our team

Mundo Verde's team is a dynamic group of experienced and dedicated educators. Click the name of each staff member to learn about their role at Mundo Verde!

Leadership, Operations, & Administration

  • Dahlia Aguilar, Principal
    Dahlia brings to her role as Mundo Verde’s founding principal over 18 years of school leadership and instructional experience in bilingual elementary and high school education. She has worked for over ten years to strengthen the practice of teachers and leaders in public and public charter schools with multicultural and multilingual student bodies. Read More
  • Lynda Correa, Operations Manager
    Lynda brings a wealth of leadership skills and experience in customer service and project management to her role. She comes to Mundo Verde from the Greater Los Angeles area, where she previously worked as an Executive Team Leader for Target. Lynda is an alumna of the Yale School of Management Pre-MBA program. She also holds a bachelor's in communication from the University of Southern California and an Executive Certificate in business management from the University of Notre Dame. In addition, she is a 2013 ProInspire Fellow. A bilingual speaker of Spanish and English, Lynda is thrilled to join Mundo Verde's operations team and apply her skills in the education management arena.
  • Maureen Dizon, Development & Communications Specialist
    Maureen specializes in communications, publicity and press, social media, and grant writing. She also serves as liaison to the External Committee of the Board of Directors, and contributes to the school’s Development Task Force. Prior to Mundo Verde, Maureen served as an AmeriCorps member with City Year, D.C. She has held various editorial and media positions, including working at the Communications & Public Relations Office of the University of Rochester, where she has her bachelor’s in linguistics with a minor in Spanish. Originally from New York, Maureen now resides in the Adams Morgan neighborhood and enjoys volunteering, playing volleyball, reading, and bicycling throughout the city.
  • Molly Howard, Sustainability Coordinator
    Molly believes that sustainability is an incredible lens through which to see the world. At Mundo Verde, Molly coordinates the school’s incorporation of sustainability efforts into instruction, curriculum, and operations. She studied environmental engineering at Yale University, and went on to earn a master’s in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. She has worked as an associate for Stratus Consulting in Washington, D.C., for whom she was an environmental consultant collaborating closely with the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, Molly is a classroom teacher, certified in both elementary and special education. Prior to coming to Mundo Verde, Molly was a Capital Teaching Resident in the second grade at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. She received certification to teach in Washington, D.C. through The New Teacher Project. When not at work, Molly enjoys photography, hiking, and reading.
  • Anna Johnson, Director of Operations
    Anna plays a vital role in successful day-to-day operations at Mundo Verde. She is the primary Human Resources staff person, facilitating the interviewing, hiring, and overall application process for prospective applicants. She draws from her law school education to oversee general compliance at Mundo Verde, ensuring that operations and procedures are in accordance with agencies such as the D.C. Public Charter School Board and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Anna has more than five years of experience managing school-based and experiential education programs. She graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and has a J.D. from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont where she is a member of the Vermont Bar Association.
  • Amanda MacLellan, Data & Compliance Specialist
    Amanda is excited to be part of Mundo Verde's mission and growth, particularly as it relates to innovation and customization of student data technology. Prior to joining Mundo Verde, Amanda worked as an Enrollment Associate at DC Prep where she managed student enrollment procedures and student information systems. Her previous work experience in the education arena also lends itself to her role at Mundo Verde. She has teaching experience in New York City Public Schools, developed Media Literacy curricula for Media Power Youth in Manchester, NH, and served as a policy intern for Boston Public Schools. Amanda has a bachelor's from Barnard College, as well as her Preliminary Teacher Certification for Elementary Education in the state of New York. She received her master's in education policy and management from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
  • Berenice Pernalete, Literacy Coordinator
