SAN DIEGO FRENCH-AMERICAN SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Board Chair of the Head Support and Evaluation Committee
Chair of the Board; Chair of the Head Support and Evaluation Committee
Bio
Aaron Brennan joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in 2021. He is a California native and has been in San Diego since 1990. His children have attended SDFAS since preschool starting in 2010. Aaron is a recently retired San Diego City Firefighter and a currently serving officer in the US Navy Reserve. He has a BS in Finance from San Diego State University and an MA in Public Leadership from the University of San Francisco.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Science & Sustainability Coordinator
Alexis Nahama joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in January 2020. He is a proud global citizen - French by filiation (parents), born in Trinidad & Tobago, and childhood hopping around South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico). He is married to Andrea (Brazilian from Rio) and has two children (Lucas and Camille) in 1st grade (twins). Portuguese, English, and French are the languages spoken at home. Tash, a Havanese dog, adds a flair of Cuban character to the family mix! Alexis is a veterinarian by training, with a vast experience in clinical drug development, business development, commercialization, and international operations. He currently holds a senior executive role in charge of the neuro-therapeutic (pain) business unit at Sorrento (Nasdaq: SRNE), a local San Diego biotechnology company. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Alexis has served on multiple non-profit boards, scientific councils, and industry trade organizations.
Job Titles:
- Family Engagement & Development Associate
Ana Laura Carrillo was born in Los Angeles and raised in Tijuana, Baja California. She obtained her B.A. in Tourism Management in UABC (Tijuana). She then extended her studies with a Professional Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning at San Diego State University. Ana has worked for weddings and concerts organizers, the "San Diego Latin Film Festival," and an event production company behind the San Diego Beach and Bay half marathon. She can also count in her resume the "Valle Food & Wine Festival" in the Valle de Guadalupe wine production area south of the border, and most recently, Baja Wine + Food, where she coordinated events and luxury travel. Ana Laura is passionate about promoting Baja and outdoor activities.
Job Titles:
- Pre School Assistant Teacher
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Development Committee
Job Titles:
- Administrative Director of Pre - Elementary and Admissions Associate for Pre - Elementary
- Admissions Associate
- Preschool Administrative Director
Babeth Esterly grew up in a twelfth century ch teau in the Loire Valley where her father worked as the gardener and on-site manager. She has lived and worked in Paris, Israel, New York, Belize, Guatemala, and Key West, all before moving to San Diego in 1999. Seeking the best education for her daughter at that time, she enrolled her at San Diego French-American School. Babeth soon began volunteering at the school herself, and eventually transitioned to a full-time position. For the past 22 years, Babeth has been a driving force in the growth of the school and a tireless advocate for young students. In recognition of her dedication to early childhood education, Babeth was inducted into the Ordre des Palmes Académiques in 2018 by the French Ministry of Education for services rendered to French national education. Babeth finds joy each day in ensuring that every child has a happy, safe and healthy learning environment, and that all children respected for who they are.
Beverly Portillo was born and raised in Southern California and moved to San Diego in 2013. She studied psychology at CSUSB and obtained her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Loma Linda University. For over 10 years she has worked with children in families in underserved communities, most recently with San Diego Center for Children. She also provides services in her private practice located in Solana Beach. When not working Beverly enjoys walking to the beach, playing with her dog Kai and spending quality time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School English Teacher
Birka Nielsen was born in Germany and grew up in San Diego. She received her B.A. in Education and Elementary Teaching Credential from the University of San Diego. She received her M.A. in Language Arts Curriculum Design from San Diego State University. After teaching in the Solana Beach School District, Birka joined San Diego French-American School in 2005. Birka has two children who attend SDFAS and they enjoy visiting family in Québec, Canada during the summer. Teaching is a true passion for Birka and she loves working with children of all ages. Birka is pleased to be part of our vibrant community as a teacher and as a parent.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Teacher of Social Studies & English Language Arts
As a result of her mother's international career Britta has been lucky enough to live and learn in six different countries. She grew up bilingual, speaking both English and French until her mid-teens. She hopes to reignite her French skills where she left off! Her learning communities, peers, and teachers were a constant source of comfort and joy throughout her many moves around the world. These factors sparked her love for school and education. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA) in 2018 with a degree in Geography and Gender Studies. In early August 2021 she graduated with her Master's Degree in Secondary Education in Social Studies with a certification in teaching English as an Additional Language from University of Wisconsin, Madison. She is thrilled to join the San Diego French-American School learning community and hopes to inspire her students to love Social Studies as much as she does. Britta is new to San Diego and cannot wait to begin exploring the area with her dog, Misty. In her free time she loves to hike, cook, and swim.
