Faculty and Staff

I bring 14 years of experience in education, including five years at CIS. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development, a master’s degree in Education, and certifications in ABA and IB education. Before CIS, I taught Kindergarten, second, and fourth grades at Village School in Pacific Palisades, worked as a preschool teacher at FOX Studios, and served as an ABA therapist at FirstSteps for Kids.

After moving to the Roseville area, I was drawn to CIS’s personalized learning, IB approach, appreciation for diversity, and close sense of community. Today, I support students, families, and teachers while also overseeing admissions. 

My hope is that every student at CIS feels known, valued, and comfortable being themselves. I want children to feel confident asking questions, trying something new, and learning from mistakes. For families, I hope CIS feels like a place where they belong, where their voices matter, and where we work together to support their children.

Fun fact: I love sharks and celebrate Shark Week every year with decorations throughout my house!

I have a professional background in Human Resources and have worked in several different industries throughout my career. I’m now in my second year at CIS as an Office Administrator, and I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming and close-knit community.

I was drawn to CIS because of the opportunity to work in an environment centered around children and families. What I enjoy most about my role is that every day is different! I love connecting with students, families, and staff in so many different ways and being able to help and support our school community wherever I can.

I hope every student and family at CIS feels welcomed, supported, and truly part of our community. I want our students to feel happy and cared for at school and our families to always feel comfortable reaching out whenever they need support.

One fun fact about me is that I’m also a CIS parent! My daughter attends CIS, so I get to experience our school community from both sides—as a staff member and as a parent.

I’m in my third year at California International School. My professional background includes medical assisting and six years in the credit union industry. Before joining CIS, I was also a stay-at-home mom to my daughter, who is now a TK student!

I was drawn to CIS because of the culture and values that make this school such a special place—not just for students, but for their families as well. Since joining CIS, the relationships I’ve built with our students, families, and staff have made such a meaningful impact on me and are what make coming to work so rewarding each day. As the Admissions Assistant, I especially enjoy being on the front line, meeting new and current families, building relationships, and supporting our Head of School as we welcome families into our community.

I hope every student and family feels a true sense of belonging at CIS. I want students to feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow into who they are, while families feel welcomed, valued, and confident that they have found a community where their child can thrive.

One fun fact about me is that I’m also a CIS parent! My husband and I feel so fortunate that we found CIS for our daughter, where she can grow, learn, and shine alongside her friends. Outside of work and school, we love spending time with family and taking California Coastal getaways whenever we can.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Early Years and Primary Education, and have 10 years of teaching experience across Australia, England, and the United States. I’m in my fifth year at CIS and have served as the IB Coordinator for the past two years. My international teaching experience has given me a deep appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and approaches to education.

I was drawn to CIS because of its unique approach to learning and its commitment to recognizing that every student learns differently. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for students to explore their interests, take ownership of their learning, and develop a lifelong love of learning. In my role, I especially enjoy working closely with teachers, supporting their professional growth, and celebrating those exciting “aha!” moments when new ideas and IB approaches come to life in the classroom.

I hope students and families experience a genuine love of learning at CIS. I want students to feel curious, confident, and excited to come to school each day, knowing their ideas and perspectives are valued. I hope they discover that learning is about more than finding the right answer—it’s about asking questions, exploring possibilities, and discovering new ways of thinking!

Outside of school, I love reading, crafting, enjoying brunch with friends, and going on adventures with my family. I have three boys and a dog who keep life exciting! A fun fact about me is that I’ve lived in five different countries, which has inspired my love for travel and experiencing different cultures.

This is my 23rd year in education! I earned my B.A. from Sacramento State University and my ECE Teacher Certificate from Sierra College, and I also hold an Apple Teacher Certification. TK is my favorite age to teach, and I’m passionate about helping young learners discover the joy of learning.

I was drawn to CIS through word of mouth, and after my first meeting with Mrs. DeNinno, I knew this was the place for me. I love the warmth of the CIS community and how well the curriculum aligns with my teaching style. I’m also excited to take on the challenge of learning and growing through the IB program.

I hope students and families learn to love the learning process and feel like part of a team. When the student, family, and school work together, it creates such a meaningful experience. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking and knitting—especially knitting at a cozy coffee shop! One fun fact: my cat, Jasper, is button-trained and can communicate simple words using them.

I have worked in education for over 30 years. I earned a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University and a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. My experience includes working as a special education teacher, paraeducator, and in after-school and preschool programs. I joined CIS three years ago and have loved being part of this community ever since.

