Meet the Founder/Director

Patricia was born and raised in Guatemala and has a deep love for exploration, hiking, and the diverse food culture of her region. She pursued her passion for education by earning a degree in Early Childhood Education and specializing in teaching Spanish as a second language. Her academic journey began in Montpellier, France. While there, she was surprised by how quickly the children involved in immersion classes learned new languages. When she returned to Antigua, Guatemala, her increased interest in immersion education led her to an opportunity to begin training in an accredited school with students from around the world.

Patricia moved to the Bay Area and started working as a Spanish preschool teacher while also running an after-school program teaching Spanish and serving elementary schools in San Francisco. Now she has settled in Marin as the Director and owner of Mariposa Bilingual School. Patricia will use her creative and fun techniques to create quality early childhood education and language immersion programs.

She strives to empower people in different communities. She immersed herself in her local community in Antigua, Guatemala, contributing by volunteering in a preschool, co-teaching, nurturing, educating, and having fun with young children, helping out where it’s most needed. Patricia recognized the vital role and privilege of education in a child's life. These experiences fueled her desire to positively impact children's lives through education. Patricia has been dedicated to serving; she has volunteered to help underprivileged women by facilitating Spanish classes in a Mayan community, helping local natives learn to read and write in the comfort of their own neighborhood. This fosters better language skills and increased opportunities for them in underserved Guatemalan communities.

Patricia continues to volunteer at social and cultural events, advocating for education in all communities and applying her passion for educational equity. Patricia deeply values immersive, experiential learning and inquiry-based education. She blends the best of these approaches to meet each child's unique needs. She is excited to infuse her global experiences into Mariposa Bilingual School. Driven by her enthusiasm for education and multiculturalism, she is highly recognized for her work ethic, proactive mindset, and collaborative spirit. Patricia finds great joy in teaching Spanish to children of all ages and excels in creating engaging learning experiences that foster bilingualism and cultural appreciation. She looks forward to building meaningful connections with her students, their families, and the community.