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten English Teacher
Camille was born and raised in Orange County, California. She got her Bachelor's Degree at UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Education. After graduating, she moved to Baltimore, Maryland to get her Master's Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education at Johns Hopkins School of Education. While in Baltimore, she was also in a teaching program called Urban Teachers for four years. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade her first year as a resident teacher and then taught Kindergarten at a charter school for three years. Her passion is making sure school and learning are fun, engaging, and interactive! In her free time, she likes to play with her Australian Shepherd named Indie, try new food places, and travel.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School English Teacher
Ms Murillo was born and raised in Southern California, where she studied education at San Diego State University and began her career as a teacher. After traveling across Europe in 2009, she took a course to earn her certification in teaching English as a second language (TESOL). Teaching abroad for 2 years in Turkey and South Korea provided her an opportunity to teach children in different social, economic and cultural backgrounds that broadened her teaching experiences. She loves traveling and while abroad also visited such amazing places as Germany, Greece, China, Taiwan, Thailand and the Czech Republic. Ms Anderson loves using creative/artistic approaches to her curriculum, and in her spare time enjoys reading historical fiction, visiting museums, practicing yoga and playing beach volleyball!
Job Titles:
- Elementary School French Teacher & Musique / Chorale / Arts Du Spectacle Coordinator
Originally from the Southeast of France (Ardèche), Mrs. Selva Huerta received in 1995 the female scientific achievement award (Rhône-Alpes region). After two years of intensive math prep courses (Math sup, Math spé) in Grenoble, she entered the ENESAD (Dijon) and graduated in 2002 with an M.S. in engineering, with a specialization in agriculture. After spending four years working in the development of agriculture, she moved to California to be with her husband. In November 2006, Mrs. Selva Huerta joined San Diego French-American School as a preschool assistant and a substitute math teacher from 2nd to 8th grade. In the meantime, she earned her certificate in early childhood education (ECE) from San Diego City College, as well as her French elementary school teacher certification. Passionate about music, Claire started playing the flute at the age of seven. Since September 2007, Claire has been teaching in PK classes and sharing her passion for music by directing the school choir. She is trilingual in French, English and Spanish and loves traveling, ceramics, South-American dances, and outdoor sports (climbing, skiing, and hiking).
Job Titles:
- Elementary School French Teacher
Ms. Perdereau was born in Paris, France the oldest of four children. She holds a degree in English from the University of La Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, and is accredited as a teacher from Pre-K to 5th grade by the IUFM d'Antony, Academy of Versailles. She also completed a Masters in French as a Second Language, University Stendhal, Grenoble. She worked mainly in North America at the French American School of San Francisco (one year), she substituted in French for private American schools in the Mainline area (Philadelphia), French International school of Philadelphia (two years) and the French International School of Vancouver in Canada (two years). Her daughter was born in the US and attends San Diego French-American School. Ms. Perdereau loves traveling, arts, reading and genealogy.
