Teachers and Staff
Cynthia Mendez Reimann
Director of Academia de Mi Abuela, Youth Mentor and Founder
Mrs. Reimann graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in World Arts and Cultures.
She then continued her education and earned a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Elementary School Instruction and Multicultural-Interdisciplinary Curricula. She holds a Director’s Permit in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
Cynthia continues to advocate for high quality, and affordable preschool education for all and mentoring Oakland youth in the field of ECE.
Valeria Magaña
Early Education Co-Head Teacher, Administrator
Valeria Magaña was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and currently resides in California. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics, Accounting, and Business Administration. For the past 13 years, Ms. Magaña has worked as the Head Teacher at Academia de Mi Abuela. She enjoys interacting with children, fostering their social-emotional skills, and developing their core values, such as creativity, motivation, and dedication to learning.
As a master preschool teacher, Valeria has worked with diverse groups of students across various ages, cultural backgrounds, and learning abilities. She has developed and implemented comprehensive, intercultural curriculum projects and early childhood programs.
Her overarching teaching objectives are to contribute to the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of all students, advocate for children’s rights and well-being, and provide personalized care according to their essential and special needs. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Maestra Valeria’s goal is to complete the licensing-mandated college coursework requirements to obtain a Site Supervisor permit. She is currently a member of the leadership team, working alongside the school Director as the Site Supervisor at Academia de Mi Abuela. This role presents a significant opportunity and responsibility, allowing her to continue guiding teachers, mentoring youth interns, and offering high-quality childcare services, while strengthening partnerships with parents and the broader Oakland community.
Jasmine Elizabeth Martin
Interim Site Supervisor
My name is Jasmine Elizabeth Martin.
I am Chicana, born and raised in Oakland, CA – in the Fruitvale area. My family is originally from Hidalgo, Mexico and San Salvador, El Salvador. Currently, I am working to get my associates degree in child development, and transfer to a 4 year college to pursue my bachelors in Special Ed. Presently, I am taking Intro to Curriculum, Teaching Young Children and Statistics.
I love working at AMA because it feels like a small family with the maestras. We help each other grow and love working together to provide high quality early education for our students. I enjoy working in early education because seeing everyday milestones reached makes my job purposeful. My goal is to help your children become confident learners who embrace mistakes, think positively, and develop socially and emotionally.
Yanely Peiro
Early Education Co-Head Teacher
My name is Yanely Peiro, I am 22 years old and I was born in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico.
At 11, my family and I moved from Mexico to California, where I attended middle and high school in San Leandro. During my junior and senior years, I returned to Mexico to live with my grandmother, which delayed my high school graduation. After coming back to California, I worked for two years with children with disabilities before moving to Oklahoma City with my older sister, Michell. There, I sought similar work and eventually became a teacher’s assistant at a private school, Tony Reyes.
Missing my family, I returned to California, enrolled in Hayward Adult School, and completed my diploma. I now live in San Leandro with my family. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, practicing English, reading, dining out with friends, and traveling with my family.
I’m very excited to begin a new opportunity at Academia de Mi Abuela.
Yuliana Hernandez Urbano
Head Chef, Custodial Services, Teachers’ Assistant
Hola, mi nombre es Yuliana Hernandez Urbano, tengo 42 años y nací en el estado de Veracruz, México. Estoy casada y tengo dos hermosas hijas que son mi motivación. Desde los 18 años he vivido en Oakland, California. Actualmente estoy estudiando en el colegio Chabot College para avanzar en mi educación en el desarrollo de la primera infancia. Trabajo como asistente de maestra y chef en la Academia de Mi Abuela. El poder trabajar con niños es algo que siempre quise hacer porque me encantan los niños, me encanta cuidarlos, convivir con ellos y darles todo mi amor y cariño.
Hello, my name is Yuliana Hernandez Urbano, I am 42 years old, I was born in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. I am married and I have two beautiful daughters who are my motivation. I have lived in Oakland, California since I was 18 years old. In addition, I am currently studying at Chabot College to further my education in early childhood education.
