
She especially enjoys the intersections between mathematics, science, art, and the natural world, and loves finding innovative ways to make abstract ideas accessible.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time in nature, exploring new places, picking up new hobbies, and discovering new languages. After graduating, she moved to Petaluma, where she is enjoying being closer to family. She is currently practicing German and Italian and is always excited to learn new words, phrases, or expressions!
“I am proud to support La Scuola’s mission of helping kids become courageous, empathetic global citizens who aren't afraid to ask big questions. I would be honored to learn alongside the students, inspired by their natural wonder and unique ways of viewing the world.”
Mario Rossetti grew up in the Bay Area and has spent the last 15 years working in the youth sports industry throughout the peninsula and San Francisco. He obtained a Master’s degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching, a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Mario has been involved with multiple schools, physical education organizations, and youth soccer clubs; developing curriculum, while teaching and overseeing their classes/programs. Mario Rossetti’s number one priority is making sure that each student is being given the tools necessary to succeed. Former students and athletes that Mario has worked with would describe him as supportive, open, passionate, and driven to succeed.
License & Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration and Coaching
- Master’s degree in Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- NSCAA Advanced National Diploma
- US Soccer Federation C License
- ACF Fiorentina Method Basic & Advanced courses
- American Fitness Professionals and Associates Youth Strength Conditioning Specialist Certification
- FC Barcelona Positional Play Methodology Certification
- La Liga Formation Methodology Certificate
- NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1,2 Diploma
- Frans Hoek Goalkeeper Course / Hoek Method Stage 3
- Mary Kok Willemsen – Female Coaching Education Diploma
- SL Benfica Game Model / Scout Focus Certificate
Stella was born in Domodossola, a small town in northern Italy on the Swiss border. She graduated from the University of Milan Bicocca with a degree in Primary Education Sciences. The course of study trains preschool and elementary school teachers through the study of innovative teaching methodologies and internship experiences in some local schools.
Stella has worked as both a classroom and support teacher at some schools in the Domodossola area; being a mountain location there are often multi-classes: classes made up of children of different ages. These situations have reinforced the teachers abilities and skills in managing and organizing work and teaching activities.
From 2021 to 2023, Stella worked at the Colegio Italiano Leonardo da Vinci in Bogotá, Colombia. This experience was an opportunity for growth and maturation both professionally and personally, as the teacher not only learned new educational styles and worked with non-native Italian-speaking children, but also interacted with a culture and society different from her own.
Stella enjoys traveling, meeting new people, learning about new places and cultures, and tasting new foods. She likes to play volleyball, soccer and tennis. She likes music, drawing, and she really loves animals.
Stella is very happy to be part of the team at La Scuola because it is a multicultural, continuously developing environment that uses innovative teaching methodologies and based on the well-being of children and families. Every child has a talent, the teachers goal is to guide them to discover their talents.
I grew up as one of those kids who sought happiness and fun in the Salesian Oratory of Aleppo. When I was participating in summer activities as a kid, I had feeling that I was the most loved one by the Animators (people who served kids and organized activities for them). I used to walk out telling my friends, “I am the animator’s best.” Then I would hear from my friends, “No, I am the animator’s best.” Then we got engaged into a funny childish debate to provide evidence of who the animator’s best is. When I became an Animator, I understood that this feeling was every kid’s feeling. That feeling was attached to the place who loved us and served us with love. It was Don Bosco’s place. Don Bosco, who inspired so many people by his fascinating work, said: “It is not enough to love the young, they must know that they are loved,” which explained to me everything I felt.
I played Soccer for Salesian, we participated in the PGS tournament of Europe in 2006 in Rimini, Italy. I also played basketball professionally until the age of 18.
I studied French literature and got a Master’s Degree in French translation in 2015 from Aleppo University in Syria. I taught French and Music for different ages in Aleppo.
