About Us
The story behind Meyal
Meyal began as La Casita Day School in 2013, founded by sisters Irene and Maria Silva with one clear goal: to create the Spanish immersion preschool they could not find for their own family.
What started in a small casita with eight students grew into Sonoma County’s first structured Spanish immersion preschool center. Families were not just looking for childcare. They were looking for intention, curriculum, and a place where children could truly become bilingual while developing confidence, curiosity, and strong academic foundations.
Today, Meyal builds on that legacy with an expanded vision.
Meet The Founders
Sisters Irene and Maria Silva built Meyal with a shared belief that early childhood education should nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
Together, they bring decades of experience in Spanish immersion education and a deep commitment to creating a school where children feel inspired, supported, and excited to learn every day.
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Meyal is rooted in heritage, discipline, and heart. Inspired by the work ethic and resilience of their father, Miguel Silva Garcia, and shaped by over three decades of educational and leadership experience, we continue to grow with one purpose in mind: to prepare children not just for school, but for life.
Irene Silva
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Maria Silva
Founder & Chief Education Officer
01.
VISION
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Our vision is to graduate students who lead with kindness and compassion, guided by cultural understanding, global awareness, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.
02.
MISSION
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Our mission is to create a safe, structured, and joyful environment where children grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively, while supporting and empowering the teachers who guide them.
03.
PURPOSE
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To provide early childhood education that exceeds California state standards and empowers children to enter their next school confident, prepared, and ready to succeed, in Spanish and English.
Meyal's foundation
How we bring this into life
At Meyal, our vision is not just something we say. It is reflected in the values we practice every day, in our classrooms, our relationships, and our community.
Love & respect
We teach kindness toward oneself, others, and the planet.
Joyfull learning
We build strong academic foundations through curiosity, creativity, and play.
Community
We foster meaningful relationships and collaboration between children, families, and educators.
Growth & well-being
We support balanced development of mind, body, and spirit.
Cultural awareness
We celebrate language, diversity, and the beauty of different perspectives.
We combine daily Spanish immersion with arts-integrated STREAM learning to prepare children socially, emotionally, intellectually, and creatively for kindergarten and beyond. Our program exceeds California early learning standards while preserving what matters most in early childhood: joy, connection, and a deep love of learning.
Our Team
Our maestras are Meyal's superpower. They are experienced, native Spanish speakers, and deeply committed to early childhood education. With decades of combined experience in Spanish immersion and STREAM education, our team creates a classroom environment where children feel seen, supported, and inspired every day.
Heidi Zaraoza - Administrator
Heidy Zaragoza is the Administrator at Meyal International, where she helps create a warm, organized, and supportive experience for children, families, and staff. With two years of experience in early childhood education and school administration, she is dedicated to fostering the sense of care, consistency, and peace of mind that families value.
Heidy is currently pursuing her Associate in Science in Business Administration at Santa Rosa Junior College and plans to continue her studies at Sonoma State University. She is passionate about helping children feel safe and happy, supporting families with care, and contributing to a school community rooted in love, purpose, and excellence. Families would describe her as courageous, inspiring, and supportive. Outside of school, she enjoys personal development, learning, coffee, and exploring new places.
Nati Amador - Maestra and Site Supervisor
Nati Amador is an early childhood educator who believes the best learning happens through play. Her playful teaching style helps children feel safe, calm, and genuinely happy at school, giving families peace of mind as they begin their day. With more than 30 years of experience, she brings a steady, loving presence that children trust. Inspired by her own children, Nati began her journey in early education after a preschool supervisor noticed their growth and invited her to join the team.
She holds a California Supervisor Permit through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and an Associate Degree in Behavioral Science from Santa Rosa Junior College and has completed IB professional development training. Nati loves the small moments that unfold each day because every child is unique and no two days are the same. Families describe her as communicative, firm, and caring. She especially enjoys circle time and singing songs like “Juanito.” Outside of school, she loves baking bread, especially her favorite Cranberry Coffee Cake.
Marcela Ávila - Maestra
Marcela Ávila is a teacher who believes working with young children is a privilege. She finds joy in the magic toddlers see in simple moments and in witnessing each child learn something new, knowing she is part of their growth.
Inspired by becoming a mother, Marcela is passionate about creating a warm, secure environment where children thrive with love, patience, and safety. She has completed Child Development coursework at Santa Rosa Junior College, IB professional development training, and additional training in infant and toddler care.
