About Us

Born in Durango, Mexico, Luz Casio has made Seattle, Washington, her home with her family. She brings over 30 years of experience in Early Childhood Education as a teacher, program supervisor, mentor, and executive director, along with 20 years as a community-based trainer and field coach and 25 years as college adjunct faculty.

Luz holds a BA in Human Development, an MA in Organizational Change and Dual Language Pedagogy, with specializations in Early Childhood Education and Educational Leadership, and a PhD in Christian Counseling.

Passionate about culturally and linguistically responsive education, she is committed to mentoring educators, strengthening leadership, and promoting equitable learning opportunities. She believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities.

“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

 Born in Durango, Mexico, Javier Casio, affectionately known as Teacher Javie, has dedicated many years to Early Childhood Education at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC), where he now serves as Assistant Director.

Before joining RIFC, Javier served with City Year AmeriCorps, completing over 3,400 hours supporting middle school students in achieving their academic goals.

He holds an Associate Degree from Seattle Central Community College, a BA in Community Organizing, and an MA in Early Childhood Education from Goddard College.

Passionate about education and community service, Javier is committed to nurturing children's curiosity, creativity, and development through meaningful learning experiences. He values documenting children's milestones and the richness of their play while fostering an environment where every child can thrive.

Outside of his professional life, Javier enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children.

Karla Gómez serves as Program Supervisor at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, bringing over 15 years of experience with RIFC. She began as a volunteer in 2011 and officially joined the team in 2013.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching in Early Learning from Highline College (2020) and also serves as part-time faculty at Highline College, teaching Early Childhood Education courses in Spanish.

Karla is fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Her professional development includes an educational experience in New Zealand, where she explored the Reggio Emilia philosophy and teaching practices.

Passionate about early childhood education, Karla is committed to nurturing children’s curiosity, supporting educators in their professional growth, and mentoring teachers as they develop their knowledge, confidence, and teaching practices. She values building collaborative relationships with educators and empowering them to create meaningful, culturally responsive learning experiences for children and families.

Outside of work, Karla enjoys traveling with her daughter and photography.

Born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, Reyna moved to the United States at a young age and has lived in California, Florida, and Washington, where she now calls the Pacific Northwest home.

With ten years of experience in nonprofit work, Reyna is passionate about community service, family empowerment, and connecting families with valuable resources and opportunities.

As a Family Support Specialist at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC), she is dedicated to building trusting relationships, supporting families in achieving their goals, and honoring their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

A proud mother of two, Reyna enjoys traveling, exploring new places, spending time with her family, and expressing her creativity through arts and crafts. She finds great fulfillment in helping families grow, thrive, and succeed.

Born in Siguatepeque, Honduras, Keren Mendez is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Education, specializing in Early Childhood Education, and a passion for supporting young children's learning and development.

As a teacher at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Keren is committed to creating a nurturing and engaging environment where children feel valued, develop confidence, and discover the joy of learning. She finds great fulfillment in witnessing their growth, curiosity, and accomplishments.

A proud wife and mother of two, Keren enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature, visiting beaches and lakes, and camping. Her cheerful personality and love for meaningful experiences are reflected in her dedication to children and families.

Merlin Silvestre is originally from Guatemala and has been passionate about teaching since childhood. Her dedication to education has shaped her commitment to supporting children’s learning and development.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and completed teacher training in Intercultural Primary Education in Guatemala. Her professional background includes five years of teaching internships and nearly two years of professional teaching experience, working with children and students across various age groups.

As an educator at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Merlin is committed to creating meaningful learning experiences, supporting children’s growth, and fostering a positive, inclusive classroom environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to learn.

She values continuous professional growth, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Outside the classroom, Merlin enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, spending time with her family, and creating positive, inspirational content.

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. 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!

Maricruz is originally from Ciudad Hidalgo, Michoacán, Mexico, and moved to the United States at the age of 17. She brings valuable professional experience in hospitality, where she advanced from housekeeping to a management position, developing strong leadership, organizational, and teamwork skills.

With nearly four years of experience at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Maricruz has discovered her passion for Early Childhood Education. She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Highline College to continue strengthening her professional knowledge and teaching skills.

Passionate about supporting children’s growth and development, Maricruz is committed to continuous learning and creating meaningful, positive experiences for children and families.

Maricruz is a proud mother of two daughters, Mallory and Aaliyah. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing soccer, and traveling.

Born and raised in Loretito, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Flabio began his teaching career in September 2024 and is passionate about supporting young children's learning and development.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at Highline College, where he continues to strengthen his knowledge and teaching skills.

As an educator at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Flabio is committed to creating a welcoming, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to explore. He believes teaching is a shared journey of learning and discovery between educators and children.

Outside the classroom, Flabio enjoys golfing and spending quality time with his family. He looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues while continuing to grow professionally.

Elizabeth López is originally from El Salvador and is a dedicated educator with a passion for supporting children’s learning and development.

She holds an Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College.

As an educator at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Elizabeth is committed to creating an inclusive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued, builds confidence, and has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

She believes in nurturing children’s curiosity, encouraging exploration, and building meaningful relationships with children and families.

Outside the classroom, Elizabeth enjoys spending quality time with her family, traveling, hiking, and exploring nature.

Christopher Mateo, bringing six years of experience working with children, including one year supporting children with autism.

He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. His professional training includes anti-bias education, the Reggio Emilia approach, and Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) classroom practices.

Christopher is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children feel valued and inspired to learn. He emphasizes positive relationships, creativity, and meaningful family partnerships.

Outside the classroom, he enjoys hiking, music, exercising, cooking, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

 Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Azeneth is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Highline College.

With family roots in Honduras and Mexico, she is fully bilingual in Spanish and English, bringing valuable linguistic and cultural perspectives to her work.

As an educator at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, Azeneth is passionate about supporting children's growth and development while continuing to strengthen her professional knowledge and teaching skills. She values collaboration, meaningful relationships, and creating positive learning experiences for young children.

Outside the classroom, Azeneth enjoys photography, traveling, exploring scenic parks, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Originally from San Luis Potosí, Mexico, Rosario moved to the United States at the age of 20 and brings a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and community engagement.

She began pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Teaching and Early Learning at Highline College, where she developed a particular interest in the Reggio Emilia Approach and its emphasis on creativity, exploration, and child-centered learning.

As an educator at Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) Bilingual Preschool, she is passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing environments that honor each child’s individuality, encourage curiosity, and support growth and development.

She is also committed to supporting and empowering the Hispanic community, particularly women. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exercising, spending time outdoors, and exploring nature.

If you share her name, I can add it to the opening sentence.