Valentina holds a master in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelors degree in Psychological Studies from the Universita degli studi di Bergamo Italy, with a specialization in Pedagogy, Sociology, Developmental psychology and Educational Psychology and also a Diploma Magistrale (teaching credentials) from Cooperativa scolastica Niccolo Reazzara.
Valentina has taught for 6 years in Early Childhood centers (0-6 years of age) and as an assistant teacher for children with disabilities in an elementary school setting.
Rachel was raised in Ludington, a small lakeshore town in Northern Michigan, fostering her love for the outdoors and nature-based play. Rachel graduated from Michigan State University with her Bachelor of Arts in Child Development and Special Education in August of 2024. She also obtained her Master of Science in Child Development and holds a Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood and Family Policy from Michigan State University (MSU) in May of 2026.
Embedded in both her undergraduate and graduate studies, she gained extensive experience working with young children in various settings. Including student teaching internships, participation in the MSU Global Educators Cohort Union, role as an associate infant room teacher at the Michigan State University Laboratory, and her independent research project, in which she conducted a study on cross-cultural early childhood approaches to play across regions in Italy and the United States.
Rachel finds joy in exploring new places, learning about other cultures, spending time with those she loves, and getting outdoors, whether that be reading at the park or biking around the city!
“I am absolutely elated to join the La Scuola International team and the greater community of San Francisco! My deep passion for early childhood education extends to my belief that children are at the forefront of their learning as capable, competent individuals, and to my dedication to providing authentic, developmentally appropriate instruction. The Reggio Emilia Approach aligns with my values and personal philosophy regarding child development and ECE as a whole. Life presents us with countless opportunities and scenarios to learn from and within. I look forward to this next step and what it will bring!”
Michela was born in Sondrio, a small town in Northern Italy surrounded by mountains. She moved to Milan to study Primary Education at the University of Milano-Bicocca, where she graduated in 2024.
During her studies, she completed internships in diverse settings, including a British-American kindergarten and a preschool in Tanzania through an international exchange program. She also worked as a classroom teacher of Italian and English in public primary schools, gaining hands-on experience while continuing her academic training.
In her final year, Michela taught Italian in an English-speaking international PYP school, where she deepened her understanding of the IB framework and completed official training. She became especially passionate about teaching Italian as a second language and working in multicultural environments.
Michela loves traveling—especially to places that push her beyond her comfort zone. In 2023, she taught in a remote village in Kenya, further strengthening her intercultural awareness. She also enjoys hiking, sports, and spending time with family and friends.
She believes that encountering different cultures builds open-mindedness, adaptability, and empathy—essential skills for both teachers and students. The phrase “Nothing without Joy” reflects her positive, resilient spirit and her belief in the transformative power of education.
I’ve always been fascinated by how systems, whether mechanical, economic, or cultural, work together to solve problems. That curiosity led me from my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, to Tennessee Technological University, where I earned a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, graduating first in my class. Eager to explore how systems and cultures connect across the globe, I moved to Thailand to pursue a Master’s in International Economics and Finance at Chulalongkorn University. What began as an academic pursuit evolved into a decade of professional and personal growth in diverse cultural contexts across Thailand, the UK, Turkey, China, and now the Bay Area.
While in Shanghai, I trained as a teacher at Yew Chung International School and was introduced to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, sparking a passion for inquiry-based, concept-driven learning. Since then, I have taught middle school mathematics and sciences in immersion, independent, and international schools, integrating applied mathematics, engineering principles, and hands-on investigations that connect learning to authentic, interdisciplinary contexts. Whether guiding a robotics build, designing a unit of inquiry, or leading students through data-rich scientific explorations, I aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring learners who see mathematics and science as powerful tools for discovery, problem-solving, and creative expression.
In my classroom, curiosity drives exploration, collaboration fuels problem-solving, and creativity transforms abstract concepts into tangible outcomes. Students leave with both strong subject knowledge and the confidence to apply it, whether designing a prototype, analyzing a complex global issue, or leading an innovative project. By nurturing reflective, open-minded risk-takers, I empower students to become principled global citizens, ready to apply their learning to improve their communities and shape the future.
