Staff and Associates

✉️ phyllishardy@mabene.org
🌐 LinkedIn

In her role, Phyllis Hardy (she/ella) facilitates professional learning with educators of schools, districts, and state education agencies. She has over 40 years experience working in the field of bilingual education as a bilingual special educator and a bilingual classroom teacher. Prior to MABE, she was an Equity and Diversity Specialist for the Northeast Equity Assistance Center at The Education Alliance at Brown University working with schools, districts, and state education agencies on English Learner policy, program structure, instruction, and assessment. She is a founding member of the MA Language Opportunity Coalition, which successfully advocated for the LOOK Act. She is co-author of the Guidance for Implementing Dual Language Education and Transitional Bilingual Education Programs (MA DESE 2023). She holds a B.A in English Literature and a M.Ed. in Special Education. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Phyllis is bilingual in Spanish and English.

✉️ megburns@mabene.org
🌐 LinkedIn

Dr. Meg Burns (she/ella) is a DLBE expert and advocate whose experiences as a teacher, researcher, and teacher educator shape her current work as Director of Professional Learning with MABE. Before joining MABE’s staff, Meg was Associate Professor of TESOL and Bilingual Education and Program Director of Early Childhood Education at Lesley University, where she prepared ESL, Bilingual, and Early Childhood teachers and conducted research in local Dual Language schools. She began her career as a first grade teacher in a public Spanish Immersion Dual Language school and later served as a graduate assistant on the Literacy Squared team, delivering biliteracy professional development around the country. She is the co-developer of LibrosforLanguage.org, an online repository of translanguaging picture-books, and has been a member of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education's English Learner and Bilingual Advisory Council. Meg has previously served as Board Member, President, and Consultant for MABE, contributing to regional advocacy activities and DLBE technical assistance. She currently serves as Faculty Coordinator for the National Dual Language Certificate as part of MABE’s Project SEMBRAR, a federally funded bilingual teacher mentorship program. She holds a B.A. from Vassar College, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and a Ph.D. in Educational Equity and Cultural Diversity from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

✉️ smarrero@cpsd.us
🌐 LinkedIn

Sarah Bartels Marrero (she/ella) is the principal of the Amigos School, a nationally recognized DLBE English and Spanish immersion program in Cambridge, MA. With a career spanning over two decades, Sarah’s journey in education has been marked by a passion for language, culture, and academic excellence. Beginning as a classroom teacher, Sarah quickly distinguished herself as a dynamic educator, committed to nurturing bilingualism in her students. Her expertise led her to serve as an instructional coach, where she mentored teachers in effective bilingual instruction strategies. She also served several years as a board member for MABE. Sarah has remained steadfast in her commitment to providing all students with access to quality bilingual education. Under her guidance, Amigos has continued as a beacon of educational excellence, recognized for its innovative approach to bilingual education and highlighted in an Edutopia video featuring culturally responsive schools.

✉️ gloriacho@bpsma.org
🌐 LinkedIn

Gloria Cho (she/her) is an experienced educator and curriculum specialist dedicated to equity, instructional excellence, and collaborative teacher development. She currently serves as a K-12 Curriculum Specialist at Brockton Public Schools, where she supports educators in data-driven instruction, curriculum alignment, and culturally responsive teaching. Previously, she was an ESL teacher and instructional coach at Boston Public Schools and an Adjunct Instructor at UMass Boston. Gloria empowers teachers to create inclusive, student-centered classrooms that foster growth and achievement for all learners.

✉️ dualcoach@gmail.com
🌐 LinkedIn | Personal Consulting Website

After failing High School Spanish, Amy Finsmith (she/ella) became a sequential bilingual through immersion at her summer job. Serendipity led Amy to Dual Language Education after she got her BA in Spanish and Business. In 1998, Amy established her teaching career in Compañeros, Connecticut’s first Two-Way DLBE. She fell in love with DLBE, and realized that it has the potential to save the world – Amy is a passionate believer that DLBE is key to developing a more socially just society. After facilitating the expansion of Compañeros in Windham Public Schools, CT, Amy supported the launch of Dos Ríos, Windham’s One-Way DLBE. She hopes to continue to help elevate bilingualism and advocate for social justice via her work in DLBE. Today she is Windham’s Supervisor of Multilingual Education and co-founder of DuLCE (Dual Language Connecticut Educators), a wife, and a mother to emerging social justice warriors in a bilingual home.

✉️ slima2009@gmail.com
🌐 X

Silvia Lima (she/dela) is an experienced and awarded DLBE educator. She has previously worked as a DLBE 3rd grade Portuguese-English teacher, a bilingual interventionist, and the Dual Language coordinator at the International Charter School in Pawtucket, RI. She is currently the District Coordinator of MLL Instruction and language coach at Middletown Public Schools, RI. She has a Master’s degree in TESOL and has dedicated her career to teaching languages and training teachers in the region.

