OPERATIONS TEAM
Christina Collazo | Founder and Executive Director
Christina Collazo, a passionate advocate for women and children, is driven by her personal journey of overcoming childhood adversity. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, she witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and support systems. Her deep commitment to social justice, coupled with her extensive experience and ongoing professional development, makes her a powerful force for change. Christina founded Todos Juntos, an innovative Dual-Generation Family Learning Center focused on community, education, and trust. By elevating shared lived experiences and co-creating programs with the community, Todos Juntos is breaking down barriers and empowering families to thrive.
Christina Collazo
Founder and Executive Director
Raney McKool | Chief Operations Officer
Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Raney received a BFA from the University of Washington in Seattle, WA, before resettling in Austin. Originally serving as an AmeriCorps member at Todos Juntos, Raney officially joined the team as an assistant ECE teacher the following year, in September 2016. After two wonderful years of teaching, Raney moved into operations in 2018. While she misses the classroom, Raney loves working with her colleagues, partner organizations, dedicated volunteers, and the larger Austin community to advocate for Todos Juntos and its mission. 8 years with Todos Juntos.
Raney McKool
Chief Operations Officer
Katie Magner | Chief Programs Officer
Katie has called Austin home since 2014 after earning her undergraduate degree in History at the University of Washington in Seattle. She began her career in AmeriCorps as a bilingual early literacy tutor for Literacy First for two service years. Her AmeriCorps experience exposed her to the vast inequities and disparities families face in public education as well Austin’s history that has systematically prioritized white families over BIPOC families. This exposure sparked her passion and set her to work in creating a more equitable community through education and empowerment wherever she went. Katie has worked and volunteered for many Austin area nonprofits such as the YMCA of Austin, BookSpring, East Austin Younglife, and Casa Marianella. Language and literacy has always been her focus as she knows how critical these skills are to educational and personal success in our world. She is thrilled to be joining the Todos Juntos team as the inaugural Programs Director where her passions, background and skills can support our critical mission. In her free time Katie enjoys walking, Zumba, and performing improv comedy at local theaters around town. 3 years with Todos Juntos
Katie Magner
Chief Programs Officer
Delphi Alvizo | Director of Institutional Advancement
Delphi Alvizo leverages over 20 years of diverse professional experience, encompassing roles as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, Financial Auditor, Operations Manager, and Media Relations professional. Delphi’s passion for advocacy and legislative activities, honed through volunteer projects and service to under-represented groups in Austin, extends to fostering sustainable and equitable educational practices. Holding a BS in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Texas State University, she is committed to advancing multicultural field experiences in teacher education programs. Her proficiency also extends to media relations, successfully executing community advocacy strategies, and fostering business growth, particularly within the local Hispanic community. 1 year with Todos Juntos
Delphi Alvizo
Director of Institutional Advancement
Maria Vela | Marketing & Communications Manager
Maria Vela was born and raised in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico where she obtained her degrees in Public Relations and Marketing and an ESL Teacher Training Certificate. Maria’s career has mainly been focused on working with and for the community, building and strengthening relationships with non-profits, businesses, government, and civil organizations. Her teaching experience allowed her to see up close the impact that learning a second language can have on the lives of the students. As a public relations specialist, she believes that building personal and professional relationships in the community goes a long way, which is why she is strongly drawn to serve and use her time, talents, and treasures in the nonprofit world. In her free time, Maria enjoys walking, kayaking, and exploring the city with her husband Daniel, their kids Bernardo and Olivia and their dog Roy. 2 years with Todos Juntos
Maria Vela
Marketing & Communications Manager
Sarah Scarborough | Admin Associate
Sarah was born and raised in Austin, Texas making her a first-generation Honduran-Mexican American. Being first generation, Sarah developed a passion for the Spanish community – specifically individuals who have migrated and are navigating the unknowns of living in a new country. She graduated in May of 2023 obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Grand Canyon University. This allowed her to gain experience in serving Hispanic communities through the Church setting. Sarah joined Todos Juntos in September of 2023. She is passionate and excited to be a part of Todos Juntos because of its mission: to provide support, care, and guidance to families who are in search of opportunities to learn and thrive in the United States. In her free time, Sarah loves music, reading, traveling, and walks with her husband Evan, and their dog Lucy. 1 year with Todos Juntos
