“青出于蓝而胜于蓝 (Indigo blue is extracted from the indigo plant but is bluer than the plant it comes from. Good schooling produces excellence beyond the masters: students surpass their teachers).”
Chinese Proverb

Educators & Leadership

Owner: Jessa Ford Depew, PharmD

Jessa Depew took a sabbatical from her work as a Senior Medical Director for a small biotech company where she ran clinical trials in rare genetic diseases.  Jessa received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Tennessee and a Doctor of Pharmacy from University of the Pacific.  She completed a post-doctoral fellowship with Rutgers University.  Jessa has been an active member of the Lung Transplant Foundation Board since 2014 and gives her time to support patients and families affected by lung disease. She and her husband, Jim, have a daughter at the Quad,  Avie (Kindergarten).  Their oldest son, Reeve, aged out in May 2025 and is now in 5th Grade at East Side Elementary.  Their middle child, Roman, aged out in May 2026 and joined his brother at East Side for 4th grade.  All 3 kids are working models and actors.  Speaking 4 languages has opened doors for voice over and acting work as the kids can dub themselves in other languages.

Jessa was an exchange student in France, so her boys also get exposure to French at home.  Jessa’s father, Steve, is the onsite “Mr. Fix It” for the staff, and the resident Grandpa for the children.  Jessa’s mother, Annie, also supports school activities.  They are both retired and live in Atlanta to be close to their grandchildren.

Jessa’s husband, Dr. James Depew – “Jim”, is a Plastic and General Surgeon in Atlanta.  He earned his Undergraduate and Medical Degree at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia School of Medicine. He completed an intern year in General Surgery at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, followed by a 5-year General Surgery residency in Savannah, GA, at Memorial University Medical Center – Mercer School of Medicine.  Jim then completed a 3-year fellowship in Plastic Surgery at the University of Tennessee in Memphis.  He is double Board Certified in General and Plastic Surgery.

 

Ericka Garcia

Ericka Garcia

Director of Human Resources

Ericka is a native Spanish speaker from Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico. She has been in the Early Education field for 11 years. She completed an Early Childhood Care And Education Basics (Technical Certificate of Credit) from Southern Crescent Technical College in 2013 and obtained her Director's Certificate in 2015. She believes that teaching children foreign languages at an early age sets them up for a lifetime of success in any aspect of their lives. On a more personal note, Ericka enjoys the outdoors, fitness, and nutrition.

"Cuando puedes hablar con la gente en su propio idioma, profundizas las conexiones y la comprensión. Aprender 4 de los 5 idiomas principales del mundo a una edad temprana le da a un niño toda la vida para beneficiarse de las amistades interculturales, oportunidades profesionales más extensas, emocionantes aventuras de viaje y una visión más profunda de cómo otros ven el mundo.”

Inga Swett

Inga Swett

Director of Student and Family Engagement | IB Curriculum Director

Inga was born in Germany and is a dual citizen of the United States and Germany. She has called the Atlanta area home for most of her life. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with a minor in French from the University of Georgia. She also holds a Technical Certificate of Credit in Early Childhood Care and Education Basics from Chattahoochee Technical College and earned her Child Care Director's Certificate in 2024. Inga currently serves as the Director of Parent & Student Engagement and IB Head of School at The Quad Academy. Since joining The Quad, she has held several roles, including Lead English Teacher for Toddler 3 through 1st Grade, English Curriculum Lead, IB Coordinator, and Assistant Director. Her experience in both the classroom and administration provides her with a unique perspective on supporting students, families, and faculty while fostering a strong, engaging school community. Prior to joining The Quad Academy, Inga worked as a Lead Preschool Teacher for three-year-olds and taught English virtually to children in China, ages 4–14. Before transitioning into education, she built a successful career in public relations, where she developed strong communication, marketing, and relationship-building skills that continue to benefit her work with families today.

Inga is passionate about building meaningful connections with students and parents and creating a positive school experience for every family. She is also the proud mother of Ethan and Elise, who were both students at The Quad Academy.

Outside of school, Inga enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family, four cats, and two hermit crabs. She is also working on becoming quadrilingual: she speaks English, German, some French, and is learning Spanish.

Stacey Payton M.Ed.

Stacey Payton M.Ed.

