GALA Faculty & Staff
Meran Rogers – Founder, Executive Director
Credentials: Master of Business Administration, Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University | Master of Nonprofit Management, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University
Ms. Rogers has twelve years of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors and received her K-12 Principal License in 2016 after completing the BRIGHT New Leaders for Ohio Schools fellowship. She established Global Ambassadors Language Academy (GALA) in 2012 and the school opened in August 2016. Prior to GALA, she spent several years working in Cleveland public schools during her tenure as an Executive Fellow of the Cleveland Leadership Center, City Year Cleveland, and Director of the Cleveland Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Additionally, Rogers worked as a third-grade teacher in Taipei, Taiwan at an international English immersion school. Most recently, Rogers was a founding staff member of Global Cleveland, serving as Director of Community Affairs; leading services for volunteers, international newcomers, and the Asian Initiative. In November 2014, Rogers was recognized as “One to Watch in Education” by Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine. In 2010, she received the Cleveland 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award, and in 2009 was featured as ONE2WATCH in Cleveland Inside Business Magazine. Rogers is a lifelong Cleveland resident, a proud graduate of Cleveland and East Cleveland public schools, a first-generation American and college graduate, and resides in Cleveland Heights with her family. Her son and daughter both attend GALA.
Email: MRogers@GALACleveland.org Mobile: (216) 370-8006
Bethany Wilson-Araujo – Principal
Credentials-Master’s degree in Education- Elementary Reading and Mathematics Specialization from Walden University & Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Elon University
Bethany has been an educator since 2004, after graduating from Elon University in North Carolina. She spent the first half of her career in North Carolina, teaching in grades K-5. In 2014, she returned to the Cleveland area with her husband and daughter, where she continued her work in education by teaching 4th and 1st grade at a local charter school. With nearly 20 years of experience in education, Bethany has served as a mentor to new teachers and held various leadership roles throughout her career. Since joining GALA in 2018, she has taken on roles as a kindergarten and second grade ELA teacher, Intervention Specialist, Assistant Principal, and now Principal. Mrs. Wilson-Araujo is thrilled to continue sharing her passion for learning and dedication to education with GALA's students and community.
Email: BAraujo@GALACleveland.org Mobile: (216) 315-7942
Lauren Jasica – Assistant Principal
Credentials: Bachelors of Science, Physical Education, Sports Administration, Kent State University
Lauren grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, where she was actively involved in athletics. Her participation in sports taught her discipline, hard work, teamwork, socialization, and leadership. After high school, she attended Kent State University, where she further developed strong teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. She interned with the Athletics Department at Theodore Roosevelt High School, fostering her passion for athletics and education. Lauren graduated with a degree in Physical Education and a minor in Sports Administration. Post-graduation, she worked as a Summer Camp Director and Director of Activities at an assisted living community in Mentor, Ohio. In 2017, she joined GALA as a Physical Education teacher, quickly becoming a respected and integral part of the school community. Her dedication at GALA led to her promotion to Dean of Students in 2023, and Assistant Principal in 2024. Her journey from teacher to administrative leader highlights her commitment, expertise, and vision. Lauren is excited to contribute to GALA's continued success and the well-being of its students.
Email: LJasica@GALACleveland.org Mobile: (216) 315-7942
Jing Votruba – Instructional Specialist
Teacher, English Language Arts (Kindergarten & First Grade, Sea Otter Room)
Credentials: Master of International Trade at China Agricultural University | Bachelor of Bio-engineering at China Agricultural University
Mrs. Votruba grew up in the beautiful city of Yangzhou, China. She went to college and graduate school in Beijing and has worked there as a student counselor for two years. With the desire of working in the Education field, Mrs. Votruba started substitute teaching as an elementary school teacher in Alaska. Through an alternative teaching program, Mrs. Votruba obtained a Colorado teaching license in Elementary Education (K-6) while teaching at a language Immersion school in Colorado Springs. Mrs. Votruba has been working at GALA as one of the founding teachers after her family moved back to Ohio in 2016. She studied at Cleveland State University and received her Ohio Early Childhood (P-3) with (4-5) Endorsement teaching license. The seven years of Mandarin language immersion teaching experience have deepened her understanding of American Education, child development, and the importance of diversity and equity. She loves working with children and enjoys teaching them the Chinese language and culture. She believes every student shines at GALA. Besides teaching, she enjoys hiking/biking/fishing in the Metro Parks and visiting the National Parks with her family.
