RUBÍ FLORES
Director, LEAD Educational Services
About Rubí
Rubí Flores, M.A.
Rubí Flores, M.A., has extensive expertise working with English Learner and Dual Language Programs. She has served as a bilingual teacher, ESL specialist, dual language teacher, dual language instructional Coach, program coordinator and biliteracy curriculum developer. She has worked in schools across Texas, Oklahoma, El Salvador and recently California.
Rubí earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Bilingual Education from Texas State University and a Master’s Degree in Bilingual and Bicultural Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a cohort member of the Proyecto Maestría leadership development program through the University of Texas.
Rubí holds a Multiple Subject Teaching credential with a bilingual teacher authorization in California and Texas. She has presented her work with dual language programs and biliteracy instruction at NABE, TABE, Adelante! Dual Language Conference, and at multiple district level sites. Her current work focuses on developing teacher capacity, coaching, authentic methods for biliteracy instruction, teacher Spanish academic language development and effective English language development strategies.
NATALIE NÚÑEZ
Assistant Director, LEAD Educational Services
About Natalie
Natalie Nuñez
Natalie Núñez grew up in Lynwood, California, and is the daughter of Mexican Immigrants. Natalie is bilingual and biliterate as a result of her family’s efforts to retain their native language and culture. She believes in the power of creating intentional spaces within formal education settings that welcome and celebrate students’ whole identities.
Natalie has served as a Dual Immersion Teacher and a Dual Immersion Instructional Improvement Lead. In her time as an Instructional Lead, she has engaged in work alongside teachers and the community to help co-create critical learning opportunities that are culturally and linguistically sustaining, and rich in content learning. Natalie Núñez was a transfer student to UCLA, where she studied Political Science. She then attended CSU Dominguez Hills, where she received a Multiple Subject Credential with a Bilingual Authorization. In 2020, Natalie completed a Master of Arts in Dual Language Learning.
TIFFANY ADAME HUANTE
Administrative Assistant
DR. ALEJANDRA ARCE
Professional Learning Specialist
About Alejandra
Alejandra Arce, Ed.D
Alejandra Arce is originally from Los Angeles, but moved to Mexico and went to school there from kindergarten through grade four. She returned to Los Angeles in fifth grade where she was an English Language Learner in a school where her teachers only spoke English. Although she learned English when she was 10 years old, she graduated high school with a GPA of 4.0.
Alejandra earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies with a minor in Spanish from Mount St. Mary’s University. She earned her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in mathematics from the University of Phoenix and then her Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne in 2022. Her dissertation was titled “A Quantitative Study on the Correlation Between PBIS Implementation in Schools in California and Student Academic Achievement”.
Alejandra holds a Multiple Subject Teaching credential with a bilingual teacher authorization. She has over twenty years of experience as an educator. Sixteen of those years were as a teacher in dual-language schools, having taught all grade levels from first grade through eighth grade (except third grade). She has also served as Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, Academic Committee Lead, Lead Teacher, Curriculum Lead and Mentor, and Instructional Specialist. In 2018, I was also selected to participate in a Northern Ireland/Los Angeles Teacher Exchange program that discussed how to work together to improve education for all our students. Her current role as CABE’s Professional Learning Specialist centers on building teacher capacity and competency on best practices to serve both English and multilingual Learners in Dual Language Programs.
ANYA BOBADILLA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Anya
ANYA BOBADILLA
Anya Bobadilla has over ten years of experience as a K-12 Dual Language educator. She began her career in the Glendale Unified School District’s Foreign Language Academies of Glendale (FLAG) Program and taught a 4th/5th combo dual language class during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in the Bellflower Unified School District. Anya served as a North American Language and Culture Ambassador in Madrid, Spain and as an Elementary Instructional Specialist for the CA STEM Institute for the Innovation and Improvement (CSI3) Program at CSU Dominguez Hills. She earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from UC Santa Cruz and a M.Ed. in Teacher Education from UCLA. She holds a Clear Multiple Subject Credential with a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish. A life-long advocate for biliteracy and multicultural education, she is a passionate educator with a keen interest in creating, developing, assessing and implementing curricula for developing Dual Language Programs. Her current role as CABE’s Professional Learning Specialist centers on building teacher capacity and competency on best practices to serve both English and multilingual Learners in Dual Language Programs.