English Curriculum Lead | Elementary English Teacher I IB PYP Coordinator

Ms. Stacey Payton is a dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in education, primarily teaching and supporting students in middle and high school before transitioning to elementary education. She currently serves as the Kindergarten Teacher, IB PYP Coordinator, and English Department Lead at The Quadrilingual Academy, where she is passionate about building strong academic foundations while fostering curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Ms. Stacey recently earned her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in PK–8 Mild to Moderate Special Education, adding to her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Her diverse educational background allows her to support students with a wide range of learning needs while creating inclusive, engaging, and student-centered classrooms. As an International Baccalaureate educator, Ms. Stacey believes every child deserves an environment where they are challenged, supported, and inspired to think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate different cultures. She strives to cultivate classrooms where inquiry, creativity, and collaboration are at the heart of learning. Beyond the classroom, Ms. Stacey enjoys mentoring fellow educators, leading curriculum development, and helping shape innovative educational programs that prepare students to become compassionate, globally minded citizens. She is committed to continuous growth as an educator and to making a lasting impact on the lives of her students and school community. “Be Curious. Be Kind. Be Brave. Be You.”

Hawa Boyd

Hawa Boyd

French Curriculum Lead | Elementary French Teacher

Mme Hawa was born in Paris and raised in the Paris region, where she earned a degree in Education Sciences from La Sorbonne Paris Nord University. After teaching for four years in France as both a classroom teacher and a special education teacher, she decided to pursue her American dream.

Mme Hawa began her journey in the United States as an intern at the New York French American Charter School (NYFACS), where she later taught French immersion for eight years. During her years in the United States, she earned a Master’s degree in Childhood Education and Special Education (Grades 1–6) from Touro College.

With over 17 years of teaching experience, including extensive experience in French immersion education, Mme Hawa believes that learning should be joyful, meaningful, and engaging. Her teaching philosophy is built around creating interactive experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning. Her goal is for her students to enjoy discovering and growing as much as she enjoys teaching them.

After moving to Georgia, Mme Hawa became certified in French (Pre-K–12) and Special Education (Pre-K–12). She is proud to be part of the Georgia education community and has settled in Cobb County with her husband and their three children: twins Tommy and Jerome, and their younger sister Margot, who joined The Quadrilingual Academy in June 2024. Outside of the classroom, Mme Hawa enjoys baking, reading, traveling (especially cruising), and writing. She dreams of one day writing a children books saga as successful as Harry Potter.

“Enseigner est ma passion; mon objectif est que mes élèves adorent apprendre autant que j’adore enseigner.”

Maria Salas

Maria Salas

Spanish Curriculum Lead | Elementary Spanish Teacher

Hello my name is Maria Salas, and I was born and raised in Maracaibo Zulia State, Venezuela, I graduated with my Early Childhood Education degree from the Alonso de Ojeda University in Venezuela in 2017. I worked as a teacher for 10 years in my country, and I live in Georgia with my husband and three children. Fun facts about me are that I like to spend time with my family, I like to dance, and listen to music.

Lisa Yao

Lisa Yao

Chinese Curriculum Lead I Elementary Chinese Teacher

Greetings! I am excited and dedicated to teaching your children this year in the Mandarin Chinese language. I love helping students learn the Chinese language and its culture. I want our classroom to be a fun and happy place where every child can grow and do their best. Originally from Guangdong, China, I earned my bachelor's degree in Biology at South China Normal University. Later, I earned my master's degree in Information Systems at George Mason University in Virginia. I am the proud mom of a daughter who is a student at Georgia Tech. Outside of school, I enjoy photography, gardening and baking. Learning a new language is just like baking a cake. You mix many fun ingredients together and the effort is a surprise!

Mei Liang

Mei Liang

Pre-K Chinese Teacher

My name is Mei Liang, and I am a dedicated early childhood educator and native Mandarin speaker with a passion for nurturing curiosity, creativity, and language development in young learners. I hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, have undergraduate education in Business Administration, and an associate in International Business. I also completed the Early Childhood Care and Education Basics Technical Certificate of Credit at Chattahoochee Technical College in 2026. I have served as a Georgia Pre-K Teacher at a Montessori school in East Cobb. I love helping children grow through inquiry-based, hands-on learning. I am excited to continue sharing my passion for early childhood education, language development, and cultural learning at The Quadrilingual Academy. I have two daughters: Emily, who attends Georgia Tech, and Ellie, who attends Walton High School. Outside the classroom, I enjoy promoting Chinese language and culture within my community, playing tennis, practicing yoga, and spending quality time with my family.