    Berenice has over five years of extensive experience in all facets of children’s performance management, children’s program development, research, scheduling, planning, portfolio development, and team building. Her chief objective as a Literacy Coordinator is to develop and implement a robust curriculum that seamlessly connects components of literacy with phonetics in both target languages. Most recently, she developed bilingual preschool content for a PBS affiliated television network and was involved with funding projects that promote bilingualism through the media. In addition, Berenice is a certified early childhood educator in the states of Texas, New York, and Virginia. She received her master’s in bilingual/bicultural education from Teachers College at Columbia University and her bachelor's in mass communication from Louisiana State University.
  • Gloria Quirarte, Enrichment Coordinator
    Gloria supervises the implementation of quality enrichment for Before & After School Programs, as well as for school-wide special programming. Prior to Mundo Verde, she worked for five years as Director of Operations at Multicultural Community Services in DC. She was also Executive Assistant to the Director at CentroNía for three years, Project Director at the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and Program Specialist for Hispanas Unidas in San Antonio Texas. Gloria obtained her master’s in social cultural anthropology from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland and has a bachelor’s in political science from Swarthmore College.
  • Kristin Scotchmer, Executive Director
    Kristin is the lead founder and executive director of Mundo Verde. She is passionate about Mundo Verde’s vision and has substantive knowledge of Mundo Verde’s philosophy, educational design and curriculum, as well as its operations and management. Kristin brings more than fifteen years of professional management, governance and volunteer experience with nonprofit organizations, including expertise in management, board development, strategic planning and fundraising. She has considerable experience strengthening the capacity of small community-based organizations working to create change in the Washington, D.C., region, nationally and in Mexico. Read More
  • Michelle Sinkgraven, Special Projects Coordinator
    Michelle will be developing and launching our summer program, as well as working on various other Mundo Verde projects. She has over 20 years of experience as a project manager in the non-profit sector and brings 6 years of specialized experience organizing urban summer camp programs. She has previously worked as Associate Director of Out of School Time and Extended Learning at Center City Public Charter Schools, and as program analyst for the U.S. Department of Education. She currently serves as a Leadership Team Member for the Inspired Family Association at Inspired Teaching Schools She is particularly excited about our sustainability mission and excited to help us move forward with a summer program that aligns with our values and vision.
  • Sarah Strenio, Operations Associate
    Sarah joined Mundo Verde as an Operations Associate in the Spring 2013 semester. In her role, she helps manage and collate data, supports the enrollment process, and provides operational support on various projects. Sarah has been a data analyst for Bates White Economic Consulting and has held various administrative positions at Princeton University, where she holds a bachelor's in musical composition. Sarah has also studied German and spent a semester in Munich. A native of the D.C. metropolitan area, Sarah resides in Bethesda, Maryland and enjoys music and social dance.
  • Dr. Robert Turner, School Psychologist & Special Education Coordinator
    Dr. Turner helps to ensure that students with special needs receive services that comply with their individualized education program goals, including, but not limited to, appointing appropriate staff for students’ needs, may it be speech & language pathology, or occupational or physical therapy. Dr. Turner has dual master’s degrees in bilingual education and special education from Pennsylvania State University and New York University, respectively. He also has a doctorate in school psychology from Pennsylvania State University with post-doctoral studies in autism research. Dr. Turner is also a teacher, having worked with special education students and having taught at the university level.
  • Rocio Yoc, Office Manager
    Rocio is invaluable in her role at Mundo Verde. She handles phone support, organizes employee paperwork, oversees student billing and accounts, facilitates supply orders, and serves as a primary meet-and-greet staff person for all visitors at Mundo Verde. She is originally from Guatemala and has lived in the D.C. area for over fourteen years. She currently resides in Takoma Park, where she enjoys spending time with her family.