DR. LUCERO CHÁVEZ
Professional Learning Specialist
About Lucero
Dr. Lucero Chavez
Dr. Lucero Chávez is an educator with over three decades of experience dedicated to enhancing language development and promoting cultural responsiveness in education. Her work is grounded in research, design and implementation of innovative practices and lessons tailored to support Integrated and Designated English Language Development (ELD) and Dual Language instruction. Lucero’s deep commitment to equity and inclusion is evident in her work, which extends to the development of critically conscious practices aimed at supporting Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (CSP).
With a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California, a Master’s degree with an emphasis in Dual Language from Cal State Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature, Lucero brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to her field. She has further honed her expertise through the attainment of various credentials, including a Single Subject Spanish Credential, a Multiple Subject Credential, and an Administrative Credential, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.
Her current work aims at supporting transformative education to empower educators to support multilingual learners’ linguistic and cultural capital to create a culturally sustaining environment.
VERONICA CORTEZ
Professional Learning Specialist
About Veronica
Veronica Cortez
Veronica Cortez, M.Ed., is a bilingual and dual language educator with 20+ years experience in both urban and suburban school districts in Texas, Nevada, and California. As a native Spanish speaker, she first-witnessed the demotion of her home language in the school system and is now devoted to empower teachers and students to bridge languages in order to develop multilingualism and biliteracy. Veronica understands the importance of partnerships with families to support students’ bilingual development as well as provide resources and workshops in both Spanish and English to help parents understand the current program at her site and their role in supporting their child’s learning. Her experience to provide equitable practices has led her students and colleagues to be high achieving and socially competent. Her passion for education has guided her to use her voice to advocate and share her knowledge to help implement and refine dual immersion programs as well as assist with the implementation of ELD for the benefit of all students.
Veronica graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Biological & Physical Sciences and earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. She earned her Dual Language Certification through the University of California San Diego and holds a school administration certification and bilingual credential.
MARISSA DE JESÚS THOMEI
Professional Learning Specialist
About Marissa
Marissa De Jesús Thomei, M.A.
Marissa D. Thomei, M.A., has worked in bilingual education for 30 years in various roles. She has served as a bilingual early exit teacher and a dual language teacher in a 50/50 one-way program model. She has also served as a Bilingual Instructional Coach, K-5 Language Arts Curriculum Specialist, and K-5 Dual Language Curriculum Coordinator. To build teacher capacity in dual language instructional best practices and sociocultural competence in the district, she supported and funded the first Biliteracy Rocks Dual Language Teacher cohort program for the last seven years. In her role as a Dual Language Curriculum Coordinator, she developed curriculum maps, K-5 scope and sequences, and biliteracy unit plans that integrate English and Spanish language arts with science and social studies standards. She has led teams of dual language teachers and bilingual instructional coaches to design learning experiences and lessons that honor students’ funds of knowledge, cultural, and linguistic capital. She has also created and presented professional learning sessions at the campus and district levels. These professional learning sessions focus on best practices and authentic methods for teaching students in a Dual Language classroom. Topics may include Spanish early literacy (Lectoescritura), bridging strategies, and scaffolding strategies for emergent bilingual/English learner programs. Marissa was part of an instrumental team that re-designed the dual language program in her former school district.
Marissa graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Early Childhood Endorsement and a Bilingual Education-ESL Endorsement. She later earned a master’s degree in Bilingual and Bicultural Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a member of the Proyecto Maestría leadership development program cohort through the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. She holds a Bilingual Generalist/ESL certification for PK-6 and an Early Childhood certification in Texas. She has presented her work at teacher conferences such as TABE, NABE, Adelante, ILA, CAMT, and La Cosecha.
LAURA DÍAZ
Coordinator, Family & Community Engagement
About Laura
Laura Diaz
Laura Díaz is a dedicated and compassionate professional driven by a lifelong passion for learning and achievement. With over 18 years of experience as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Laura has been instrumental in training parents on family involvement and supporting districts and schools in enhancing bilingual programs to foster academic success among students.
A graduate of Universidad Iberoamericana with a Law Degree, Laura’s educational foundation complements her extensive practical experience in the field. Her role extends beyond her legal qualifications, as she has actively engaged in curriculum design and development programs and is an integral part of the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP) and English Learner Legacy and Leadership Institute (ELLLI). Laura has honed her expertise through specialized training in Bilingual GLAD Strategies, Migrant Education, EL Roadmap, LCFF/LCAP, Parent Involvement, and Technology Programs, equipping her to offer comprehensive support to Districts and Parents.