Curiosity has always been at the center of Kadi’s life and work. Over the past decade, she’s served as a teacher, special education leader, and instructional coach; helping students build confidence by making challenging ideas approachable and meaningful. She believes the best learning happens when students feel known, challenged, and genuinely excited to ask questions.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in South Florida, Kadi joins La Scuola bringing years of experience from public and independent school settings. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Brooklyn College. She is especially passionate about literacy, mathematics, and supporting diverse learners through thoughtful, individualized instruction. Drawn to La Scuola’s international outlook and inquiry-based approach, she’s excited to help students grow as curious thinkers, compassionate collaborators, and confident problem-solvers.
Outside the classroom, Kadi enjoys exploring history, traveling, reading, discovering great food, and spending time outdoors. She believes learning extends far beyond school walls and is always looking for new experiences that deepen her understanding of people, cultures, and the world.
Sally Targett is an Early Years Teacher with nearly 20 years of experience working with children aged 3 to 6. She moved to Italy at the age of 21, where she built her teaching career. Sally is passionate about creating a warm, welcoming environment where every child feels safe, valued, and excited to learn. One of her proudest career highlights has been helping to build strong learning communities where children and families feel a real sense of belonging.
As an Italian teacher, I truly believe that education is a journey to understand the world and connect with the people around us. My passion for pedagogy sparked during high school and guided me to the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, where I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Primary Education. During my studies, I immersed myself in the Reggio Emilia Approach, taking specialized courses, training at the Loris Malaguzzi International Center, studying abroad in Spain through the Erasmus program, and completing an internship within the official Reggio Emilia preschool network. Following graduation, I brought this expertise to high-standard schools in Bologna inspired by the Reggio Children approach.
Driven by a curiosity for diverse cultures, I later moved to Africa to teach at an Italian international school. Working with Francophone children and collaborating with a multicultural team of educators broadened my perspective on what it means to learn and grow together.
When I’m not teaching, I love exploring world cultures, traditions, and history. I am an avid traveler and enjoy reading about ancient history and folk arts. To me, every new place, story, and conversation is a beautiful opportunity to never stop learning.
Valeria was born and raised in the Bay Area. The Italian language and culture has always been a major part of her life since her mom was born and raised in Bari, Italy and growing up she spent every summer with her family there. Being exposed to a second language and culture inspired her passion for learning languages, so she subsequently learned French and graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in French and a B.A. in Italian. During college she studied abroad in Bordeaux, France and after college she spent a year in Auch, France teaching English to high school and middle school students. Here she became fully immersed in the French culture and language and by the end of the year was fluent in French. She then decided to go to graduate school at UCLA and received an M.A. in Italian Studies. During this time she had the opportunity to teach Italian to undergraduates and was very happy to be able to share her knowledge of the language and culture with them.
She just recently moved back to the Bay Area and is excited to start her teaching career at La Scuola, where she can share her love of everything Italian with a new generation. In her free time she likes to do ballet, paint, hike and spend time with family and friends.
I am thrilled to be joining the La Scuola community and exploring colorful, multicultural San Francisco! I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, USA and have taught humanities and digital arts internationally for most of my teaching career. I am passionate about nurturing students to become strong, independent thinkers and global citizens who are motivated to manifest positive change in the world. I have over 13 years of experience in the classroom and have had the pleasure of teaching at both public schools in Seattle, WA and international schools in Germany, Brazil, Denmark, and most recently Romania. In my spare time, I love traveling, practicing yoga, photography, dancing, learning songs on my ukulele, getting out in nature, and cooking delicious meals with friends!
My journey working with children began in the US, where I worked as a horse riding instructor at summer camps in Arizona and Minnesota. These experiences showed me the power of inclusive environments, where children of all abilities can grow in confidence, independence and curiosity and also what children can achieve when given the right support. Watching the children embrace new challenges with such enthusiasm was an incredible privilege and inspired me to continue working with children long term.