PreK-3

  • Sandra Algarra, Co-Teacher
    Sandra has over twelve years of experience teaching early childhood-aged through middle school students. She comes to Mundo Verde from Bright Horizons where she implemented a bilingual Spanish-English program as a teacher for pre-school students. She was also a Spanish teacher and co-teacher at St. Gabriel’s School, where she taught grades K-3 and 6-8. At Chevy Chase Kinderhaus, she worked specifically with infants and toddlers. Sandra is certified with an Infant/Toddler CDA and Bilingual CDA. She has studied at the Catholic University of America and done coursework at Trinity College.
  • Elizabeth Ayala, Teaching Associate
    While working with early childhood-aged students, Elizabeth has a natural ease that is grounded in her previous work experiences. Before coming to Mundo Verde, she worked in several capacities at daycares and nursery schools in D.C., including the Summer Youth Program Daycare at Columbia Heights Education Campus, Love and Care Nursery, and David’s Stars Early Childhood Center. She is originally from Peru and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s in early childhood education from Central Texas College.
  • Helen Duran, Classroom Fellow
    Helen brings to her role limitless creativity, a passion for working with children, and valuable knowledge of child development and psychology. Helen previously worked with PreK-3 students as an associate in Mundo Verde’s after-school program. She has a bachelor’s in psychology from the Higher University of San Andres in La Paz, Bolivia. She has also worked at Cossmil Hospital as an associate and at Hospital de la Mujer as an educator. In addition, she has worked at the Children & Adolescent Advocacy Office and taught at Acuarela Kindergarten in La Paz. Helen is excited to join Mundo Verde as a classroom fellow and build on her early-childhood education experience.
  • Pachi Hitschfeld, Lead Teacher
    After a year as a teaching fellow with Mundo Verde, Pachi joins the school as a classroom teacher with degrees in primary education and kindergarten education with specialization in German from Deutsches Lehrerbildungsinstitut Wilhelm Von Humboldt (German Teachers Institute) in Santiago, Chile. She has experience teaching students in Pre-K through 4th grade, in addition to lead and supporting teacher roles in the subjects of math, science, Spanish, and German. Pachi has interned in Neusäss, Germany at Eichenwaldschule (Eichenwald School) and has also worked at the German School of Santiago and the German School of Valparaíso. She firmly believes in the importance of opening children’s minds to a multicultural environment, where they can grow and explore.
  • Camila Osorio van Isschot, Classroom Fellow
    Camila brings her past experiences working in education to her role as a classroom fellow at Mundo Verde. She has previous served as an English Teacher for Language ETC, a teaching fellow with the Urban Education Initiative, and as a student teacher at Science Leadership Academy. Camila holds a bachelor's degree in education and sociology/anthrpology from Swarthmore College. She also has a secondary education teaching licensure in social sciences in the state of Pennsylvania. A bilingual speaker of Spanish and English, Camila is a native of the DC Metropolitan area. Initially working with Mundo Verde's enrichment program, she is excited to work full time in the classroom and develop her skills under the mentorship of a lead teacher.
  • Inez Steigerwald, Co-Teacher
    Inez is excited to bring to Mundo Verde her own experience with bilingual, inquiry-based education. As a young child in Monteverde, Costa Rica, Inez attended the Cloud Forest School (Centro de Educación Creativa) where she learned Spanish and developed an appreciation for the natural environment. She has served as a tutor, English as a Second Language teacher, and independent childcare provider. Most recently, she worked as a project specialist for Kauffman & Associates, Inc. She is also conducting a long-term project writing the oral history of Comité de Madres, a human rights organization in El Salvador. Inez has a bachelor’s in comparative literature (English/Spanish) with a concentration in peace and conflict studies from Haverford College.
  • Patty Trujillo, Lead Teacher
    Patty has more than 25 years of experience in the field of education. Originally from Peru, she received her bachelor’s in education from the University of San Martín de Porres in Lima. She worked at the Ministry of Education in Lima before coming to the United States, where she settled in Hyattsville, Maryland. Patty has a wealth of professional development and training, including CDA certification from CentroNía in Washington, D.C., where she previously worked as a head teacher. Before coming to Mundo Verde, she worked at Tiny Findings Child Development Center. Patty understands that children are unique human beings that are constantly changing and evolving and she believes that teachers are meant to be part of this developmental process.

