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 Ana- Director & Preschool Teacher, Pasitos West, Positive Discipline Parent Educator
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 a graduate from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's in Child and Adolescent Development. 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. 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 a graduate from San Jose State University with a Bachelor's in Child and Adolescent Development. 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. She loves to travel, read books, and go to the movies.

Maestra Alma- Director, Preschool Teacher, Onsite Educational Coach, Pasitos Central
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 are from Guadalajara, Jalisco and Alma was born and raised in San Jose. Maestra Alma has worked as a dance instructor, after-school program leader, and summer camp leader before joining Pasitos in 2015. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and planning activities to do with her husband and three young children while sipping on some iced cafecito.
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 are from Guadalajara, Jalisco and Alma was born and raised in San Jose. Maestra Alma has worked as a dance instructor, after-school program leader, and summer camp leader before joining Pasitos in 2015. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and planning activities to do with her husband and three young children while sipping on some iced cafecito.

Maestra Monica- Programs Director, Positive Discipline Parent Educator, Pasitos Central & West
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 Estefany- Preschool Teacher, Enrollment Director, Onsite Educational Coach, Pasitos Central & West
Maestra Estefany was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and moved to the United States in 2016. She graduated from Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana with a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Estefany used to be a business owner but always thought teaching might be something she wanted to do. She was given an opportunity to work at a bilingual school in 2012 and it turned out to be the best decision of her life. Not only did she find her passion but she also found her husband. Maestra Estefany is currently studying Early Childhood Education at San Jose City College. When she is not working or studying, Estefany enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors and traveling the world.
Maestra Estefany was born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and moved to the United States in 2016. She graduated from Universidad Tecnologica Centroamericana with a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Estefany used to be a business owner but always thought teaching might be something she wanted to do. She was given an opportunity to work at a bilingual school in 2012 and it turned out to be the best decision of her life. Not only did she find her passion but she also found her husband. Maestra Estefany is currently studying Early Childhood Education at San Jose City College. When she is not working or studying, Estefany enjoys spending time with her husband, being outdoors and traveling the world.

Maestra Martha- Preschool Teacher, Pasitos Central
Maestra Martha was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She is the oldest of four children and is the first in her family to obtain higher education. She graduated from San Jose State University, where she received a degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Everything she accomplishes is to make her parents proud because she is always keeping in mind her parent’s leaving everything in Mexico to come to the United States to give their children a better future. She loves to go on vacation and visit her family in Jalisco, Mexico. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, watch Youtube videos, and go on walks.
Maestra Martha was born and raised in San Jose, CA. She is the oldest of four children and is the first in her family to obtain higher education. She graduated from San Jose State University, where she received a degree in Child and Adolescent Development and a minor in Chicana and Chicano Studies. Everything she accomplishes is to make her parents proud because she is always keeping in mind her parent’s leaving everything in Mexico to come to the United States to give their children a better future. She loves to go on vacation and visit her family in Jalisco, Mexico. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, watch Youtube videos, and go on walks.

Maestra Paola - Preschool Assistant Teacher, Pasitos Central
More information about Maestra Paola coming soon!
More information about Maestra Paola coming soon!

Maestre Kami - Preschool Teacher, Pasitos Central
Hi! My name is Maestre Kami and I am a lead teacher in the G2 classroom. I grew up in San Jose as the youngest of three siblings. My family is from Argentina, and it really shows most when we cook. I love cooking and I especially love Argentinian food. You can bet that if there's a way to make a cooking activity with my students, that's what I'm going to do!
For highschool I went to Bellarmine College Prep and for my bachelor's I moved up north to study at Seattle University. I majored in psychology with an emphasis on the biology of how brains work. While I studied in college, I found work in local elementary schools as a teacher assistant and guiding volunteers in afterschool programs. Six years later I found my way to working in early childhood education. The way our brains learn is such a deep process and it is something I’m very passionate about. My hope is to put that psychology, learning and memory knowledge into practice for my students here at Pasitos.
Hi! My name is Maestre Kami and I am a lead teacher in the G2 classroom. I grew up in San Jose as the youngest of three siblings. My family is from Argentina, and it really shows most when we cook. I love cooking and I especially love Argentinian food. You can bet that if there's a way to make a cooking activity with my students, that's what I'm going to do!
For highschool I went to Bellarmine College Prep and for my bachelor's I moved up north to study at Seattle University. I majored in psychology with an emphasis on the biology of how brains work. While I studied in college, I found work in local elementary schools as a teacher assistant and guiding volunteers in afterschool programs. Six years later I found my way to working in early childhood education. The way our brains learn is such a deep process and it is something I’m very passionate about. My hope is to put that psychology, learning and memory knowledge into practice for my students here at Pasitos.

