Meet our Staff

Jessica Panfil, ED
Executive Director

I am honored to support the LAMB community with its mission of being a bilingual Montessori community rooted in Latin American culture in which all students thrive. Prior to LAMB, I served as principal of a public dual language immersion school in Arlington, VA, and lived and worked in schools in Perú and Bolivia.  My favorite pastimes are to read books, try different food, meet new people, and whenever possible go travel! 

Betsy Romero
Assistant Principal

I am the new Assistant Principal, and I am thrilled to return to the LAMB community, where I previously worked from 2011 to 2019. I am an Afrolatina from the Bronx with Honduran and Jamaican roots, and my professional journey began teaching in Honduras before I became a public educator in New York and Washington, D.C. Armed with my BA, MAED, MEd in Education Policy, and Montessori qualifications, I look forward to continuing LAMB's great work and collaborating with our community to foster an inclusive and nurturing environment..

Alexandra Torres Guerrero
Principal

I'm proud to be entering my 14th year at LAMB! As a dedicated Montessorian and educator, I've served in many roles here, from Primary Assistant to my current position as Principal. I'm passionate about our mission and supporting our amazing teachers who make LAMB shine. In my free time, I enjoy reading, exercising, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my family.

Brian Nielsen
Chief Financial Officer

Brian brings 40+ years of accounting, finance, and operations experience to LAMB, including 20+ years in education. He's a CPA and CGMA, with a proven track record of improving efficiency and effectiveness in organizations. Brian is a University of Virginia graduate and has held leadership positions in various sectors. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and photography, and is a proud new grandfather.

Sebastian Franco
Executive Organizational Coordinator

Sebastian Franco is the Executive Organizational Coordinator at the Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter School (LAMB). With experience working in government, advocacy, and nonprofits, he supports the school’s operations and communications. During his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing chess, and dancing.

Alysha Schuler
Director of Student Support

I'm the Director of Student Support at LAMB and a passionate advocate for neuro-inclusivity. With 16 years of experience in special education in Washington, DC, I believe in celebrating the unique ways children learn and thrive. I'm a mom of two, a lifelong learner, and dedicated to fostering inclusive learning communities.

Juan Alfaro
Director of Operations

Originally from Peru, I moved to the U.S. as a child and have been a dedicated member of the LAMB community for the past 12 years. During this tenure, I have enriched my experience across various roles, including classroom instruction, aftercare, and administration. Outside of work, I'm an avid futbol player and enjoy savoring delicious Peruvian cuisine.

Cristian Gajardo
Director of Information Technology

I’ve been part of the LAMB community since its inception as both an employee and a parent.  My son graduated from LAMB in 2022 and my daughter is currently in 4th grade. I am originally from Chile and have lived in Washington DC since 1988. I love all things tech and enjoy helping others use technology to their full potential.  I love music, especially sitting behind the drums or at karaoke with friends.

Kioma Alfred
Director of BASE

I'm Kioma Alfred, an Afro-Latina from Panama, and thrilled to be back at LAMB as both an employee and parent! I previously served as Parent Liaison in 2011, and bring over 15 years of experience in social work and education to my current role. I'm passionate about supporting families and fostering a strong community. I'm excited to connect with LAMB families and provide a positive and engaging after-school experience for their children. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, dancing salsa, and exploring new foods.

Ted Berghoffer
Director of Human Resources

I'm a people-centric HR leader with 16 years of experience cultivating positive and productive work environments where employees feel valued and empowered. I'm passionate about fostering a culture of collaboration and growth, and leverage technology to streamline processes and enhance the employee experience. As a father, I also understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a flexible and supportive workplace.

Teams

  • Juan Alfaro, Director of Operations
    Jacobo Amador, Receptionist
    Gina Quintero, Operations/Academic Coordinator
    Sarai Sanabria, Operations Assistant
    Cassandra Santacruz, Administrative Assistant

  • Sabina Diaz, Family Services Coordinator
    Yesenia Menjivar, Registrar

  • Jessica Panfil, Executive Director
    Brian Nielsen, Chief Financial Officer
    Ted Berghoffer, Human Resources Director
    Sebastian Franco, Executive Organizational Coordinator
    Carol Wilson, Bookkeeper
    Cristian Gajardo, IT Director