Amiya Green

Amiya Green

Pre-K English Teacher

Amiya Green is a dedicated educator with a deep passion for nurturing young minds and igniting the genius in every child. With years of experience as a Pre-K teacher and director of a preschool, Amiya has always been committed to creating a fun and engaging learning environment that fosters both creativity and academic growth. She is particularly passionate about helping children develop the foundational skills of reading and writing, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed. 


Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Amiya also holds a CDA and a Director’s License, demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and excellence in early childhood education. She is thrilled to be a part of a school that offers children the opportunity to learn new languages, she is also embracing this opportunity herself, currently learning a new language. Amiya is excited to support children as they discover the joy of multilingual learning while making each day of school an adventure in fun and exploration.

Marvi Rocha

Marvi Rocha

Pre-K Spanish Teacher

Marvi is a native Spanish speaker from Caracas-Venezuela, graduated at the Universidad Central de Venezuela with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She has been in the Early Education field for 12 years with a TCC credentials in Child Development Specialist. I love being a mother of my two teenagers’ children Joshua and Isabella who were the reason why I became a childhood educator.

I believe children have an internal timing and pacing to their development that is unique to each child. It is my goal to help my students develop in order to suit their individual needs. I love interacting with my students, singing songs, being dynamic, encouraging and nurturing.

“ Yo creo en la importancia de exponer a los niños a otros lenguajes y culturas alrededor del mundo y puedan llegar a ser Ciudadanos del mundo”

“ I believe that is important to expose children to other languages and cultures around the world, so they can become Global Citizens of the world”

Ludy Salazar

Ludy Salazar

Pre-K Spanish Teacher

My name is Ludy Salazar. With a background in early childhood education and hands-on experience supporting preschool classrooms, I am passionate about creating a positive and nurturing environment for young learners. My collaborative approach, coupled with my strong organizational and communication skills, makes me an excellent fit to support the teaching team and contribute to a high-quality early learning experience.

I have experience managing small group activities, preparing classroom materials, and ensuring that each child receives individual attention. I am committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive classroom where each child feels valued and encouraged to learn at their own pace. I also prioritize strong communication with families, regularly sharing updates on each child’s progress and collaborating on ways to support learning at home. I am from Venezuela and have lived in the United States for 9 years. I graduated in 2001 with a degree in preschool education from the Universidad Pedagógica Experimental in Venezuela. I live in Georgia with my husband and two daughters. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and taking Zumba classes.

Fanny Fontaine

Fanny Fontaine

Pre-K & Kindergarten French Teacher

Fanny is a native French speaker from France. She moved to Atlanta 9 years ago with her family. At the time, her daughter Chloé was 6 years old, and her son Louis was 17 months old; they spoke only French. They are now fully bilingual, with Louis actually being quadrilingual, having completed the Quad program from Pre-K 4 through 3rd Grade. Fanny has a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Language Pathology and worked for 11 years as a speech-language pathologist in Lille, in northern France. Since arriving in Atlanta, she has worked at AIS as a substitute and French Language Support Teacher, as well as at “L’École du Samedi.” In 2024, she earned a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Care and Education.

"En tant qu'orthophoniste et en tant que maman, venir vivre dans un pays anglophone était un énorme défi. Comment communiquer, apprendre, s'intégrer et s'épanouir quand on ne maîtrise pas la langue ? Mais les enfants ont progressé très vite. Et ils continuent de m'impressionner tous les jours. Je réalise que c'est une vraie chance pour eux : c'est une ouverture sur le monde qui leur servira toute leur vie.

Christine Wimberly

Christine Wimberly

Pre-K French Teacher

Christine is a native from France, and is very proud to teach her language and culture to the students. She has been teaching for over 10 years. Christine attended college at the Atlanta Metropolitan University where she studied International business. She lived in England for 7 years and moved back to her hometown of Lyon for a year. For 3 years prior to joining The Quad, Christine taught at Tabula Rasa the Language Academy where she taught all grades up to the 5th grade. She also teaches 4th grade students at the Ecole du Samedi.

"I am pleased to be your child’s French teacher this year. I am very interested in having your support and working as a team with your family in order to have a very successful school year. Teaching is my passion but I also love to travel the world. I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel quite a bit with my husband Gregg and my two daughters, Malèna and Zoriana. I speak several languages including Ukrainian, Polish and some Spanish. I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the children’s growth and to have new discoveries with an amazing team of teachers at The Quad. Seul, on va plus vite...ensemble, on va plus loin."