I then went on to graduate from university in Liverpool with a degree in Sociology and Criminology before completing a Postgraduate Degree in Primary Education (PGCE).
I have now taught for eight years in large, multicultural schools in both Manchester and London. Teaching in diverse classrooms has been incredibly rewarding. Each child brings their own experiences, perspectives, and strengths which shape the classroom and encourages collaboration as students are always learning from one another. I am excited to embrace teaching in San Francisco and to bring my experience and passion for learning to a new community.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading, hiking and travelling. I love exploring new places, trying new foods, and soaking up different cultures with my family and friends.
I’m excited to join the La Scuola team and a community that truly values curiosity and creativity. I love that students can follow their own interests and that teachers are supported to evolve, learn and reflect alongside them.
Marta was born and raised in Roncadelle, a small town near Brescia in Northern Italy. She studied Social Pedagogical Science in high school before graduating from Università Cattolica with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Science, as well as a Master’s in Education. She has been an educator and teacher since 2006, working with children from 0 to 7 years old. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher in Preschool, Kindergarten, and Elementary settings, and she has also worked with children with special educational needs, further specializing in this area. In addition, she was a pedagogical coordinator and the director of two Pre-K and Kindergarten schools.
Marta has dedicated her professional life to continuous learning, which has been a driving force in her journey, deepening her love for teaching. She is passionate about creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments for all children. Marta joined La Scuola in October 2021 and immediately fell in love with the curriculum, environment, and community.
She loves traveling with her husband around the globe, discovering new places and foods. She is passionate about National Parks, animals, nature, and plants. Marta also enjoys cooking, baking, creating jewelry and singing.
Marta believes that every child deserves a supportive and inspiring learning experience, and she is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.
Valentina was born in Erbusco, a small town outside Brescia, immersed in the beautiful wine region of Franciacorta. She earned a BA in Sciences and Technologies of the Arts and Entertainment from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Brescia and an education in Radio/Video Production from City College of San Francisco. While studying in San Francisco, she worked as family assistant for several families around the city taking care of children of all ages and she is still in touch with all of them.
She returned to Italy in 2011 and went back to Universita Cattolica in Brescia to take a specialization course in Education Planning: In, With and For the Environment. Valentina carries a deep passion for food, traveling and exploring new cultures. After a couple of years in Italy working as a freelance video translator she just returned to San Francisco and she is excited to be working with the children of La Scuola.
My name is Silvia, and I’m from a small town in Italy. A few years ago, my love for traveling and discovering new places brought me to San Francisco as an au pair. I immediately fell in love with the city, and that experience strengthened my passion for working with children. After returning to Italy, I graduated and began working as a preschool teacher. I have been teaching for the past five years, and I still love that every day brings something new. Watching children grow, learn, explore, and discover the world is the most rewarding part of my job.
I enjoy creating fun and engaging learning experiences and continuously learning about new teaching approaches to support each child’s development. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, watching movies, and traveling whenever I can. I love discovering new cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds. I am excited to begin this new adventure and look forward to learning, growing, and creating meaningful experiences together with the children and my new colleagues.
Viola Pellegrini is a music educator, performer, and composer who has been teaching music and movement to young children in the Bay Area for over twenty years, in both English and Italian. She specializes in early childhood music education, and creating engaging, multicultural music experiences for preschool and elementary-age children.
Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Viola holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from Mills College and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University. She received extensive training in music education from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, holds a Level 3 Orff Certification from the International San Francisco Orff Course.
Viola believes that every child is musical and that music provides a powerful way for children to express themselves, build confidence, connect with others, and develop an appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. Her teaching is playful, creative, and grounded in child development, with a strong emphasis on singing, movement, rhythm, improvisation, and active music-making.
An active performer and composer, Viola is a member of the contemporary chamber-pop group 41Street Ensemble and was a founding member of the Italian folk band PizziCali. In 2020, she recorded Canta! Let’s Sing! a bilingual Italian-English album for children.