  • Jose Zermeno Gamez, BASE Morning Coordinator
    Kioma Alfred, BASE Director
    Iashira de la Rosa, BASE Assistant Director
    Kenny Bernardes Carballo, BASE Director

Academic Team

  • Maira Aplicano, Primary Assistant
    Rosa Calderon, Primary Assistant
    Elis Cecchetti, Teacher
    Susana Chiang, Substitute Teacher
    Blanca Escobar, Primary Assistant
    Ainhoa Godoy, Teacher
    Iris Gonzalez, Academic Team
    Vanessa Guardado, Teacher
    Leidys Hernandez, Primary Assistant
    Maria Elena Herrera, Teacher
    Claudia Luna, Teacher
    Thania Martinez, Primary
    Marsy Montano, Teacher
    Karen Nogales, Teacher
    Wendy Peña, Teacher
    Jessica Polanco, Teacher
    Wendy Ramirez, Primary Assistant
    LuzMaria Ramos, Primary Coordinator
    Vanessa Ramos Patino, Teacher
    Teresa Serrano, Primary Assistant
    Naomi Ueki, Teacher
    Alba Umanzor, Primary Assistant
    Maria Valle, Primary Assistant
    Alejandra Velasquez, Teacher
    Yolanda Zamora, Teacher
    Socorro Zarate, Teacher
    Fernanda Zermeno, Teacher

  • Monica Arciga, Teacher
    Jennifer Banos-Alvarado, Teacher
    Michelle Bonilla, Teacher
    Belen Contreras, Teacher
    Marcela Covarrubias, Teacher
    Aurelien Dumas, Teacher
    Damian Fontanez, Teacher
    Adriana Garibotti, Teacher
    Maria Gonzalez, Teacher
    Fernando Herrera, Teacher
    Maggie Jackson, Teacher
    Rachel Kiechle, Teacher
    Maria Isabel Ontiveros, Teacher
    Ibeth Pacheco-Galindo, Teacher
    Tabatha Pulido, Teacher
    Maria Luisa Rossel, Teacher
    Dairo Borja, Substitute Teacher
    Valeria Cantu, Substitute Teacher
    Joel Steinberg, Coordinator/Coach

  • Adalberto Islas, Teacher
    Jennifer Knight, Teacher
    Conal O’Keefe, Teacher
    Addison Sparks, Teacher
    Zoila Noronha, Teacher
    Eduardo Perez, Teacher
    Adelaida Principe, Coordinator/Coach
    Libby Sanchez, Teacher
    Jose Zermeño, Teacher

  • Paola Acuña, Physical Education Teacher
    Marvin Guevara, STEM Teacher
    Gabriel Guzman, Music Teacher
    Rosaly Pichardo, Art Teacher
    Patricia Torres, Library Teacher

  • Alysha Schuler, Director of Student Support
    Eugenia Reyes, ELL Coordinator
    Jenn Fox-Thomas, Special Education Compliance Manager
    Amanda Arellano, Special Education Manager
    Ivannia Castillo-Roman, Special Education Teacher
    Jasmine Pettus, Special Education Teacher
    Ashley Damaia, English Learner Teacher
    Fatima Quintana, Interventionist
    Chris Roe, Interventionist
    Carolina Gil, 504 Lead Coordinator
    Erin Rainey, Special Education Teacher
    Taylor Nichols, Special Education Teacher
    Trinidad Coopman, Special Education Teacher
    Erika Reyes, Special Education Teacher
    Arielle Eirienne, Special Education Teacher
    Melisa Hartzog, Special Education Teacher
    Jacob Linden, Special Education Teacher
    Maya Wilson, Special Education Teacher
    Samuel Silverman, Occupational Therapist
    Griselle Feliciano, Reading Interventionist
    Brandlynn Nelson, Speech Language Pathologist
    Victoria Phelps, Counselor
    Luz Maria Uribe, Counselor
    Yesenia Romero, Dedicated Aide
    Sharmeeka Miller, Dedicated Aide
    Rosa Turcios Valle, Dedicated Aide
    Maria Jose Chavez, Dedicated Aide
    Yanlico Munesi, Dedicated Aide
    Giselle Tavarez, Dedicated Aide
    Mikela Gordon, Dedicated Aide
    Ana Galo, Dedicated Aide
    Bessie Hubbard, Dedicated Aide