Maestro Cruz - School Age Teacher, Pasitos Central
More information about Maestro Cruz coming soon!
More information about Maestro Cruz coming soon!

Maestra Gaby - Preschool Assistant Teacher, Pasitos Central
My name is Gabriela Murrieta Olivo. I was born in Mexicali, Mexico. I’ve been married for 28 years—my husband’s name is Rafael. We have two children, Yessenia and Rafael, and a granddaughter named Lexy. I’ve been living here in San José, CA for 15 years. I took my Child Development classes at De Anza College. My favorite pastimes are reading, listening to music, and knitting. I’m a teacher because I really enjoy learning from children, and being a part of their learning and even a small part of their lives is a true pleasure for me.
My name is Gabriela Murrieta Olivo. I was born in Mexicali, Mexico. I’ve been married for 28 years—my husband’s name is Rafael. We have two children, Yessenia and Rafael, and a granddaughter named Lexy. I’ve been living here in San José, CA for 15 years. I took my Child Development classes at De Anza College. My favorite pastimes are reading, listening to music, and knitting. I’m a teacher because I really enjoy learning from children, and being a part of their learning and even a small part of their lives is a true pleasure for me.

Maestra Ximena - Preschool Teacher, Pasitos Central
Maestra Ximena was born and raised in Concepcion, Chile. Her journey began there, where she earned her degree in Occupational Safety & Health before bringing her adventurous spirit to California in 2004. Nestled in the Bay Area, she discovered her passion for making a difference while volunteering at The Health Trust, where she found joy in supporting vulnerable communities. It was during this time that she realized her natural flow for connecting with children. With a decade of experience in childcare, including a rewarding year in Miami where she earned Training Certificates from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Maestra Ximena is aiming to advance her studies in Early Childhood Education. Currently, she is pursuing her degree in ECE while holding a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She loves to spend her free time planning outdoor adventures with her husband and son and enjoys creating all kinds of handcraft.
Maestra Ximena was born and raised in Concepcion, Chile. Her journey began there, where she earned her degree in Occupational Safety & Health before bringing her adventurous spirit to California in 2004. Nestled in the Bay Area, she discovered her passion for making a difference while volunteering at The Health Trust, where she found joy in supporting vulnerable communities. It was during this time that she realized her natural flow for connecting with children. With a decade of experience in childcare, including a rewarding year in Miami where she earned Training Certificates from the Florida Department of Children and Families, Maestra Ximena is aiming to advance her studies in Early Childhood Education. Currently, she is pursuing her degree in ECE while holding a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. She loves to spend her free time planning outdoor adventures with her husband and son and enjoys creating all kinds of handcraft.

Maestra Sandra- Preschool Teacher, Pasitos West
Maestra Sandra grew up in a small town near Mexico City. After her twenty first birthday, she was legally adopted by her stepdad. Afterward, she moved to Atwater, California to live with her mom, her stepdad and her three sisters. Since she moved to California, her favorite thing to do is to go to the beach any time she can. She also likes to visit amusement parks with her friends and family. She is currently enrolled at San Jose State University with the goal of completing her BA degree in Child Development. She is very excited to continue growing as a teacher and obtain her bachelor’s degree in Early Child Education.
Maestra Sandra grew up in a small town near Mexico City. After her twenty first birthday, she was legally adopted by her stepdad. Afterward, she moved to Atwater, California to live with her mom, her stepdad and her three sisters. Since she moved to California, her favorite thing to do is to go to the beach any time she can. She also likes to visit amusement parks with her friends and family. She is currently enrolled at San Jose State University with the goal of completing her BA degree in Child Development. She is very excited to continue growing as a teacher and obtain her bachelor’s degree in Early Child Education.