I was drawn to CIS because of its mission to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students to become global citizens who make a positive impact in their communities and the world. I especially love the IB Learner Profile and helping students grow as inquirers, thinkers, communicators, caring individuals, and lifelong learners. I enjoy seeing their curiosity come to life through language learning, STEAM, Makerspace, and hands-on classroom projects.

One of my favorite CIS experiences was being part of the 2nd/3rd grade community project that adopted the creek behind our school. Seeing students work together to create a lasting, positive impact in their community was incredibly rewarding.

I hope students and families experience the positive and encouraging atmosphere that makes CIS so special. Outside of school, my husband and I enjoy running 5K races together—we’ll even do two races in one day!

I’m a Kindergarten teacher at CIS with more than 12 years of experience in early childhood education. Before joining CIS, I taught preschool and PreK, where I developed a deep understanding of early childhood development and a passion for helping young learners build a strong foundation. I believe school should be a joyful and safe place where children feel confident to explore, ask questions, and try new things.

I was drawn to CIS because of its commitment to teaching the whole child. I love that our school values not only academic growth, but also students’ social, emotional, and character development. One of my favorite parts of teaching Kindergarten is watching my students grow in both their learning and confidence throughout the year. I also love seeing former students in the hallways and watching them continue to thrive as they move through the grades.

I hope families feel the love and care we have for their children every day and experience a true sense of belonging within the CIS community. I want each child to know they are supported, valued, and encouraged to grow.

Outside of school, I’m an avid reader and love photography. You’ll often find me with a good book or my camera in hand!

Hi! I’m Amelia Fabucci, and I’m an Educational Assistant in my second year at CIS. I graduated with a degree in Liberal Studies and have a background in both Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Special Education. I spent several years working as an ABA therapist with students on the autism spectrum before teaching Special Education for four years.

I was drawn to CIS because of the high-quality staff and small class sizes. My favorite part of CIS is the students! Their curiosity, inquisitiveness, and joy for learning make every day exceptional. I love being able to support them as they grow, learn, and discover new things.

I hope students and families feel welcomed, safe, and excited to come to school each day. I’m grateful to be part of a community where students are encouraged to learn and thrive.

Outside of school, I love hiking! I enjoy spending time in nature and getting outside whenever I can.

This is my sixth year at CIS and my tenth year in education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Jose State University and hold a California Teaching Credential. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve focused on working with younger learners, from TK through first grade.

I love that CIS encourages students to learn through hands-on experiences and inquiry. I especially enjoy helping young students discover a love for learning and showing them that school can be fun and exciting!

I hope students and families feel like they are part of the CIS family. Our staff and families are so welcoming and supportive, and being part of CIS truly feels like being part of a community.

Outside of school, I love to travel and spend time outdoors with my family. I enjoy exploring new places and creating new memories along the way.

I graduated from Oregon State University with degrees in Psychology and Studio Art and have enjoyed working with children in a variety of settings. Most recently, I worked as a Paraeducator at a local elementary school in Bellingham.

I was drawn to CIS because of its project-based and international learning environment, small teacher-to-student ratio, and close-knit community. I love creating a safe and welcoming space where children can learn and grow through creativity, kindness, and curiosity. Being able to connect with our students and staff while exploring the world around us has been such a gift!

Outside of school, I’m very crafty and love scrapbooking, painting, drawing, and taking on DIY projects.

This is my eighth year working in education and my fifth year teaching second grade! I graduated from Biola University with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Intercultural Studies, and a California Multiple Subject Credential. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and am excited to continue bringing my passion and experience to CIS.

I was drawn to CIS because of its international context and belief in learning from others. I value the focus on global-mindedness, cultural celebrations, family involvement, and specialty classes that help create a well-rounded student. I especially enjoy growing as an IB and inquiry-based teacher and watching students discover concepts through hands-on projects, thoughtful questions, and meaningful discussions.

I hope students and families experience the close-knit community that makes CIS so special—where backgrounds are honored, students are valued, and families feel connected. Outside of school, I love traveling, reading mystery books, paddleboarding, refurbishing furniture, and spending time with my husband, friends, my pup Willow, and my two bunnies, Moose and Meeko!

I have a background in both general and special education, with a focus on small-group intervention and specialized conflict resolution. I’m passionate about supporting students as individuals and finding creative ways to help them grow and succeed.

I was drawn to CIS because it offers so many of the things I value in a school community. I love that CIS supports the growth of each individual student while also helping them build meaningful connections within the classroom and the world around them. What I enjoy most about my role is building relationships with students and exploring all the learning together.

I hope students and families experience a strong sense of community and partnership at CIS, along with a positive and friendly culture where all types of growth are celebrated.