Tim Gibbons – Director of Finance and Operations
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts, Spanish Major, Baldwin Wallace University
Mr. Gibbons brings his love for culture, language, learning, and operations to his role as our school’s operation manager. During his college years, he spent time in both Argentina and Spain as a Spanish major. Mr. Gibbons then spent the next couple of years working as an administrator at a Cleveland daycare. This experience grew his passion to ensure that quality education was provided to all children in Greater Cleveland, which led to him joining Teach For America in 2016. During his time as a Teach For America corps member, he taught kindergarten at Citizens Academy Southeast. Mr. Gibbons enjoys athletics and seeing all the sites and events that Cleveland has to offer with his wife, Kayla.
Email: TGibbons@GALACleveland.org Mobile: (216) 512-9880
Alishka Franceschi– Building Secretary
Alishka Franceschi is originally from Yauco, Puerto Rico and studied Biology at the Interamerican University of PR, and received a Dental Assistant Associate Degree. For several years she was a manager in the restaurant industry. Alishka loves to learn about other cultures and has lived in Egypt. She enjoys spending time with her family and in nature. Alishka believes that if we all contribute, we can make this world a better place for future generations.
Email: AFranceschi@GALACleveland.org Mobile: (216) 315-7942
Angel Anaky – Site Coordinator, Before & After Care, Horizon Education Center
Credentials: Master in Criminology from Felix Houphouet Boigny (Ivory Coast), Master in science from the University of Phoenix, Doctoral student in Human services concentration in Mental Health Administration
Originally from the Ivory Coast, Cote D'Ivoire, Angel Anaky is passionate for health, wellness and education for children. He attended the University of Cocody in Cote D'Ivoire, Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland Ohio, and the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Angel has completed some doctoral courses in Human Services specialized in mental health administration at Ashford University, San Diego California. Angel believes that the synergy of great mental health and outstanding education to children, can change the trajectory and shape the children's future in becoming great leaders of tomorrow in our community. As a mental health advocate for children, he has served as a case manager, specialist for Community Psychiatric Support Treatment , and team leader for more than 9 years at a Cleveland Community Health Center, where he developed many robust treatments plan for children with mental health diagnosis. Angel has also provided counseling school-based services to students in Cleveland. Angel is a part-time French tutor and fluent in French and Spanish. Through Horizon Education Center, he serves as GALA's site coordinator, joining GALA in 2023, where he oversees programming and supervises 10 staff members for the Out-of-School Time (Before and aftercare) programming. Angel Anaky currently serves as Vice-President of African Solidarity, a non-profit that promotes health, wellness and education amount the people from the African continent living in greater Cleveland.
Email: AngelAnaky@horizonohio.org Mobile: (440) 823-8684
HsingMei Chen Dreyer – Teacher, Mandarin Immersion Program (Kindergarten & First Grade, Dragon Room)
Credentials: Master's Degree: National Chi Nan University, Teaching Chinese as a Second Language, Bachelor's Degree: Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages, Major in Applied Chinese, Double Major in English
HsingMei Chen Dreyer, hailing from Taiwan—the birthplace of bubble tea—has extensive teaching experience with students ranging from Pre-K to 12th grade, as well as adult learners. In Taiwan, she taught English, social studies, integrated activities, and physical education at the elementary level for two years. Additionally, she taught foreign students at various universities on weekends. In the United States, she has worked as a teaching assistant at an elementary school in Minnesota, taught online PreK-5 classes in California during the pandemic, and spent three years teaching at a public high school in North Carolina. This included working with IB students and engaging with their parents who were interested in Chinese. In 2024, she relocated to Ohio. Having recently welcomed her second child, she is excited to return to elementary education and grow alongside her children. In her free time, HsingMei enjoys playing board games, watching movies, and listening to rap music. Her passion for teaching is as vibrant as bubble tea, with the classroom as the milk and the children as the delightful bubbles. Together, they create a refreshing and engaging learning experience. Let’s speak Chinese with enthusiasm and joy!
ChuEn Hsieh (Janet Bingham) – Teacher, Mandarin Immersion Program (Second & Third Grade, Bear Room)
Credentials: Master of English Language Teaching at The University of Nottingham, UK / Bachelor of Interpretation and Translation at Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan / Elementary School Teaching Program at Chang Jung Christian University, Taiwan
Mrs. Hsieh (also known as Janet Bingham) is originally from Taiwan and has dedicated herself to becoming a life-long educator and learner in bilingual education. She holds her master's degree in English Language Teaching from The University of Nottingham, UK, and is a certified elementary school teacher in Taiwan. She has worked as a teacher in Costa Rica, Taiwan, and The United States. Mrs. Hsieh taught Chinese at New Century International Elementary School and 71st High School in North Carolina for 2 years. Most recently, she taught in an international preparatory studies program in a bilingual school in Taiwan. When not teaching, Mrs.Hsieh loves traveling and playing music (piano).