Job Titles:
- Secretary of the Board, Chair of the Strategic Initiatives Committee
Bio
Emiline Cairncross joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in 2019. Her son starts PK0 in 2021. She is half French, half Italian, and she grew up in the countryside outside of Lyon, France. She speaks English and French fluently. Emiline is an attorney, but is not currently practicing. She started her career at Jones Day as an executive compensation and employee benefits associate where she focused on corporate transactions for public and private companies. Emiline received her B.A. in psychology and French from UCLA and her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Bio
Fernanda Coelho joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in 2018. She is originally from Brazil and moved to the United States in 2003. Her children have attended the SDFAS since PK-0. Fernanda is a business executive with over 20 years of experience in strategy consulting, venture investing and operations. She is currently the President of Coelho Consulting LLC, a life-sciences advisory and consulting firm. Fernanda received her BS in Chemical Engineering from Escola de Engenharia Maua in Brazil and her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business in California.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Faculty & Director of Middle School
- Middle School Director / Dean of Faculty
Originally from Bayonne (Pyrénées Atlantiques), Mr. Carlier studied at the Schools of Fine Arts in Pau and Lyon before his military service. He then enrolled at the University of Toulouse Le Mirail where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Art History. After teaching art in middle school for a year, he completed his Masters of Education at the Academy of Versailles. He taught at the French school for two years in Portland, Oregon and then moved to the east coast to join the faculty of L'Ecole Française du Maine, where he worked for three years before joining San Diego French-American School. Since 2011, Francis has been the director of the Elementary School, and he also continues teaching, as he loves to keep in touch with the students. In San Diego, he discovered a new passion: surfing.
Job Titles:
- Middle School French Math Teacher
Job Titles:
- Elementary School French Teacher
Born and raised in Paris, Gwenaëlle lived in France until 2016 until she moved to Los Angeles to follow her husband with their two daughters. After receiving a Master's in biology at Paris XI University, she obtained her CRPE teaching credential in 2000 and taught for 15 years, mainly in preschools near Paris. She loved teaching young students and focused on French language learning. When she arrived in the US, she dedicated her time to helping her two daughters adjust to their new life. She volunteered at their elementary school and became familiar with a new way of teaching and was able to learn a lot from this experience. The family is now relocating to San Diego and Gwenaëlle is very happy to join the San Diego French-American School team. When not working she loves baking French pastries that she misses from home and loves to craft and create.
Isabelle David has a Bachelor of Arts from the Université Sorbonne Nouvelle and a Masters degree from Université d'Angers (both with honors). She is fully trilingual - French, English, and German - and has knowledge of Spanish, Italian, and Russian. She has lived in France and Austria. Prior to stepping into her role as Head of School in 2024, Isabelle David has worked at French American School of Chicago (EFAC), a K-12 school where she has been the director for the past eleven years. Among her many achievements, she was awarded the rank of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques (awarded by the Education Minister of France for services rendered to French Education and Culture). She is also the President of the Association of French Schools in North America (AFSA), a role she has held since 2016, and has strong relationships with the Mission Laïque Francaise.
Isabelle was born in Dijon and raised in a franco-portuguese bicultural setting that nurtured her love for travel, languages and cultures. After earning a bachelor's degree in Translation in Portugal, she arrives in California in 2006 where she starts working in a preschool with a French immersion program. Since then she has loved watching children grow while helping them know their full potential. Isabelle starts working at San Diego French-American School in 2017 as a PK1 assistant and then earns a French elementary teaching diploma with La Mission Laïque and the University of Caen. With two sons attending SDFAS, Isabelle loves sports, nature and music.
