Allie Glass

Manager of Teaching and Learning

Allie graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education Policy Studies and Sociology from Syracuse University. Through her studies, she became passionate about educational equity. She joined Teach For America in Kansas City, Missouri, where she received a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Missouri- St. Louis. Allie served the Kansas City community for seven years as a Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade classroom teacher and founding member of two charter schools. Falling in love with bilingual education, Allie moved abroad and spent the past two years living and teaching Kindergarten in Quito, Ecuador. Allie loves cooking, hot yoga, and outdoor adventures in her free time. She is thrilled to be working with the Mundo Verde community!

Berenice Pernalete

Director of Innovation

Berenice is excited to continue at Mundo Verde as a Director of Innovation. While working as a Mundo Verde founding lead kindergarten teacher, Berenice helped produce the award-winning bilingual short film, Vuela, Vuela Mariposa, written and performed by kindergarten students as part of their expedition on animal adaptation and habitat preservation. Berenice has over ten years of extensive experience in all facets of children’s performance management, children’s program development, research, scheduling, planning, portfolio development, and team building. She has previously developed bilingual preschool content for a PBS-affiliated television network and was involved with funding projects that promote bilingualism through the media. Berenice received her master’s degree in bilingual/bicultural education from Teachers College at Columbia University and her bachelor's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University.

Cristina Faz

Chief of Staff

Cristina returns to Mundo Verde with the position of Chief of Staff. Previously, in 2014, Cristina joined our community with the position of Executive Assistant of Mundo Verde. She has experience as a Volunteer Assistant for Advisor for International Families at Stanford University for 2 years, coordinating the Programs for International Families. She is an active member of the Parent Association in the school where her children attend and is a strong believer that parent participation, staff and teacher leadership, along with good communication among all school members, are central elements to the experience of a child’s education and the achievement of the school’s goals. Cristina was born and raised in Mexico and has been in the DC area since 2009. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Delmy Rodriguez

Director of Student Services

Delmy is originally from Los Angeles, CA. She received her Master’s in Psychology at the University of California, Irvine. She has lived in the Washington DC area for 3 years. Delmy has 11 years of experience in the field of special education working with students from PreK to 12th grade in general education, resource, and self-contained settings. She loves hiking and staying active with her german shepherd.

Diana Rayas

Director of Communications

Diana has worked at Mundo Verde since 2013. Diana has over 15 years of experience as a marketing and business expert with non-profit organizations, multinational companies, and private businesses. Prior to Mundo Verde, Diana lived and worked in Mexico, managing international volunteering programs as a Country Director for ProWorld Volunteer, and running ecotourism workshops for the indigenous communities. She also worked as a Marketing Product Manager for over 7 years in multinational businesses. She moved to Washington DC in 2012, and worked as an Outreach Coordinator at DC Greens focused on the Hispanic Community; she also collaborated with City Blossoms as an Outreach Coordinator and Translator. She is originally from Mexico City, and has a degree in Marketing with specialization in Business Administration from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey – Ciudad de México, and a postgraduate degree in Sustainable Tourism from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Gloria Quirarte

Extended Programs Director

As Extended Day Program Director, Gloria supervises Mundo Verde’s Extended Day Programs including the Before, After & Evening Extension Services. Previously, she was Director of Operations at Multicultural Community Services & served as Executive Assistant to the Director at CentroNía. As a Program Specialist for Hispanas Unidas in Texas, she developed a curriculum & taught in an after school program enhancing the self-esteem & life skills of middle school girls. By forging a partnership with the Southwest School of Art & Craft she integrated art workshops into the program. Gloria has an MA in Sociocultural Anthropology from John Hopkins, and a BA in political science from Swarthmore College. In her spare time, Gloria relishes the art of making embellished boxes.

Joseph Rodriguez

Interim Chief School Officer

With 28 years of service with public schools in Texas, Joseph Rodriguez is a passionate, bilingual life-long educator. His doctoral thesis examined the impact of bilingual/ESL programs on student achievement, and recommendations for eliminating disparities in bilingual programs. Over the past two decades Joseph has served as a bilingual/ESL teacher and athletic coach, a principal of an elementary dual language academy, a high school principal and assistant principal, a school district Bilingual/ESL compliance coordinator – and was most recently tasked with mentoring principals in his school district. Joseph's doctoral thesis examined the impact of bilingual/ESL programs on student achievement, and developed innovative recommendations for eliminating disparities in bilingual programs.