Shuoyu Chen – Teacher, Mandarin Immersion Program (Fourth & Fifth Grade, QiLin Room)
Credentials: Master’s degree in Education, Ashland University – Bachelor’s degree, Translation and Interpretation, Chengdu Institute Sichuan International Studies University, PhD candidate
Shuoyu Chen finds her passion is teaching students Mandarin and how to build connections between learning and lessons. She has Bachelor’s degree in Translation and Interpretation from Chengdu Institute Sichuan International Studies University. She has earned her Master’s degree in Education from Ashland University and is working on achieving her doctorate. Shuoyu has been working with the Ashland University International Service Office for three years, furthering her connection with multicultural backgrounds. Shuoyu has also been tutoring children in Mandarin for a year. Shuoyu is excited about the opportunity to enhance education for children from all points of view!
Zhangjie Chen – Teacher, Mandarin Immersion Program (Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Grade, Koi Room)
Credentials: Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, University of Tampa – Bachelor of Literature English, English, Beijing Language and Culture University
Mrs. Chen comes from Beijing, the capital of China. She earned her bachelor's degree from Beijing Language and Culture University, the only higher education institution in China with the main feature of teaching foreigners Chinese, and a Master’s degree from the University of Tampa. Previously, she worked at Butler Academy charter school in South Carolina as a Mandarin Chinese teacher. Mrs. Chen has 15 years of experience teaching a second language to young learners. Her favorite thing is teaching. She also likes singing and traveling.
Zulaida Franceschi – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (Kindergarten, Starfish Room)
Credentials: Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Interamerican University of Ponce
Mrs. Zulaida Franceschi is from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Since she was little, her love for education grew. She began her studies at the Interamerican University of Ponce, Puerto Rico, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to GALA, Mrs. Franceschi worked as a Kindergarten, preschool, and Head Start Lead teacher. She has two amazing kids and loves to spend quality time with her family. She feels excited to be part of GALA and to contribute her knowledge and help future generations of students at GALA.
Wanda Torres – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (First Grade, Seahorse Room)
Credentials: Master’s Degree in Special Education in Mild Disabilities, University of the Caribbean – Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education 4th to 6th with Specialization in Special Education, InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico
Ms. Wanda Torres is from the Caribbean Island, Puerto Rico. She started her passion for teaching as a young child. Her mother has always been her inspiration for her study and her role model in life. Ms. Torres started her studies at the InterAmerican University of Puerto Rico in Elementary Education from 4th to 6th with a Specialization in Special Education. Soon afterward, Ms. Torres received her Master’s Degree in Special Education in Mild Disabilities at the University of the Caribbean. Currently, she is continuing her professional training and started a PhD. Ms. Torres has worked as a teacher for toddlers and preschoolers for the past 4 years. She has also worked as a Special Education teacher, bilingual teacher, head start program teacher, and child care provider. Ms. Torres loves being a teacher and teaching her students. She is extremely happy to be part of the GALA school team.
Laura Hernandez Gago – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (Second Grade, Octopus Room)
Cassandra Davin – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (Third Grade, Tiger Room)
Credentials: Master's Degree, Peace Culture, Conflicts, Human Rights and Education , & Conservation, Restoration, and Management of Biodiversity, Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science and Spanish, Coastal Carolina University
Cassandra was born in Buffalo, NY (yes, she is a big Buffalo Bills fan!). She has always sought out people that were different from her, yearning for knowledge and eager to get out of her comfort zone! She became passionate about language at a young age, but things really took off in high school when her Spanish teacher took her under her wing. She has many interests apart from language which motivated her to study both Marine Science and Spanish at Coastal Carolina University. Cassandra also lived for a period of time in Costa Rica studying sea turtles and Ecuador, being fortunate enough to study Marine Ecology for a semester in the Galapagos Islands. After graduating university, she went on to study two Master’s degrees in Granada, Spain. She studied Peace Culture, Conflicts, Human Rights and Education for her first degree, and then went on to study Conservation, Restoration, and Management of Biodiversity; again, showing her hunger for knowledge and variety of interests! She has worked with language learners of all walks of life, from 2 years old to 70, but she has a special place in her heart for young learners. Outside of work she loves to dance bachata and salsa, powerlift, do yoga, bake, and get outdoors! She is back to the states after her six-year stay in Spain, and she is looking forward to growing alongside the GALA students and staff. She cannot wait to meet everyone!
