About Us

I was born in Durango, Mexico, and I am now a citizen of Seattle, WA where I live with my family. I have three sons and have been married for 35 years.  I have over 18 years of experience as a preschool teacher, program supervisor, mentor teacher and executive director. Fifteen years as a community based trainer and field coach and twelve years college adjacent faculty. I have a BA Human Development, MA organizational change and Dual Language Pedagogy - specializations in Early Childhood Education and Leadership in Education

Early Childhood Education is my passion and profession.  As well as, a PhD in Christian Counseling. All of my hopes for children and families lie in this field. I believe that I am a natural teacher. I would like to share the knowledge I gather from professionals, school, and peers with those working in the field.  I am always willing to respond to the needs of my teachers in terms of helping orient them with resources and by modeling best practices. I have a heavy emphasis on early literacy and numeracy that is supported in linguistically and culturally relevant ways; I have been mentored by the best.
 

I value diversity and I believe that all people are admirable regardless of their difference in beliefs, values, and ways of being. Supporting the development of adults and children as they discover their passion and potential –  is how I knew that my call is to teach and direct.
 

“If I can teach a classroom with ten children I can impact the lives of ten children. If I can teach a classroom with ten teachers I can impact the lives of 100 children”  - Luz Casio 

Hi! My name is Cristina Medina-Azpeitia, I was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico and moved to the United States when I was only two years old. My parents raised me in Federal Way, Washington and that's where I stayed up until college. I have a degree from Washington State University. I was a teacher at SWEL for a couple of years before transitioning as the Family Support Specialist. I’m looking forward to the support I can give families, to continue advocating for themselves and their children. As well as, providing resources and knowledge that can help them in their day to day lives. My passion has always been social justice and advocacy for equal access/opportunities to all communities. I have a really open, carefree personality and enjoy daily conversations with all people around me.  My personal interests include - movies, reading, food, and being around my family as often as possible. 

My summoned name is Javier Israel Casio-Gomez, however to everyone else at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Bilingual Preschool, I am simply known as Teacher Javie. I was born in the city of Durango, which is also the name of the state of Mexico I was so humbly given birth to, some odd years ago. I’ve been part of the SWEL/RIFC team for many, many years and enjoyed every moment of it before transitioning to Assistant Director. Although, I haven’t always been part of such an amazing organization, I did however, serve and form part of an equally life changing AmeriCorps organization called City Year.  As a City Year member, I spent two years serving middle school students hands-on, supporting them both inside and outside of the classroom. I played a fundamental role in helping them reach their educational goals and potential. Once I completed my 22-month commitment with City Year, and served more than 3,400 hours, I figured it was time to get a “real job”, as I worked some odd jobs for about a year, then I was granted the opportunity to work in a childcare center. I was there for about a year when I was given the opportunity to come SWEL. My life goal has always been around trying to help people or work in human services (social work) however; through my time in early childhood education I changed that slightly. I got my AA at Seattle Central Community College, preceded to pursue my Bachelor of Arts in Community Organizing and Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Goddard College. I have committed my life to changing the course of history, by fostering and developing young idealist everyday during my tenure here at SWEL & RIFC.  My commitment to the children has been to provide and foster an experience like no other before they have to go into the real world. I strive to document the children’s milestones and the essence of their play every day.  On a personal note, I have two loving parents, whom also gave birth to two more children of the Casio-Gomez clan. I am married and have two wonderful children.  

Hello everyone!!!

My name is Deicy Orozco-Marron, I was born and raised in Michoacan, Mexico. My parents decided to bring me and my brothers to the United States when I was 11 for an opportunity of better education. I attended middle school and high school in Grandview, WA (the Yakima valley). Right after high school I attended Washington State University in Pullman for five years. In May, 2014 I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Human Development with an emphasis on Early Childhood development and care. During my years in Pullman I did a few internships, one of them took me abroad to work in in a military base in Germany. I also worked with children from infant to school agers at WSU Children’s center for almost 3 years. I have been working with SWEL/RIFC for almost six years.

I enjoy working with children and observing them grow in every developmental stage. I look forward to working alongside families and children from our classroom community. I hope I get to help everyone feel valued and acknowledged of their cultures and variety of languages. May we all learn a variety of new things from each other!ake lots and lots of pictures. Taking pictures is one of my favorite hobbies and to really create memories with the people that I love to surround myself with!  

 Hi there! Welcome to our 2019-2020 school year. My name is Ena R Brito, I was born on a beautiful island in the Caribbean, Dominican Republic. Currently I work with children of the Hispanic community developing them in leadership through the arts. I have been working with children for 15 years in Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Seattle. My goal this year is work together with parents to develop children's talents through the arts.
I want to invite parents to join us to make this project a success.  

Hello! Welcome to Innovadores! I am teacher Karlita, and this is my 8th year Teaching in Preschool. I was located at our sister site, South West Early Learning Preschool for 4 years and this is my third year here at Refugee & Immigrant Family Center. I was born on December 9th in Redmond, Washington but my roots are from Durango, Mexico. I am fluently bilingual in both Spanish and English. I’ve always been really social with a big smile and a positive attitude! I have two younger sisters Claudia and Daniela. I really enjoy painting/drawing on my free time and just create new artwork. I’ve traveled to a couple places like Oregon, California, Nevada, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada and El Salvador. Traveling is something that really enjoy because I love to sightsee and take lots and lots of pictures. Taking pictures is one of my favorite hobbies and to really create memories with the people that I love to surround myself with!  

Hello everyone, my name is Rosario Alvarado, this is my first year at RIFC. I was born and raised in Xilitla, Mexico. I am the youngest of 6 children. In my spare time I like to exercise and take pilates classes. I love being constantly active. I am a mother of 3 children and continue to go to Highline College to receive more education to help my community. I can't wait to start the year here and work with amazing people. 

 Hi amigos,
 

My name is Christopher Mateo Casio; this is my first year as a floater here at RIFC. I'll be supporting the teachers within their classrooms. A little about myself – I am Latino, born in Bellevue, Washington. I lived in Renton, WA for almost 12 years of my childhood then my family decided to move to Kent, WA before I turned 13. I graduated from Kentwood High School and I’m starting my AA degree within Early Childhood Education at Highline college this Fall. A little about my family, I have two older brothers and we are 15 years apart. I’m an uncle to my two beautiful nieces and one nephew. I’ve always had a passion for kids ever since I was a kid myself; I was always fascinated with how the mind of a growing child works and how the brain functions and I’m eager to take my education further and learn and grow with the kids every day.

Our three amazing Chefs prepare all of our breakfast, lunch, and midday and afternoon snacks! All of the food they prepare is made seasonal and as organic as possible.