Job Titles:
- Elementary & Middle School Visual Arts Teacher
Job Titles:
- New Trustee, Chair of the Audit Committee
Job Titles:
- Elementary School English Teacher
Karin Brittain loves teaching because it is a profession that allows her to be creative and make meaningful connections with young learners. Karin grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and obtained her bachelor's degree at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she served as a school-based AmeriCorps volunteer in Providence, Rhode Island. It was her experience in the AmeriCorps that influenced her choice to pursue a career in education. Karin also had the desire to explore the world, and after earning her TESOL certificate from Western Washington University, started teaching ESL overseas. Karin began by going back to Canada, followed by France (Normandy and Bordeaux), and then Madrid, Spain. Eventually, Karin returned to school to earn her Master's degree in Curriculum & Instruction through a program at George Mason University specialized in teaching in international schools. She continued on to teach second grade at a small international school in South Korea. Karin now holds teaching credentials for grades k-12 (elementary, ESL, and English) in Virginia and California. Karin loves reading, writing, learning languages, and outdoor activities such as hiking and paddle boarding. Karin is excited to join the 5th grade team this upcoming school year!
Job Titles:
- Kindergarten French Teacher ( Maternity Leave )
Laurette was born and raised in a small town in Northern France and holds a Master's Degree in Translation from the University of Lille 3. She has worked in schools in England, Australia, France, India, and the US, which provided experience in a variety of teaching methods and environments. Before joining San Diego French-American School, she was a founding faculty member at a new French-speaking school in Oakland, California. She has also worked as a volunteer for literacy and refugee programs. Her passion for travel and education has taken her all over the world, including backpacking across Asia. She believes that discovering new cultures is the best way to open minds and build a better and more tolerant community.
Marilyn was born and raised in San Diego, CA. While obtaining her first B.S. degree from UCSD in biochemistry, she volunteered her time in the emergency room at UCSD Hillcrest. Here she discovered her passion for medicine. She was inspired by the nurses' sharp decision-making along with their deep compassion, which compelled her to pursue nursing. Marilyn graduated from National University with a B.S. in Nursing with honors. Throughout her coursework Marilyn soon realized she had both the aptitude and demeanor for caring for pediatric patients. Her genuine compassion, flexible communication styles, and strong advocating voice helped secure her first nursing job at Rady Children's Hospital in their emergency department, where she practiced for 2 years. Her bounding interests then lead her to Bend, Oregon, where she backpacked and hiked to her heart's content, while rounding out her nursing knowledge caring for both adult and pediatric patients at St. Charles Medical Center for 3 years. After 5 years of dedicated pediatric and mixed adult/pediatric ER experience, Marilyn set her sights back on her hometown and pursued her dream job of becoming a school nurse. At San Diego French-American School Marilyn enjoys being a kind, protective, and healing presence for the students, as well as a straightforward, approachable resource for their families.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Curriculum & High School Placement Counselor
Born in Lyon, France, Marion began studying Archeology and Classics, later continuing her studies in Athens, Greece. After receiving her Master's in Classics, she participated in a teacher exchange program in Northern Greece. Marion then pursued studies in teaching French as a Second Language (FSL) and children's theater. After this, she taught French literature and Classics, and served as the coordinator of the French department in a K-12 bilingual school in Istanbul, Turkey, where she remained for eight years. During her time at SDFAS, Marion went from teaching Middle School French literature, to taking on the coordination of the Middle School and the French program. Since Marion joined SDFAS in 2016, she worked diligently in developing student engagement and facilitating student-led committees.