Laura’s influence extends beyond the local level, having worked with the San Bernardino City School District (SBCSS) and participated in their Family Engagement Network (FEN) meetings, LEAD Summit team, and Call to Action Stakeholder efforts. Her reach is vast, with presentations developed for prominent organizations throughout California, including the State Parent Advisory Committee (SPAC), Parents Anonymous Conferences, State Migrant Parent Conferences, CABE, Binational Parent Institute, Reading Rally at California State San Bernardino, California Parent Leadership Conference, Multilingual Recognition, California Technology Assistance Program, Technology Leadership Network, Loyola Marymount University, San Diego University, the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP) and more.
ESMERALDA ESPERICUETA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Esmeralda
Esmeralda Espericueta
Esmeralda Espericueta, M.Ed., has worked with language learners for 20 years in multiple capacities. She has served as a bilingual and dual language teacher in several program models and has also served as a dual language instructional coach, dual language campus administrator, and as a Bilingual/ESL and State Testing district coordinator.
Most recently, she has focused on providing consulting and professional learning services to support implementation and refinement of dual language programs and emergent bilingual/English learner programs in Texas and California. Her work is grounded on best practices for English Learners, authentic methods for teaching Spanish literacy, developing biliteracy, and building a classroom community that honors students’ funds of knowledge, cultural, and linguistic capital. She has led the development of emerging dual language programs and takes pride in the teams she has led.
Esmeralda graduated from the University of Texas Pan American with a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education and later earned a master’s degree in Bilingual and Bicultural Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a cohort member of the Proyecto Maestría leadership development program through the University of Texas. Esmeralda holds a school administration certification and a bilingual teaching credential. She has presented her work at teacher conferences such as NABE, Adelante, TABE, La Cosecha and is one of the lead presenters for the CABE Dual Language Teacher Academy Program.
ANDREA GONZÁLEZ
Administrative Assistant
GRACIE GUTIERREZ
Professional Learning Specialist
About Gracie
Gracie Gutierrez
Gracie Gutierrez is a dedicated educator with a passion for fostering language proficiency and cultural understanding among English learners. With a practical background in linguistics and education, Gracie has spent the last 24 years working to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This passion has driven her doctorate work, where she is focused on research related to how teachers at the elementary level describe their experiences in meeting the needs of their diverse English learners. Gracie holds two Masters degrees, one in Educational Leadership and the other in Curriculum and Instruction. For her work in support of English learners, she has been named a district teacher and principal of the year, as well as BEST Administrator of the Year.
Throughout her career, Gracie has championed for bilingualism as a valuable asset and a pathway to academic success. Her leadership leading to the expansion of the dual language program to all elementary and middle schools in her district is a testament to her belief in the power of language to bridge cultural divides and unlock opportunities for personal and academic growth. In her previous role as the Director of English Learner Services, Gracie developed innovative curriculum and instructional strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of English learners. She implemented research-based approaches to language acquisition, ensuring that students received the support and resources necessary to thrive in both their academic and linguistic development. In addition, Gracie facilitated professional development workshops and training sessions, sharing her expertise and insights.
Gracie has been actively involved in advocating for the rights and needs of English learners within the educational community. In 2019 she collaborated with teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders to initiate a local CABE chapter. Coachella CABE continues to meet periodically and centers its efforts around the value of bilingualism, biliteracy, and multiculturalism.
Gracie’s goal is to continue to lead efforts focused on related areas as she transitions into an Assistant Superintendent position within the Educational Services division, as she remains steadfast in her commitment to empowering English learners and promoting bilingualism as a cornerstone of educational excellence.
SARA KENNEDY
Professional Learning Specialist
About Sara
Sara Kennedy
Sara Kennedy is originally from Michigan, from a big family in a small town. Her educational journey began at home, where her mother home schooled her from kindergarten through high school graduation. That meant that her first experience in a classroom was as a teenager attending community college for dual high school credit, including her first Spanish class. That is where she first discovered a passion for languages and language education, leading her to Eastern Michigan University for both a B.A. in Spanish and English education and a M.A. in TESOL. Sara spent the first decade of her career teaching K-8 Spanish in Detroit and San Diego. As a new teacher, she also spent one year in Spain through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship, supporting English classes as a third language in a Spanish and Valencian school. After supporting English Language Learners and Spanish-speaking families in spare moments between teaching full time, she moved into a full time support role as an EL Coordinator at a project based charter school.
