Meet Our Staff

    • Annemarie Castro
      Program Director

      Annemarie Castro

      Program Director

      I come to IBA with over 25 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education, having served as a Program Director in Head Start as well as private child care facilities. My most recent experience was as an EEC Licensor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I hold degrees in Early Childhood as well as Criminal Justice and Leadership/Non-Profit Management. My passion is supporting educators in their professional development and providing support and resources in supporting children in their development. I also enjoy traveling and spending time with family as often as I can.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Master’s Degree in Leadership/Non-Profit Management, EEC Director II Certificate
      • Class Educator:
        Program Director
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Spending time with family and traveling
    • Joanna Fuentes
      Program Manager

      Joanna Fuentes

      Program Manager

      I have a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Mildly Impaired children, an Early Education and Care License, and several certificates in early childhood education. I have been working with IBA since 1999 and love that I am able to provide quality service to various families and I have the power to contribute to the education of the children. My favorite part of my work is seeing the smiles on each child’s face.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, EEC License, LTP, DI, DII
      • Class Educator:
        Program Manager
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Spending time with Family,Going to Church
    • Valerie Laboy
      Education Manager

      Valerie Laboy

      Education Manager

      I have my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology and my Early Education and Care License. I’ve been working as a preschool teacher since 2010 and I love working with IBA because they empower the community by providing programs that strengthen Hispanic culture. My favorite part of my work is the loving atmosphere that has been created between staff, children, and families; our environment celebrates diversity, reinforce Hispanic heritage, and preserve the Spanish language.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology, EEC License, LTP
      • Class Educator:
        Bohío Classroom (Ages 2.9 – 3.5 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Singing, Playing Piano, Teaching Liturgical Dance
    • Merian López
      Teacher Bohío Classroom

      Merian López

      Teacher Bohío Classroom

      I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, my Early Education and Care License, and several certificates in early childhood education. I’ve been teaching since 2006, and love working with IBA because it gives me a chance to give back to the community. I love that it is my responsibility to introduce children to the world of education in a safe and fun environment where they can express themselves creatively, make friends and adapt to spending the day without their parents.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Associate’s Degree in ECE, EEC License, LTP, DI, DII
      • Class Educator:
        Bohío Classroom (Ages 2.9 – 3.5 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Spending Time with Family, Going to Church
    • Myrna Silvestry
      Teacher Cacique Classroom

      Myrna Silvestry

      Teacher Cacique Classroom

      I have two Bachelor’s degrees, one in Early Childhood Education and a second in Education & Primary K-3. I also have my Early Education and Care License, a license to teach in Puerto Rican Public Schools, a license to teach Spanish K-12 in Boston Public Schools, and I’m studying for my Masters Degree in Spanish Language. I have a passion for teaching children, and IBA’s preschool program gives me an opportunity to teach. My favorite part of work is teaching the children a new concept every day and then they come together in Morning Meeting and show me what they learned.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelor’s of ECE, Bachelor’s in Primary Education, EEC License, LTP, License to teach in PR, License to teach Spanish in BPS
      • Class Educator:
        Cacique Classroom (Ages 4.0 – 4.5 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Studying for my Masters, Spending Time with Family & Friends, Dancing
    • Suleidy Alvarado
      Teacher Batey Classroom

      Suleidy Alvarado

      Teacher Batey Classroom

      I have my Associates Degree in Chemistry, and I am studying to obtain my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have Licensed in Preschool Teacher. I began to work in 2018 as a teacher. I like to work with children because they are the future of society. The thing that I like the most about my job is that with love and dedication children learn and feel happy.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Associate’s Degree in Chemistry, Associate’s Degree in ECE, EEC Licensed Preschool Teacher, LTP
      • Class Educator:
        Batey Classroom (Ages 3.5 – 4.0 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        I go to church, read and spend time with my family
    • Vanesa Guevara
      Teacher Batey Classroom

      Vanesa Guevara

      Teacher Batey Classroom

      I have a bachelor’s degree in Latina/o Studies and Education. One of my favorite parts of being a teacher at IBA is walking into the classroom in the morning and hearing and seeing the kids be happy to see me, and then reciprocating that energy. I think it is important to make sure that each of our children in the classroom feels seen, heard, and loved.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelor’s Degree in Latina/o Studies and Education – Mount Holyoke College, EEC License, LTP
      • Class Educator:
        Batey Classroom (3.5-4.0 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        I like to spend time outside, going to new places, going to the gym, and spending time with friends and family.
    • Zashira Arias
      Teacher Batey Classroom

      Zashira Arias

      Teacher Batey Classroom

      I have my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology. I have been working with children for several years in distinct settings and countries. What I love most about working with children is being a part of their foundation for their creativity, goals and life. As teachers, we enhance children’s excitement and curiosity to learn daily, they keep us on our toes and we learn from them as they do from us.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelors of Arts in Psychology
      • Class Educator:
        Batey Classroom (3.5-4.0 years)
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish and Italian
      • Hobbies:
        I love traveling, going to the gym, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
    • Karen DeJesus
      Infant – Toddler Lead Teacher

      Karen DeJesus

      Infant – Toddler Lead Teacher

      I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Puerto Rico. I have worked in child care for more than 25 years. As an Infant, Toddler, Preschool Lead Teacher at different childcare programs in Puerto Rico and Boston, MA. I’m certified by The MA Department of Early Education and Care as an Infant, Toddler, Preschool Lead Teacher.

      I enjoy working with children. Children give my so much peace because they are so innocent. Children fulfill my soul with happiness. I have learned from children to become a better person. They keep me young at heart.

      The love of my life are my two children! They give me strength to be the best person I can. One of my hobbies are going to the beaches of Puerto Rico.

      Personal Info:
      • Degree:
        Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education EEC License, LITP
      • Class Educator:
        Infant-Toddler Lead Educator
      • My Languages:
        English, Spanish
      • Hobbies:
        Spending time at the Beach.