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Her favorite moment of the day is morning arrival, when happy faces and big hugs set the tone for the day. Families describe her as loving, patient, responsible, and helpful. She enjoys singing and dancing with children to “Caminando, Caminando,” and outside of school, she loves cooking, learning from others, and spending time playing with her family.
Silvana Soto - Maestra
Silvana Soto Delgadillo is a teacher who believes early childhood is where love becomes learning. Patient, creative, and relationship-centered, she finds joy in how toddlers explore the world with curiosity and confidence, and she loves helping children feel seen, safe, and capable each day.
Inspired by motherhood, Silvana feels called to support children and families with empathy, patience, and warmth. She is Peruvian, a student at Santa Rosa Junior College, and a proud mom of two sons. She holds an Associate Teacher Certificate in Child Development and has completed IB professional development training.
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Her favorite moment of the day is outdoor play, where imagination comes alive, and every adventure becomes a story children build together. Families describe her as patient, creative, and fun. She enjoys sharing La luna está triste and singing Aquí está la colmena. Outside of school, she loves walking in nature, discovering new places, and dreaming of traveling the world.
Guadalupe Sánchez - Maestra
Guadalupe Sánchez is a preschool teacher who finds joy in the way children learn through play, music, and simple daily moments. She loves watching children light up when they sing, have fun, and absorb new ideas without even realizing it. In the classroom, she enjoys offering colorful art activities that strengthen fine motor skills and gently support early writing, and she also loves reading books with children.
With five years of experience working with preschoolers, Guadalupe is motivated by the happiness and enthusiasm children share so freely during play. She studied Child Development at Santa Rosa Junior College and has completed IB professional development training. She brings a warm, steady presence that helps children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
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Guadalupe’s favorite moment of the day is playing with the children outside in the yard. Families describe her as joyful, patient, and loving, and one of her favorite songs to share with children is “5 Ratoncitos Vi.”
Camila Paez - Maestra
Camila Paez is a caring educator who believes deeply in honoring each child’s rhythm, curiosity, and unique way of learning. At Meyal International, she helps create a safe, affectionate, and nurturing environment where children feel supported, confident, and free to explore with joy. Her work is rooted in the belief that the early years are a meaningful time to help children build security, trust, and a love of learning.
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Camila has completed coursework in early childhood education, including ECE CDA 400: Growth and Development of Young Children. She especially enjoys time outdoors with the children, where she gets to witness their joy, discovery, and growing confidence as they explore new skills through play. Families would describe her as warm, attentive, and trustworthy. She also loves gathering with the children during Circle Time, a special part of the day that brings connection, learning, and shared joy.
Uriel Ruiz - Maestro
Uriel Ruiz is an early childhood educator dedicated to creating an inclusive, engaging classroom where every child feels valued and capable. He believes early childhood is a crucial stage for whole child development and nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning through meaningful experiences.
With six years of experience working with children, Uriel holds a degree in Spanish with a minor in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University and has completed IB professional development training. He is passionate about helping children build a strong foundation for the future. Families describe him as empathetic, dedicated, and inspiring. He enjoys reading El monstruo de colores, leading art activities that help children express emotions, and outside of school, he enjoys reading, traveling, music, and working as a DJ for community and school events.
Jared Hernandez - Maestro
Jared Hernández is a warm and joyful educator who is dedicated to creating a classroom where children feel happy, confident, heard, and free to explore. At Meyal International, he helps nurture an environment rooted in empathy, connection, and active learning, where each child is encouraged to grow, express themselves, and discover with confidence. He believes every child brings something meaningful and unique to the classroom and finds great purpose in supporting their development with care and heart.
With four years of experience working with children, Jared was inspired to enter education through his genuine love for children and his belief in the beauty of seeing the world through their eyes. Coming from a family of educators, he has long been shaped by a deep respect for teaching and for the role adults play in a child’s growth and love of learning. He holds a university degree in Human Rights and Social Studies, along with a diploma in Children’s Human Rights.
Jared especially loves welcoming children at the start of the day and sharing in their excitement as they arrive ready to learn, connect, and explore. Families would describe him as positive, joyful, and loving. Outside of school, he enjoys running, playing tennis, and playing the drums.
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