PROGRAM DIRECTORS

Kathleen Taukolo:
Grade School & Escuela Viva 1 Site Director
Growing up as a bi-cultural person in the Micronesian Islands, Kathleen Taukolo learned early in life the beauty of cultural diversity. Allowing herself to be open to life’s opportunities, she served a mission for her church serving Spanish-speaking families in Houston, Texas. She later went on to receive her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University in Hawaii. She has over 10 years of experience working with children and families on different levels. Now as the proud mother of 4 she finds herself fulfilling her lifelong dream of being a mother and of making a difference in the world. She firmly believes that as a member of the Escuela Viva family she is able to bring together all of her true passions; family, community, culture, and the great outdoors.

Angie Garcia:
Escuela Viva 2 and 3 Site Director, Infant Toddler Teacher & Owner
Angie Garcia, the founder of Escuela Viva, first and foremost is a mom. Escuela Viva began when Angie could not find the type of preschool experience that she wanted for her daughter. Angie, having had many years experience in both early childhood programs like Head Start as well as experience in child care settings, felt she had a good grasp of what makes a solid nurturing preschool. Three short years ago, Escuela Viva opened it's doors. Before her daughter was born, Angie graduated from PSU with a Bachelor of Arts in 1995 and in 1997 graduated from PSU's Master's of Social Work program. Angie has 10 years experience working with families on a number of levels from child abuse prevention, domestic violence and child welfare. Now with Escuela Viva stong and vibrant, Angie can devote her time to the school and being a mom. Angie lives in Vancouver Washington with her daughter on their beautiful farm.

TEACHERS

Amelia Jane Menteer:
Escuela Viva 2 Alterista "Studio Teacher"
A native Montanan, Amelia Menteer was drawn to Oregon ten years ago when applying to schools.  After five years at Southern Oregon University she received a Bachelors of Science in the Environmental Sciences and a Bachelors of Arts in Spanish Language and Culture.  After a year of studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador Amelia was certified with Spanish fluency.   Throughout her experience at SOU and during the time she spent living abroad in Latin America Amelia has enjoyed a variety of experiences working with the Spanish language. She enjoyed tutoring at the high school level, teaching English to small children in Guatemala, working as a bilingual museum aid and guide in Ecuador and teaching outdoor education in Ashland.

Amelia's love of the Spanish language shines through in her work with the children and her drive to keep Latin culture an integrated part of her studies in and outside of the classroom. She strives to highlight the importance of diversity and tradition in her life.  With the children, she works to provide endless opportunities for them to experience and learn from the world about them.  Outside of the classroom Amelia enjoys biking, working on her home and dancing with the local afro-cuban/afro-brazilian music and dance company Axe Dide. 

Emily Smith:
Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Emily attended high school in Lima, Peru, where she fell in love with Latin America! She graduated from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA with a degree in Spanish. During her time at Whitman, she spent six months studying abroad in Spain and also taught in a Spanish-language first grade classroom in Walla Walla. She plans to return to school eventually to obtain a degree in teaching or social work.

Evelyn Lopez:
Preschool & Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Evelyn Lopez was born in L.A. at the age of 14 she moved to Oregon with her family. While going to high school she volunteered to be a catequist at her church. It was in this role that she realized that she wanted to become a teacher. Evy felt that she could make a difference in the world of a child. She graduated from high school and enrolled in college. Encouraged by her studies Evy worked at the Mt. Hood Community College's Child Development Center, where she worked for 4 years. Evy only left that position when she found Escuela Viva! Evy completed her studies at Mt. Hood Community College and earned her associate's degree. Evy plans to return to her studies to complete her bachelor's degree and ultimately wants to become a 2 nd grade teacher. Evy has many talents in working with the children, she is kind, compassionate and very nurturing.

Jon Alonso:
Classroom Coordinator
Jon Alonso has been a teacher at both sites since Escuela Viva opened its doors.  This year he will be teaching in the Sapitos preschool class. Jon, a first generation Latino-American, was raised in the Los Angeles area by native Spanish speakers and learned English in grade school.  His parents are originally from Mexico and El Salvador.  He has studied and trained with Reggio Emilia and enjoys furthering his education in the Music field.  His travels have taken him to many different areas of Mexico and he hopes to explore more of the Americas as he works on different projects.  Currently he has opened up a multimedia production company in Portland, to help promote the growth and production of creative arts locally.  He is currently studying Film-making at the NW Film Center.

Jerri Broadbeck:
Angelitos Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten
Jerri Broadbeck joins Escuela Viva as the certfied elementary teacher, working with the kindergarten through 3rd graders. Jerri was born in Albany, Oregon but grew up in Bend. She went to college in Idaho and finished at Southern Oregon State University. She worked as an itinerant education specialist in Eastern Oregon for a number of years then moved to Portland where her children were born. Jerri has two grown sons and a charming and wonderful 6 year old grandson. During the years when her children were young she ran an in home day care/preschool. Jerri then went on to substitute for Portland Public Schools then finally earned her own classroom at a small private program in SE for students with special needs. Her experience in education has given her lots of opportunity to find and encourage student strengths. Jerri is an avid reader and enjoys words and learning about the origins of the English language. She has a love of history, archeology, and historical architecture of the Victorian and Edwardian eras. She enjoys gardening, “greenscaping“ and making new treasures through recycling. Jerri also enjoys volunteering on projects to enhance the livability of her neighborhood.

LaraLei Vanderputten
Infant Toddler Teacher
Laralei came to hear about Escuela Viva through friends, who had their son enrolled, and decided to do the same with her children. She wanted to provide a wonderful learning opportunity not only for her children, but for herself. While volunteering at the school she came to realize that she too wanted to work with children. One day while visiting with her children's teachers, and sharing her wishes, an opportunity arose for her to become part of the Escuela Viva family. She has been working at Escuela Viva for two years now, and plans to continue her studies in education and the Spanish language. She lives in North Portland with her son and daughter, and truly enjoys everything she and the children can learn from each other.

Katarina Tsiriamagos
Infant Toddler Volunteer Teacher
Katarina is a parent of two Escuela Viva children, Gigi and Theodora. Katarina shares her time with the Cachorro children three mornings a week. The children in the cachorro's class love to have Katarina and so do we!

Patricia Rodriguez
Infant Toddler Teacher
New to Portland, Escuela Viva is lucky to have Patty as our new infant toddler teacher. She brings years of experience working with children of varying ages. Her work with children in  Ecuador will bring a new and exciting energy to Escuela Viva. Patricia lives in Portland with her husband. Welcome Patty!