Melissa Rivera

Melissa Rivera

Pre-K Spanish Teacher

Sra. Melissa was born and raised in Puerto Rico where she majored in Social Work. Adding to her studies, she is certified by The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators in Spanish. In 2009 she had the opportunity to work with children and the experience was so rewarding that it steered the future of her career in that direction. Sra. Melissa is a proud mother of two children who inspire her daily to make a positive impact in the intellectual development of other kids.

“It’s such an honor to join The Quadrilingual Academy family where the inclusion of multiple languages is a priority. Introducing a second language during the first years of life increases the child’s desire and ability to learn new skills. I look forward to being a part of your children learning where I can contribute to their bilingual education and overall experience. Sin lugar a duda forjar nuestros niños va atado de responsabilidad,compromiso y amor. Es para mi un honor ser parte de el desarrollo de personas capaces y con pensamientos diferentes. Apoyar su criterio y dirigir hacia la independencia es mi norte.”

Yuliette Contreras

Yuliette Contreras

Pre-K Spanish Teacher

My name is Yuliette Contreras, and I am excited to be your child's Spanish teacher this year! Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, I have over 10 years of experience teaching Spanish in the United States. As both an educator and the proud mother of a daughter, I understand the importance of creating a caring, engaging, and supportive learning environment where every child feels encouraged to grow, explore, and succeed. I hold an Associate's Degree in Education and am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I also hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, a Professional Certification in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE) with a specialization in teaching children, and have successfully passed the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) in Spanish and Ethics. I believe that learning a second language at an early age builds confidence, strengthens cognitive development, and opens doors to lifelong academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. In our Spanish classroom, students learn through songs, stories, games, hands-on activities, movement, and meaningful cultural experiences that inspire a love for the Spanish language while celebrating the richness and diversity of Hispanic cultures.

"Aprender un segundo idioma desde la infancia es uno de los mejores regalos que podemos ofrecer a nuestros niños. Cada palabra en español que aprenden fortalece su desarrollo cognitivo, mejora sus habilidades de comunicación, amplía su visión del mundo y les abre puertas a nuevas oportunidades en el futuro. Juntos construiremos una base sólida para que se conviertan en ciudadanos bilingües, seguros y preparados para un mundo cada vez más global."

Lillian Hu

Lillian Hu

Toddler & Pre-K Chinese Teacher

My name is Lillian Hu. I graduated from AnShan Science and Technology University, CN, in 2000, and I came to the US in the same year with my family. My favorite hobbies are cooking, swimming, and enjoying nature. I have three children. My eldest child is a senior at Georgia Tech and is a founder and director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing exciting science with more students. My second child just graduated from Walton High school as salutatorian and will also be attending Georgia Tech. My youngest one is in Dodgen Middle School and is skilled in robot design and coding. They are all very studious and interested in the Chinese culture.

Just as how I nurtured them and taught them Chinese and introduced them to Chinese culture and just as how I served as a Chinese teacher at Sunday school, at a trilingual school, and currently at the Hong Fan Chinese school (2022 – current) in total for more than 15 years, I teach with a passion for my students, introducing them to the Chinese culture and language through fun activities, such as arts and crafts, sing-a-longs, and verbal and written communication, as well as through group activities that also develop their confidence and self-recognition. Now I am at the Quadrilingual Academy, and I am very glad and excited to have this wonderful opportunity to use my experiences and skills to teach your wonderful kids, watching them grow in the process and seeing them achieve success.

Brandon Boyd

Brandon Boyd

Toddler and Pre-K English Teacher

Hey everyone! I’m Mr. Brandon, your new English teacher here at The Quad! I’m originally from New York City but have been calling Georgia home since 2020. I’ve been teaching since 2012 — starting out in improv comedy (yep, the “make-it-up-on-the-spot” kind!). I even toured the country performing, and fun fact: you can actually spot me in a movie on Amazon Prime! I studied Information Technology at SUNY Oswego in upstate New York, and before joining The Quad, I worked as an Inclusion Facilitator at Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool. When I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me playing guitar or getting into something creative — pretty much anything involving the arts. I’m so excited to be part of the Quadrilingual Academy family and can’t wait to see what this school year has in store. Here’s to learning, laughing, and growing together!

Hui Yang

Hui Yang

Toddler & Pre-K Chinese Teacher

Chinese Language Teacher My name is Hui Mu Yang, and I am a dedicated educator with more than 30 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for helping students discover the joy of learning. At The Quadrilingual Academy, I am honored to share the beauty of the Chinese language and culture while fostering curiosity, confidence, and meaningful connections across cultures.