Viola is passionate about sharing her love of Italian and world music with children and inspiring them to discover their own musical voices. She looks forward to bringing her experience, enthusiasm, and love of working with children to La Scuola.
Facilities & Support Staff
I am Emilze Chamorro, born in Central America Nicaragua, and my degree is in Agroecological Engineering. I am the mother of two beautiful children whom I love. I love to study and learn new things, and I try to take the opportunities that life offers me. One of those opportunities was to study cooking and become responsible for food preparation and teaching at the same school. I always try to give the best of myself; I love to smile and always see the positive side of things. One of my hobbies is to get to know new places and share them with my family.
My name is Miguel Chira Alban, and I am from Piura, Perú. I came to San Francisco in 2002, after living in Miami, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to work at La Scuola. I am so happy to be part of this community, and I am grateful for how welcome everyone makes me feel. I hope to share lots with you, and I look forward to being part of the team for a long time. I really like the warm atmosphere and work ethic of La Scuola. Thank you!
Jorge was born in Yucatan Mexico; at the age of 17 he decided to come to this country to try a different future and to help his family in his hometown. After working in Southern California for 5 years, he moved to San Francisco where he married and raised three children, who have all earned university degrees. He and his wife have always instilled in their children the desire to be good human beings for society. He earned his GED and completed ESL courses, all while working double shifts for many years in restaurants. Jorge likes to cycle and play both soccer and baseball.
Fresh from the ship: in USA since just one year. La Scuola is my first job experience in the new continent and I’m grateful and committed to give the best of myself for the achievement of a great team work.
Sabrina started out in housekeeping, then moved to the kitchen in 2004, where she worked until 2023 before starting her work cleaning the classrooms. As a child, she attended one year of preschool and elementary school here, took dance classes, and has worked here since August 1991 which she enjoys because she’s in contact with the children, who let her share in their discoveries through stories and experiences.
Lester Gutierrez is from Nicaragua. He studied public accounting with 16 years of experience and he worked for the Ministry of Health. Lester arrived in San Francisco CA in the year 2023. He has two children, Steyci and Lester. He likes sports, baseball, and making friends.
Claudia has been working as administrative and support staff for almost twenty years. Specifically, she is in charge of cleaning the facilities, and when necessary, helping to serve meals. It is great to work in the school. Claudia loves the lively and dynamic atmosphere, and being around the children is truly wonderful. With their spontaneity and cheerfulness, they manage to make every single day special.
Bio coming soon!
Paola’s life is divided between cooking and her passions. Working as a cook in a preschool is a wonderful experience. She draws on the valuable experience she gained at Casa Maternità (the first of its kind in Italy). It is a true home that supports women throughout their journey toward childbirth—from pregnancy through delivery and into the baby’s first years of life. Sabrina was responsible for the nutrition of the little ones in the micro-nursery.
As a non-profit school, our financial stability, long-term vision, and strategic planning are overseen by two Boards of Directors, one in the United States and one in Italy.
Board of Directors, Italy
Valentina was born in Modena, Italy and grew up in Bologna in a family of educators and policy makers, where the importance of high-quality education in society was a frequent topic of conversation at the lunch table. She graduated from the University of Bologna and received a PhD in Engineering of Materials from Bologna University and the University of Cambridge, U.K. After living and working in the UK she moved to San Francisco in 2000 to work as a researcher in Bioengineering for UC Berkeley and then at the Stanford Research Center (SRI) where she continued her research on biomedical devices and managed large grant proposals and a not-for profit scientific organization. Valentina enrolled her son Stefano at the La Piccola Scuola Italiana (LPSI) playgroup in 2005 and immediately fell in love with the idea of starting a school and the Reggio Emilia approach to education and became a vital member of the community.
