Contact Information
Two Locations in the South Bay
Pasitos West801 Hibiscus Lane, Room A
San Jose, CA 95117 (Shared parking lot with middle school) (408) 244-3551 License #434408873 |
Pasitos Central102 Sonora Ave
San Jose, CA 95110 (Enter driveway on Keoncrest Ave.) (408) 392-0000 License #434411587/8 |
About the teachers
Maestra Tami- Owner/Curriculum Director
Recently completing her MA in Child and Adolescent Development at San Jose State University,Tami has been in bilingual education for over a decade. Beginning as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher, she has worked with students of all ages, from preschool to adult with a focus on bilingual education. After graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, Tami received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National Hispanic University. Personal interests include hiking, camping, and a general love for the outdoors. With her family, she is attempting to make a difference in the environment by buying and eating local and organic foods as much as possible.
Recently completing her MA in Child and Adolescent Development at San Jose State University,Tami has been in bilingual education for over a decade. Beginning as a middle school English and Social Studies teacher, she has worked with students of all ages, from preschool to adult with a focus on bilingual education. After graduating from Carleton College in Northfield, MN, Tami received her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from National Hispanic University. Personal interests include hiking, camping, and a general love for the outdoors. With her family, she is attempting to make a difference in the environment by buying and eating local and organic foods as much as possible.
Maestra Stephanie- Owner/Finance Director
Stephanie’s love for Spanish began in the 6th grade! It continued through college where she got her B.A. in Spanish from UC Berkeley. She perfected her Spanish when she lived in Costa Rica. Having received her BCLAD teaching credential from National Hispanic University, she began her teaching career as a bilingual kindergarten teacher. Unsuccessful in finding the perfect preschool that would give her daughters the pre-reading skills they needed to be successful in English and also learn Spanish, Stephanie and Tami opened Pasitos in her home and later moved it to their current locations. She loves to run, bird watch, hike, and spend time with her family.
Stephanie’s love for Spanish began in the 6th grade! It continued through college where she got her B.A. in Spanish from UC Berkeley. She perfected her Spanish when she lived in Costa Rica. Having received her BCLAD teaching credential from National Hispanic University, she began her teaching career as a bilingual kindergarten teacher. Unsuccessful in finding the perfect preschool that would give her daughters the pre-reading skills they needed to be successful in English and also learn Spanish, Stephanie and Tami opened Pasitos in her home and later moved it to their current locations. She loves to run, bird watch, hike, and spend time with her family.
Maestra Julieta- Enrollment Director
Julieta is a native Argentinean with a passion for "dulce de leche" (an Argentinean version of caramel but a lot better, according to her). She came to the Bay Area in 2005 to pursue her M.A. in Communications at San Jose State University. Since then, she has been working and volunteering in non-profits and corporations where her main role was to serve the Spanish speaking community. She strongly believes in bilingualism and speaks only Spanish to her daughters. She enjoyes traveling, dancing and trying new ethnic restaurants.
Julieta is a native Argentinean with a passion for "dulce de leche" (an Argentinean version of caramel but a lot better, according to her). She came to the Bay Area in 2005 to pursue her M.A. in Communications at San Jose State University. Since then, she has been working and volunteering in non-profits and corporations where her main role was to serve the Spanish speaking community. She strongly believes in bilingualism and speaks only Spanish to her daughters. She enjoyes traveling, dancing and trying new ethnic restaurants.
Maestra Lorena- Programs Director
Lorena comes to us with experience in education and business, and is excited to continue her preschool teaching career with us. Graduating cum laude with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami, she studied International Finance and Marketing. She also studied at the Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, MX for a semester. Lorena served as the Academics Manager for an educational center for two years in Cupertino, CA. After completing her coursework in Child Development from Foothill College, she currently possess her Site Supervisor Child Development Permit. Having worked at an English only preschool where Spanish is taught as a separate subject, she joins us knowing that immersion programs are what works best for children to learn and succeed in a second language. Her twin boys join us at Pasitos West. When not working with Pasitos, she can be found playing with her boys or escaping to the movies, and spending time with her husband.
