Meet some of our wonderful teachers, subs, and tutors (in no particular order).
TEACHER/TUTOR
I TEACH AT THE CENTRO HISPANO MARISTA BECAUSE…
INTERESTING FACT
JOSE A. GREGORY
From: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Background: B.A. Yale; J.D. UPenn
It makes my soul smile and I want to make a difference in the community.
I once sat next to Natalie Portman on a school bus–it’s a l-o-n-g story…
SUSAN FREED
From Gainesville or Tampa, Florida
B.S. Physical Therapy, University of Florida; M.S. Medical Science, Emory; D.P.T. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Emory
I learned of the great inequalities in treatment of immigrants and low education workers from Hispanic countries during medical mission work. I felt called to serve this population using skills and knowledge from my career as a teacher.
I am a Georgia Master Naturalist.
CHESTER «CHICO» WOJNA
From: Puerto Rico
Background: B.S. in Chemistry – University Puerto Rico, M.B.A. – J. Mack Robinson College of Business, GSU
I am a Christian and I want to help others, my country, and my community.
I like to have FUN!
RITA M. GLASER
From: Wheeling, WV
Background: Undergraduate degree from Bethany College; BA. Masters degree from Georgia State University, MDS in Quantitative Methods
I have so much respect for adults with busy lives taking time to get their GED. If I can help with their goal, I am very happy to do so. I love teaching Math.
I am fluent in Sign Language and a qualified Yoga Instructor.
RAÚL ALFONSO
From: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Background: B.S. Industrial Engineering, GA Tech
I believe the greatest gift you can give is the gift of education.
I left everything to follow my true love!
T. RENÉ RODRÍGUEZ
From Lima, Peru & Caracas, Venezuela
Background: B.S. Computer Science, Universidad Simón Bolivar; M.S. Computer Science, Rutgers
“Matthew 25:40: ‘And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ ”
I am a black belt in Karate.
I have 23 years old Marist grad and 3 year old future Marist grad.
JOSÉ VILLEGAS
From: Barranquilla, Colombia
Background: B.S. Civil Engineering, Universidad del Norte, Colombia; M.S. GA Tech.
I love to help people have dreams and reach goals.
I run 1/2 marathons!
SARAH BUNDSCHUH
From: Atlanta, GA
Background: B.S. in Plant Genetics – University of Georgia; M.S. in Agronomy/Weed Science – University of Georgia
Horace Mann, an American educator (1848) said, “Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is a great equalizer of the conditions of men – the balance wheel of the social machinery.” I believe in the mission of CHM.
I’ve spent many years training golf course maintenance employees throughout the United States to work safely with chemicals and equipment.
IRIS OSBURN
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Background: B.A. Journalism, Auburn University
I want to serve Christ and the Catholic Community.
I love to collect stories.
VICKY GASTALDI
From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Background: I’m the proud Mom of four super awesome kids. I also like to design and build houses. Mom at heart, architect by trade.
I love teaching at Centro because it gives me hope that lives can be changed, regardless of your odds, if you’re willing to put the hard work and dedication. I learn from my students every day, and I’m very grateful for that.
I’m a passionate soccer fan. Go Argentina, Barcelona, and Atlanta United!
CHRISTOPHER MICHAUD
From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; lived in Washington DC for 10 years before moving to Atlanta
Background: Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Music Education. Master’s Degree student at Georgia Institute of Technology for Computer Science. Certified to teach Math 6-12 in Georgia
I want to teach at Centro to continue supporting the Mission of the Society of Mary.
I coach Marist School’s Robotics Team.
JUDY STEFFY
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Background: Business Administration, Elmhurst College M.S. Management, Georgia State University
I believe education is the key to a better life for our students and I’m happy to help with that process!
I’m a docent at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
MARCO VALENCIA
Hometown: Mexico City
Background: B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering, ITESM Mexico; M.S. Quality Management, Germany; M.B.A., Georgia State University.
It is very rewarding to see someone working at and achieving their goals.
I love to ski! I also love jamón ibérico and may become a professional cutter of jamón.
DINORAH SIMON PEREZ
From: Cuba
Background: Bachelors in Science in Chemistry teaching. Scientific research for 25 years in La Habana.
Me apasiona enseñar y entregar a otros mis conocimientos compartiendo uno de los tesoros más importantes que tiene un ser humano , la educación.
Trabajo actualmente con niños en el condado de Dekalb.
RICHARD SZYMKE
From: USA
Background: History and Communications Teaching
Help students learn and succeed. Giving back to the community.
I love traveling!
ISABEL GARRIDO
Hometown: Santiago, Chile
Background: M.D. OB/GYN Santiago, Chile; M.B.A Wharton
Although I never set foot in a kitchen until I was 30, I now love cooking and experimenting!
This program has a direct impact on improving people’s lives, and I love to teach–>great match!
NEYDA CANIZALEZ ALVAREZ
Hometown: Venezuela
Background:
GILMER
Hometown: Venezuela
Education:
SANDRA FERRERAS
Hometown: República Dominicana
Background: B.A. Education and Social Studies in Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), and ESL at GTC. Child Develoment Associated and PDS specialist.
CHM changed my life. I met people, who like me, were wondering what we could do. I feel I can contribute with my experience as student and give back as I received when I started.
I have 2 kids and every Tuesday I run to be on time! I always remember what it feels to be a student and I love to help now that I’m in the other side. I love teaching such wonderful students!