The Teachers
Marthe David- Orugas Lider Teacher
Andy Jordan- Orugas Assistant Teacher
Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Andrea moved to Seattle in 2018 with her family. A proud mother of two, she has been part of the Seattle Amistad School community for two years. Currently pursuing a degree in Education at North Seattle College, Andrea is passionate about making a positive impact on children and families in her community.
Jhensy Elias- Crisálidas Lider Teacher
Born and raised in El Salvador, Jhensy Elias graduated from Highline High School in Burien and pursued Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College, where she earned multiple certifications and is completing an Associate of Applied Science degree. With years of experience caring for children aged 3 months to 4 years, Jhensy has been part of Seattle Amistad School since 2019. She values its multicultural environment and takes pride in supporting the growth and development of her students.
Maritza Rios- Assistant Teacher Crisálidas
Maritza Rios, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, has dedicated the past four years to working with children aged 0 to 5 and is currently studying Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College. She has been a teacher at Seattle Amistad School for two years, where she loves supporting students’ cognitive and motor skill development in a safe and inclusive environment. With a background as an accountant and pastry chef in her home country, Maritza brings creativity and dedication to her teaching. She enjoys listening to music, working out, and spending time with her husband, twin teenage daughters, and their dog, Kira. Her mission is to make a positive impact on children’s lives and contribute to their bright futures.
Pierina Silva- Mariposas Lider Teacher
Originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Pierina moved to Seattle in 2018 with her family. She is married and has a young son, Jaiden. Currently, she is pursuing her third state certificate in Education at North Seattle College. Now in her third year at Seattle Amistad School, Pierina is passionate about teaching with love and respecting children’s ideas, creating a space where they feel valued. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, exploring waterfalls, watching sunsets, and spending time with her family
Wendy Arrieta- Mariposas Assistant Teacher
Wendy Arrieta, originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, is a professional in Public Accounting and a dedicated student of Early Childhood Education. She is certified in CPR and has a strong passion for working with children. Happily married for 11 years, Wendy is the proud mother of a 5-year-old daughter who shares her love for movies, sports, and spending quality time together. Currently residing in Everett, Washington, Wendy enjoys traveling, dancing, playing sports, and bonding with family and friends. She is also an animal lover, especially fond of dogs, and finds joy in creating meaningful experiences for children and her community.
Rocio Collantes- Prek-1 Lider Teacher
Born in Lima, Peru, Rocio Collantes grew up in Jesús María and studied Banking Administration. She is now pursuing an Early Childhood Education State Certificate (ECE). Rocio loves traveling, spending time with her family, and dreams of visiting Mykonos and Europe. At Seattle Amistad School, she has discovered her passion for teaching and finds joy in working with children and families.
Yuridia Rivera- Prek-1 Assistant Teacher
Yuridia Idalia Rivera Eguizábal, originally from El Salvador, has found her passion in early childhood education. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College while being an active member of the Amistad community, where she enjoys working with children and supporting their development. With previous experience in management and customer service, Yuridia values continuous learning and the positive impact she can have on young lives. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, visiting the beach, and spending time with her husband and friends, while pursuing her dream of owning her own home.
Esther Angulo- Prek-2 Lider Teacher
Esther Angulo was born and raised in Lima, Peru, where she studied Education and taught children aged 2 to 5 for 10 years. In 2010, she moved to Seattle to continue her career in education. Since joining Seattle Amistad School in 2018, Esther has cherished being part of a community that nurtures both heart and soul. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, driving around the city, and cycling.
Narda Lechuga- Prek-2 Assistant Teacher
Born in Mexico City and raised in Huatulco, Oaxaca, Narda Lechuga studied graphic design and taught painting to children. She joined Seattle Amistad School to share her passion for teaching and its values of friendship and love. Narda enjoys painting, dancing, hiking, and dreams of creating children’s books in Spanish.
Maria Arevalo- Kinder
Originally from El Salvador, María moved to the United States nine years ago. She enjoys walking and spending quality time with her family. Currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College, María is in her fourth year with Seattle Amistad School. Her passion for teaching and commitment to making a positive impact make her a valued member of the community. She firmly believes that love is what truly defines a family.
