Head of School
Dr. Annette Galindo, Interim Head of School
Dr. Annette Galindo is an accomplished educator and leader in the field of multilingual and second language acquisition. She has a distinguished academic background and a deep commitment to fostering cultural understanding. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she spent her formative years immersed in the island’s rich cultural heritage before moving to the New York/New Jersey area at age 16. This bicultural experience has profoundly shaped her approach to education and leadership.
Dr. Galindo holds a master’s degree in Spanish education and literature from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she specialized in Golden Age literature. Her commitment to educational leadership led her to pursue a Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University. Her doctoral research focused on helping nonprofit organizations build capacity for sustainable growth and development, particularly emphasizing effective organizational leadership.
As an educator, Dr. Galindo is passionate about cultivating globally minded, independent thinkers through bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate education. As stated in our vision, she strongly believes that children who bridge cultural and linguistic divides become leaders who can shape a more just world. Throughout her career, she has developed inclusive educational initiatives that honor student voices while maintaining strong academic standards.
Beyond her professional life, Dr. Galindo has raised three adult children and enjoys an active lifestyle, including traveling, biking, walking, and reading. She particularly cherishes time spent outdoors with her family.
Dr. Galindo brings a unique blend of academic expertise, leadership experience, and cultural awareness to her work, making her a respected voice in educational leadership and an advocate for inclusive, excellence-driven education.
Administrative Leadership
Paula, originally from Colombia, is passionate about transforming education and empowering students to reach their full potential. Since Seattle Amistad School was founded, she has dedicated herself to creating opportunities for every child to excel academically while fostering a joyful school experience. As the Academic Director, Paula seamlessly integrates social justice and social-emotional learning into all subjects, ensuring academic consistency across grades and tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. Her commitment extends to building a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, valued, and welcomed, and where educators are inspired to embrace lifelong learning. Paula approaches her work with deep care, treating every child as if they were her own and equipping them with the skills and confidence to create a positive impact in the world.
Oscar Covarrubias, originally from Mexico, grew up in Washington where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. With experience spanning small startups to one of Seattle’s largest tech companies, Oscar brings a diverse skill set to the team. In his free time, he enjoys exploring trails on his bike and hiking. He chose to join Seattle Amistad School because of the incredible growth he’s witnessed in his son through the program and his desire to give back to the community.
María Paula, originally from Colombia, brings extensive Tourism and Hotel Management expertise to her role at Amistad. Her journey in hospitality and tourism spans several years, culminating in her joining the Amistad family two years ago—a transition that would prove professionally and personally transformative. As Director of Operations, María Paula has elevated beyond traditional management roles to become integral to the organization's mission. Her dedication to excellence and genuine passion for service have made a lasting impact on both the team and those they serve. Under her leadership, operational efficiency has become seamlessly interwoven with genuine care for community well-being. María Paula's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in people's lives truly sets her apart. She approaches each day with enthusiasm and purpose, viewing her position as a career and a calling. Her colleagues often note her ability to balance strategic thinking with heartfelt compassion. The Amistad community has become her second family, where she continues to grow, learn, and contribute to its mission. As she looks toward the future, María Paula remains dedicated to fostering positive change and nurturing the warm, inclusive environment that makes Amistad unique.
Gisella Riley is originally from Patagonia, Argentina, where she completed her education at the Salesiana Don Bosco School. She pursued studies in Ceremonial, Protocol, and Event Organization, and her passion for sports, children, and teaching led her to earn a degree in Physical Education. In 2018, Gisella moved to Seattle with her family and began exploring her interest in digital marketing and social media. She is married and has a lovely daughter who attends the Orugas classroom at Amistad. Gisella often says that Amistad reminds her of the school she attended as a child: a wholesome, family-centered environment filled with warmth and companionship, where she always felt happy and at home. Currently, Gisella serves as the Director of Marketing and Events at Amistad, where she continues to expand her expertise in digital marketing and social media. She combines her diverse experiences to make meaningful contributions to the school and to her personal and professional projects, always driven by her passion for growth and connection.
Aleja Mejía, originally from Colombia, has been part of the Seattle Amistad School community for 11 years. She began her career as a teacher, dedicating eight of those years to guiding and supporting children in their learning process. Over time, her passion for education and her commitment to the school led her to join the administrative team, a role she currently fulfills. Aleja deeply values Amistad’s mission, especially its focus on helping Latinx children preserve their native language, thereby strengthening both their cultural roots and academic performance. For her, Amistad has become a second family—an environment enriched by the relationships formed with students, colleagues, and families. She is proud to contribute to the positive impact Amistad has on the lives of its students and their families, and she remains committed to supporting the school’s continued success in everything she does