After the birth of her second son, Matteo, Valentina re-discovered her passion for education and accepted the position of Direttrice in June 2007 with the goal to grow the program. She earned accreditation from the State of California as a program director and she worked to grow the school from a small family day care into a fully licensed childcare center and she brought the school to the beautiful Dogpatch site, designed by Michele Zini and ZPZ partners who also designed the Loris Malaguzzi International Center in Reggio Emilia. In 2011 Valentina founded the K8 program and obtained the IB accreditation in 2014 and the Parita’ (recognition as an Italian school abroad) from the Italian Ministry of Education in 2017. She is passionate about science, social constructivism, the Reggio Emilia philosophy and International and bilingual education. In her free time Valentina loves to spend time with her husband, her 2 boys and 2 cats, to learn new things, to bake and cook Italian food, to spend time in nature and to run and walk along the Pacific Ocean.
Lama is an Intel Fellow, Intel Labs Director, Anticipatory Computing Lab. Her research is focused on creating contextually aware experiences that understand users through sensing and sense-making and act on that context to help with many aspects of their lives. Lama has 20 years of experience in the areas of context-aware computing, multi-modal adaptive interfaces, sensor networks, computer architecture, embedded systems, and wireless technologies. Prior to joining Intel, Lama has held senior positions at Ubicom Inc, Weave Innovations, and Microsoft Corporation. Lama received her MS and BS in computer engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, Ramez, and son Keenan, a Grade 8 student who joined La Scuola in 2013. While Lama has no Italian heritage (she is Palestinian and her husband is Syrian), she’s Italian at heart and visits Italy every summer.
Cristina Cordova is the Chief Operating Officer at Linear, a purpose-built system for managing software development. She’s also an investor and advisor to technology startups. Prior to Linear, she spent her career helping build technology companies from the earliest stages. Cristina led the platform, partnerships and the growth function at Notion. She also spent more than seven years at Stripe leading a business unit building new financial services products and leading its partnerships organization. Cristina has a bachelors in Political Science from Stanford University and lives in San Francisco with her husband and two children.
Jeffrey is the Founder and Chief Product Officer at Clipmedia.ai. He’s an entrepreneur and founder of 9 internet companies and has done innovation consulting and product development for dozens of companies including Intel, Bank of America, Gap, Fox, Sony, and Williams-Sonoma. He works with many nonprofits including GLAAD, Kipp Foundation, The Marine Mammal Center, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and Capacitor Dance. He holds a BArch degree from USC and a MArchS degree in Design and Computation from MIT. He lives in SF with his wife, son (kindergarten), and daughter (grandi).
Alberto Acito is the Director of Innovit, the new Italian Innovation and Culture Hub in San Francisco. He brings over 25 years of experience as a senior executive in business operations for leading tech multinationals in Italy and Europe, including Acer, Palm, BlackBerry, 3, and Wind Telecommunications. In 2014, after relocating from Milan to Silicon Valley, he joined the advisory and investment firm SVG Partners in Los Gatos. He was later appointed as the Head of the Foreign Direct Investments office at the Italian Trade and Development Agency (ITA), based at the Italian Consulate in San Francisco.
Alberto is an Angel Investor and holds a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Milan Polytechnic and a Certificate in Corporate Innovation from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He serves as an advisor at SkyDeck, UC Berkeley’s startup accelerator, and is a member of the scientific advisory board of IFAB, the International Foundation for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Human Development, based in Bologna, Italy.
Ledion was born in Albania and educated in an English immersion IB high school before moving to the U.S. to study computer science. He’s worked in the tech sector for over two decades, including at UCSF, Looksmart, and Splunk, before starting his own company, Cribl, in 2017. In his current role as CTO at Cribl, he leads a team of over 300 globally distributed engineers. He’s a parent to two La Scuola students.
Courtenay has spent his 20+ year career working in emerging markets fixed income sales, currently for Mizuho Securities (San Francisco). Previously, he spent the majority of his career working as a managing director in emerging markets debt sales, trading, and management for HSBC Securities (San Francisco & New York), as well as a managing equity partner with a startup investment bank (San Francisco & New York), senior trader at Franklin Templeton (San Mateo) and fixed income salesperson at Merrill Lynch (San Francisco).