Sara has supported and advocated for students, families, and teachers as a new teacher mentor, on school advisory committees and instructional leadership teams, as an induction coach, supporting the development of new ELAC committees, participation in the CARPE College Access network, and as a union organizer and officer. Throughout Sara’s work with a variety of language program models, she has cultivated a passion for multilingual education as a way to connect, empower and reimagine more equitable schools and communities. As a community organizer, she has strengthened her belief in collaborative leadership and how effective organizational structures can reflect shared values.
After 14 years in the school setting, Sara recently joined CABE as part of the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP), where she continues to support teachers, students, and families by helping districts implement the EL Roadmap Policy. She lives in San Diego, where she has been active as a community organizer, particularly related to civic engagement and immigration issues. She also enjoys travel, reading, and photography.
MARÍA LARIOS-HORTON
Professional Learning Specialist
About María
María Larios-Horton
María Larios-Horton, originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, moved to the Santa Ynez Valley, on the Central Coast of California, as a young child. Her experiences as an undocumented youth influenced her decision to become an educator.
María earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from California State University, Northridge, and her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Chapman University. She holds multiple credentials including a Multiple Subject Teaching credential with bilingual authorization, an Administrative Services Credential, and a Women’s School Leadership Certificate from UCLA. With over twenty-six years in education, she has served in roles such as bilingual instructional assistant, elementary school teacher, instructional coach, teacher on special assignment, and district and school administrator, focusing on Family-School Partnerships and Multilingual/Migrant Education.
Her notable achievements include leading the planning and implementation of a district’s first elementary and junior high Dual Language Immersion programs and helping establish high school Ethnic Studies graduation requirements in two central coast school districts.
In her current role at CABE, María leverages her extensive background in curriculum and instruction, language access services, culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogies, and multilingual learning to support educators at all levels in creating transformative educational environments.
CHRISTINA LEYVA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Christina
Christina Leyva, M.Ed
Christina Leyva, M.Ed., is a distinguished educational professional with 20 years of experience dedicated to advancing the education of language learners. Throughout her career, Christina has held various impactful roles, including ESL teacher, dual language teacher, Bilingual Instructional Coach, and Educational Consultant.
Christina’s significant achievements include spearheading the district’s pioneering Biliteracy Rocks Dual Language Teacher cohort for seven years, where she focused on enhancing teacher capacity and fostering advocacy within the dual language framework. In her current role as a Bilingual Instructional Coach, Christina excels in guiding educators through personalized coaching cycles, focusing on refining instructional practices. Her expertise encompasses designing and delivering professional development, conducting needs assessments, crafting curriculum content, and facilitating engaging training sessions both in-person and virtually.
Additionally, Christina provides consulting and professional learning services that emphasize effective strategies and authentic practices for dual-language learners. Christina graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish and later earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Bilingual Education. Christina holds a school administration certification and a EC-6th bilingual teaching credential. Her contributions to the field include presentations at the La Cosecha National Dual Language Conference.
CYNDI (AI-LING) LI
Professional Learning Specialist
About Cindy
Cindy (Ai-Ling) Li
Ms. Cindy (Ai-Ling) Li, born in Taiwan, is a dedicated researcher and advocate in bilingual education. As a full-time professor at a local community college, as well as a Co-Coordinator and Lecturer for the Mandarin Bilingual Authorization program at Cal State LA, she drives high-quality instruction back by research by providing professional development, mentoring, and resources for new and aspiring bilingual educators.
She first received her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential, and a Mandarin BCLAD at Cal State LA. She served as the founding Mandarin dual-language at a local school and district for many years. She served as one of the few Mandarin Dual-Language Transitional Kindergarten teachers in the program and state before being bumped to a self-contained Kindergarten Mandarin Dual-Immersion teacher. Throughout her teaching experience, she also received her Master’s Degree in Education, emphasizing on Reading & Literacy. Eventually, ignited to share her experiences and background with new practitioners, Cindy transitioned to higher education. In addition to her role as a faculty member, she is also developing her professional development as a Doctoral Candidate at Cal Poly Pomona’s Ed.D. Program, examining Educational Leadership.