Sarah Scarborough
Admin Associate
PROGRAMS
Yesenia Prieto | ECE Childcare Director
Yesenia joined Todos Juntos in January of 2022. As an Austinite raised on the east side of town, she experienced the effects of gentrification and gained an appreciation for supporting low-income families. Her passion for early childhood education began after taking an ECE professions class in high school where she assisted first-year Kindergarten teachers at a local elementary school. For the past two decades, she has worked in teaching and parent education roles for corporate, non-profit, and privately owned childcare centers in the Austin area including the Travis County Head Start program and the University of Texas CDC. Solidifying her professionalism in childcare, Yesenia has worked to obtain the Child Development Associate credential from the Council of Professional Recognition, an AAS focused on child development, the Texas Child Care Administrator’s Credential, a Texas Child Care Directors License, and became a registered trainer on the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development Systems. Devoted to being a lifelong learner, Yesenia is currently taking courses at Texas State University to complete a degree in Integrated Studies in Human Development and Family Sciences, Diversity Studies and Social Work. As a first-generation American and an ESL student herself, Yesenia loves to work with the families at TJ! She has used her childcare and non-profit background to take on the ECE Director role and led the Escuelita to becoming a fully licensed child care center in 2023! 3 years with Todos Juntos.
Yesenia Prieto
ECE Childcare Director
Claudia Méndez López | Family Education and Evaluation Manager
Claudia was born and raised in Mexico where she obtained a psychology degree. After working for SOS Children’s Village, an NGO in Morelia, Mexico, Claudia became aware of the deep social inequalities experienced by children and the importance of prevention through supporting families, especially in early childhood. Holding a Ph.D. in Clinical and Health Psychology, she has focused not only in doing research about children victimization to provide information that can be used to create public policies, but she also found the opportunity again to work directly with children and families being part of Todos Juntos since August 2021. She is amazed by Todos Juntos’ mission and to have the possibility of contributing to this essential work. 3 years with TJ
Claudia Méndez López
Family Education and Evaluation Manager
Catalina Limongelli | ESL Program Coordinator
Catalina was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she earned her degree in Translation from the Universidad del Salvador. Catalina has been living in the US since 2017. She has over 15 years of experience in translation, ESL and SSL teaching and supporting executives. Catalina is excited to be part of the Todos Juntos team, and thrilled about her role where she can apply her passions, background, and skills to support Todos Juntos’ inspiring mission. In her free time, Catalina enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, going for long walks, and spending time with her husband Tommy, her daughter Jacinta, and her friends. 1 year with Todos Juntos
Catalina Limongelli
Adult Education Program Coordinator
Diana Marin, MSW | Saludables Juntos Program Coordinator
Diana was born in Los Angeles, California, and she is a first-generation Salvadoran American. Diana moved to San Antonio, Texas, and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Texas State University. During her internship at Raices, she provided services to refugees, asylees, and immigrants from detention centers. Diana is passionate about serving the Latino community. After graduating from Texas State with her BSW, Diana worked as a CPS caseworker serving children in the foster care system. Diana was able to help reunify children with families and provide resources for families in need. In 2023, Diana obtained her Master’s Degree in Social Work with a major in Advance Practice Leadership at Texas State University to inspire, encourage, and empower this new generation. In her free time, she likes to travel and explore new foods. Diana enjoys exploring Austin, Texas, taking nature walks, and spending time with her friends and family. 2 years with Todos Juntos
Diana Marin, MSW
Saludables Juntos Program Coordinator
Natalie Garcia, BSW | Family Case Manager
Natalie is originally from Houston, Texas and grew up with parents who both emigrated from Mexico. Growing up, Natalie witnessed various difficulties the immigrant population and the community face first hand with her family and close friends. Natalie moved to Austin, Texas in order to pursue her education at the University of Texas at Austin and graduated as a first generation college student with a Bachelors in Social Work with a focus in Educational Psychology. Her passion for the immigrant experience grew even further when working first hand with the population during her internship at Communities in Schools and now is very excited to continue working with the population as a Case Manager at Todos Juntos. In her free time, Natalie enjoys going on nature walks with her dogs, Enchilada and Bruno, watching trending tv shows and movies, and spending time with friends and family.