PreK-4

  • María Teresa Cáceres, Classroom Fellow
    Tere comes to Mundo Verde from CentroNía where she was a pre-kindergarten teacher. Much of her four years of teaching experience has been in her native Chile. In Santiago, she was a lead teacher for 1st and 2nd grade at Piamarta School. She has also been a substitute teacher for 3rd grade students at Divino Jesus School. Tere brings to her a role a commitment to Spanish literacy and knowledge of various literacy learning techniques. She has a bachelor's in elementary education from Arturo Prat University in Chile, as well as specialization in language and communication from Finis Terrae University.
  • Kathryn Conner, Lead Teacher
    Kathryn has taught for more than six years in dual language and second language instruction classrooms and is a certified elementary school teacher in D.C. This will be Kathryn's 2nd year at Mundo Verde and she is very excited to return to such a great school community. Before coming to Mundo Verde, she taught Spanish at Center City Public Charter School’s Petworth Campus. She was also a 2nd grade dual language teacher at Sacred Heart School in D.C, a 1st grade teacher and tutor at DayStar Bilingual School in Juticalpa, Honduras, and a Spanish after-school teacher at Talawanda Elementary School in Oxford Ohio. Kathryn received her master’s in elementary education from Trinity University and has a bachelor’s from Miami University of Ohio. Originally from Chicago, Kathryn resides in Adams Morgan and enjoys reading, playing volleyball and tennis, and riding her bike around the city.
  • Matías Guerra, Classroom Fellow
    Matías hails from El Salvador, where he specializes in early childhood education. Since 2003, he has held teaching positions at various schools in El Salvador. Most recently, he taught at Centro Escolar Católico Juan Pablo II, where he has worked since 2007. He holds a bachelor's in early childhood education from Universidad Luterana Salvadoreña. Matías brings dedication and enthusiasm for fostering creativity and artistic development in his students. He is also extremely knowledgeable of folk dances and traditional dances of El Salvador.
  • Ana Guevara, Teaching Associate
    Ana’s presence during both daytime and afterschool instruction adds consistency to Mundo Verde’s program, and her natural friendliness and affection towards children creates a welcoming environment. She has worked at the National Institute of Early Childhood Education in her native Guatemala. In the states, she has completed coursework in teaching and child development at Fitchburg State College and the University of the District of Columbia. She also has a certificate in early childhood education and more than 15 years of experience as a teaching paraprofessional in D.C. Public Schools working with pre-school aged children and in Spanish immersion programs. Before coming to Mundo Verde, she worked at John Tyler, Seaton, and Bancroft Elementary Schools.
  • July Hillon, Lead Teacher
    July is an advocate for multilingualism, and is passionate about sharing the richness of Latin American culture. She is certified to teach public school and has worked in numerous capacities in the D.C. metro area. Her previous positions include tutor and teacher assistant at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, teacher at Prata Creative Playshops for Early Language Discovery, and student teacher at Gaithersburg High School. She has also volunteered as a tutor and teacher assistant at several elementary schools in Montgomery and Prince George’s County. July graduated from the University of Maryland – College Park with a bachelor’s in art history. She then went on to earn two more bachelor’s degrees in secondary education with a focus on foreign language, and Spanish language, literature, and cultures.
  • Jorge Andres Montes, Lead Teacher
    Jorge is a strong believer in inclusion and integration models of instruction, specifically as it applies to teaching students with special needs. Originally from Colombia, Jorge hails from Puerto Rico where he has a bachelor’s in elementary education and a master’s in special education from Bayamón Central University. He has also held positions of assistant professor and administrative assistant director at the university. Jorge comes to Mundo Verde from San Juan, where he was a teacher at the Center for Integral Development Specializing in Children with Autism. He has also taught in Bayamón as a health teacher at Jesús Sánchez Erazo Middle School and as a teacher of social studies, physical education, health, and fine arts at Colegio Carmen.
  • Leila Orchin, Classroom Fellow
    Leila has spent the past several years as an English language educator in Spain. Most recently, she worked as a pedagogic coordinator at The Corner in Santa Coloma de Gramenet, where she managed a team of twelve teachers and performed programming and curriculum development for students aged 3-13. At Colegi Sant Andreu in Badalona, she was a teacher and director facilitating theatre workshops for children. She has also been a lead teacher at Collage, a creative language academy in Barcelona, and an assistant English teacher appointed through Spain's Ministry of Education. As a Director of VISIONS International Service Adventures, Leila has led cross-cultural immersion trips in Peru, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic. Originally from Philadelphia, PA, she has a bachelor's in anthropology with a minor in Spanish from Barnard College of Columbia University.

