New 7th and 8th Grade Dean Appointed

Maria is completing her tenth year at Grace. She began as an Associate Teacher in Early Childhood and then Lower School, and since 2013 she has taught French to grades 3, 4 and 7. She has also been a 7th grade advisor for eight years. Beginning last year, she has been the Middle School Scheduler, and Maria co-leads the Faculty and Staff of Color Affinity Group.

Maria grew up as a “third culture kid” to Belgian-Filipina parents and has lived in Cuba, Guatemala, Brazil, Hungary, Poland and Canada. About her childhood, Maria said, “Moving around every few years makes me attune to the students’ needs and understanding of their circumstances.” On starting her new role she says, “I can't wait to have everybody back in the building this fall!” 

Maria has a BFA in Theatre and French from Concordia University and an MA in Educational Theatre from The Steinhardt School at NYU. Prior to Grace, Maria taught French at the International School of Brooklyn. She is an avid home cook. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two kids: Felix is two and Javi is in the Blue Room at Grace.