Maestra Conchi- Preschool Associate Teacher, Pasitos West
Maestra Conchi was born in Mexico. She graduated from the Universidad Pedagogia Nacional with a BA in Children and Adolescents in Indigenous Communities. She furthered her education by obtaining her Master's in Pedagogy of Social Subjects and Community Development and Basic Education. Her professional experience includes working with small children, adolescents, and young adults in education.
Maestra Conchi was born in Mexico. She graduated from the Universidad Pedagogia Nacional with a BA in Children and Adolescents in Indigenous Communities. She furthered her education by obtaining her Master's in Pedagogy of Social Subjects and Community Development and Basic Education. Her professional experience includes working with small children, adolescents, and young adults in education.

Maestra Liz - Preschool Assistant Teacher, Pasitos Central
Hi I’m maestra Lizzy, I’m currently studying at De Anza college majoring In Early Childhood Education. I was born and raised in San Jose CA. I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I love dogs! I have two, Cielo and Gaara.
Hi I’m maestra Lizzy, I’m currently studying at De Anza college majoring In Early Childhood Education. I was born and raised in San Jose CA. I love spending time outdoors with my family and friends. I love dogs! I have two, Cielo and Gaara.

Maestra Dulce- School Age Teacher and Preschool Assistant Teacher, Pasitos Central
Maestra Dulce was born in Sonora, Mexico. She is a psychologist who graduated from Universidad Intercontinental. She studied a Master's in Administration and has a diploma (and training) in Educational Inclusion for children with disabilities. She is also a Learning Therapist. Her hobbies include walking, and she enjoys movies, music, and traveling.
Maestra Dulce was born in Sonora, Mexico. She is a psychologist who graduated from Universidad Intercontinental. She studied a Master's in Administration and has a diploma (and training) in Educational Inclusion for children with disabilities. She is also a Learning Therapist. Her hobbies include walking, and she enjoys movies, music, and traveling.

Maestro Cam- Preschool Teacher Pasitos Central
Maestro Cam is a lifelong educator who has experience in preschool, elementary school, and high school education. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Cam studied History and Education at UCLA and obtained his Masters in Education at UCSC in 2016. Cam is passionate about democratic education and building literacy skills. Outside of school, Cam loves going on walks with his wife and pug around San Jose. He also loves music and plays guitar, drums, and piano.
Maestro Cam is a lifelong educator who has experience in preschool, elementary school, and high school education. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Cam studied History and Education at UCLA and obtained his Masters in Education at UCSC in 2016. Cam is passionate about democratic education and building literacy skills. Outside of school, Cam loves going on walks with his wife and pug around San Jose. He also loves music and plays guitar, drums, and piano.

Maestra Alexis- Preschool Assistant Teacher, Pasitos Central
Maestra Alexis was born in San Francisco, CA. However her parents originated from El Salvador. She earned her AA in Kinesiology and moved to San Jose about a year ago to earn her bachelor degree in Kinesiology at San Jose State University. One day she hopes to become a physical education teacher. On the weekends she likes to spend time with her parents and two dogs, Luna and Chopper. She also loves to be active, such as playing sports or exercising at the gym.
Maestra Alexis was born in San Francisco, CA. However her parents originated from El Salvador. She earned her AA in Kinesiology and moved to San Jose about a year ago to earn her bachelor degree in Kinesiology at San Jose State University. One day she hopes to become a physical education teacher. On the weekends she likes to spend time with her parents and two dogs, Luna and Chopper. She also loves to be active, such as playing sports or exercising at the gym.
The founders

Maestra Tami- Owner/Curriculum Director
A strong believer in bilingual education and bilingualism for all, Tami has been in bilingual education for well over a decade. She believes that all children can and should have access to learn through different languages, not just learn different languages. 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. Tami continued her education at San Jose State University and received an MA in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis on bilingual education. 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.
A strong believer in bilingual education and bilingualism for all, Tami has been in bilingual education for well over a decade. She believes that all children can and should have access to learn through different languages, not just learn different languages. 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. Tami continued her education at San Jose State University and received an MA in Child and Adolescent Development, with an emphasis on bilingual education. 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. Stephanie has earned her MA in Education from San Jose State University, has her Administrative credential, and is truly a reflective and engaging teacher leader. 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. Stephanie has earned her MA in Education from San Jose State University, has her Administrative credential, and is truly a reflective and engaging teacher leader. She loves to run, bird watch, hike, and spend time with her family.