I earned my Associate Degree in Education from Dalian University Normal College and later completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Liaoning Normal University in China. Throughout my career, I taught middle school chemistry and served as a leader within my school’s teaching department, mentoring colleagues and helping develop engaging, student-centered instruction.

Over the years, I have learned that every child is unique. My teaching philosophy is built on patience, encouragement, and respect for each student’s individual learning style. Whether working with young learners, supporting students who need additional guidance, or helping children build confidence in a new language, I believe every child can succeed when they feel understood, valued, and inspired.

Joining The Quadrilingual Academy has given me the opportunity to combine my extensive educational experience with my passion for bilingual and multicultural education. I enjoy creating interactive learning experiences that help children develop language skills through songs, stories, games, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration. My goal is to nurture not only language proficiency but also kindness, curiosity, and a global perspective.

As an educator, I believe that learning never stops. I continue to grow professionally by studying early childhood education, language instruction, and child development so that I can better support every student in my classroom. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, lifelong learning, and exploring ways to connect Chinese and American cultures through education. I believe that language is more than communication—it is a bridge that brings people together.

My personal philosophy is simple: Teach with patience, inspire with kindness, and lead by example. I hope every child leaves my classroom feeling confident, respected, and excited to learn something new every day.

Zina Hadjaz

Zina Hadjaz

Toddler French Teacher

My name is Zina. I am a native French Speaker from Algeria. I received a bachelor’s degree in English as a second language in 2011. I have been working with kids since 2013.I taught French of different levels at Ecole Du Samedi for several years. I also spent several years as a child growing up in France. I speak four languages: French, Arabic, Berber, and English. I’m extremely committed and passionate about helping your children achieve their French language goals.

"Apprendre une langue c’est d’ouvrir les portes pour explorer mondes"- Ludwig Wittgenstein..

Ana Udelman

Ana Udelman

Toddler Spanish Teacher

Ana is a native Spanish speaker from Venezuela. She received a Bachelor of Social Studies in 2002. She taught at a special needs school as the Lead Teacher for 4 years. In 2001, she taught English and basic computer skills to Toddlers, Pre-K, and Elementary children. She later taught Pre-K and was the Teacher of the Year for 4 years in a row (2009-2013). Ana was promoted to Director before moving to Atlanta in 2018. She completed the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification in 2020. Ana is married and has 3 children. Victor (7), Ana Gaby (22) and Ana Vicky (18).

"Aprender otros idiomas fortalece el cerebro del niño y estimula su capacidad, en especial en las áreas del LENGUAJE, la MEMORIA y la ATENCIÓN. Enseñar a los niños otro idioma es abrirle las puertas a infinitas oportunidades que les dará la vida. Estudios dicen que "mientras más pronto empecemos, mejor!", por lo tanto, mi meta es ofrecerle esa oportunidad a los pequeños de dominar el español para que, cuando crezcan, sean adultos exitosos."

Cynthia Nishimwe

Cynthia Nishimwe

Toddler French Teacher

Cynthia Nishimwe is a French speaker from Burundi ( Central-East Africa). It has always been her dream to work with children. She believes that childhood is the foundation of who we become as adults. She plans to continue her studies and master in Child Psychology. She has been working in child care for almost 4 years; working with children aged from 6 weeks to 12 years old. Cynthia grew up speaking 4 languages ( French, Swahili, Kirundi, and Kinyarwanda) fluently. When she moved to the US in 2010, she added English and Spanish. One thing on her bucket list is to be able to speak 10 languages. Children who are exposed to other languages at a young age have the opportunity to open up their minds to other cultures, learn about diversity, how to communicate, and how to get along with others no matter where they're from.

I want to give my students the same opportunity I was given as a child. It is an immense pleasure to get to work with your little one. On va beaucoup s'amuser.

" Apprendre une langue c'est avoir une fenetre en plus par laquelle regarder le monde."

Aminata Fofana

Aminata Fofana

Toddler French Teacher

Bonjour! My name is Aminata Fofana, and I am a native French speaker from Burkina Faso, West Africa. I believe that every child learns best in an environment where they feel loved, respected, safe, and encouraged to explore the world around them.

I joined our school in August 2021 as a part-time French Floating Teacher. Through dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for early childhood education, I have grown into the role of Lead Teacher in our Toddler classroom. Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and their families while supporting each child's unique developmental journey.

