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 38 years.  I have over 20 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

My summoned name is Javier, 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 four wonderful children.  

 I’m Karla, the Supervisor at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center Bilingual Preschool. I have been a part of RIFC for 12 years! I first started at our sister site and transitioned to RIFC in 2016. My journey with RIFC/SWEL began in 2011 when I started volunteering, and in 2013, I officially became part of the team. 

During my senior year of high school, I completed my Job Shadowing project at SWEL in the Creekside classroom with Karina Rojas. It was then that I realized my passion for working with young children and inspiring their curiosity.

In 2015, I began taking Early Childhood Education (ECE) classes at Highline College, and five years later, in June 2020, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Teaching in Early Learning. 

I was raised in Washington, but my roots are in Durango, Mexico. I am fully bilingual in Spanish and English. I have a beautiful daughter, and we love traveling together, exploring new cities. In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to visit New Zealand to learn more about the Reggio Emilia philosophy, interactions, and teaching strategies. I am committed to continuing my education in early childhood and embracing new opportunities for growth.

Along with my role at RIFC, I am also a part-time faculty member at Highline College, where I teach Early Childhood Education classes as a Spanish-speaking instructor.

One of my favorite personal hobbies is capturing special moments through photography, especially action shots that preserve life’s most meaningful experiences.

 My name is Reyna. I was born in the beautiful Costa Chica region of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, a place rich in culture, tradition, and vibrant community. I moved to the United States when I was three years old and have been fortunate to live in California, Florida, and Washington. Of all these places, the Pacific Northwest has become my favorite, especially because of its peaceful, chilly, and rainy weather.

I am a proud mother of two children who bring so much joy, motivation, and purpose to my life. They inspire me every day to grow, to be patient, and to continue striving to be the best version of myself. Family is very important to me, and I truly value the time we spend together creating memories.

In my free time, I enjoy going on road trips, exploring new places, and spending time with my loved ones. I also love doing fun crafting projects and expressing my creativity in different ways. Whether it’s creating something by hand or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these activities help me recharge and stay balanced.

For the past five years, I have been involved in nonprofit work, which has been an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. Through this work, I have developed a deep passion for supporting my community and helping others access the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Seeing families grow stronger and more confident brings me a great sense of fulfillment.

In my role as a Family Support Specialist, I look forward to building strong, trusting relationships with families. I am excited to support them in reaching their goals, honoring their unique journeys, and empowering them to succeed in ways that are meaningful to them. It is truly an honor to walk alongside families and be part of their growth and success.

Hello everyone, my name is Lorena, I have been married for 27 years and I have two children, I am from the state of Jalisco in Mexico and I have been living in the state of Washington for 20 years. I enjoy being in nature in my free time and I like walking with my pets and admiring the outdoors that surround me in this beautiful state. My family is my priority in my life, which is why I try to always have quality time with them. When my children were

young, I volunteered at Para Los Niños, a non-profit association. There I learned how important it is, for our children to speak their native language in addition to English and how parents are responsible for transmitting our customs, language and traditions, to our children. I joined the RIFC team and I am excited to be part of a great community. I am expanding my knowledge and am attending Highline College. I want to further my knowledge in Early Childhood Education by also attending trainings, workshops and opening myself to all the opportunities that come my way, and thus give better service to the community and a better education for our children.

Hello! My name is Flabio, and I am excited to begin my teaching journey. I started my career in September 2024, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing and supportive team. I was born and raised in Loretito, Aguascalientes, a place that has greatly shaped my values, culture, and passion for working with others.

My interest in early childhood education has inspired me to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Highline College, where I continue to grow both academically and professionally. I am passionate about learning and developing the skills needed to support young children during such an important stage of their lives.

I truly look forward to learning not only from my mentors but also from the children, as I believe teaching is a two-way journey filled with growth, discovery, and meaningful experiences. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where every child feels valued, safe, and inspired to explore and learn.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time on the golf course, as golfing is one of my favorite hobbies. I also love making memories with my family, whether it’s through simple moments together or special outings. These experiences are very important to me and help me stay grounded and connected.

