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

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.

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.

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

This program has a direct impact on improving people’s lives, and I love to teach–>great match!

Although I never set foot in a kitchen until I was 30, I now love cooking and experimenting!

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!