I work as a teachers’ assistant and chef at Academia de Mi Abuela. I have always wanted to work with children because I strongly believe that providing love and support are key in any child’s early education.
Ashleen Montoya
High School Intern
Lorena Olaya
Early Education Co-Head Teacher
My name is Lorena Olaya. I was born and raised in Peru and moved to the USA in 2023. I now live in Alameda, California.
I’m a communicative, dynamic, and charismatic person who enjoys walks in the open air and feels deep empathy for others’ situations. I thrive in team settings, love learning, and enjoy sharing knowledge with others.
When I was five years old, my parents moved from Lima to Sullana, Piura, where I attended elementary, middle, and high school at Las Capullanas Catholic School. At 20, my family returned to Lima, where I pursued a degree in Computer Science at the Technological University in Lima, Peru.
I also studied Graphic Design at the Poussin Institute in Lima to gain skills in Photoshop and design tools. My academic training has equipped me with solid knowledge and skills, particularly in teamwork and promoting values like cooperation and companionship.
During my studies, I worked as a private tutor for children, supporting their learning journey. I later worked as an administrative assistant, where I used Microsoft Office and SAP, and eventually as a data analyst on large-scale development projects. My experience also includes roles as a technical assistant, help desk support, customer service representative, and user trainer.
When I became a mother, I actively participated in my son’s preschool activities. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for working with children, which I turned into a dream I was determined to pursue.
I’ve also worked as a project manager at Tiveli SAC in Lima, Peru. However, my heart has always been drawn to teaching and supporting children. Now, living in Alameda, I feel it’s time to make my dream a reality.
I am currently furthering my education in Early Childhood Education at Chabot College and preparing to contribute to the next generation through the Academia de Mi Abuela Child Development Center. Teaching is my passion, and I am committed to providing children with the care, encouragement, and guidance they deserve.
Maria Joya Garcia
Child Development Specialist
My name is Maria Joya Garcia. I was born and raised in the Mission District of San Francisco. My parents are hardworking immigrants from El Salvador, and I couldn’t be more proud of my family and their sacrifices. My family now resides in both San Francisco and Oakland.
I’m a homebody who cherishes spending time with my family and pets. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, giving my pets plenty of TLC, and helping my mother tend to her garden—a love she has passed down to me as a true enthusiast of plants and flowers.
I am currently working toward my associate degree in Child Development, a field I am deeply passionate about. My entire career has been dedicated to working with youth, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.
I’ve spent over 10 years working with K-8 students in the after-school sector at a San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) school. Over the years, I grew both personally and professionally, starting as a program leader and eventually becoming a program director. The community I was part of and helped build remains one of my most cherished accomplishments.
I am a hardworking, dedicated, and kind person with a strong work ethic instilled by my parents. I give my all to my work and projects, always striving to have a positive impact on others while remaining open to new experiences.
Adriana Romero
Child Development Intern
My name is Adriana Romero, and I was born in Oakland, California. I’m 17 years old and currently a junior at Skyline High School. I’m the youngest in my family, with one older sister. I enjoy playing soccer, spending time with my nieces and nephew, cooking, and hanging out with family and friends.
I’m part of a program called Upward Bound, which helps me stay focused on my academic goals. The program offers college-level classes during the summer and on Saturdays, preparing me for college life. It also provides opportunities to visit colleges and universities outside of California, allowing me to experience new places and broaden my horizons.
My dream is to become a civil engineer. I’ve always been fascinated by construction, building, and design projects. I aspire to attend a four-year university, with my top choices being UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, UC San Diego, and UC Davis. However, I’m also open to starting at a community college and transferring to a four-year university.
I’m excited about the opportunity to intern with AMA because I love working with children and want to make a positive difference in their lives. Kids have such loving and joyful energy, making the work fun and rewarding. I could learn a lot from them, especially how they develop and grow daily. This internship would be the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for working with kids with a chance to grow personally and professionally.