Virginia Fonseca ​(Founder & Program Director)

I started my teaching career when I was 18 years old as a Kindergarten teacher's aid while studying at night to became an Early Childhood Teacher. Since then, I have  been a teacher wherever I moved.
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During my time in Colombia, I was a preschool teacher for bilingual schools and focused on teaching English to my students. Since I moved to Zionsville in 2000, I began to teach Spanish. I can't believe it's already been 19 years.

I believe that teaching is a passion, and you have to love it to be successful. I can truly say that teaching is what it makes me happy. All my stress is gone when I see the first face of my student walk in through the door in the morning. I hope I can continue this journey for many years to come!

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Danny Montana (Boone Meadow)

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Hola! I was born in Venezuela and have a degree in Advertising and Marketing, a field I worked in for many years—especially in radio.

I’ve been living in Indianapolis for four years now. I’m married and have a 13-year-old son who speaks Spanish, English, and Italian fluently. He currently attends Westfield Middle School.
I began teaching Spanish three years ago, and it’s been such a joy! I love guiding children, interacting with them, and being part of their language-learning journey from an early age. My approach is all about fun, engagement, and creating a dynamic environment where kids feel excited to learn.
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I was lucky to grow up in a family of educators, where the most important rule was always to teach with love. That’s a value I bring into every classroom, every day.

Sara Ayllon (Stonegate Elementary)

​I am from Spain. I graduated in Biology from Cordoba University, with a postgraduate certificate in education. Back in Spain, I taught math and science to elementary, middle and high school students for many years. I have been living in Indianapolis for 7 years and this is my second year teaching Spanish with Early Start Spanish.

Lucy Intriago (Pleasant View Elementary)

I began my career in education by teaching elementary school in my natal country Ecuador. Then worked for Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland in Special Education with children who had emotional behaviors.

When I moved to Indiana in 2010, I worked in the ESL program in Lawrence Township Schools and then transitioned to teaching Preschool in the early childhood program at Washington Township Schools. I work closely with Hispanic Childcare providers, and I am active in the community providing training in Spanish and parent referrals as a Bilingual Program Engagement Specialist. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Politecnica Salesiana University. This is my second year teaching Spanish with Early Start Spanish. In my free time, I love to travel.

Julimar Paredes (Trailside Elementary)

I’m originally from Venezuela, and I have lived in Indiana since 2014. I’m a lawyer graduated from the University of Zulia (Venezuela). I live in Westfield with my husband and our two children.

​I started teaching Spanish to children 4 years ago. It’s my first year as an Early Start Spanish teacher. I love teaching children. I spend my class teaching with games, arts, songs and more. “Having fun” while they learn is part of the plan.

Marcela Trujillo (Pleasant View Elementary)

My name is Marcela Trujillo, I was born in Colombia and left my country about 12 years ago. In that time, I have had the opportunity to live in Madrid, California, and since 2011, Indiana.

I finished my B.S. studies in Business Administration at Universidad de La Sabana in Bogotá. I am happily married and a mother of two wonderful kids who are currently students at elementary and middle schools in Carmel.

I have had the amazing opportunity to work as a substitute Spanish teacher for Early Start Spanish Program,  and now I am so excited be the main teacher. I love helping the kids learn the Spanish language skills while singing, playing and having fun together.
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Diana Hernandez (Trailside Elementary)

My name is Diana Hernandez. I was born and raised in Mexico City and moved to Zionsville, Indianapolis  7 years ago with my family,. Before arriving in Indiana, I  lived in Houston, Texas for 5 years. I have a BS in Accounting,  I worked as an external auditor at Deloitte- Mexico. I began my career as accounting analyst in the Pharmaceutics industry and had lot of good experiences working and studying at the same time. 

I love teaching young children in my native language, Spanish. It is so necessary in today's world for children to learn a foreign language, and I firmly believe that during their childhood, it s much easier to learn!

Yessica Villamizar (Eagle Elementary)

Hola! My name is Yessica Villamizar, and I’m originally from Venezuela. I have a degree in Nursing, and I moved to the United States in 2022.

I’m also the proud mom of a wonderful 6-year-old son named Matheo. He started learning a second language at a young age, and it’s been incredible to watch how naturally he picked it up. I truly believe this will be such a valuable skill for him throughout his life.

Teaching has become a very special part of my life. I show up every day with love and care—not just to teach, but to learn from your children as well. As much as I guide them, they inspire and teach me too.

I genuinely love working with kids, and it brings me so much joy to help them discover the Spanish language. Seeing them laugh, play, and learn all at once is the best part of my day. I’m excited to keep growing and learning alongside them on this journey!

Nora Castro (Eagle Elementary)

My name is Nora Castro.  I am from Honduras and moved to Louisiana in 1999. I have a Medical Assistant degree from California. My husband’s job relocations gave us the unique opportunity to experience different cultures, living across southern U.S., Brazil and now Indiana since 2015. My passion for teaching kids began when my son and daughter were preschoolers. I volunteered every week at their kindergarten and elementary schools in Louisiana, Texas, and California. I joined my team of talented teachers at Early Start Spanish in 2017, first as a substitute teacher at several Zionsville schools and now as the Early Start Spanish teacher at Eagle Elementary.
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​Living in the U.S. and abroad gave me a strong appreciation for the rich cultural experiences young kids are exposed to when learning a new language. Thus, I combine my Spanish lessons with cultural appreciation using songs, games, and a variety of different activities to ensure kids are motivated to learn while having fun.

Angelica Jeffries (Union Elementary School)

Hola! My name is Angelica G. Jeffries, and I’m originally from Mexico City. I moved to Indianapolis almost 20 years ago and have a degree in International Business.

I’ve been teaching Spanish here for 20 years, and I truly love what I do. I’m also a proud mom of three—Santiago, Diego, and Alejandra—and a big fan of my sweet dog, Marley!
Working with children brings me so much joy, especially when I get to share my language and culture with them. I’m passionate about music, dancing, working out, and meeting new people.
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I’m very proud of where I come from and feel so blessed to now call America my home.