✉️ denisemassari@mabene.org
🌐 LinkedIn

Denise M. Massari (she/ella) serves as the Assistant Director of World Languages at Princeton University's Program in Teacher Preparation. She advises students pursuing certification in World Languages, TESOL, and Bilingual Education, and contributes as a co-teacher and guest lecturer. Denise holds a B.A. in Romance Languages from Dartmouth College, an M.A. in Urban Education with a concentration in Spanish Language from Yale University, and a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Leadership. She has served as a Spanish teacher and sports coach (in field hockey, basketball, and softball) for more than 20 years in private, parochial, and public schools. Most recently, Denise served for seven years as the District Coordinator for World Language, Dual Language, and ESOL in a public school system in Connecticut. She developed a K-5 two way dual language immersion program in that district, and the program she created currently serves more than 200 students.

✉️ aParraRojas@windham.k12.ct.us
🌐 LinkedIn

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Ayda L. Parra (she/ella) is a Dual Language Specialist in Windham Public Schools, CT, where she supports teachers in the district’s One- and Two-Way Dual Language programs, Compañeros and Dos Ríos, grades Pre-K to grade 8. She has worked in Dual Language Programs since 2012, and at Windham she has been a bilingual elementary teacher and a high school newcomer teacher. She previously taught DLBE Kindergarten in Champaign Public Schools, IL. Ayda holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and a MS.Ed. from Eastern Connecticut State University.

✉️ mandicampbell@gmail.com
🌐 LinkedIn

Amanda Campbell (she/ella) is the Deputy Director of Multilingual Education overseeing dual language programming in Lynn Public Schools, MA. She is a current Ph.D. student at Boston College, studying Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Language and Literacy. She has experience as a K-2 classroom teacher, ESL teacher, reading teacher, and instructional coach. In 2019, Amanda led the team that implemented Lynn’s first Dual Language Bilingual Education program, Compañeros, which has since expanded to two elementary schools. Amanda has shared her expertise and knowledge at regional and national conferences including NABE, NAEYC, and MABE and is a peer reviewer for the American Educational Research Association annual meeting for bilingual education and literacy research. Amanda is also the recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Literacy Leadership Award from the Celebrate Literacy Day organization.

✉️ evelyncosmejones@clee-ri.org
🌐 LinkedIn

Evelyn Cosme-Jones (she/ella/dela) is an experienced educational leader. She is currently the Associate Director of the Principal Residency Network (PRN) at the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity (CLEE). She supports aspiring and mentor principals through equity-focused coaching, leadership development, and collaborative learning. With a background in school leadership and a passion for reflective practice, Evelyn empowers leaders to embrace inquiry, cultivate inclusive schools, and drive systemic change. Before joining CLEE, Evelyn held roles as a teacher, coordinator, assistant principal, and principal – including being instrumental in launching the Seal of Biliteracy initiative in Rhode Island. Her coaching philosophy centers on trust, silence, and equity - nurturing the growth of transformational school leaders.

✉️ gatelyr@worcesterschools.net

Rachel Gately (she/ella) is a dedicated DLBE educator with over 10 years of experience currently teaching middle school in Worcester Public Schools, MA, serving multilingual students from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. She began her career through Teach For America in Dallas, Texas, as an English/Spanish DLBE instructor. She holds a B.A. in Latin American History and Spanish from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s Degree in Bilingual and ESL Education from Southern Methodist University. She is also currently pursuing an Education Specialist degree at Worcester State in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on dual language education. She is also a course facilitator at Boston College’s Bilingual Education Certificate (BEC). Fluent in both English and Spanish and with over a decade of experience in One- and Two-Way DLBE across Texas and Massachusetts, she is passionate about advocating for equity, biliteracy, and culturally responsive instruction.

✉️ ellorca@stonehill.edu
🌐 LinkedIn

Dr. Elizabeth Llorca (she/ella) is currently an Assistant Professor in Graduate Teacher Education at Stonehill College. Previously, she served as the Bilingual Hub Liaison at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and worked as a DLBE teacher for five years. She received her doctorates from UMass Amherst, where she focused on inclusive practices within dual language programs. She is an experienced presenter, an Assistant Professor at Stonehill College, an Associate Lecturer for UMass Boston, and a Part Time Lecturer for Lasell University.

✉️ vionettem@gmail.com

Vionette Matos (she/ella) is an experienced educator at Amigos School, a dual language immersion school in Cambridge, MA. She teaches 7th grade Spanish Language Arts and provides Spanish reading and writing support for grades 3-5. With a strong commitment to bilingual education, she plays a vital role in fostering literacy and language development among students. Her dedication to culturally responsive teaching contributes to the school's mission of academic excellence and cultural understanding. Vionette was recognized as a Teacher Leader for Equity by Cambridge Public Schools, where she collaborates with colleagues to develop and implement culturally responsive teaching practices.