To strengthen my knowledge and teaching practice, I pursued my education in Early Childhood Care and Education. I earned a Technical College Certificate of Credit (TCC) in Early Childhood Care and Education Basics (EC31) in June 2024, followed by a Technical College Diploma (TCD). In 2025, I proudly earned my Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Early Childhood Care and Education. These experiences have deepened my understanding of child development and reinforced my commitment to providing a high-quality, nurturing learning environment.

Being bilingual allows me to introduce children to the beauty of the French language through songs, stories, games, art, cooking activities, and everyday conversations. I love watching children become curious, confident, and excited as they discover new words and cultures. Outside the classroom, I enjoy cooking, hiking, dancing, practicing yoga, and spending time in nature. These hobbies inspire the creativity, joy, and positive energy I bring into my classroom each day. I feel honored to be part of your child's early learning journey and look forward to helping them learn, grow, and create wonderful memories together. My Teaching Philosophy "Every child deserves a place where they feel seen, heard, loved, and inspired to become the very best version of themselves." Favorite Quote « L'éducation est l'arme la plus puissante que l'on puisse utiliser pour changer le monde. » "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

Daysi Blanco

Daysi Blanco

Toddler Spanish Teacher

Hello, my name is Daysi Blanco. I am Cuban. I graduated in mechanical engineering. Based on the grades I obtained, in my country, it is possible to become an adjunct professor at the university where I worked for ten years with adults. However, I come from a family where we are all teachers of children. And the love for children led me to seek this position. Through courses and the help of my mother as a teacher, I began working with infants and young children. I moved to Chile where I continued my work with children and the elderly on a private basis. Upon arriving in this glorious country, I continued my work with children again, taking several courses. I have my CDA and I hope to retire serving children in all their splendor.

Victoire Nininahazwe

Victoire Nininahazwe

Toddler French Teacher

Victoire Nininahazwe is a native French speaker from Burundi, Africa. Prior to moving to the US, Mme Victoire completed 5 years of a 7-year medical school program at the University of Ngozi. Although teaching was not originally her career path, she has always been involved in education since a young age. Her mother is an Elementary school teacher. Throughout high school and college, Mme Victoire was involved in after school tutoring programs mainly with children in elementary and middle school. She was also part of the children’s program at my local church including performance arts on Saturdays and Sunday lessons. Victoire grew up in a multilingual home (Kirundi, French, and Swahili).

“I love being a mother of my two sons: Kingsley and Brenin, who are the reason I’m more passionate about working with kids. Children are really innocent and smarter than we think, and they always have something to add that makes us more great. I love interacting with my students, singing songs, encouraging, and nurturing. I am very excited to be the Floating French teacher, and I hope to enhance the skills that I have acquired in various endeavors of my career so far. It is a pleasure to be a part of such a reputable and vastly expanding program. In my free time, I love read books, travel with my family.......Instruis l’enfant selon la voie qu’il doit suivre et quand il sera vieux, il ne s’en detournera pas”.

Elena Gonzalez

Elena Gonzalez

Toddler Spanish Teacher

Born in México, I received a certification to become an accountant assistant in México. I then spent 2 years in college at the Tecnologico de Chilpancingo in Guerrero, México to get a degree in Computer Science. I am a mother of 4 children, and they were the reason I decided to start a career in early childhood education. I started out as an Assistant Principal about 20 years ago. My duty was to provide training to new teachers and prepare the institution for different accreditations, (NAEYC- National Association for Education of Young Children, GA Center of Recognition or Distinction, etc.). I also made sure that all the information of both the enrolled students and teachers of the institution were complete and that all the requirements and regulations of “Bright from the Start” were fulfilled, after almost 10 years in that position I decided to try something new and I began to work with 2-year-old children. I was in that class for around 8 years and for the last 2 years I’ve been teaching Spanish to children of different ages. Through my years of experience, and dealing with my own children, I saw the importance and the ability of children to learn multiple languages.

Gisele Djaha

Gisele Djaha

Floating French Teacher & Art Teacher

Gisele is a native French speaker from Africa. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Human resources from IPAG Paris - France. She has worked for several international companies as an administrative assistant and had been involved in some communication projects. She joined her husband in the United States in 2014 where they have been raising their 3 children. She has been working in a Nursery for the past 2 years and tutoring students in French. Mme Gisele was exposed to English and Spanish at an early age and thinks that learning foreign languages is the best way to communicate and know different cultures. She loves to be around children and looks forward to helping them develop their social, emotional, and physical cognition with fun. Gisele enjoys spending quality time with her family, cooking international meals, listening to music and meeting friends.