Lorena comes to us with experience in education and business, and is excited to continue her preschool teaching career with us. Graduating cum laude with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami, she studied International Finance and Marketing. She also studied at the Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City, MX for a semester. Lorena served as the Academics Manager for an educational center for two years in Cupertino, CA. After completing her coursework in Child Development from Foothill College, she currently possess her Site Supervisor Child Development Permit. Having worked at an English only preschool where Spanish is taught as a separate subject, she joins us knowing that immersion programs are what works best for children to learn and succeed in a second language. Her twin boys join us at Pasitos West. When not working with Pasitos, she can be found playing with her boys or escaping to the movies, and spending time with her husband.
Maestra Sonia- Center Director - Pasitos Central
Maestra Sonia joins us with a strong passion for making a difference in children’s lives. She has 10 years of experience in working with children ranging 0-12 years old. She has worked at after school programs, 4C Council Early Head Start Programs, and several preschools. Having graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, she comes to us after starting, leading, and teaching in a preschool in East San Jose. Spanish was her first language and she currently only speaks Spanish to her daughter. She enjoys comedy shows, movies, and spending time at the park with her family.
Maestra Sonia joins us with a strong passion for making a difference in children’s lives. She has 10 years of experience in working with children ranging 0-12 years old. She has worked at after school programs, 4C Council Early Head Start Programs, and several preschools. Having graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, she comes to us after starting, leading, and teaching in a preschool in East San Jose. Spanish was her first language and she currently only speaks Spanish to her daughter. She enjoys comedy shows, movies, and spending time at the park with her family.
Maestra Olivia- Assistant Director
Olivia was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Olivia has been working with children for the last 16 years ranging in ages from 16 months through 12 years of age. She knew at a very early age that she wanted to work with children. She is currently working on obtaining her teaching credential. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, reading and volunteer with Heroes4Hope.
Olivia was born and raised in San Jose, CA. Olivia has been working with children for the last 16 years ranging in ages from 16 months through 12 years of age. She knew at a very early age that she wanted to work with children. She is currently working on obtaining her teaching credential. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, playing soccer, reading and volunteer with Heroes4Hope.
Maestra Edith- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos Central
Maestra Edith was born in Michoacán, Mexico. She was raised both in Mexico and USA until she finished High School. She obtained her High School Diploma in Delano, California. Later on, she went to Morelia Michoacán, Mexico and graduated from the Universidad de San Nicolas de Hidalgo with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After a couple of years, she returned to California and worked in a program called “California Migrant Leadership”for three years. There, she worked with children of ages 2-6. At the same time, she was taking classes of Early Childhood Education in Bakersfield College. She continued her education at Mission College. She is excited to be part of the Pasitos School team and enjoys using both languages, Spanish and English with her friends. She has three children and a lovely husband. During her free time, she is with her family, and enjoys going to the park and traveling.
Maestra Edith was born in Michoacán, Mexico. She was raised both in Mexico and USA until she finished High School. She obtained her High School Diploma in Delano, California. Later on, she went to Morelia Michoacán, Mexico and graduated from the Universidad de San Nicolas de Hidalgo with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After a couple of years, she returned to California and worked in a program called “California Migrant Leadership”for three years. There, she worked with children of ages 2-6. At the same time, she was taking classes of Early Childhood Education in Bakersfield College. She continued her education at Mission College. She is excited to be part of the Pasitos School team and enjoys using both languages, Spanish and English with her friends. She has three children and a lovely husband. During her free time, she is with her family, and enjoys going to the park and traveling.
Maestra Monica- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos Central
Maestra Monica was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and she moved to the United States when she was 21 years old. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. Monica began her career working and volunteering in agencies that support low income families, such as Head Start and Catholic Charities. Through these experiences, she found her passion for working with children. She is a strong believer that children need to be in contact with Mother Earth, through gardening, hiking, feeding animals, and taking care of our environment. Maestra Monica loves to spend her time with her husband and her two beautiful daughters. They enjoy eating ice cream, going to the park, and watching movies with popcorn. Her hobbies are reading, yoga, and watching historical movies.