✉️ mar.caz88@gmail.com
🌐 LinkedIn

Dr. Mary Cazabon (she/ella) brings experience in design and inception of innovative research-based programs for English Learners and English-only students in DLBE programs in Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin as well as in Integrated Foreign Language Programs in Mandarin and Korean. She was the founder and supported the creation of the Amigos DLBE in Cambridge Public Schools, MA, the OLA Portuguese Program, Educational Divide Reform in Brockton, and the MLK Mandarin Program. She has extensive experience in conducting research and evaluation, and in delivering technical assistance to schools, districts, universities, and state departments of education. As senior research associate at WestEd, she rendered technical and evaluative services and conducted evaluations of DLBE and Sheltered English programs. She served as the Title III National Professional Development (NPD) Director of two Graduate Certificate Program through the Department of Applied Linguistics at UMass Boston. She also served as Assistant Director to the Lesley Graduate School of Education NPD Grant: English Language Teacher/Parent Certificate Project in collaboration with Brockton Public Schools, MA and as the President of The Academy at Harvard Square (TAHS) English Institute. Mary has served MABE since the 1980s as a Board Member, Newsletter Editor, Presenter, and Keynote Speaker. Since the passage of the LOOK Act, she has helped MABE develop tools and resources to enhance our consulting services.

✉️ gespinoza@framingham.k12.ma.us
🌐 X

Glenda Espinoza (she/ella) is the Secondary Two‑Way Bilingual Program Department Head at Framingham Public Schools, overseeing DLBE instruction across middle and high school. She leads curriculum development and supports Spanish Language Arts for grades 6‑12 at Walsh Middle and Framingham High School, MA. Her work elevated the DLBE program to receive International Spanish Academy Program (ISA) recognition from the Education Office of the Spanish Consulate. Previously a Spanish Language Arts teacher, Glenda has advanced through roles as a bilingual educator and department leader. With deep experience designing inclusive bilingual programs, she empowers students and educators to bridge cultures and open doors through language.

✉️ patlandurand@gmail.com
🌐 LinkedIn

Dr. Patricia Medeiros Landurand (she/ella) is a retired Professor of Bilingual Special Education from Rhode Island College and current educational consultant and Director of the Multicultural/ESL Master’s Program in Special Education. A national expert in bilingual special education – often called the “Mother of Bilingual Special Education” – she designed frameworks to support culturally and linguistically diverse students with learning differences. Pat also serves in leadership roles with ACE‑ED, advocating for equity and culturally responsive instruction. With deep experience as a teacher, professor, consultant and program director, she empowers educators to close opportunity gaps and champion inclusive school environments. Pat has been involved with MABE since its inception in 1975 as a board member, as a founder of the Bilingual Special Education Network, and as a founding member of the Coalition for Equity, Diversity, and Disability . Her pioneering efforts for bilingual students with disabilities include serving as the first Bilingual Special Education Project Director for Massachusetts Department of Education in the 1970s, working in the Office of Education in Washington, D.C.

✉️ Lusa.Lo@umb.edu

Dr. Lusa Lo (she/her) is a Professor of Special Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, specializing in inclusive education for English learners with disabilities. Her work focuses on family and community engagement, assessment, and equity. She collaborates with educators, families, and policymakers to create evidence-based programs and policies. Appointed to several state advisory boards, Lusa is a recognized leader in special education. Her research informs inclusive practices both locally and internationally, and she is dedicated to preparing future educators through teaching, mentorship, and community partnerships. She is also a founding member of the Coalition for Equity, Diversity, and Disability.

✉️ smcgilvrayrivet@gmail.com
🌐 LinkedIn

Dr. Sue McGilvray-Rivet (she/ella) expertise spans bilingual education, dual language instruction, and educational leadership. Currently she is also a Leadership Coach for Boston College’s Roche Center for Catholic Education, a Principal Coach for Salem Public Schools, and a Student Teacher Supervisor at Framingham State University. Previous to her retirement from public education in Massachusetts, she served as a bilingual elementary TBE teacher and program director in Lawrence, a principal in Topsfield, a program director in Framingham and most recently, as Principal of Barbieri Dual Language School also in Framingham, MA. She was instrumental in expanding bilingual programming in Lawrence and Framingham. She also was able to maintain both dual language and TBE programs in Framingham after Question 2, one of the few leaders that was able to do so in MA. Sue’s passion is supporting dual language education and advocating for educational equity for emerging bilingual students. She is the facilitator of MABE’s Leader Network, a founding member of DL School Accountability Work Group, a conference committee member, a consultant, and an advisor helping to grow MABE’s services.