Isadora Carreras

Director of Development

Isadora has been at Mundo Verde since 2013 as Development Manager. She is a fundraising expert, having worked in the field of development for more than 15 years. Her expertise encompasses the areas of major gifts, institutional giving, capital campaign management, direct mail, volunteer management and special events. Prior to joining Mundo Verde, Isadora was a consultant at Onward, where her practice included fundraising strategy, talent search and development, major giver campaigns, database management and direct mail marketing. She has also served as a fundraising officer for WITNESS, Inc. and was director of external relations at Higher Achievement in Washington, D.C. Isadora also serves as member of the Bank Street College of Education Children’s Book Committee. Additionally, Isadora has over 12 years of teaching and mentoring experience. She is a native of Costa Rica, fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in Portuguese. Isadora has a master's degree in child and family studies and gifted education from the University of Denver.

Jennifer Kouakeu

Principal Campus Calle Ocho

Jennifer Kouakeu is thrilled to re-join the Mundo Verde family! She brings eight years of experience in education. Throughout her years in the field, Jennifer has taught grades Kinder through 5th in DC and has held other positions such as inclusion specialist, family engagement lead and grade level chair. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast News and Political science from Howard University and master degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education from Lesley University. She is an Urban Teachers alumna and has served the program as a summer instructional coach as well as an instructor for new teachers. Outside of school she loves to dedicate her time as a writer and cheerleading coach for Cougars Competitive Cheer.

Jorge Montes

Coach in Residence

Jorge is happy to be back this year as a coach in residence. He previously worked as a lead teacher at Mundo Verde and as a teacher at the Center for Integral Development supporting children with autism in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He has held positions of assistant professor and administrative assistant director at the Bayamón Central University. He has also taught in Bayamón as a health teacher and as a teacher of social studies, physical education, health, and fine arts at Colegio Carmen. 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 received his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in special education from Bayamón Central University.

Katherine Park

Chief Operating and Sustainability Officer

Kat joins Mundo Verde after ten years working across DCPS and DC public charter schools. Most recently, she worked as the Director of a public Montessori school, merging two campuses and growing the school to 350 students. Having lived abroad in Nepal and South Korea - and working at international organizations like the World Bank, Kat is excited about learning Spanish and supporting a bi-lingual and diverse learning community. Kat has two masters from Georgetown and Cornell, and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Besides playing tennis, Kat loves to hike inside Rock Creek and explore new taste buds at DC restaurants.

Kristin Scotchmer

Executive Director

Kristin Scotchmer 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 seventeen 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.

In five years of managing donor-advised grant making at the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region (CFNCR), Kristin developed the rationale and internal consensus for the foundation to formally launch a new service: Philanthropic Advisory Services. Having conceptualized and carried out its implementation, she led CFNCR's team of philanthropic advisors, directly managing $3.2 million in annual grant making and supervising teams across CFNCR departments and its affiliates and customer service teams to implement best practices in donor education, grant making and nonprofit capacity building. Results include facilitating and carrying out a major realignment of a private foundation's $1 million in grant making.

In her former position as Mosaica's director of organizational development, Kristin directed, designed and implemented a variety of consulting projects to strengthen the governance, management and programs of nonprofit organizations. She was also a member of Mosaica’s management team and held senior responsibility for the organization's fundraising, management and administrative functions. Kristin has completed coursework toward an M.A. degree in Latin American studies from the University of Texas at Austin and has a B.A. degree in political science and Latin American studies from the University of Chicago. Kristin lives in Washington, D.C.'s Petworth neighborhood and has two daughters.

Luisa Aviles

Director of Teaching and Learning

Luisa is excited to join Mundo Verde PCS as a Director of Teaching and Learning. Luisa brings over 15 years of experience in elementary education and experiential learning outdoors. She has taught PreK-5th grades in TX, GA, NC and in the Mid-Atlantic region. Luisa believes that all children learn best when learning is hands-on and in the power of creating experiences for the students. She grew up in Caracas, Venezuela. Before joining Mundo Verde PCS, Luisa worked with educational non-profit organizations, and in the food and airlines businesses. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Special Education. Luisa enjoys painting, dancing, exploring the outdoors, and visiting new places with her puppy Honey Bunny.

Matías Guerra

Coach in Residence

Matías is happy to return as a Coach in Residence at Mundo Verde since starting in the lead teacher role in the 2015-16 school year. He has 20 years of experience in early childhood education, having held teaching positions at various schools in El Salvador, including Centro Escolar Católico Juan Pablo II. Matías brings dedication and enthusiasm for fostering creativity and artistic development in the students. He is also extremely knowledgeable of folk dances and traditional dances of his native El Salvador. He holds a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Universidad Luterana Salvadoreña.

Mónica Arias Jimenez

Director of Teaching and Learning

Monica is excited to return to our community as a Director of Teaching and Learning. She started as a Fellow Teacher in Kindergarten in the 2015-16 school year and then as a Lead Techer in 5th grade. She previously worked at Universidad del Zulia in Venezuela. She also worked as a teacher to children, teenagers and adults. Mónica enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. She also enjoys sciences and teaching her native language. Mónica holds a diploma in Teaching Techniques. She has taken different pedagogical trainings in her native Venezuela, as well as Spain, Germany and Peru. Mónica earned her PhD in Chemistry studying in both Venezuela and Spain.