Lucia Alvarez- 1 Grade
Known as “Maestra Lucia,” Lucia Alvarez was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the U.S. in 1999, settling in Seattle in 2010. Teaching since 2011 and part of Amistad since 2017, she values early childhood education and Amistad’s celebration of diverse cultures. In her free time, Lucia enjoys traveling, family time, reading, and dancing. She dreams of exploring the world while continuing to inspire young lives through teaching.
Tania Chicas- 1st &2nd Grade
Francisca Gastelum- 2nd &3rd Grade
Mabel Gonzalez- 4th &5th Grade
Born in Miami and raised in Nicaragua, Mabel discovered her passion for teaching through community programs as a teenager. She holds a degree in Pedagogy and has over 10 years of experience working with children in Nicaragua and Seattle. A part of Seattle Amistad School for nearly five years, Mabel values its multicultural community and the chance to celebrate her language and culture. In her free time, she enjoys reading, sharing book reviews, and caring for her cats, Mr. Darcy and Lizzy.
Luisa Moreno- Middle School
Luisa grew up in Seattle and earned her BA in History, Education, and Spanish from the University of Washington. She has worked with Green Lake Elementary’s drama program, the Seattle Public Library, and UW Riverways Education Partnerships, where she led a literacy arts project across Washington State. Passionate about empowering young people, especially through reading and writing, Luisa is excited to be part of the Amistad community. In her free time, she enjoys sharing meals with family, playing board games with friends, and creating art.
Rafael Rodriguez- Math Teacher
Rafael Rodriguez, originally from El Salvador, is a dedicated math teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching middle and high school students. He graduated as a teacher in 1999 and began his career in 2000 in his home country, developing a passionate and practical approach to education. Since 2021, Rafael has been part of the Amistad community, where he has found a rewarding experience working with students of all ages. He enjoys inspiring his students to overcome challenges and build confidence in their mathematical abilities. Outside the classroom, Rafael shares his love for soccer by coaching a girls' soccer team and teaching the sport to students. For him, soccer is a powerful tool to foster discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young people, both on and off the field.
Alfredo De La Hoz- P.E Teacher
Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Alfredo De La Hoz has over 18 years of experience as a physical education teacher and Level II volleyball coach. He has worked with students of all ages and coached university volleyball teams. Since moving to Seattle in 2011, Alfredo has been part of the Seattle Amistad School community for six years, valuing its strong sense of community. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, exploring TV shows, and dreaming of living by the beach. Alfredo is proud to share his passion for physical education, helping students grow and thrive.
Martha Rosa Losada- Assistant Teacher
Originally from Colombia, Martha holds a high school diploma with additional training in clothing design. She loves walking, visiting the beach, and is passionate about personal growth. At Seattle Amistad School, she finds joy in working with children while learning and improving every day. Martha values the Amistad community as a special place that inspires her both personally and professionally.
Josseline Morales- Assistant Teacher
Born and raised in El Salvador, Josseline moved to Washington State in 2023. She completed her primary and secondary education and has experience working with children of various ages. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, dancing, singing, and laughing, with a dream of one day opening her own dance studio. Josseline joined Seattle Amistad School for its strong sense of community and values, which align perfectly with her own beliefs.
Massiel Clavijo- Assistant Teacher
Originally from Lima, Peru, Massiel spent many years in the coastal city of Callao, known for its vibrant scenery. She is a chef specializing in Peruvian seafood and has experience in Early Childhood Education, focusing on early stimulation and development. Massiel loves spending time with her two children, Lia and Eyttan, and finds joy in supporting the growth and happiness of the children she works with. Her goal is to grow as an educator and leader within the school community, aspiring to become a lead teacher and contribute meaningfully to the school’s mission.
Silvana Aguilera- Assistant Teacher
Originally from Nicaragua, Silvana holds a degree in Business Administration and certifications in Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Washington State. With four years at Seattle Amistad School, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in ECE at North Seattle College. Silvana loves sharing creativity and art with children to inspire learning. In her free time, she enjoys beach walks and Nicaraguan music. Her dream is to learn another language and explore new cultures. Silvana is proud to create safe, nurturing spaces at Amistad where children can explore, grow, and thrive.
Silvio Dos Reis
With over 30 years of dedication to Capoeira Angola, Silvio began his journey in 1986 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and has taught in social programs, schools, and community projects. Since 2004, he has led the International Capoeira Angola Foundation in Seattle and the TESC Capoeira Angola Club at Evergreen State College. Silvio is passionate about sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and has supported festivals, taught in schools, and presented at conferences across the USA.