Maestra Monica was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico and she moved to the United States when she was 21 years old. She graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. Monica began her career working and volunteering in agencies that support low income families, such as Head Start and Catholic Charities. Through these experiences, she found her passion for working with children. She is a strong believer that children need to be in contact with Mother Earth, through gardening, hiking, feeding animals, and taking care of our environment. Maestra Monica loves to spend her time with her husband and her two beautiful daughters. They enjoy eating ice cream, going to the park, and watching movies with popcorn. Her hobbies are reading, yoga, and watching historical movies.
Maestra Veronica- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos Central
Maestra Veronica just graduated from San Jose State University with a BA degree in Spanish and a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. She was born in Mexico City and migrated to the United States when she was fifteen years old. She began her career working at the Child Care Program at the YMCA. She loves spending time with her family and her four cats. Her hobbies are doing DIY projects and painting.
Maestra Veronica just graduated from San Jose State University with a BA degree in Spanish and a minor in Child and Adolescent Development. She was born in Mexico City and migrated to the United States when she was fifteen years old. She began her career working at the Child Care Program at the YMCA. She loves spending time with her family and her four cats. Her hobbies are doing DIY projects and painting.
Maestra Monica- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos West
Graduating from Universidad de San Martin de Porres in Lima, Peru, with a BA degree in Psychology with a speciality in Human Resources, she began her career working with high risk children and those with special needs. While Maestra Monica's first language is Spanish, she began studying English five years ago when she came to U.S. While taking ESL classes and working as a babysitter she realized her fondness for interacting with young children. She then began taking Early Childhood Education classes and now she is on her last two classes to get her ECE certificate. Maestra Monica loves to read Dan Brown's books, dance and cheers with her husband for her favorite team, the Oakland A's.
Graduating from Universidad de San Martin de Porres in Lima, Peru, with a BA degree in Psychology with a speciality in Human Resources, she began her career working with high risk children and those with special needs. While Maestra Monica's first language is Spanish, she began studying English five years ago when she came to U.S. While taking ESL classes and working as a babysitter she realized her fondness for interacting with young children. She then began taking Early Childhood Education classes and now she is on her last two classes to get her ECE certificate. Maestra Monica loves to read Dan Brown's books, dance and cheers with her husband for her favorite team, the Oakland A's.
Maestra Yadirha- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos West
Maestra Yadirha is excited to join the Pasitos Family! She graduated from San Jose State with her BA in Child and Adolescent Development, with a focus on Early Childhood. Her hobbies include reading fictional books ("Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!'), bike riding, dancing and most recently, scrapbooking. Born and raised in Lindsay, CA, she attended Spanish dual-immersion school from K-11th grade. The love she has for children comes naturally to her as is her passion for teaching. She began her career as a tutor to school age children and later evolved to a director of her own after school program. Working with the children is what motivates Maestra Yadirha to get up every morning and she looks forward to helping children learn and grow.
Maestra Yadirha is excited to join the Pasitos Family! She graduated from San Jose State with her BA in Child and Adolescent Development, with a focus on Early Childhood. Her hobbies include reading fictional books ("Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart!'), bike riding, dancing and most recently, scrapbooking. Born and raised in Lindsay, CA, she attended Spanish dual-immersion school from K-11th grade. The love she has for children comes naturally to her as is her passion for teaching. She began her career as a tutor to school age children and later evolved to a director of her own after school program. Working with the children is what motivates Maestra Yadirha to get up every morning and she looks forward to helping children learn and grow.