Kindergarten

  • Brenda Aguilar, Classroom Fellow
    Brenda comes to Mundo Verde from the Residential College Language Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she taught intermediate-level Spanish to university students as a graduate student instructor. Prior to that, she worked as a tutor with K-2nd grade English Language Learners in the Detroit and Ann Arbor communities. Brenda brings both policy and leadership experience to her role. She has worked as a research assistant for the National Center for Institutional Diversity, and was also a senior staff assistant in the Department of Museum Public Affairs at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California. Brenda has a master's in educational studies in educational policy and leadership from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a bachelor's from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
  • Morgan Carney, Classroom Fellow
    A strong proponent of wellness activities, Morgan previously worked for the Healthy Lifestyles Program at Duke Children's Hospital, and was a cardio dance group fitness instructor in Durham, North Carolina. Morgan shows a dedication to youth development, community engagement, and education. She has organized tutoring programs for middle school students, and founded an afterschool dance and mentorship program in Charlotte. Through an internship on Camiguin Island in the Philippines, she was appointed to a boarding school where she facilitated English instruction, assisted teachers with planning and development, and shadowed various healthcare workers. A North Carolina native, Morgan comes to Mundo Verde from Duke University, where she studied psychology and biology.
  • Madelaine Glassberg, Lead Teacher
    Madelaine is dually certified in K-12 Special Education and General Elementary Education. She came to Mundo Verde from E.L. Haynes Public Charter School where she was a Capital Teaching Resident in a first grade classroom and participated in The New Teacher Project's DC Practitioner Teacher Program. Prior to that, Madelaine worked at MATCH Charter Public Middle School in Boston, Massachusetts, where she was first a tutor and later an Academic Resources Coordinator and Recruitment Associate. Originally from Vermont, Madelaine received her bachelor’s in English and geography with a minor in education from Middlebury College. She has also done coursework at the University of Otago in New Zealand. By the start of the upcoming school year, Madelaine will have earned a master's degree in educational leadership and policy from American University. She enjoys reading, arts and crafts, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
  • Molly Howard, Lead Teacher
    Molly is consistently one of the biggest advocates and cheerleaders of students at Mundo Verde, where she is a classroom teacher certified in both elementary and special education. Prior to coming to Mundo Verde, Molly was a Capital Teaching Resident in the second grade at E.L. Haynes Public Charter School. She received certification to teach in Washington, D.C. through The New Teacher Project. In addition, Molly coordinates the school’s incorporation of sustainability efforts into instruction, curriculum, and operations. Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Yale University, and a master’s degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies.
  • Berenice Pernalete, Lead Teacher
    Berenice has over five years of extensive experience teaching academic content in dual language immersion settings. In addition to her role as Literacy Coordinator, Berenice is a certified early childhood educator in the states of Texas, New York, and Virginia. As a teacher, she seeks ways to create activities that demonstrate purpose, encourage focus and attention, and promote higher thinking for students. A strong proponent of language equity both in and outside of the classroom, she recently developed bilingual preschool content for a PBS-affiliated television network and was involved with funding projects that promote bilingualism through the media. Berenice graduated from Louisiana State University and received her master’s in bilingual/bicultural education from Teachers College at Columbia University. A native of Venezuela, she now resides in D.C. and enjoys Spanish literature, working out, and travelling.
  • Laura Rainey, Lead Teacher
    Laura has over ten years of experience working with preschool and elementary-aged children in both teaching and childcare settings. She received her teaching certification after a year as a teaching fellow with Mundo Verde. She now joins the staff as a classroom teacher. Prior to coming to Mundo Verde, Laura was a Fulbright Fellow in Madrid Spain with a position as an English Teaching Assistant in a bilingual primary school. Living and teaching in Spain made her a strong believer in the importance of fostering bilingualism and a global perspective in children from a very young age. Laura attended Swarthmore College where she graduated with degrees in psychology and education. Originally from Arlington, Virginia, Laura now resides in D.C.
  • Rodrigo Salgado, Classroom Fellow
    Rodrigo comes to Mundo Verde with extensive experience in policy. He has interned at Freedom House and the Washington Office on Latin America, in both roles focusing on issues in Latin America. He has also interned at the National Fair Housing Alliance. His motivation to continue into the field of education comes from the past year spent as an AmeriCorps member with the Latin American Youth Center, through which he worked in a dual-language classroom and tutored at Powell Elementary School in NW D.C. He has also tutored with the D.C. Schools Project at Georgetown University's Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service. Originally from Peru, Rodrigo has a bachelor's in international political economy from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.