Job Titles:
- Middle School Spanish & Spanish Coordinator ( Maternity Leave )
Mayra was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico. She moved with her family to the United States when she was in the 10th grade. After graduating high school, she attended San Diego State University, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and had the opportunity to study abroad in Madrid, Spain. Mayra then joined the Teacher Credentialing Program at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). Successfully credentialed and with several years of teaching experience under her belt, Mayra went on to earn her Master's Degree in Spanish from CSULA in the Spring of 2020. For the last six years, she has taught Spanish to native, heritage and non-native speakers in both public and charter schools. She also has experience teaching Advanced Placement courses approved by the College Board and served as World Language Department Chair for four years prior to joining San Diego French-American School. During her free time Mayra enjoys spending time and traveling with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Director of Campus Operations
Mike grew up in Southern California and attended UC San Diego for university. It was there that he fell in love with both San Diego and the woman who would later become his wife. He studied Spanish and Italian in school and spent time abroad studying in Sienna, Italy and traveling extensively throughout Europe. These experiences sparked a desire to learn new languages and build relationships with people from different cultures. After earning a bachelor's degree in History and a master's in education, Mike worked in outdoor recreation for a few years before accepting a teaching position in Bucaramanga, Colombia. After a year of teaching abroad he returned to California and began working for John Muir Charter Schools. Across his fourteen-year tenure with this school, Mike worked his way up from a part-time teacher to be the Chief Operations Officer and Interim-CEO, developing an extensive understanding of school operations along the way. Mike is an avid cyclist and outdoor enthusiast and enjoys adventuring with his wife and three daughters. He and his family have returned to San Diego after 10 months on the road traveling the United States and "road schooling" the kids. With a lot of enthusiasm, Mike joined the San Diego French-American School team to be part of a multi-lingual, multi-cultural community.
Minu was born and raised in South India and moved to San Diego in 2016 - she joined San Diego French-American School in 2019. Minu has a B.A. in Finance and loves to play badminton and listen to music.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
Bio
Mony Liquard joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in 2021. She was born in Cambodia, immigrated to America at the age ten, and is fluent in Cambodian, Chinese, French and English. Mony is a financial services executive with 20+ years of experience in New York. Her husband is French and their three children have all attended the French American School of New York prior to relocating to San Diego. Her family has been exposed to diverse private and public schools in New York, Melbourne, Australia, and San Diego. Mony received her Bachelor of Arts from Willamette University and her Master of International Affairs from Columbia University in New York.
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment, Marketing & Communications
Sarah grew up in France where she attended a Classe Préparatoire aux Grandes Écoles in the city of Marseille, before graduating from Science Po with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications & Journalism four years later. Passionate about languages, she took advantage of her Junior Year to attend a study abroad program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. This first experience led her to follow a Master's program in Arts Management at Lindenwood University, in Missouri. Shortly after graduating, she started a successful 12-year career in Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications in corporations, agencies and finally education, in France and the US. After managing press relations at CMA CGM, the world's 3rd largest container shipping company, she permanently relocated to the United States in 2011 where she specialized in Marketing, working for a well-established agency called Ansira. There, she managed top clients such as Ford, Lincoln, Mazda and Fiat, acting as an account executive, then account director for their brand compliance programs in the US and Canada. In 2014, she used her expertise to co-found Premier Armor, a company specializing in automotive aftermarket services. However, it's her experience in education since 2018 that has proven to be the most fulfilling. As a Marketing and Admissions Director at the International School of OC, she significantly increased enrollment by redesigning the admission process and implementing a strong marketing and local outreach strategy while also re-opening the Summer Camp and acting as an events planner. Sarah brings her experience, dedication and passion for bilingual education to San Diego French-American School where her boys continue their education.
Sarah Le Boyer holds a B.A. in Physics and French and a Masters degree in Education. She holds additional certificates in Supporting Children With Difficulties in Reading and Writing (Dyslexia) and Everyday Strategies (ADHD), Responsive Classroom and French as a Foreign Language (FLE/ESL). She has a diverse work history in education with experiences teaching at University, in High School, Middle School, Elementary school in addition to school administration and communication. After teaching in France for five years she moved to San Diego. She is raising a French-American family and has 2 children at San Diego French-American School. She is a firm believer that bilingual education is a wonderful gift we can give our children!