As an advocate for bilingual education, she actively supports Asian language educators, but Mandarin in particular, and promotes program and teacher preparation excellence. Passionate about connecting the classroom culture and language instruction pedagogy, such as translanguaging,Cindy shares insights on best practices and emerging trends at regional, state, and international conferences. Her commitment is to inspire and promote language development, cultural understanding and empathy, and fostering vibrant and engaging learning environments for the sustainability of effective programs.
DENISE LIZÁRRAGA
Professional Learning Programs Specialist
About Denise
Denise Lizárraga, M.A.Ed.
Denise Lizárraga is a dedicated Spanish dual immersion educator who has spent five years working in dual immersion settings with diverse populations of students. Raised by a first-generation immigrant family she recognizes the importance of fostering bilingualism and biculturalism. As an educator she has an unwavering commitment to not only provide students with a strong academic foundation but also focuses on empowering them to embrace their cultural heritage and celebrate diversity. Her passion for educational equity has led her to serve communities with dual language learners. As a dual educator she employed innovative techniques to make learning accessible, engaging, and meaningful. Through project-based learning, educational technology and culturally relevant content, Denise fostered a love for learning and critical thinking among her students.
Denise earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies with a Spanish minor from the University of California, Irvine. Her undergraduate coursework entailed Spanish language study in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She earned her teaching credential and Master of Arts Degree in Education with a focus on dual language development from California State University, Long Beach. Here she acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to create inclusive and supportive learning environments for dual language learners, promoting their academic success and linguistic proficiency. Her graduate work also centered on conducting research in social emotional learning in a dual immersion setting and its impact on students, teachers, and community members. Denise has immersed herself in research on language acquisition and has completed specialized training programs and workshops in the best practices in dual language education.
LAURA MÁRQUEZ-CHOISELAT
Professional Learning Specialist
About Laura
Laura Márquez-Choiselat
After beginning her education in the United States as an English learner in 5th grade, Laura Márquez-Choiselat knows firsthand the challenges and stages that English Learners go through when it comes to language acquisition. She is a testament that a well-structured English Language Development program works. Laura grew up in the Los Angeles area as a ward of the state (foster care system) and took every experience as a learning opportunity.
She graduated from Schurr high School in Montebello and then attended the University of La Verne for both her B.A. and M.A. Recently, she attended Cal State San Bernardino and completed 1/3 of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Laura’s teaching career has revolved around working with students in Dual Immersion Programs, working with English Learners and Spanish Learners in San Bernardino. She taught using GATE and ELD strategies in Math, Science and AVID in Spanish as well as assisting the district in developing units of study for both Math Common Core Standards and Science NGSS. Laura has also taught Language Arts, Social Studies, and Math Support in English for Middle School Dual Immersion students.
After many years in the field, she believes ALL students benefit from explicit language development during first instruction (whether they are learning English or learning Spanish).
Laura has passion for English Learners and biliteracy programs. Now that she’s retired from teaching in public education, CABE has given her the opportunity to help teachers with English Learner, GATE strategies, and Dual Immersion Program best practices.
DR. NATHALIE LONGRÉE-GUEVARA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Nathalie
Dr. Nathalie Longrée-Guevara
Dr. Nathalie Longrée-Guevara has worked in the field of education as a teacher, site administrator, county level administrator, university professor, program evaluator, and curriculum writer. She has dedicated her entire career to promoting second language acquisition and literacy development.
Nathalie served as a FLAP grant director for Mandarin and Arabic dual immersion programs and led successful reform efforts to improve English Learner programs in K-12 school districts throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. She has extensive expertise in literacy development kindergarten through twelfth grade, having taught English Learners and struggling readers kindergarten through third grade as well as middle and high school. She has written English Language Development (ELD) curriculum for the primary grades and is a module writer for the California State University’s Expository Reading and Writing Course (ERWC).
Nathalie has over fifteen years of experience as staff developer and coach, and was instrumental in supporting districts and teachers transition to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA) and ELD. She holds a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Comparative Literature (French, Spanish, and English) and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis is second language acquisition.
MARGA MARSHALL
Professional Learning Specialist
About Marga
Marga Marshall
Marga Marshall is an Educational Consultant with experience in bilingual education in Spain and in California. She opened the first TK-8 Two Way Dual Immersion English/Spanish School in Concord, CA as part of the district’s Magnet schools. Prior to becoming a principal, Marga Marshall was a bilingual teacher, an instructional coach, an English Learners coach, and a Dual Language coach.
