Administration

I am honored to introduce myself as the new principal for Cesar Chavez Language Academy. I have been in education in different capacities since 1996; as instructional aide, teacher, principal and parent.  I’ve had the pleasure to be the principal of Santa Rosa Middle and Albert F. Biella Elementary school for the past eight years. 

I come from a migrant family of 13, and have 5 of my own. I grew up and completed my Elementary through High School education here in Sonoma County. Having been a migrant child, I understand the benefits of equity in education and how important it is to provide role models, a caring and a rigorous academic environment. I’m passionate about education, bilingual and biliterate in Spanish and came into education to make a positive impact for all students. I look forward to an opportunity to serve this community. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at 707-890-3890 or adiaz@srcs.k12.ca.us

Gabriela Mendoza-Torres immigrated to California from Mexico in 1991 where her family set roots in Sonoma County.  As an educator, Gabriela strives to empower those around her to find value in themselves and know that they are worthy of the world to see their strengths and assets. 

As a data driven educator and through her passion for science education, she has established equitable grading practices to promote student autonomy. As she continues this work she enjoys building relationships with students, teachers, nonprofits and outside agencies to collaborate and foster trust amongst each other and create educational change. She is excited to be part of the Cesar Chavez Language Academy community. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact Gabriela if you have any questions at gmendozatorres@srcs.k12.ca.us 

Tanya Pearson experienced deep learning and development of heightened intellectual and emotional capacity after her family moved away from California to live in Mexico City for four years. Attending a bilingual school from third through sixth grade, not only led to a bilingual and biliterate foundation, but also appreciation for the community and experiences that reinforced her sense of biculturalism and desire to continue learning languages and about communities and cultures throughout the world. 

She remembers the positive support she felt as a newcomer in Mexico, the love for the community and culture that developed from there, and  looks for opportunities to help others feel similarly supported; please know she is joining CCLA with a deep commitment to helping support and encourage others to become more that they could on their own. While her classroom teaching 3-8th graders for 14 years included teaching 6-8th grade Humanities, Math and Science, her love of learning languages and developing multicultural awareness led her to begin teaching as a 4/5th grade Spanish bilingual teacher in Mountain View, and to dedicate her final three years of teaching as a 3-5th grade Spanish teacher in Marin where she most enjoyed teaching via projects related to gardening, solar cooking, science and history. After leaving the classroom, Tanya enjoyed serving as a 2-8th grade Summer School principal, 6-8th grade Assistant Principal and 3-5th grade principal. In all leadership roles, Tanya has most enjoyed inspiring a sense of optimism and empowerment that stems from helping individuals and groups notice strengths and build upon the positive while supporting collective efforts to set, reach and outperform goals that seemed lofty to begin with. When working together to notice and develop opportunities to maintain success and strive for growth, so much can be accomplished. Tanya is set and ready to link arms and see where paths may go when inspired effort sets in. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Tanya with questions or needs at: tcpearson@srcs.k12.ca.us