Meet Our Teachers
Kim Garcia-Meza
Director and Teacher
Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, Kim Garcia-Meza moved to San Francisco in 1989 after graduating from college. She holds a BA from Stanford University, a Bilingual Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from SFSU, a Masters in International and Multicultural Education from USF, a year of field research on bilingual education in Argentina, a Preschool Program Director Permit from the State of California, and 34 years of experience as a Spanish bilingual teacher - including 10 years as an elementary school teacher in SFUSD’s Mission District.
Kim and her husband Peter's three children attended SFUSD Flynn Elementary Spanish Immersion for lower primary and San Francisco Friends School for upper primary and middle school. Their oldest daughter and son graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep and currently attend UCLA and UCSC. Their youngest son is a senior at Stuart Hall. Kim and Peter's combined family heritage give their children, all bilingual in Spanish and English, the distinction of being tri-cultural (Japanese-Mexican-Bolivian). Kim's personal search for a quality preschool experience in Spanish for her own children led her to establish Las Mañanitas.
To learn more about Kim’s academic and professional background please visit her linkedin profile at
Patricia Flores
Teacher
Patricia Flores is a native of El Salvador who comes from a family of professional educators. In El Salvador, Patricia worked for many years on the administrative staff of a large private school. She holds a California Early Childhood Site Supervisor Permit from SF City College. Prior to joining the Las Mañanitas teaching team as a founding teacher, Patricia worked for SF Head Start Programs.
Patricia and her husband Jaime have two adult sons who are SFUSD graduates, both of whom are bilingual in Spanish and English.
Melissa Avila
Teacher
Melissa Avila is a native of Honduras. She joined the Las Mañanitas teaching team during the challenging era of the COVID pandemic and quickly embraced her new career as a early childhood educator. Melissa is currently attending night school at SF City College working toward her California Early Childhood Teacher Permit.
Melissa and her husband have two young sons. Her oldest son is a first grader in SFUSD. She and her husband are raising their children to be bilingual in Spanish and English.
We also host Guest Teachers for
Enrichment Classes in Spanish
Tree Frog Treks
Our students can’t wait to see what amazing animals come to visit with Maestra Karla from Tree Frog Treks! Started by Chris “Mr. Science” Giorni out of the back of his pick-up truck in 1999, Tree Frog Treks has grown to be one of the leading science and outdoor education companies in the Bay Area.
Damian Alvarez
This year we are excited to introduce Flamenco Dance Classes taught by Las Mananitas parent and professional Flamenco Instructor Damian Alvarez. A truly talented performer and instructor, Damien brings the beautiful art form of Flamenco alive. Please visit his website to learn about his classes and Flamenco Shows.