“I am so excited to be a part of your kiddo's learning journey at The Quad! Parler couramment plusieurs langues a de nombreux avantages pour l’enfant: ils seraient plus créatifs et auraient de meilleures compétences de concentration. Grâce aux langues, on est chez soi n’importe où."

Litao Zhao

Litao Zhao

Toddler Chinese Teacher

I am Litao Zhao. I received my Master degree in civil and environmental engineering from Southern Illinois University. I really love to teach the children. After I received my master degree I decided to teach my children at home. Now I am very proud of them. My son is 11 years old. He entered the gifted program since he was in kindergarten. My daughter is 14 years old. She got all As in all of her advance- placement courses since her middle-school. I love to teach the children Chinese. I have been teaching Chinese in the Atlanta Contemporary Chinese Academy since 2021. I enjoy teaching in Quadrilingual Academy. I will try my best to take care of the children and teach them. Hope they can learn more knowledge and culture through Chinese.

我叫赵莉涛。从南伊利诺伊大学获得环境工 程硕士学位。我喜欢从事教育行业,所以毕 业后,我决定留在家里教导我的孩子。现在 我非常为我的孩子们感到骄傲。我的儿子11 岁,在他上学前班时就考进了gifted班。我的 女儿14岁,她从初中起所有的课目都是AC课 ,并且每门课都能拿到A。我也非常喜欢教孩 子们学习中文。从2021年至今,我在亚特兰 大现代中文学校教中文。现在也非常喜欢在 这所四种语言学校教孩子们学习中文。今后 我会尽我最大的努力照顾和教导孩子们。希 望他们运用中文学到更多的知识和文化。

Alexia Lunda

Alexia Lunda

Head of Library & Media Education & Floating French Teacher

Alexia is a native French speaker from Congo. She obtained a Certificate in Computer Engineering in 2010 from South Africa and a Bachelor degree in Computer Science and Programming in 2013. She has worked as an IT technician in Africa. Alexia is a skilled Autodesk Revit drafter and she enjoys using her free time to design homes using software like Revit, Lumion, and Chief Architect.

Her newfound passion is children. She loves being around them because "I learn a lot from them. My philosophy is that everyday is a wonderful opportunity to teach them new things and guide them."

"Pour finir je dirai que les enfants sont comme des éponges, en bas âge ils distinguent et reproduisent les songs facilement. Cela leur permet de parler facilement différentes langues et de s’adapter dans différentes cultures."

Catherine López

Catherine López

Head of Music Education & Floating Spanish Teacher

Catherine is a native Spanish speaker from Venezuela. She studied Aviation and Languages as French and English for more than 3 years at UCAB Universidad Catolica Andrés Bello.

Catherine is a musician, a flutist with more than 5 years of experience at the Symphonic Orchestra in Venezuela and 3 years receiving private lessons at home.

She has 5 years of experience teaching students from 5 months to 11 years old. Catherine loves teaching and doing fun activities with the children. “It's the best way we can teach them and speaking and singing all the time it’s the key. I have some courses done and I’m open to learn more to do the best as a teacher”. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, and photography as a hobby. Catherine recently started gardening at home and really loves it.

“Aprender idiomas a temprana edad es una ventaja donde abres puertas y obtienes beneficios fructuosos en la vida”.

Donnel Noel

Donnel Noel

Head of Physical Education & Floating English Teacher

My name is Donnel Noel, but everyone calls me Coach D. I grew up playing Basketball, Football, Soccer, Boxing, and ran Track during my years of school in New York. I took my knowledge of various sports to Coach AAU basketball for boys and girls in New York. I am excited to join The Quad Family and help the students progress in any sport they desire.

Natacha Kingoma

Natacha Kingoma

Food Distribution & French Teacher

I am Natacha Kingoma, I was born and grew up in Democratic Republic of The Congo, Central Africa. I started my early education there from Kindergarten up to my 3rd year of Law School, after my 3rd year, I had an opportunity to move to the USA in 2009 and started all over. I went back to College at Chattahoochee Technical College where I earned a degree in Computer Programming in 2016. I worked as a Preschool Teacher at Benjamin Preparatory School. I enjoy using my free time to organize parties, cooking and traveling with my family. I am a Mom of 4 boys. I speak multiple languages. I speak fluent French, Lingala, Kikongo and English.

Vilma Martinez

Vilma Martinez

Food Distribution & Spanish Teacher

Vilma Martinez is from Panama City, Panama. She graduated from the University of Panama as a Early Childhood Educator with a specialty in Down Syndrome. She has over 35 years of experience in Early Childhood Education.