Hannah Dubyoski – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (Fourth & Fifth Grade, Giraffe Room)
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, John Carroll University
Mrs. Dubyoski grew up in Bay Village, Ohio as the 2nd youngest of 4 siblings. She graduated from John Carroll University in 2012. During her time at John Carroll, she traveled to El Salvador and Ecuador and studied abroad in Spain. These travels instilled in her a passion for the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. After graduating from John Carroll, she spent a year as a volunteer English Teacher in Guayaquil, Ecuador, which strengthened her love of the Spanish Language and instilled in her a love of teaching and a passion for language immersion. When she returned to Ohio, she pursued her teaching license and has been a Spanish Teacher for the past 4 years. She is excited to join the GALA Team and to contribute to the bilingual education of her students here at GALA!
Daniel Weber – Teacher, Spanish Immersion Program (Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grade, Jaguar Room)
Credentials: Master’s degree in Theology, Carolina University
Mr. Weber was born and raised by missionary parents in the Dominican Republic, where he became bilingual in Spanish and developed a love for the Hispanic culture. He is a graduate of Carolina University with a degree in Theology and has worked on a Master’s Degree in Education Administration at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. He served as a Youth Pastor, Assistant Pastor, and Senior Pastor for over 30 years, and was part of the teaching staff and administration of a small private school in Warren, Ohio. He has been married for 39 years to Kim and they have 2 adult children and two precious grandchildren. Mr. Weber is excited to be part of the GALA community and passionate about seeing students develop a love for learning.
Laura Soto – Teacher, English Language Arts (Kindergarten, Dolphin Room)
Credentials:
Ms. Soto brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the role, having started her journey as a kindergarten teacher assistant and later serving as the interim 1st grade ELA teacher last year. Additionally, Ms. Soto is bilingual and will provide a strong and positive classroom environment.
Danielle McGough – Teacher, English Language Arts (First Grade, Jellyfish Room)
Credentials: Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Graphic Design, The University of Akron | TESOL
Certification, Trinity College London
Ms. McGough was born and raised in the Akron, Ohio area. In high school she developed strong friendships with the exchange students and has been fascinated with other cultures ever since. She is captivated by Spanish language and culture and travels to Spanish speaking countries as often as possible. She has spent time living in New Zealand, England and Spain which opened her eyes and heart to the importance of a global perspective of humanity. While living in Spain, she earned her TESOL certification in Barcelona and lived there teaching English to children and adults for several years. She then returned home to Ohio where she pursued a professional career as a Graphic Designer specializing in product and package design. After many years in the field, she felt the calling to be back in a classroom, to share her passion for
life and the pursuit of knowledge and curiosity with young minds. In her free time, she stays active by running, swimming, kayaking and cycling. She is an avid scuba diver who also works at the Cleveland Aquarium, diving with the sharks on a regular basis. She loves sharing her knowledge of oceans and marine life.
James Evans – Teacher, English Language Arts (Second Grade, Dinosaur Room)
Credentials: Master’s degree in Special Education, Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, and Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bowling Green State University
James is a compassionate and driven individual with a diverse background. Originally from Twinsburg, Ohio, he pursued his undergraduate studies at BGSU. Seeking new experiences, James moved to Los Angeles, California in 2015 and became a field producer for TMZ. However, he soon realized he yearned for more meaningful work experience that could have a positive impact on the lives of others. James transitioned to become a life and job coach for adults with autism in Santa Monica, California. His dedication extended to working with toddlers with autism at a daycare center in the same city. Despite finding fulfillment in his work, James missed his family and decided to return to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2018 to further his education. Back in Cleveland, he embraced a role as an Associate Teacher at a center for autism in University Heights, while also working within a Residential Facility in the same location. Eager to grow professionally, James pursued and obtained his Master's degrees, becoming a Behavior Analyst at a behavioral health center in Cleveland, Ohio. Outside of his professional life, James is an avid movie lover, and cherishes his two beloved feline cat companions Viper and Cobra. Alongside this, James is passionate about sports and enjoys exploring thrift shops for hidden gems. James is thrilled to be part of the Global Ambassadors Language Academy family, and his enthusiasm for middle childhood education is evident. He is committed to being the best English Language Arts teacher he can be, and his unwavering dedication to his students' growth and development shines through in all he does.