Job Titles:
- Academic Director of La Maternelle ( PK / K )
- Preschool Academic Director
Born and raised in Brittany (France), Sophie received her bachelor of of Arts Degree in Foreign Languages with a majored in English and Spanish and Economics. After she earned her Master's of Education, she taught 3 years in France in multi-level classrooms. With her husband, she moved to NYC and taught at the Lycee Français of New York where she discovered the power of bilingual education. This amazing first experience was a revelation for her. Teaching and co-teaching in a bilingual environment became her passion. She continues to enrich her experiences using different pedagogical approaches, working methods and teachintechniques/practices. Before joining the San Diego French-American School community in 2009 as a mother and Kindergarten Teacher, she taught at Ecole Bilingue in Berkeley. After many years of teaching, Sophie is now the preschool pedagogical director . Her children, Jane and Gabriel, are students at SDFAS. During her free time she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Front Office Manager and J - 1 Visa Coordinator
Originally from France, Stéphanie moved to San Diego in 2002, after living in Seattle and Montreal, and joined San Diego French-American School in 2004. She graduated from Université Lumière Lyon 2 and Université de Montréal, with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Archeology. Prior to working with us, Stéphanie worked at the Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. Stéphanie loves to travel and discover cuisine from around the world.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School French Teacher
Sylvia was born and raised in Paris. As of a very young age, she developed a passion for teaching and for high-level athletics (gymnastics and judo). This passion drove her to undertake her studies in Sciences and Techniques of Physical Activities and Sports. Sylvia taught physical education and sports at the middle school level on Réunion island and in Paris. After the birth of her oldest son, she became interested more and more by younger children and decided to take her teaching credential for elementary school which she earned with high marks. She taught for 10 years in schools of diverse socio-economic and cultural profiles before settled in Arizona where she has served for four years as elementary teacher and French-as-a-foreign-language teacher at the International School of Arizona. Sylvia is always seeking out new pedagogies which allow her students to find in their learning both joy and confidence. Mother of two boys, Sylvia devotes herself primarily to her family and loves to discover different cultures through numerous travels around the world.
Job Titles:
- Director of Elementary School & Coordinator of FLE / ESL
- Elementary School Director
Originally from France, Sylvie's international education started at the International School of Lyon (OIB). After graduating with a Master of International Law, she pursued a career as Credit Manager. Passionate about foreign languages, she volunteered to develop and implement a program to teach English in local schools around Lyon. Following her husband to England, she decided to embrace her true passion for teaching and graduated from The London Institute of Education in 2005. She taught at St Edward's School in London for 5 years where she was promoted Head of the French Department, teaching A Level French and mentoring newly qualified French teachers, and became a Cambridge International examiner. At the same time, she developed an Outreach program to facilitate the acquisition of languages in 13 different primary schools, which increased students enrollment in Middle school. Moving to New York in 2010, she became Chair of World Languages at Leman Manhattan Prep school, leading a team of 9 teachers in both Lower and Upper schools. At Leman, she developed a new project based curriculum and the IB program, and implemented Standard based grading in middle and high school. In 2014, she was delighted to reconnect with a bilingual education and joined FASNY to teach in CE2 and CM1 (3rd and 4th Grade). In 2020, Sylvie was recruited by San Diego French-American School as French literature teacher for the middle school and has also taught preparation for the AP exam to our alumni. She is delighted to take on the new roles of Elementary School Director and Coordinator of FLE/ESL.
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance & Accounting
Tom began his career in Public Accounting in Washington, DC. He then progressed through various disciplines in corporate finance at hospitality-related multinationals before specializing in not-for-profit independent schools in LA and Orange county. When not working, you might find Tom getting-in his cardio workout along the La Jolla coastal waterfront, or pausing just long-enough to better absorb the beauty of sights and sounds there.
Veronica grew up in a small town in the mountainous region of Michoacán in Mexico. Born in Ventura with dual citizenship, she graduated from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara with a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering and communications and later, following her passion to pursue a career in education, became certified to teach Languages other than English (LOTE) to grades K-12. Her career as an educator began at Westlake Academy, an International Baccalaureate World School where she was passionate about the mission to provide students with an internationally minded education so they are well-balanced and respectful life-long learners. There, she taught IB Spanish in the PYP and MYP. At Polytechnic School in Pasadena, where she has been for the past six years, she's taught language, collaborated in aligning the Spanish curriculum K-12, been a Global Initiatives Program and Outdoor Ed co-leader and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee member. Additionally, she has co-led international enrichment trips for students in Nicaragua, Peru and Puerto Rico, in which students immerse themselves in local language and culture to gain a rich understanding of socio-economic and political issues. Veronica believes in a global, bilingual education that helps students become world citizens and life-long learners.