Outside of school, my house is basically a small animal sanctuary! I also consider finding creative solutions when there isn’t an obvious one to be one of my superpowers.

I have worked in education since 2012, with a brief transition into management and sales that strengthened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ultimately, I found my way back to what I love most—teaching and inspiring young minds. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and completed coursework through a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program. I’m continuing to work toward clearing my California teaching credential, and I also hold IB training and Apple Teacher Certification.

I was drawn to CIS because of its commitment to hands-on, meaningful learning. I love helping students experience, explore, and connect their learning to the real world. As I’ve learned more about the IB framework, I’ve been excited to see how closely it aligns with what I value as an educator, especially student voice, choice, agency, and making a difference.

What I enjoy most about CIS is the close-knit community and the meaningful connections I have with my students and their families. I love creating joyful learning experiences that celebrate each child’s strengths, interests, and unique way of learning.

Outside of school, I love a big challenge! Whether it’s running a marathon, thru-hiking the John Muir Trail, or taking on a new adventure, I’m always looking for the next challenge to conquer. So, what will my next challenge be? Stay tuned!

My background is in Environmental Studies and Planning, and I spent several years working in land planning before taking time to be home with my two boys. During that time, I became incredibly grateful for the teachers who supported and believed in my children, which inspired me to pursue a career in education. I eventually returned to work in a TK classroom in Loomis and found my way to CIS, where I spent last year as an aide in 4th grade. I quickly fell in love with 4th grade and its curious, funny, independent, and wonderfully unique students!

I was drawn to CIS because of the small class sizes and the opportunity to truly know each student. I love learning what works best for each child, recognizing their strengths, and celebrating those moments when they discover they can do something they once thought was impossible.

I hope students and families experience how much our staff truly cares. I want every student to feel supported, known, and comfortable being themselves while discovering that learning can be fun and look different for everyone.

Outside of school, I love hiking, exploring, planning day trips, and spending time with my family. I’m married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have two boys, four goats, and one crazy Chihuahua!

I have six years of experience teaching elementary students in fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Hope International University and hold a California teaching credential. I’m passionate about creating an engaging classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to learn.

I was drawn to CIS because of its welcoming community and IB approach to learning, particularly its focus on inquiry, global perspectives, and helping students grow both academically and personally. I especially enjoy building relationships with my students and watching their confidence grow while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections across subjects.

I hope every student and family feels welcomed, valued, and connected at CIS, while students feel empowered to take risks, face challenges, and discover what they’re capable of. Outside of school, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to visit the top of the Burj Khalifa—the tallest building in the world!

I recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences. After graduation, I returned home to Illinois, where I worked as a medical assistant in hematology and oncology for a year. Before that, I spent about five years working with children through summer camps and various youth programs. After moving to California, I found my way to CIS, where I began working in summer camp before becoming the 5th/6th Grade Educational Assistant.

I was drawn to CIS because of its welcoming community and its focus on learning beyond academics. I love that students are encouraged to explore their interests, ask questions, and grow as individuals. One of my favorite parts of my role is getting to know each student and finding ways to support their unique learning journey. It's especially rewarding to watch students gain confidence in something they once struggled with and realize what they're capable of!

I hope every student and family feels welcomed, valued, and connected at CIS. I want students to feel comfortable being curious, exploring new ideas, and learning from those around them, while knowing they're part of a supportive community.

One fun fact about me is that I worked at both an aquarium and a herpetological sanctuary while I was in college!

I’m in my fourth year at CIS, bringing a unique background in project management within the aerospace and automotive manufacturing industries. My experience in planning, collaboration, and problem-solving now plays a big role in my Makerspace classroom, where I teach computer science, coding, robotics, 3D design and printing, engineering, and other STEAM experiences. I love creating hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities that encourage students to explore, design, build, and think creatively.

I was drawn to CIS because of its focus on developing the whole child and encouraging curiosity, risk-taking, and lifelong learning. I especially appreciate the IB approach and the opportunity to connect classroom learning to the real world. My favorite part of teaching Makerspace is watching students turn their ideas into something they can see, touch, test, and improve. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing students surprise themselves with what they're capable of creating!

I hope students and families experience a strong sense of belonging at CIS. I want students to know their ideas matter, that making mistakes is part of learning, and that they have the creativity and confidence to solve problems and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Outside of teaching, I love learning and creating right alongside my students! I enjoy hands-on projects, designing, and finding creative ways to bring new ideas to life.