He was Board Chair for the Spanish Infusion School where his daughters attended school prior to starting at La Scuola in the Fall of 2020. In addition, he has served on the board of Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul, Minnesota) and as Alumni Annual Fund Class Co-Chair for Carleton College (Northfield, Minnesota). Courtenay holds a Bachelors degree in international relations from Carleton College and an MBA from The Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He lives in Noe Valley with his wife, Whitney Burroughs, and two daughters, Lilly McCall (8th grade) and Belle Chapin (4th grade).
In his spare time, Courtenay enjoys running, traveling, drinking wine, and spending time with his family and friends.
Jim has enjoyed an outstanding career as a classroom teacher, coach, and seasoned administrator. A graduate of an independent school himself, he went on to receive his BA from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY, spent a year at St. Clare’s College, Oxford studying art history, and completed a masters degree in international and comparative education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Jim has served on numerous committees emphasizing school leadership and teacher professional development and was granted a Ford Fellow for Aspiring School Heads from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
On a personal note, he has authored short stories and books for young readers, climbed 6000 meter peaks in South America and Asia, competed at the Ironman World Championships, and loves spending time laughing and learning with his wife and their two kids, a high school Sophomore and a Synapse Middle Schooler.
Joe Farris is a Partner at Nua Group, a management consulting firm specializing in human capital and human resource operations consulting. Prior to co-founding Nua Group, Joe was a Senior Partner and San Francisco office leader at Mercer, a global consulting firm. He also served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Elan Pharmaceuticals, a global and publicly traded biotech company with headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. He has lived and worked in San Francisco; Sydney, Australia; and Bologna, Italy. Joe has a degree in Finance from Santa Clara University, and he studied Central and Eastern European business in Vienna, Austria. He is currently on the Board of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club Foundation and previously served and co-chaired the Board of La Scuola, San Francisco’s first International Baccalaureate K-8 school. Joe is also on the Advisory Board of Espresa, a wellness and services startup. Joe is an avid cyclist and likes to stay active. He never misses his kids’ soccer matches and loves traveling with friends and family.
Jason Goldman grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised by a single mother who was an elementary school teacher and principal. He graduated with a degree in Astrophysics from Princeton University. He was part of the six-person Blogger team acquired by Google in 2003. He worked as a product manager for Google from 2003 to 2006. In 2007, he helped start Twitter Inc where he was Head of Product and served on the board of directors until 2010. Along with Twitter co-founders Ev Williams and Biz Stone he started the Obvious Corporation in 2011, which helped finance and found companies such as Branch, Medium, and Beyond Meat. In April 2015, he was asked to become the first Chief Digital Officer of the White House and served under President Obama until January 2017. He is now an advisor to organizations–including the Obama Foundation–on topics such as technology and communications strategy. He also hosts a weekly movie podcast called Escape Hatch. Jason lives in Cole Valley, San Francisco with his wife, Crystal, and two children, Griffin and Juniper.
Helen has more than 25 years experience working in brand development, strategy and design. After working in Switzerland and London, Helen moved to San Francisco in 2012, where she set-up and oversaw the West Coast office for Wolff Olins, a global brand agency. At the agency, her clients included Apple, Uber, Citi, Google, LinkedIn, Cooley and SFMoma, while also helping early stage start-ups such as Modern Fertility. Helen is actively involved in the La Scuola community and served as a Co-Chair of La Dolce Vita (annual volunteer-led school fundraiser) for four consecutive years and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Annual Fund. Helen and her husband Nick live in Noe Valley, San Francisco, with their two girls who are both La Scuola students.