Natalia Carbone

Dean of Academics

Natalia is excited to begin her ninth year at Mundo Verde, this year in a leadership role as Academic Dean. She previously worked as a lead teacher in Kindergarten, second grade, and first grade at Mundo Verde. Natalia has 17 years of experience; She has previously taught 3rd-6th grades in Argentina and worked with PreK-5th grade students in the United States. Born in the United States and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Natalia firmly believes in building knowledge based on the needs of each child. She is passionate about the Latin American language and culture and in her spare time she takes guitar singing lessons and exercises. Natalia has a degree in Primary Education from the National University of Santiago del Estero, a master's degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language from the UDIMA University in Madrid. She is "Expert in ontological coach with specialization in emotional intelligence and NLP". She is an executive mentor, Autonomous University of Madrid and has a diploma in Climate Management and Institutional Culture, issued by the Polytechnic of South America.

Olivia Michael

Assistant to the Executive Director

Coming Soon!

Rene Cadogan

Assistant Principal

Rene is originally from Panama Rep. of Panama, and has been in education for the last 25 five years. He served as a Spanish teacher, School Counselor, Dean of Students and Academic Principal. Rene attended George Mason University earning a BA in Latin America Languages and Culture, and University of the District of Columbia earning degree in Clinical Counseling. He also attended Walden University to complete degrees in Teacher Leadership, and Educational Leadership Administration. Rene is certified in Prek-12 Spanish, Prek-12 School Counseling, and Prek-12 Administration and Supervision. He enjoys reading, dancing, video games, and traveling, and is happy to be part of Mundo Verde PCS as Assistant Principal.

Rodrigo Salgado

Director of Data and Accountability

Rodrigo is excited to return as a Director of Data and Accountability for a third year. He has previously worked as a bilingual math intervention teacher, lead teacher in fourth and third grade, and as a classroom fellow in Kindergarten. His motivation to continue into the field of education after working in policy comes from a 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 and a Master's degree in Bilingual Education from American University. He loves soccer and spending time with his family.

Robyn Pretlow

Director of Talent/HR and General Counsel

Robyn is a highly effective educator with a portfolio of strategic leadership in student academic achievement and character development as well leadership in local educational reform. In 2001 Robyn began her career in education as a member of the first cohort of educators trained by The New Teacher Project – DC. She joined her first Expeditionary Learning school in 2005. Robyn has worked in and with schools in Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Along with experience in teaching and curriculum development, Robyn has extensive experience in the supervision of educational programs, budget management, and leading professional development. She also taught Education Psychology and Adolescent Development as an Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College in New York. Robyn is very excited to continue her work in education as the Director of Operations at Mundo Verde and support the efforts to provide every student here with a high-quality education. While Robyn considers Washington, DC home, she grew up in Richmond, VA and attended Duke University (BA), Georgetown University Law Center (JD), and George Washington University (M.Ed).

Roynetta Douglas

Principal J.F. Cook Campus

Roynetta (Netta) has been an educator for 17 years beginning as a substitute teacher in her hometown of Jackson, Michigan. She began her studies at Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor's in Spanish and English. Roynetta went on to complete her teacher education program at Michigan State University and her Master's degree at Union University in Tennessee. From there, she taught in the south and then traveled west and came to Mundo Verde from a charter high school that served pregnant and parenting teens and their children in Aurora, CO. In her spare time, Roynetta loves to read books on a variety of topics and across many genres. Also, she expresses her creativity through the colorful world of nail art.

Siobhan Saul

Network Coordinator

Siobhan is excited to be a part of the Mundo Verde family as Network Coordinator. She brings with her 12 years of experience in education, including most recently as a Spanish teacher in Virginia. She was born in Germany and moved with her family across many states before finally settling in South Carolina. She has a degree in Spanish from the University of South Carolina Upstate. Siobhan enjoys dancing, going on walks with her dogs, and attending her daughter's theatrical performances.

Yulemny Mendez

Program Coordinator

Coming Soon

Natalie Ejechi

Principal of Upper Academy

Natalie, a dedicated educator with two decades of experience in various educational roles, is thrilled and honored to become part of the Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS Community as Principal in SY23-24. Her career has encompassed teaching in public and charter schools, serving as a General Education and Special Education Teacher, ELA and Math Instructional Coach, Testing Coordinator, and most recently as an Assistant Principal. Natalie's diverse background has allowed her to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders to enhance student achievement and promote social-emotional well-being. As a first-generation American with Jamaican roots, born and raised in Florida, she deeply values equity, diversity, and servant leadership. Her educational philosophy centers on the unwavering belief that every student can excel in a positive learning environment supported by a dedicated academic team, strong leadership, and engaged families. Natalie is a lifelong learner, holding degrees from Howard University, Concordia University, and St. Thomas University, where she is nearing completion of her doctorate in Leadership and Innovation. Beyond her passion for education, Natalie finds joy in being a mother to two Jamaican-Nigerian-American sons, enjoying beach days, quality time with family, and exploring new destinations through travel.

