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Meet the Founder/Director

Patricia Hidalgo

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.

Teachers

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Jessica

I come from a family of Latin descent and have extensive experience in child education. I believe that children's natural curiosity sparks their ability to learn. I enjoy music and performing, which has become a part of me, and I incorporate it into my classes. At Mariposa, we recognize the value of music in teaching language and concepts, making it a part of our daily routine. My favorite part of working with preschoolers is witnessing their enthusiasm for learning and how much they grow throughout the school year. I am proud to align myself with Mariposa's values and be part of their team.

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Brenda

I am a first-generation daughter of Spanish-speaking parents who taught me fluency in English and Spanish. I am very proud of my Mexican heritage, which led me to pursue a major in Spanish (in Spain). Currently, I am continuing my education in Child Development. I love learning about other cultures, which has taken me to travel in Europe and Latin America, allowing me to create engaging learning experiences for the children. I love working with this age group as they grow in their perception of themselves and the world around them. I am committed to education and positively impacting children’s lives. I enjoy spending time with family, listening to music, and having game nights during my free time. I’m excited to be a part of their development and milestones.

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Lupe

I believe school instills confidence, knowledge, and an open mind, which is the gateway to our future generation. I am pursuing my academic dream of obtaining a degree in Child Development. I was delighted to find a bilingual preschool and honored to be part of the Mariposa family. Watching children learn, grow, and stretch their creative minds has made me realize that teaching young children is one of the most rewarding careers, bringing joy to my life. During my free time, I love to spend time with my family in the kitchen, exploring our culinary roots, and later sitting at the table to enjoy a delightful meal made with love.

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Jenny – Assistant Teacher

I am originally from Medellín, Colombia, and I feel very fortunate to work as an assistant teacher at Mariposa Bilingual School. I am currently a student at College of Marin in the Child Development program. I love spending time with young children, accompanying them as they discover the world with curiosity and joy, and creating a safe, nurturing, and loving environment where they can grow.

In my free time, I enjoy reading. One of my favorite authors is Gabriel García Márquez, always accompanied by a good cup of coffee from my region.

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