As an educator for over 23 years, her passion is bilingualism, biliteracy, and offering students the opportunity to learn a second (or more) language. Marga Marshall has always developed relationships with the community, staff, and teachers. Her leadership also involves watching students grow and supporting teachers and staff, so that they can reach their greatest potential while strengthening a connection between school and home, and fostering a positive school culture.
Marga Marshall has presented at state and national conferences on best practices for the bilingual classroom, Creating Culturally Competent Schools, Number Talks in bilingual classrooms, and presentations for parents and paraeducators with strategies on how to support students during Distance Learning.
MARIA MOJICA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
AMANDA VANESSA NORIEGA
Professional Learning Services
About Amanda
Amanda Vanessa Noriega
Amanda Vanessa Noriega grew up in Chihuahua, México and in Southern California. She understands the great value of being bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural. She has served as a dual language educator as a teacher, specialist, director, and school administrator. Amanda has served as national educational consultant where she has promoted language learning and cultural understanding throughout the country. She has focused her educational career on creating a more equitable school environment for English Learners and underserved students in both Texas and California.
Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching with a specialization in Early Childhood from National University. She was part of the first cohort to complete the School Leadership Academy Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from the University of Southern California. Amanda is a doctoral candidate within the Organizational Leadership EdD program at the University of La Verne. Her dissertation topic focuses on exploring the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on literacy intervention approaches of dual language teachers. The study is grounded in Complex Dynamic Systems Theory, a perspective and approach to the study of second language acquisition.
FREDRIC NORIEGA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Fredric
Fredric Noriega
Fredric Noriega has been a dedicated educator since 2006, specializing in English Language Development (ELD), Mathematics, and Educational Leadership. With extensive experience in Title I schools, he has served as an Assistant Principal at both the middle and high school levels, a Mathematics/Science Curriculum Specialist Manager, and an ELD Curriculum Coach. His expertise includes classroom instruction in ELD and Mathematics at the middle and high school levels, as well as consulting to support effective ELD and Mathematics programs. Fredric has also trained teachers and administrators to implement research-based best practices and data-driven instruction, creating rigorous and supportive learning environments. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Master of Science in Educational Technology, a Master of Education in Cross-Cultural Teaching, an Administrative Credential, and a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. Fredric Noriega combines a strong academic foundation with a deep commitment to equity and the academic success of multilingual learners.
ELOISA NÚÑEZ
Operations Coordinator
DR. ADELI YNOSTROZA OCHOA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Adeli
Adeli Ynostroza Ochoa, Ph.D.
Dr. Ynostroza Ochoa currently serves as an assistant professor in the Liberal Studies/Dual Language Program in the Teacher Education Department at California State University, Bakersfield. Dr. Ynostroza Ochoa es una madre, a poet, a collector of thoughts, and una agricultora raised in the borderlands.
Dr. Ynostroza Ochoa received her Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Bilingual/Bicultural Studies from The University of Texas at Austin. Prior to California State University, Bakersfield academic appointment, Dr. Ynostroza Ochoa served as an instructor in the Bilingual Teacher Preparation Program at The University of Texas at Austin for three years, and has taught as a Dual Language Elementary Teacher in Texas school districts for 14 years.
ELIZABETH OROZCO
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Orozco's Bio
Elizabeth Orozco (Debernardi), originally from Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico, is a passionate advocate for family and community empowerment in education. Guided by loving parents who believed that knowledge is the greatest gift, she grew up with a deep appreciation for learning and the transformative power of family engagement.
Elizabeth earned her bachelor’s degree in Administration from Universidad del Valle de Orizaba and dedicated over a decade to community service in her hometown, supporting low-income families with resources and hope. Her professional career in Mexico included leadership roles as Assistant Administrator, Sales Manager, Legal Representative, and General Manager across diverse industries.
For the past eleven years, Elizabeth worked with the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) first as a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Specialist, and now as a Coordinator for the same department. Through Project 2Inspire, she helped empower families, creating leadership, bridging cultural and linguistic gaps, and foster inclusive school communities. In partnership with the State of California, she also contributed to the Community Engagement Initiative (CEI), advancing collaboration among schools, families, and communities—continuing the values that have guided her journey from Córdoba to California.
