Our Teachers

The teachers at Nuestro Jardín are passionate about providing the opportunity for children to learn the Spanish language in a warm, caring, safe and secure environment. We strive to provide an active learning environment where children will learn trust, self-expression and self worth. We understand the importance of focusing on the whole child (the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects) to ensure children reach their full potential. Each teacher at Nuestro Jardín brings with them many years of personal and professional experience that contribute to the climate and culture of our Spanish immersion program. We dedicate ourselves to enrich and support the experiences of our students each and every day.

Claudia Contreras Peters Director

Claudia was born and raised in Santiago, Chile and has been living in the US since 1992. She received a BA degree in Linguistics with a minor in Spanish and a TESOL (teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certificate from San Jose State University. In Oregon, she received a Master's Degree in TESOL from Portland State University and also obtained her Oregon Teaching License.

Claudia has been in education for 20 years, starting as a teacher in a Spanish immersion program at San Jose Unified School District in California and later as an ESL instructor at Portland State University. During her time at San Jose Unified School District, she was able to both have first-hand experience and see the benefits bilingual immersion programs can offer. As a linguist, second language teacher, and second language learner herself, Claudia has a deep understanding of first and second language acquisition and learning.

Claudia's vision for creating a Spanish immersion preschool became a reality in 2016. In the past year, she has taken a mentoring role to support the Nuestro Jardín community and is excited to spend time in the classroom with teachers and students!

Claudia is the proud mother of two boys. She loves spending time outdoors with her husband, Alexei, and her children. She also has another passion: running, which keeps her focused and in balance.

Mahiba Mora Gorriones and Petirrojos’ Lead Teacher

Mahiba was born and raised in Guatemala. She is the mother of three children who were the motivation for pursuing her profession. She graduated as a teacher in experimental education, and in 1990, she started working as a teacher, and all the while she was working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Later, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration.

In her native Guatemala, she worked at an alternative school where she learned to embrace the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Her goal has always been to teach in a non-traditional educational setting, to reach children, not by content or objectives proposed by adults, but by respecting their own interests, their concerns, and above all, letting them be children. She says, "My best teachers have been the children. The day I run out of imagination, they will be my best guides."

Mahiba loves to teach at Nuestro Jardín, a place that shares her teaching philosophy.

Rosa Aispuro Gorriones and Petirrojos’ Assistant Teacher

Rosa is originally from Mexico but moved to the US in the early 90's. While living in Southern California, she worked for many years in the Head Start preschool programs her children were attending. Once in Oregon, and after many years working with the elderly, she decided it was time for her to go back to working with children.

Rosa is a loving and caring teacher, and children love having her around!

Rosa is working towards completing her CDA certification.

Elizabeth Ulmer Gorriones and Petirrojos’ Assistant Teacher

Elizabeth, a native Spanish speaker from Peru, developed a love for English as a young girl. She studied English in college and worked as an English teacher at an elementary school in Peru.

She moved to Italy, where she lived for more than 10 years and worked as a private English instructor for children. During that time, she also became fluent in Italian.

Utilizing her training in emotional health, she has provided counseling for immigrant families in Italy and served as a private parenting coach in Peru. She also volunteered for DEMUNA, a Peruvian government child advocacy program.

Elizabeth has lived in Portland since 2015. She is eager to continue her work with children here, and in particular at Nuestro Jardín Academy. She is a firm believer in the school’s Reggio Emilia approach.

She enjoys working with small children because of their innocence, curiosity and energy. She is grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the journey with the Nuestro Jardín family.