Sheri Buckingham – Teacher, English Language Arts (Second & Third Grade, Owl Room)
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts, English Language & Literature and Psychology, Ohio University, Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction with Specialization in PK-3rd grade, Ursuline College
Ms. Buckingham became an educator in 2003 after graduating from Ursuline College’s Teacher Apprentice Program where she student-taught kindergarten at Gilmore Academy and second grade in Lakewood. She has experience teaching both second and third grades at Highland School District as well as most recent experience teaching at the preschool level. She has always had a passion for English and she is happy to be back in the classroom working with second graders again helping them to gain a love for reading and writing! She loves the language immersion program at GALA and is so excited to be a part of such a unique school!
Dannysha Luna – Teacher, English Language Arts & Social Studies (Third Grade, Elephant Room)
Throughout her teaching journey, she has embraced cultural diversity and nurtured a dynamic learning environment. She firmly believes in the power of education to bridge gaps between cultures and empower individuals to thrive in a globalized world. Her experiences as an educator in China have reinforced her commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding and fostering meaningful connections with her students.
Mark Sellards – Teacher, English Language Arts & Social Studies (Fourth & Fifth Grade, Capybara Room)
Credentials: Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Ohio State University, Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ohio University
Mr. Sellards grew up in Springfield, Ohio and attended the Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism where he learned to become a professional writer. He has worked as both an editor and a writer for a variety of publications including newspapers, magazines and websites. Early in his writing career he took a part-time job as and aide at a local elementary school in Ashland, Ohio where he found out quickly that he also loved working with children as a mentor. He decided to pursue a second career as a teacher and earned a Master’s degree in education. He has been a professional educator for more than 18 years, and he is excited to help students at GALA develop a passion for the written word, by both reading other accomplished writers and by learning the tools to become excellent writers themselves. Mr. Sellards resides in Bedford with his wife and two teenage sons.
Joshua Ford – Teacher, Math, and Science (Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade, Sloth Room)
Credentials: BS Applied Linguistics, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL
Mr. Ford is originally from Los Angeles, California. He worked for 11 years as a Data Migration Consultant working with multiple Fortune 500 companies and spending two and a half years in India with his family. He is a father of 4 amazing children and has been living in Cleveland for the past 7 years. Mr. Ford is passionate about teaching skills to help his students grow into healthy and happy adults. He loves writing, and reading, and is a nerd culture enthusiast. He is an avid motorcyclist, and amateur mechanic, and enjoys traveling whenever he can.
Cassie Valerio – Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Teacher
Credentials:
Cassie is an enthusiastic educator embarking on her new role as a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) teacher for students in grades K-8. With experience in both clinical and public school settings, she has a strong background in supporting children with Autism, behavioral challenges, and other developmental disabilities. Cassie’s passion for SEL stems from her commitment to helping students build essential life skills, such as developing a growth mindset, learning effective coping strategies, and understanding and problem-solving emotions. In her class, students will explore these important topics and much more, fostering personal growth and emotional well-being.
Jen Girardi – Art Teacher
Miss G has over 20 years of experience in the education field. She has run classrooms for students, preschool through 6th grade, with developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs. She has also given one-on-one support to students and implemented small groups to support social emotional growth. Miss G is looking forward to creating new and exciting art with the students. She also looks forward to bringing her social emotional learning background to GALA. Miss G lives with her dog, Gus, and cat, Spencer. She enjoys baking in her free time.
Michele Dunn – Teacher, English as a Second Language (ESL)
Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Kent State University
Michele Dunn was born in Caracas, Venezuela, was raised in South Texas, and spent several years living in the province of Quebec. She believes these experiences have shaped her love of diverse cultures. Michele has worked in the field of education for the past 20 years. During these years she has dedicated her efforts to teaching language skills to both neurotypical and neurodivergent students. Michele enjoys playing games and exploring Cleveland with her husband and their two children.
Caitlyn "Cat" Castillo (She/Her) – Teacher, Intervention Specialist
Credentials: Bachelor's degree in Special Education and General Education, Masters in Special Education (ABA), certification in Data Analysis and English Immersion
Cat was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and completed both undergraduate and graduate programs at Arizona State University. She has worked in both general and special education, from ages 4 to 14, but has found her passion in Interventions for all learners. Cat has done a great deal of work with behavioral disabilities and Autism in home, clinical, and school settings. In prior schools, she coached esports and video game clubs. When not teaching, Cat practices Roller Derby, attends Renaissance Faires, forages and identifies plants during hikes, and snuggles with her orange cat named Cheese. As a first generation American, Cat is a proud child of a multiracial family, holding her father's Filipino and her mother's Scottish traditions close to her heart.