I am excited to build meaningful relationships with the children, families, and my colleagues, and I look forward to being part of this wonderful community while continuing to grow in my role as an educator.

 My name is Azeneth, and I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. I am currently a student at Highline College, working toward earning my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

My family is from both Honduras and Mexico, and I am proud of my cultural background. As the oldest child in my family, I have naturally taken on a caring and responsible role from a young age. Spanish was my first language, and I am fluent in both Spanish and English, which allows me to connect with diverse communities.

My favorite colors are white and pink, and I enjoy expressing my creativity through photography. I love traveling and capturing special moments from my adventures, especially when visiting parks with beautiful views. Spending quality time with my family and friends is very important to me, and I truly value those connections.

I am very grateful to be part of the RIFC team. I have always enjoyed working with children, and I look forward to using this opportunity to continue growing, learning, and gaining experience from those around me. It is exciting to be part of an environment where I can support children’s development while also developing my own skills as an educator.

Hello! My name is Martha Zelaya, and I’m very excited to join the Pensadores classroom as a teacher. I was born and raised in Honduras, a place that taught me the importance of family, kindness, and community—values I carry with me in everything I do. I am married and the proud mother of two wonderful children, a girl and a boy, who motivate me every day to keep growing and learning.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in business, and I’m currently pursuing my BAS in Early Childhood Education at Highline College. My journey into education began when I discovered how much joy I found in helping young children explore, learn, and express themselves. I truly believe that early childhood is a magical time, full of curiosity and potential, and I feel honored to be part of that journey with each child.

Some of you may remember me from when I volunteered here before. That experience helped me understand how special this program is—the warmth, collaboration, and genuine care that shape everything we do. Returning now as a teacher feels like coming home, and I’m eager to contribute my energy and passion to the Pensadores community. I look forward to learning and growing together with the children, families, and my fellow teachers!

Hello, my name is Patricia Diaz, I am originally from Guatemala, I am very happy and excited to be able to be on the RIFC team this year, as a lead teacher of the Explorers classroom, I am grateful for the opportunity that the administrative team has given me and above all the trust. I am currently a student at Highline College pursuing an AAS degree, I also have knowledge in Computer Science and Business Administration, and a career in Christian Counseling, the year 2024 has been a fascinating experience for my life here at RIFC being able to share with the children, and seeing them in their different stages has been good training, in addition to the gratification of seeing them grow, it is really satisfying to be able to be part of their lives and become that support for families, knowing that here at RIFC we guide them in that transition of leaving the family bosom and going to school makes me more committed and also happy to be able to be part of that process.

 My name is Keren Mendez, and I am from Siguatepeque, Honduras. I am married and a proud mother of two wonderful children—a daughter and a son—who bring immense joy and purpose to my life.

I love spending time in nature, whether it’s visiting forests, beaches, lakes, or rivers, or going on camping adventures. Being outdoors helps me feel connected and at peace. I also have a special love for trinkets—they are definitely my weakness! My favorite colors are yellow and aqua, which reflect my vibrant and cheerful personality.

I am a teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and working with children brings me genuine happiness and excitement. I am passionate about supporting their learning and development, and I truly value being part of their growth throughout the school year. Watching children discover, explore, and gain confidence is incredibly rewarding.

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey alongside them, and I look forward to sharing many meaningful experiences together. It is truly a joy and an honor to be part of their lives and learning process.

 My name is Maricruz, I was born in Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán México, a very hot place and it is well known for Carnitas.

At the age of 17 I moved to live in the United States since one of my older brothers motivated me to come here and over time I began to like the work and life here and decided to start my family. Since I arrived in the United States I have worked a lot in hotels and thanks to my performance I have always had opportunities to grow. I started cleaning rooms, supervising and finally became a house-keeping manager.