Natalie Garcia, BSW
Family Case Manager
Maribel Becerril | Community Navigator
Born and raised in Southern California, Maribel received her bachelor’s degree in bilingual education at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas. After graduating she moved to Austin, Texas and started her teaching career with Austin ISD. After years of teaching a variety of grade levels, she decided to venture into a new career path. However, her passion for supporting families of culturally diverse backgrounds continued. Which led her to taking on the role as community navigator here at Todos Juntos. Aside from work, Maribel enjoys reading and trying new coffee shops in Austin with her husband Julian.
Maribel Becerril
Community Navigator
Katerin (Kat) Arpero, BSW | Adelante Juntos Program Coordinator
Katerin was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, she is a first-generation Mexican American. Katerin moved to Austin for her education and has obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at UT Austin. She has volunteered in various places that has allowed her to work with women and the Latino community. Growing up she witnessed the adversities the Latino community faces on a daily basis, which has led her to be passionate about working with the community. Katerin completed her internship at Todos Juntos Learning Center, where her drive to help the community grew. In her free time she enjoys going to museums, painting, and spending time with family and friends. 1 year with Todos Juntos
Katerin Arpero, BSW
Adelante Juntos Program Coordinator
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING
Danielle Arredondo | ECE Assistant Director
Danielle was born in the Rio Grande Valley, but relocated to central Texas and was raised in Austin. Danielle obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from Texas State University. She has also served at TJ as a communications and administrative intern adding to her desired goal of entering a graduate program to obtain a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Danielle shared that she decided to join TJ because of the organizational mission and because here she could advocate for both parents and their children. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 2 years with Todos Juntos
Danielle Arredondo
ECE Assistant Director
Ivett Garcia | ECE Lead Teacher
Ivett was born in Veracruz Mexico. Her parents brought her to the United States at the age of 8 looking for better opportunities. As a veteran staff, Ivett has been a part of the TJ team for 10 years. Joining Christina’s mission in 2009, Ivett started at TJ as a classroom volunteer shortly after graduating high school. Ivett officially joined the ECE teaching team in 2015, where she had the opportunity to bring her daughter into the program. Ivett believes that Todos Juntos does an amazing job helping the community, and preparing young children to start pre-k. In her free time, Ivett likes to spend time with her family, watching movies with her daughter, and taking walks with her family dog. 4 years with Todos Juntos
Ivett Garcia
ECE Lead Teacher
Cecilia “Cecy” Gomez | ECE Assistant Teacher
Cecy joined the Todos Juntos team in 2021, as a former student and parent of TJ . Born in the city of San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico she came to live in Austin in 2007. She is also a mother of 5 children. Cecy discovered TJ formerly known as Si Se Puede in 2011, as she began looking for options to study English. Cecy shared that TJ not only accepted her as a student but also provided care in the early childhood program for her daughter who was 3 years old at the time. By 2014 Cecy’s English skills had advanced to a level 4, which she feels very proud of. Upon completing the ESL program, Cecy dedicated most of her time to caring for her children until 2021, when Todos Juntos reached out with the opportunity to work in the TJ Escuelita as an assistant teacher where she feels it is a privilege to be able to serve our Hispanic community. 3 years with Todos Juntos
Cecilia “Cecy” Gomez
ECE Assistant Teacher
Rocio Ramirez | ECE Lead Teacher
Rocio was born and raised in El Salvador. She currently has 5 years under her belt, working at Todos Juntos. She began as a student of TJ back when the program was known as Si Se Puede. Her son also attended the TJ early childhood education program making it a dual generation learning experience. Rocio’s work with children began when she volunteered at the local elementary school, Svante Palm Elementary, aiding in the Pre K 3 classroom. She then became a volunteer in TJ’s ECE classrooms and helped in the TJ office. Rocio feels fortunate that having arrived in this country as an immigrant, she was offered first job by Todos Juntos. With this opportunity she has been able to work in a classroom setting where she is passionate about being involved in teaching children and serving a community of parents that she can relate to, listen to, support and help. Rocio mentioned that her work at TJ is reflective of her want to give back to the TJ organization for all that they did and have done for her and her family. 5 years with Todos Juntos