Johanna Mamiam

Principal of Lower Academy

Johanna Mamiam is a dedicated bilingual and dual language educator with over twelve years of experience, originally hailing from Colombia and relocating to the United States in 2015. Her journey in education has taken her from teacher assistant to her current role as Principal, serving students from infancy to K5. Johanna holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the American Public University System and a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Teaching French and English as a Second Language from the University of Cauca, Colombia. Additionally, she earned an ECE credential at Miami Dade College and is a certified CLASS Observer. Her passion for education is evident through her development of three educational projects in Colombia, aimed at enhancing bilingual skills among students. Beyond education, she spent eight years as a dedicated Scout leader and actively contributed to fundraising for the Santa Clara Foundation in Colombia, supporting children and students with financial needs. Johanna is known for her unwavering commitment, empowering leadership, and dedication to improving the learning and teaching experiences for all, recognizing the profound impact a great administrator can have on a school and the lives of its members.

Katalina Beltran

Dean of Academics - Lower Academy

Katalina Beltran, known as Ms. Kata, is thrilled to start her first year as the dean of J.F. Cook Campus's lower academic division. She has been an active member of the Mundo Verde community for a decade, working as a lead teacher in upper and lower academic areas and collaborating with various school projects. Furthermore, she has worked as a SPED teacher and taught Spanish as a second language in institutions focused on languages. Dean Kata's background includes seven years of teaching experience in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Currently, Dean Kata is pursuing her master's degree in International Education. She received her Bachelor of Education from the Pedagogical University of Colombia and has participated in numerous trainings with Responsive Classroom, Expeditionary learning education, and child psychology. In her free time, she enjoys reading, going on nature walks, and spending time with her family and friends.

Ronald Portillo

Dean of Academics - Lower Academy

Entering his 2nd Year as Dean of Instruction with Mundo Verde, Dean Ronald Portillo brings experience and institutional knowledge into this school year, along with an additional 14 years of experience as an educator. Having served lower grades last year at J.F. Cook Campus, Dean Ronald is shifting to the Calle Ocho Campus to serve as the Dean supporting PreK-1st grades in collaboration with Principal Michelle Mangan.

Michelle Mangan

Principal of Lower Academy

Michelle is the Principal of PK - 1st grade at Mundo Verde Calle Ocho. With over seven years of experience as an assistant principal and school administrator at LAMB PCS in DC, she has supported teachers, students, and families through significant school transitions, including building changes, leadership shifts, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle's dedication to public education, particularly bilingual education and English learners, began as a second-grade teacher in a bilingual school in the New York City Public Schools. Throughout her career, she has worked at various levels to promote strong curriculum practices and foster inclusive learning environments. Michelle holds a Master's in Education from Fordham University and a J.D. from Yale Law School. In her free time, she enjoys watercolor painting, reading, and chasing after her two boys.

Liz Pefaure

Principal of Upper Academy

Liz Pefaure is excited to rejoin the Mundo Verde staff. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Spanish from the University of Delaware and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Since 2008, Liz has been serving as a leading educator in Washington, D.C. She began teaching as a Spanish Foreign Language teacher with Center City Public Charter Schools (CCPCS). After four years with CCPCS, she accepted a Pre-K teaching position with Mundo Verde in their founding year. While at Mundo Verde, she served as Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st-grade, and 5th-grade Mathematics teacher. She also served as Summer School Principal for six years and was a Leading Educators Fellow. In 2019, Liz joined Urban Teachers as an Instructional Coach, supporting first-year teachers across both DC Public and DC Charter Schools. She has also utilized her expertise as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate-level education courses at Johns Hopkins University. Liz is originally from Lima, Peru, and in her spare time enjoys traveling with her husband and two sons, playing soccer, and taking her dog out for walks.

Heleena Moon

Director of Teaching and Learning

Heleena is happy to join the Mundo Verde school community as an Instructional Coach! She is coming to the organization with over 10 years of experience in education. She previously worked as a classroom teacher, Math Instructional Coach, and a Math Implementation Specialist for Eureka Math. She was born and raised in the Boston, MA area and came to DC to pursue higher education at Howard University. In her free time she enjoys weekend brunch dates with friends, art exhibits, and hanging out with her adorable puppy.