Over time I met my husband with whom I have two beautiful daughters, Mallory and Aaliyah with whom I love spending a lot of time, they are what I love most in life. In my free time, what I like to do most is spend time with my family. We go camping, we play soccer, and we also like to go on vacation, one of our favorite places is Kauai. My family is very large, I have five sisters and five brothers, and almost all of my brothers have children so I have many nephews as well. Over the years I have helped my family take care of their children from babies to twelve years old. Many years ago, I realized that I really liked children, but unfortunately, I had not had the opportunity to prepare myself and do what I like. Now, thanks to RIfC having given me this great opportunity, I am taking advantage of it and enjoying it to the fullest.I have been here for almost two years & Every day I feel smarter and I give my best, I continue taking classes, I want to be well prepared, to have a great future, for my daughters and for yours too.

I moved to the United States when I was 20 years old. I grew up in San Luis Potosí, Mexico—often referred to as a “Pueblo Mágico,” or “Magic Village”—a place rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty that has deeply shaped who I am today.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active by exercising, spending time outdoors, and going on nature walks. These moments allow me to recharge and stay connected with myself. I am also passionate about supporting and working with the Hispanic community, especially women, as I believe in the importance of empowerment, connection, and creating supportive spaces where we can grow together.

In 2019, I began working toward my Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Teaching and Early Learning at Highline College. Through my studies, I have developed a strong appreciation for the Reggio Emilia Approach and its holistic focus on honoring each child’s individuality, creativity, and natural curiosity. I value creating meaningful learning environments where children feel seen, respected, and inspired to explore.

I am truly excited to be part of the RIFC team and contribute to expanding children’s learning experiences. I look forward to growing both professionally and personally while supporting children in their development and helping them reach their full potential.

 My name is Merlin Silvestre. I am 26 years old, and I was born and raised in Guatemala. Since I was a child, I have dreamed of becoming a teacher. I used to play “school” with my cousin, where I would take on the role of the teacher and even assign homework. Looking back, it makes me smile, and at the same time fills me with happiness to see how my effort and perseverance have taken me far, allowing me to fulfill my dream.

In Guatemala, I completed my Teacher Training in Intercultural Primary Education, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education. I have had the opportunity to work in different educational settings with students ranging from four to fifteen years old. As part of my academic journey, I completed five years of internships, followed by nearly two years of professional teaching experience.

Teaching and sharing knowledge bring me great joy. I strongly believe that good things are meant to be shared so that others can grow and be uplifted as well. I am the eldest daughter in my family, with two sisters. I enjoy spending quality time with them and sharing life experiences. My parents have always been an example to me, showing me the importance of doing things with excellence in order to continue growing and reaching new levels.

Beyond teaching, I enjoy working out at the gym, cooking, reading, and spending time in my own personal space. I also like doing makeup and creating videos to share positive messages. I consider myself someone with a teachable heart, which I value deeply because I am always willing to learn and to recognize my mistakes as opportunities for growth.

Working with children is incredibly rewarding. Every day, they help me reflect on myself—on what I project and how it impacts others. Children are honest and will openly express what they see as positive or negative. This inspires me to keep growing, improving, and becoming the best version of myself each day.

My name is Elizabeth Daysi Patricia Pérez López, and I am originally from El Salvador, a country known for its rich culture and delicious cuisine, especially our pupusas. I am deeply committed to the education and development of children, and my goal is to foster a positive and stimulating learning environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

I am currently a student at North Seattle College, pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. This academic path allows me to gain the necessary skills to positively impact the lives of young children and contribute to the development of future generations.

Beyond my passion for education, I enjoy various activities in my free time. I love spending time with my family, creating unforgettable memories. I also enjoy traveling to nature-filled destinations, exploring the beauty of the world around us. Shopping and hiking are some of my favorite activities, as they help me relax and unwind.

My vision is to be an inspiring educator who not only teaches but also motivates and guides children throughout their learning journey. I aspire to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to explore their natural curiosity. Together, we can build a bright future full of opportunities for our young learners.