DALIA PADILLA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
About Dalia
Dalia Padilla
Dalia Padilla was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, which provided her with a solid foundation to understand and address international issues and challenges faced by migrant communities. She began her professional journey at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, Arizona where she worked to help many families obtain essential Mexican documents.
One of the most notable facets of Dalia’s life, is her volunteer work. For more than nine years, she has been an active volunteer at the district, county, and state level, advocating for initiatives that encourage parent involvement and support students’ academic and personal success. Her tireless dedication to this cause led her to be recognized as “Parent of the Year” in 2017, an award given at the state level in the Migrant Program.
In 2019, Dalia became a facilitator for the Project 2INSPIRE program, where she promotes leadership development among parents at the state level. This program empowers parents to understand the United States education system and become actively involved in scholastic committees. Her work at Project 2INSPIRE has helped create a strong community of support that benefits both schools and families, contributing to students’ academic success. Dalia Padilla is an inspiring example of how a committed person can make a difference in the lives of others through her dedication, passion, and empowerment in the communities she serves.
GRICELDA PÉREZ
Family & Community Engagement Specialist & International Partner Liaison
About Gricelda
Gricelda Perez
Gricelda Pérez, attended the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac, Plantel La Piedad, in Michoacán, Mexico, and received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree. She has a diploma in Accompaniment and Family Counseling from the same University; in addition to other varied courses and training. She worked as a teacher, giving classes to high school-age youth at the Colegio de Bachilleres del Estado de Michoacán, Ecuandureo Campus. Prior to this, she served as comptroller of the aforementioned Campus. She also served as Administrative Director in the H. Ayuntamiento de Ecuandureo, Michoacán.
For 16 years, she has coordinated the educational programs offered to the Spanish-speaking community through CABE’s (California Association for Bilingual Education) Plazas Comunitarias Program. Gris has given informative workshops for the community on adult education and others focused on issues of great importance to immigrant students and families in schools and school districts in California. Her current work focuses on educational training and community leadership serving and liaising with CABE’s international partners.
GABRIELA RENTERIA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Gabriela
Gabriela Renteria
Gabriela Renteria is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience in ESL, Bilingual, and Dual Language Education. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas State University and currently serves as a campus administrator at the elementary level, with prior administrative experience at the middle school level. Gabriela has served in multiple Texas and Colorado districts—including Eagle Pass ISD, Round Rock ISD, Adams-Arapahoe School District 28J, and Boulder Valley School District—where she has led initiatives to support multilingual learners and close achievement gaps. Her background includes roles as a biliteracy interventionist, Biliteracy/Dual Language Instructional Coach, and Dual Language Coordinator, where she provided targeted instructional support and facilitated impactful professional development. She has successfully designed and coordinated campus-level programs that have led to measurable improvements in student outcomes. Gabriela is known for her instructional leadership, ability to build strong dual language programs, and her deep commitment to equitable education for all students. |
MICHELLE SILVA
Professional Learning Specialist
About Michelle
Michelle Silva, M.Ed
Michelle Silva, M.Ed., has worked with language learners for 20 years in multiple capacities. She has served as a bilingual early exit teacher, dual language teacher in 50/50 and 90/10 settings in both one way and two way program models. She has also served as a dual language interventionist and a Bilingual Instructional Coach. She also led the district’s Biliteracy Rocks Dual Language Teacher cohort program the last seven years in order to build teacher capacity within the district.
Currently, she is a Bilingual Instructional Coach and coaches teachers to improve their practice by providing coaching one on one and/or team coaching cycles, creates and leads professional development at the campus and district level. The professional development is focused on best practices and authentic methods for teaching students in a Dual Language setting. She also develops the bilingual curriculum for the Dual Language program. Michelle also provides consulting and professional learning services to support implementation and refinement of dual language programs and emergent bilingual/English learner programs.
Michelle graduated from the University of Texas Brownsville with a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and later earned a master’s degree in Advanced Literacy Instruction with a focus on Emerging Bilinguals from Concordia University. She has a Bilingual Generalist certification in PK-5 and a state Reading Specialist certification in Texas. She has presented her work at teacher conferences such as TABE, Adelante and La Cosecha.
