Wende DeFlon, English Language Arts Instructor 
Wende has a passion for children that has led her to pursue new opportunities as she has transitioned into a new phase of her life. After graduating from Hampshire College with her BA in Cultural Anthropology and from John Hopkins with her MSc in Population Dynamics/Demography, Wende has for many years worked with cultural and educational organizations in Central America. Since she is bilingual in Spanish/English, these jobs helped to fuel her love for this culture and sharpen her language skills. Her most recent job saw her return to the Charlottesville area where she was a literacy tutor for Literacy for All Charlottesville. Wende is excited to help the Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd Graders develop their English phonics skills!

Nattachya Olivares, Roaming Assistant
Natthachya is in her fourth year at the ISC, and she has been a regular caregiver and nanny to ISC families for over 2 years. She is a native Spanish speaker and came to the US from Venezuela. Nattachya lives here with her husband Jose and a one year old daughter. Natthachya gained her BA in Social Communication and Journalism University Fermin Toro Barquisimeto in 2013 and completed a Masters in Economics and Organizational Communication in 2016. Nattachya loves working with the Toddlers and especially enjoys arts and crafts with them. 

Gloriouse Kade, Roaming Assistant
Gloriose is in her fourth year at the ISC. Originally from Rwanda, she is a native French speaker and excited to share her knowledge of French with the children. Kade had worked previously at another preschool before joining the ISC in 2019.

 

Lisa Blackmon, Roaming Assistant
Lisa is in her second year of working at the ISC. Her daughter is a recent ISC alumni. Lisa completed her Spanish Language and Literature Studies at the University of Valencia prior to enrolling at UVA for her Bachelors of Arts Degree. Lis is excited about working both in our Junior Kindergarten classes as well as with our 3rd Grade Spanish students. Before coming to the ISC, Lisa taught in the Pittsylvania and Danville Public School Systems. 

 

Sarah Ridle, Kindergarten Language Arts Teacher
Sarah was born and raised in Charlottesville, VA. After getting a degree from Mary Washington University, Sarah spent a few years teaching outdoor education in various parts of the country. She then completed her Masters of Education from the University of Washington in Seattle. She taught Kindergarten for 10 years before returning home to Charlottesville with her husband and having twin children. Sarah is passionate about language arts, helping students to find the joy in becoming a lifelong learner.

 

Elaine Reyes, Roaming Assistant
Bio Forthcoming.