Her favorite motivational phrase that she likes to say to encourage students is "Dale con Fuerza, Tu puedes".

Srta. Vilma has her children and grandchildren in Panama to whom she loves to speak with in her free time. She also enjoys cooking, organizing her home and attending church.

Chantal Ntamagiro

Chantal Ntamagiro

Food Distribution & French Teacher

Hello, my name is Chantal Ntamagiro. I was born in Burundi ( Central East Africa) and raised in RD Congo where I obtained my Degree in Rural Developpement and Project Planification. Iam a mother of two, my Son and my daughter , Madame Cynthia who is a French teacher here at The Quadrilingual Academy. My daughter in law, Madame Victoire is also a French teacher and my two grand babies Kingsley and Brenin are students here as well. I have always loved working with kids and I'm so happy to spend my time working at the school. I Speak 5 languages and I loved hearing about this school that allows children to learn multiple languages and different cultures. This opportunity will open many doors for them in the future. I feel fortunate to be part of this amazing Quad family. I enjoy serving these students as I watch them grow and prepare for their future.

Nevis Atencio

Nevis Atencio

Housekeeping Manager

Sra. Nevis Head of Housekeeping at The Quad and works with us as a Floating Spanish Teacher as needed.

Isabella Rocha

Isabella Rocha

Spanish Teacher

Isabella just finished her senior year at Hiram High School and she speaks Spanish. She was born in Miami but raised here in Georgia. She is Sra. Marvi's daughter and likes to draw in her spare time. She also has experience in babysitting and loves taking care of the kids.

Hana Ahmed

Hana Ahmed

French Aftercare Teacher

My name is Hana Ahmed. I am a student at Georgia State University. I am majoring in Supply Chain Management, and my minor is French. I am originally from Egypt, and I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. I chose to work as an aftercare teacher because I love kids and truly care about them. I enjoy helping children, supporting them, and making sure they feel safe and happy. Working with kids makes me feel proud and fulfilled. I speak Arabic, English, and French, and I have begun learning Spanish. I am very excited to be part of Quadrilingual Academy. It is a great opportunity for me to grow, learn, and work in a positive environment. I look forward to supporting the children and being a helpful member of the school community.

Christine Nwosu

Christine Nwosu

English Aftercare Teacher

Hello, my name is Christine Nwosu, I am excited to be part of the team at The Quadrilingual Academy. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA and am a native English speaker with honors-level coursework in French from both high school and college. I also have Nigerian roots and speak some Igbo, one of the major languages of Nigeria, which has shaped my appreciation for language, culture, and diversity. I hold a Bachelor’s degree with a background in science, and my academic experience has given me an understanding of learning, development, and the importance of supportive environments. I also have tutoring experience in science with middle school students and undergraduates, which helps me support students and foster their confidence in learning new skills.

Andrew Jardon

Andrew Jardon

Spanish Summer Teacher

Andrew is a college student and the son of Sra. Elena. This is his 4th year working at The Quad Academy.

Frandia Bastia

Frandia Bastia

French Summer Teacher

Frandia is a college student. This is her 3rd year working at The Quad Academy.

Natalie Brevick

Natalie Brevick

English Summer Teacher

Natalie is a college student. This is her 4th year working at The Quad. She also speaks conversational Spanish.

Merline Manseka

Merline Manseka

French Summer Teacher

Merline is the niece of Mme Natacha. She is a college student. This is her 4th year working at The Quad Academy

Malena Wimberly

Malena Wimberly

French Summer Teacher

Malena is the daughter of Mme Christine. She is a college student. This is her 5th year working at The Quad Academy

Zoriana Wimberly

Zoriana Wimberly

French Summer Teacher

Zoriana is the daughter of Mme Christine. She is a college student. This is her 4th year working at The Quad Academy

Olivia Brown

Olivia Brown

English Summer Teacher

Olivia Brown is an educator at The Quadrilingual Academy of Smyrna and a rising junior at Spelman College, studying Economics and Spanish. She spends most of her time with the 2nd and 3rd grade class and the 1st grade class. A fluent Spanish speaker with Ecuadorian roots, Olivia is excited to expand her horizons by studying abroad in Barcelona this semester! Outside of work and academia, she is the offensive captain of Spelman's flag football team, a model for Nike's Yardrunners campaign, and an avid babysitter who loves staying active and spending time with her family.