Maestra Alma- Preschool Teacher- Pasitos West
Maestra Alma is a graduate from San Jose State University with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in teaching. Maestra Alma's parents were born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and they taught her to speak Spanish and she later learned English when she began kindergarten. She was just ten years old when she realized she wanted to work with children. She began her career working with youth as a dance instructor and later with a YMCA after school program. During her free time, Maestra Alma loves to spend time with her older sister and younger brother watching movies; taking her dog, Milo, on long walks; reading; and attending SJ sharks games. She is excited to be working with Pasitos and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of young children.
Maestra Alma is a graduate from San Jose State University with a degree in Child and Adolescent Development with an emphasis in teaching. Maestra Alma's parents were born in Guadalajara, Jalisco and they taught her to speak Spanish and she later learned English when she began kindergarten. She was just ten years old when she realized she wanted to work with children. She began her career working with youth as a dance instructor and later with a YMCA after school program. During her free time, Maestra Alma loves to spend time with her older sister and younger brother watching movies; taking her dog, Milo, on long walks; reading; and attending SJ sharks games. She is excited to be working with Pasitos and looks forward to making a difference in the lives of young children.
Maestra Brenda- After School Teacher- Pasitos Central
Maestra Brenda was exposed to the Early Childhood Education field while completing her G.E requirements at San Jose City College. Although she always knew teaching was in her future, it wasn’t until 2012 that she realized she wanted to teach preschool aged children. She only has seven required courses left to complete in order to achieve her A.S. in Early Childhood Education. Brenda grew up in a bilingual (English and Spanish) home, but did not actually speak English until kindergarten. She has two brothers and two sisters who she considers her best friends. When she is not working or studying, Brenda enjoys spending time with her siblings and their children, cooking foods from different cultures, watching indie films and going to SF Giants and SJ Sharks games.
Maestra Brenda was exposed to the Early Childhood Education field while completing her G.E requirements at San Jose City College. Although she always knew teaching was in her future, it wasn’t until 2012 that she realized she wanted to teach preschool aged children. She only has seven required courses left to complete in order to achieve her A.S. in Early Childhood Education. Brenda grew up in a bilingual (English and Spanish) home, but did not actually speak English until kindergarten. She has two brothers and two sisters who she considers her best friends. When she is not working or studying, Brenda enjoys spending time with her siblings and their children, cooking foods from different cultures, watching indie films and going to SF Giants and SJ Sharks games.
Maestra Rocio- Young Explorer Program Lead - Pasitos Central
Maestra Rocio is a native of Cochabamba, Bolivia and has been in the U.S. since 2010. Rocio worked as a systems analyst and computer programmer for 9 years in Bolivia, but found her passion and vocation for teaching as a volunteer Spanish teacher at John J. Montgomery School. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education at San Jose City College. During her free time, Rocio loves to do arts and crafts and spend time with her husband and two daughters.
Maestra Rocio is a native of Cochabamba, Bolivia and has been in the U.S. since 2010. Rocio worked as a systems analyst and computer programmer for 9 years in Bolivia, but found her passion and vocation for teaching as a volunteer Spanish teacher at John J. Montgomery School. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education at San Jose City College. During her free time, Rocio loves to do arts and crafts and spend time with her husband and two daughters.
Maestra Yesenia- Site Supervisor/Assistant Teacher- Pasitos Central
Maestra Yesenia was born in Culiacan, MX. She came to California when she was 11 years old. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education and her goal is to get her AA. What attracted her to Pasitos was the Spanish spoken here, especially the songs! She can often be found singing them at home with her niece. In her free time, Maestra Yesenia likes to hike on the weekends, dance salsa and merengue, be an amateur astronomer, read, especially Federico Lorca, and write poetry in Spanish.
Maestra Yesenia was born in Culiacan, MX. She came to California when she was 11 years old. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education and her goal is to get her AA. What attracted her to Pasitos was the Spanish spoken here, especially the songs! She can often be found singing them at home with her niece. In her free time, Maestra Yesenia likes to hike on the weekends, dance salsa and merengue, be an amateur astronomer, read, especially Federico Lorca, and write poetry in Spanish.