VERÓNICA TAFOYA
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
About Veronica
Veronica Tafoya
As an early childhood educator with more than 15 years of experience, Veronica Tafoya has been dedicated to the growth and development of children and their families. Veronica started her education career as a paraeducator while working her way through college at California State University San Marcos, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in human development with an emphasis in counseling. After college, she entered the field of early childhood education as a state funded preschool teacher for the Cajon Valley Unified School District. Once Veronica transitioned out of the classroom, she used her knowledge of human development and passion for teaching to become an early education coach and trainer at the San Diego County Office of Education. In this role she used her abilities to identify and cultivate the strengths and potential of others to build capacity in adult learners to improve outcomes for children and families. Over the span of her career, Veronica has had the unique opportunity to educate, collaborate, and learn from children and their educators. In her current role as a Family and Community Engagement Specialist with the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE), Veronica has the honor to facilitate families as they build community, knowledge, and partnerships with each other and the school system.
IRÁN TOVAR
Professional Learning Specialist
About Irán
Irán Tovar
Irán Tovar grew up along the Texas and Chihuahua border. Her transfronteriza identity has shaped her understanding and appreciation of being bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate. She has worked as a bilingual and dual-language educator in various program models. Additionally, she has served as a campus and district specialist and coordinator in multilingual programs as well as a field supervisor for preservice bilingual teachers and as an assistant instructor for bilingual teacher preparation programs at the University of Texas at Austin. Irán has worked as a national consultant focusing on leveraging access to multilingual learners in education settings.
Irán, a first-generation student earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work with a Spanish minor at Saint Edward’s University, where she was a recipient of the College Assistant Migrant Program grant. She also holds a Master’s in Bilingual and Bicultural Education from Texas State University. Irán is a doctoral candidate in the Bilingual/Bicultural Ph.D. program at The University of Texas at Austin. Using Disability Critical Race Studies (DisCrit) as a methodological framework, her dissertation examines the educational experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
KAREN UMERES
Family & Community Engagement Lead Administrative Assistant
AMÉRICA URIARTE
Family & Community Engagement Specialist
DR. BERNADETTE P. ZERMENO
Professional Learning Specialist
About Bernadette
Bernadette Pilar Zermeno, Ph.D.
Dr. Bernadette Pilar Zermeño (she/ella) has over twenty years of experience in early education and she is a Lead Professor at EDvance College. She shares successfully creating, developing and teaching Transitional Kindergarten Programs, literacy and biliteracy cultivation from home to 5th grade, especially within Dual Immersion Programs. She is passionate about facilitating lifelong learners beginning at the earliest age as a multilingual educator, teaching in PreK-University levels. She is innovative in curriculum creation with expertise in training Pre-K, Transitional and Traditional Kindergarten Teachers, and TK/K Teacher Aides, Teacher Candidates focusing on biliteracy and language development. As a trilingual, multiracial and first generation woman, she received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with Emphasis in Early Childhood at Mills College and holds an MA in Education with a bilingual multiple subject teaching credential and a BA in Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. Bernadette is National Board Early Generalist Certified.
Bernadette builds open, trust-based relationships with students, caregivers, teammates, and community partners to support all learners, specially dedicated to helping newly arrived students and refugees with foundational social and emotional skills. Her passion and drive to support the earliest learners is taken outside of the walls of TK and into adult settings, focusing on Bay Area Preschool, TK and Kindergarten teachers.
She worked within Oakland Unified as a Multilingual Specialist in the ELLMA and Early Childhood department while also supporting teacher candidates at Alder, Cal State East Bay, Chabot, Merritt, and Las Positas College. She was a literacy specialist and Preschool and TK professional development provider with FLUENT SEEDS. She can always be found advocating for the basic needs of the community. When not working, she loves watching her daughter dance Mexican ballet folklorico and her son skateboarding.
YIYUAN (TIFFANY) ZHANG
Professional Learning Specialist
About Yiyuan
Yiyuan (Tiffany) Zhang
Ms. Yiyuan (Tiffany) Zhang, born in China, is a dedicated leader in bilingual education. As the Assistant Principal of Mandarin Instruction at Irvine International Academy, she drives high-quality instruction by providing professional development, coaching, and resources. In her role as President of CABE Mandarin, she actively supports Mandarin teachers and promotes program excellence. Passionate about technology-assisted teaching and translanguaging, Ms. Zhang shares insights on best practices and emerging trends at regional, state, and international conferences. Her commitment to innovation fosters language acquisition and cultural understanding, creating enriching and dynamic learning environments.