Originally from Santiago, Chile, Ninón moved to the United States with her parents and two younger sisters at the age of four. Growing up, her life was a bit of an adventure as she lived in several different parts of the country before eventually settling down in the Portland area. She fondly remembers crisp Minnesota winters complete with frozen eyelashes and days spent skiing and snowboarding, as well as long summer afternoons splashing in rivers, exploring the outdoors, and savoring the freedom of play.

Some of Ninón’s most treasured memories come from visits with her grandmothers, who always arrived carrying suitcases filled with candy and cherished Chilean treats. Trips back to Chile were equally special, where she spent joyful time playing with her large extended family.

As an English language learner, Ninón did not encounter Spanish in her schooling until high school, where she was able to engage in joyful and meaningful Spanish literacy classes. This experience left a lasting impression and helped guide her future path in education.

After pursuing a second career, Ninón returned to school to earn her Master’s in Elementary Education. For more than 13 years, she has worked in public dual language schools in a wide range of roles, supporting multilingual learners and their families. She believes that learning another language invites curiosity, deepens cultural understanding, and broadens perspectives, and she delights in sharing Spanish language and culture with the community.

Outside of work, Ninón treasures time with her husband, daughter, and son. As a family, they enjoy biking together, playing games, reading, working outdoors, and discovering new adventures side by side.

Ninón is honored to be a part of the Swallowtail Waldorf School community. She is inspired by the school’s dedication to honoring childhood and nurturing the whole child through meaningful relationships with nature, culture, and one another. It is a privilege for her to contribute her experience and love of learning with a community that reflects her values and hopes for children and families.