Maestra Iliana - School Age Lead & Teacher - Pasitos Central
Maestra Iliana has worked with six week old to five year old amigos from agriculture/ migrant families in the central valley. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and raised in the central valley, growing up in an all Spanish household Iliana is excited to be at Pasitos. She is enthusiastic to be able to speak her native language with los amigos. Iliana is continuing her education is Early Childhood Development and Sociology at San Jose City College and soon in San Jose State University. Iliana loves to cook and go camping!
Maestra Iliana has worked with six week old to five year old amigos from agriculture/ migrant families in the central valley. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico and raised in the central valley, growing up in an all Spanish household Iliana is excited to be at Pasitos. She is enthusiastic to be able to speak her native language with los amigos. Iliana is continuing her education is Early Childhood Development and Sociology at San Jose City College and soon in San Jose State University. Iliana loves to cook and go camping!
Maestra Ana- Preschool Assistant Teacher- Pasitos West
Maestra Ana was born and raised in San Jose. Her first language was Spanish (her parents are both from Durango, Mexico) and learned English when she started Kindergarten. She is currently attending Mission College and plans to transfer to San Jose State to major in Early Childhood Education. When she was around 9 years old, she knew she wanted to become a teacher because she loved being around children and taking care of her cousins. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and her nieces. She loves to travel, read books, and go to the movies.
Maestra Ana was born and raised in San Jose. Her first language was Spanish (her parents are both from Durango, Mexico) and learned English when she started Kindergarten. She is currently attending Mission College and plans to transfer to San Jose State to major in Early Childhood Education. When she was around 9 years old, she knew she wanted to become a teacher because she loved being around children and taking care of her cousins. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and her nieces. She loves to travel, read books, and go to the movies.
Maestra Yaritza- Preschool Assistant Teacher- Pasitos WestBorn in San Jose and Salvadorian American, Maestra Yaritza recently graduated with her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a minor in Mexican-American Studies from San Jose State University. She enjoys working with children and has experience working at the SJSU Child Development Center. She comes to Pasitos excited to learn and grow with our children. When she’s not teaching our children, she enjoys hiking, trying out new restaurants, watching movies, and being with friends.
Maestra Karla- Before School Teacher - Pasitos Central
Maestra Karla was born in Mexicali, Mexico. After graduating from High School in Mexico, she moved to Calexico, California to study. She worked with children with special needs for two years. When she was accepted to SJSU, she moved to San Jose to begin her Bachelors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. With her husband, they decided to open an art school in Saratoga. She is starting a Master’s Program at SJSU. Maestra Karla loves to read (her favorite authors are Becquer, Márquez, and Mistral) and travel to explore different cultures.
Maestra Karla was born in Mexicali, Mexico. After graduating from High School in Mexico, she moved to Calexico, California to study. She worked with children with special needs for two years. When she was accepted to SJSU, she moved to San Jose to begin her Bachelors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. With her husband, they decided to open an art school in Saratoga. She is starting a Master’s Program at SJSU. Maestra Karla loves to read (her favorite authors are Becquer, Márquez, and Mistral) and travel to explore different cultures.
Maestra Laura- Before School Teacher - Pasitos Central
Maestra Laura was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She recently graduated form SJSU with a Bachelors in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies and is continuing her education by starting a Master’s Program in Spanish. Her first language is Spanish and she also lived in Mazatlán, Mexico for 6 years. She knew she wanted to work with children from a young age, when she had the opportunity to teach Spanish to children. She loves animals and has 2 white Maltipoos. Maestra Laura loves to go shopping!
Maestra Laura was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She recently graduated form SJSU with a Bachelors in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies and is continuing her education by starting a Master’s Program in Spanish. Her first language is Spanish and she also lived in Mazatlán, Mexico for 6 years. She knew she wanted to work with children from a young age, when she had the opportunity to teach Spanish to children. She loves animals and has 2 white Maltipoos. Maestra Laura loves to go shopping!