First Grade

  • Liz Barriga, Lead Teacher
    Liz has significant experience in second language acquisition settings and is a certified Spanish teacher in the District of Columbia. She has taught at Center City Public Charter School’s Shaw Campus where she was a Lead Spanish Teacher for grades K-8 and an Instructional Reading Assistant for second grade. She was also a soccer coach for students in 3rd through 5th grade. Liz knows first-hand the merits of a language immersion education, having taught in immersion settings and having received a dual-language elementary education, herself. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Delaware-Newark where she studied Spanish and international relations.
  • Natalia Feliciano, Lead Teacher
    Natalia hails from Puerto Rico, where she has over four years of experience as a teacher. Most recently, Natalia was a 1st grade teacher at the School of San Juan. She has also taught 2nd grade at Sacred Heart School, as well as been a substitute teacher and tutor in past years. Natalia brings to her role a dedication to student success, as well as a commitment to providing students with authentic learning experiences. She has a bachelor's in early childhood education with a focus on grades K-3 from Universidad Metropolitana in Rio Piedras. She is also a certified teacher by the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.
  • Daphne Johnson, Classroom Fellow
    Daphne brings her past experiences working in education to her role as a classroom fellow at Mundo Verde. She has previously served with AmeriCorps at Washington Middle School for Girls, where she worked as a tutor, volunteer coordinator, service learning liaison and assistant extended day coordinator. Prior to that, she worked as a reading tutor in a D.C. charter school. She holds a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Initially working with Mundo Verde's enrichment program, Daphne is excited to work full time in the classroom and develop her skills under the mentorship of a lead teacher.
  • Jennifer Kouakeu, Lead Teacher/Reading Specialist
    Jennifer returns to Mundo Verde as a reading specialist after a year of mentorship as an Urban Teacher Center (UTC) resident and classroom fellow. She has a variety of experience tutoring, training, and mentoring elementary, middle, and high school students in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Miami. Prior to Mundo Verde, she worked as a Cheer Coach, cheerleading instructor, and tutor focusing on literacy and math. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and political science from Howard University, and studied mass communications at Miami Dade College. Through UTC, she is simultaneously pursuing dual master’s degrees in elementary education and special education from Lesley University.
  • Jeanette Leal, Reading Specialist/Classroom Fellow
    Jeanette returns to Mundo Verde as a reading specialist after a year of mentorship as an Urban Teacher Center (UTC) resident and classroom fellow. Before coming to Mundo Verde, Jeanette attended the University of Florida, where she graduated with a degree in political science and a certificate in international relations. Through UTC’s program, she is also pursuing master’s degrees in elementary education and special education from Lesley University. Jeanette has previously volunteered with Alpha Retreat and the Christian Appalachian Project WorkFest. She is passionate about her service to students as an educator and aims to develop their dreams and goals for the future.
  • Juan Samperio, Classroom Fellow
    Juan joins Mundo Verde as a dedicated classroom fellow. Before settling in D.C., Juan lived in Las Vegas, Nevada and was a High School Academic Advisor at the Nevada Virtual Academy. Prior to that, he worked in Kameyama City, Japan where he was an Assistant English Language Teacher. He previously worked in Fairfax County Public Schools, and also taught high school Spanish in Clark County Public Schools in Las Vegas. Juan enjoys exploring and adventure, and has traveled throughout Asia, Europe, and Central and South America. Originally from Mexico City, Juan spent much of his youth in the southwest region of the U.S. He received his bachelor’s in political science from the University of Las Vegas.
  • Erica Van Autreve, Lead Teacher
    Erica is excited to join Mundo Verde and brings over eight years of experience as a classroom teacher of elementary-aged children in urban settings and internationally. She is a certified public school teacher in the states of New York and North Carolina. She taught for four years in Brooklyn, NY in the New York City Public Schools at PS 59, three years in Monteverde, Costa Rica at the Cloud Forest School (Centro de Educación Creativa), and most recently in Charlotte, NC at Pinewood Elementary School. In addition to leading children to success in the classroom, she has contributed to school communities as a grade leader, curriculum designer, literacy staff developer, and mentor teacher. Erica is commited to the environment and biliteracy and makes efforts in all of her roles to promote these values. She is a graduate of New York University where she studied psychology and has a master’s in curriculum and teaching from Teacher’s College at Columbia University.