Salutations! Before working at CIS I was a lifeguard and Water Facilities Safety Director, where I ensured teamwork between fellow lifeguards and created a safe/fun environment for regular attendees and camps! I also have experience working with special needs students, having been a tutor for years as well as serving as a representative on the Youth Advisory Panel, an advocacy group for special needs students in New York State. I was drawn to CIS because of its emphasis on IB learner vocabulary integration. Words have so much power, especially with younger students, so being a part of a school where students hear these words used everyday in relevant ways felt especially important! As the Makerspace EA I thoroughly enjoy watching students practice their sequencing in how they create and enact plans with their projects, whether it is a full mapped out step by step or simply planning with a drawing. Fun fact, my home is covered in different crafts and building materials as I enjoy creating props and costumes for various events and productions! That being said, as the Explorer’s Club Coordinator, nothing brings me more joy than crafting in creative ways, so getting to share that joy with several students or various grades makes it easy to come to every session with tons of energy! I hope every family and student at CIS can find their sense of belonging in this community. Whether that being the social butterfly, floating between people and topics as freely as the wind, or even just one other person with whom they create a deep connection!

I’m Señora DeAlba, and I began my teaching career in 1980 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, where I spent 18 years as a teacher and assistant principal. I later continued my career in education here in Roseville, teaching Spanish for many years. This is my first year at California International School, and I’m very happy to be part of the CIS community and continue sharing my love of teaching with students.

I was drawn to CIS because of its strong sense of community and its focus on diversity, culture, and global learning. I’m passionate about teaching Spanish and sharing the richness of different cultures, and I love seeing my students’ curiosity and confidence grow as they learn a new language and discover more about the world.

I hope students and families feel welcomed, supported, and part of a caring community where we all work together to help students succeed. I want students to feel excited about learning and exploring new cultures!

Outside of school, I love singing, traveling, listening to music, spending time with my family, attending family reunions, and visiting friends whenever I can.

I’m originally from China, where I was born and raised, and Mandarin is my first language. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Translation and began my career as an English teacher, working with both children and adults. I later served as an administrator and elementary English substitute teacher at an IB international school in China. Joining CIS as a Mandarin teacher is my first full-time position in the United States and a meaningful return to the classroom after seven years as a full-time mother. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring together my teaching experience, cultural background, and passion for language learning.

I was drawn to CIS because I was looking for an IB school where I could work and where my own children could learn. CIS has been the perfect fit for our family. I especially enjoy seeing students and their families learn about the Chinese language and culture, while having the opportunity to use both English and Mandarin in my work each day.

I hope students and families gain a deeper understanding of China and its culture through learning Mandarin at CIS. My hope is that one day, our students will be inspired to visit China and experience it for themselves!

Outside of school, I love traveling. My husband and I have visited seven countries, and we hope to add many more to our list with our children. Since 2013, we’ve made it a tradition to visit a different beach somewhere in the world at least once a year!

I have over 20 years of experience as a PE teacher and coach, including 20 years at Merryhill School. I’m passionate about helping students thrive through fun, exciting, and structured PE experiences. I love creating games that get students excited about being active while building teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship. I also organize and coach after-school sports leagues and school events like the FUN RUN, Heart Hero Challenge, and Field Day. I attended UC Davis and Sacramento State University and was honored to receive the Region 2 Specialty Teacher of the Year award last year.

I was drawn to CIS because of Mrs. DeNinno’s leadership and her vision for the school. I’m excited to build an elite PE program, introduce after-school sports leagues, and create opportunities that bring students, parents, and the greater CIS community together.

My favorite part of my role is seeing students get excited about PE and watching those relationships grow with both students and families. I love bringing positive energy to campus and motivating students to challenge themselves and have fun!

Outside of school, I love detailing my car and collecting Nike shoes—I have over 300 pairs!

I’m in my third year at CIS, where I’ve spent the past two years learning how to teach, connect, and build relationships with students across all grade levels. This year, I’ve also started my degree in education. Outside of CIS, I’ve worked as a camp counselor at Catalina Island Camps, where I’ve had the opportunity to meet children from across the country and learn about different cultures and ways of life. I love sharing what I know with students, from ASL and Maltese to odd little science facts (strawberries are not berries!!!).

What keeps me at CIS year after year is the welcoming and trusting community. I appreciate that ideas are heard and that the natural chaos of working with kids is embraced rather than scrutinized. As an Educational Assistant without a set classroom, I love being able to bounce around wherever I’m needed and build meaningful connections with students in every grade.

I hope every family feels safe, welcomed, and encouraged to grow at CIS. Everyone has something to learn here, and I love being part of a community where we can all grow together. Outside of school, no one is more of a cricket than me.