Dr. Susan Lyon is an educator in early childhood education with over forty years of experience in various professional roles that range from being a classroom teacher, university professor and active advocate for early childhood education at the local, state, national and international levels. Dr. Lyon’s post graduate research focused on the Reggio Emilia Approach’s impact on school communities. As an advocate for increasing access to high quality preschool services for all students, she co-founded the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance and founded the San Francisco Bay Area Innovative Teacher Project in 1994. She returns to the Board of La Scuola after previously serving until 2017. During her tenure, she helped focus La Scuola’s attention on the fundamental interplay of architecture and pedagogy that brought Michele Zini into the project which expanded and enriched the professional development of the teachers and the administration as well as engaged parents and the community in this important educational process.
Susan lives with her husband between San Francisco and Lucca, Italy.
Jordan Moncharmont grew up in the Bay Area, attending the Bentley School in Oakland and Lafayette from K-12. The advanced coursework Jordan was able to do his senior year at Bentley allowed him to get his first software job while still a freshman in college. Jordan worked at Facebook as a software engineer from 2005 until 2010 while finishing his undergraduate degree at Stanford University. After Facebook, Jordan joined Tesla where he developed the online infrastructure for Model S, X, and Y from 0 to 250,000 vehicles. After Tesla, Jordan founded two companies, a software company in the travel space, as well as a food company, Kuli Kuli Foods, which he still runs today. Jordan was also fortunate to serve on the board of his alma mater Bentley School for 5 years where he served on the finance committee, committee on trustees, and advancement committee.
Monica Mosseri is an experienced leader in tech, entrepreneurship, and business development. She built the developer operations team at Facebook, enhancing app quality and support for the Facebook Platform’s launch in 2007. She also collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive strategic partnerships. Monica co-founded a successful food subscription service in 2014, delivering culinary delights with her chef sister. In 2017, she scaled a full-service interior design firm, leveraging expertise in business development, marketing, finance, project management, legal, and HR to drive growth. Monica is currently an investor and advisor for small businesses and artists.
Eric is a licensed architect in California, and founded his sole-proprietor architecture practice in 2004. In his practice, he has worked primarily on residential and retail design projects in the USA and UK. Prior to founding his own practice, he spent more than 15 years working in retail store design as head of Store Design for Williams-Sonoma, Inc brands and head of Store Design for the Banana Republic division for Gap Inc, where he managed the design of over 400 stores. A native San Franciscan, Eric has a degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a 3rd generation American, with an Italian-American mother and a Norwegian-American father. Eric and his husband, Andy, are parents to twins, Livia and Luca, who started at La Scuola in Spazio Gioco in 2014.
Paola Dubini is professor of Management at Università Bocconi, and director of the MSc in International Management. Her research and professional interests focus on the conditions of economic viability of cultural organizations, private, public and no profit, and on culture led policies according to UN SDGs 2030. She sits in the board of several cultural organizations
Her most recent publications include
Dubini “Con la cultura non si mangia. Falso!” Laterza 2018.
Bertoni, Dubini. Monti “Participatory Event Platforms in the Urban Context: The Importance of Stakeholders’ Meaning of “Participation” in De Martini et al “Cultural Initiatives for Sustainable Development” Springer 2021;
P. Dubini, & Monti, A. (2022). An Exploratory Study of State-Owned Museum Performance in Italy: The Interplay between Director’s Characteristics and Board Diversity. In Jung, Yuha, Neville Vakharia, and Marilena Vecco (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Arts and Cultural Management OUP;
Dubini P, Martello D, Monti A Rendere conto: Il bilancio di sostenibilità delle organizzazioni culturali Egea (2024);
Greco C. Dubini P La cultura è di tutti Egea (2024)
P.Dubini F.Galli Scienza è cultura Egea (2026)
Paola sits in the board of La Scuola International School, Milano. She is also President of Fondazione Alessandro Volta in Como, Vice president of Museo della Scienza in Milano, and a board member of Fondazione culturale san Fedele in Milano, Fondazione Garrone in Genova, and Fondazione Mondadori in Milano