Enrichment Program: Specials/After-School

  • Rhiannon Landesberg, Specials/After-School Fellow - Yoga
    Rhiannon is a certified children’s yoga teacher and comes to Mundo Verde with experience as a yoga and dance educator. She has implemented movement and peace education programs through Dance4Peace in D.C., and has taught children’s yoga programs in public schools through YoKid, based in Alexandria, Virginia. Her positions as a teacher’s assistant, aid, and camp counselor in D.C. and New York have nurtured her passion for working with youth. Rhiannon is a recent graduate of American University, where she has a bachelor’s in international studies.
  • Cosme Lantigua, Physical Education Coordinator
    Cosme hails from the Dominican Republic via Puerto Rico where he has spent the last several years as a physical education instructor and basketball coach. He is a certified teacher of physical education in Puerto Rico, as well as a certified basketball instructor with FIBA (Federación Internacional de Baloncesto) and Puerto Rico's Basketball Federation. Cosme has taught at various schools in Puerto Rico, including The School of San Juan and Colegio Santa Gema in Carolina. He was also a basketball coach and instructor with the Department of Sports and Recreation in San Juan. Cosme has a bachelor's in physical education from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus.
  • Cherish Pennington, Specials/After-School Fellow - Art
    Cherish is excited to contribute her knowledge and practice of art to Mundo Verde’s program. A graduate of the Corcoran College of Art + Design where she has a BFA in fine art photography, Cherish has also done coursework in art and early childhood development at Sierra College in Rocklin, California. She has spent the past several years in D.C. working with children and families. Most recently, she was an intern for the Youth and Family Program at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. She was also an assistant teacher working with preschool students at School For Friends. In addition, Cherish is a freelance photographer whose work has been part of exhibitions such as NEXT at the Corcoran: Class of 2012; Examinations in Light: PROject proJECT; and Fotoweek DC International Art Festival, among others.

Enrichment Associates