Job Titles:
- French Elementary Teacher
Virginie will be joining San Diego French-American School from France, where she has been teaching Kindergarten. Virginie is originally from Normandy. There she studied at University and received her degree in psychology. During her time in University, Virginie volunteered at a home for the disabled, which inspired her choice to become a teacher for students with special needs. She taught for three years in an "Institut Médico-Educatif" and for five more years in a "Unité Localisée pour l'Inclusion Scolaire". In her free time, Virginie enjoys hiking, cooking for friends, meeting new people and discovering new places where she lives.
Job Titles:
- Development Director
- Director of Development
Véronique Rahmati has worked at San Diego French-American School since 2006. Involved in the move to the La Jolla campus, she played an integral role in making possible many mission-enhancing capital and program improvements. Véronique holds a Master's Degree (DEA) in International Relations from La Sorbonne, Paris. After having worked four years in an international organization (UNESCO), she joined the Cabinet of the City Hall of Rueil-Malmaison in France where she was in charge of international and external relations for the City. She moved from Paris to San Diego in 1997 and served as a software linguist developing the French-German program in a machine translation company before joining us. Véronique has a son, Adrien, who attended SDFAS from PK0 to 8th grade.
Job Titles:
- Preschool Teacher Assistant & Spanish Instructor
Wendy was born in San Diego and spent a part of her childhood in Tijuana, Baja California in Mexico. She has worked for San Diego French-American School for the past 13 years as an Preschool Assistant Teacher & Spanish Instructor, as well as an SDFAS summer camp lead counselor. She holds a degree in Child Development. Wendy's love for her native Spanish language and culture, as well as for the promise of multilingualism and global citizenship for our youngest students, are true passions for her.
Job Titles:
- Elementary School English Teacher
A California native, Whitney grew up in Los Angeles, spent her college years in San Francisco, and recently moved down to San Diego with her husband and two little girls. She holds her Master's Degree in Education and her Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of San Francisco. She spent the last 14 years teaching elementary school at charter, private, and micro-schools in Los Angeles. She sees each child as an intelligent, capable being with many gifts to offer the world. Her expertise is in constructivist curriculum development, which promotes the belief that learners construct knowledge rather than just passively take in information. Her goal is to create an inviting learning environment where children are comfortable taking academic risks, and helping city kids maintain a connection to nature. She is very excited to be amongst the warm community at San Diego French-American School in the beautiful setting of La Jolla. When she isn't lesson planning, she loves hiking, yoga, and going to the beach with her family.
Job Titles:
- Spanish Teacher ( Kindergarten / Elementary ) & Spanish Coordinator
Yuriko Patino is a native from Puebla, Mexico, who has been working at our school for nineteen years. She speaks English, Spanish and French. She worked with middle school students for 19 years at our school and is now developing and running the Kindergarten to 5th grade Spanish program. She holds a B.A in Psychology and a minor as a Preschool Teacher, minor in French and is currently working on her M.A in Neuroeducation. She loves working with all ages, she is passionate about teaching with compassion, love, and challenging students in a healthy way.
Job Titles:
- Vice - Chair Chair of the Committee on Trustees / Governance
Zac joined the SDFAS Board of Trustees in 2022. He has two children who started at SDFAS in PK-1 in 2017. Zac lived in San Diego most of his childhood, returning finally in 2017 primarily to join SDFAS. Zac began his career as an aerospace engineer in 1997 designing, building, and flight testing jet engines around the country and overseas, until co-founding an engineering and manufacturing consulting business in 2015