Rocio Ramirez
ECE Lead Teacher
Monica Salazar | ECE Lead Teacher
Monica was born and raised in Sabinas Coahuila, Mexico. At 16 years old, she was offered to work in the CONAFE program where she was in charge of a group of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children while she was in high school. At the end of high school she knew that she wanted to work in the field of education so she entered the Escuela Normal De San Juan De Sabinas where she began her education. In 2005, her family migrated to Austin where Monica served for a year in the AmeriCorps PALS program. There she worked as a teacher’s assistant in the bilingual pre-k class. In this time Monica also worked to receive her ParaEducators certification to work as an instructional aid at a local elementary school. Monica discovered Todos Juntos when her youngest son participated in the PBS-KLRU Play to Learn program offered at TJ. Monica has dedicated herself to caring for her three children, and providing the support required for her child with special needs. She became a student in TJ’s ESL program virtually and then in person. Monica is part of the Todos Juntos team as a lead teacher where she feels happy to return to teaching and sharing with young children! 2 years with Todos Juntos
Monica Salazar
ECE Lead Teacher
Norma Alvarez | ECE Assistant Teacher
Norma was born in Monterrey, Mexico and grew up in Tampico, Tamaulipas. She graduated from the University of Tamaulipas with a degree in Computer Science. Norma worked as an administrative assistant at Hospital Angeles, Tampico, for a couple of years. Later, she was given the opportunity to venture into the world of education at the Eduardo Guevara Diaz Elementary school in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Despite not having studied to be a teacher, she was fascinated in that field of work. In 2016, she arrived in the United States. It was in 2021 that she found out through social networks about English classes taught by the Todos Juntos program. As a former TJ student Norma shares her thoughts on how it is great work that the organization does. After a year of taking classes at TJ and reaching the next level of English proficiency, she was given the opportunity to be part of the team. She feels happy about being able to help children in their development. In her free time she enjoys visiting the city, enjoying nature during the summer season, and going to the park with her family of three, her husband and her daughter. 2 years with Todos Juntos
Norma Alvarez
ECE Assistant Teacher
Edith Sarmiento | ECE Assistant Teacher
Edith was born and raised in Mexico City, with Oaxacan blood running through her veins. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in business administration in Mexico. She has experience in civil protection matters, and one of the aspects she enjoyed the most was training staff.
In 2019 Edith and her family moved to Austin, TX and she started taking ESL classes to improve her English skills. Edith joined Todos Juntos as a student for one year and she is currently working as an assistant teacher at TJ’s La Escuelita. Edith is a mother of three children, and she enjoys spending time on outdoor activities like hiking with her children, her husband, and their dog. 1 year with Todos Juntos
Edith Sarmiento
ECE Assistant Teacher
Margarita Montoya | ECE Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in El Salvador, in the eastern zone of San Miguel Department. I grew up with my siblings, my father, and my grandmother. My mother came to the United States when I was 6 years old. I studied Bachelor of Laws and shortly after, my mother brought me to this country. I am married, a mother of two beautiful children, Mónica and Matías, and I have now lived in the U.S. for 11 years. Last year, I was a student at Todos Juntos and also participated in Adelante Juntos. I came with my son, who loves the Escuelita, and we both graduated. Now, I have the wonderful opportunity to be part of the team as an assistant teacher of Early Childhood Education, and I am truly grateful to be able to contribute to helping the children prepare for kindergarten.
Margarita Montoya
ECE Assistant Teacher
ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAMMING
Rajani Ramachandran | ESL Teacher
Rajani Ramachandran
ESL Teacher
Donna Shepperd | ESL Teacher
Donna has been teaching ESL in the adult education program at Austin Community College since January 2017. The first class she received to teach was at Todos Juntos! Since then, Donna has taught Basic, Levels 1, 2, and 3 at various ACC campuses and Todos Juntos. Before teaching at ACC, Donna taught in the public school system for many years. She taught third grade, then Reading and ESL in the intervention programs. She especially enjoys working at Todos Juntos because of its many programs and opportunities for students and children. They genuinely have a passion for helping adults and children succeed in all areas of their education.
Donna Shepperd
ESL Teacher
Jiho Lee | ESL Teacher
Jiho recently relocated to Austin from South Korea and has begun working for ACC. With 20 years of ESL teaching experience and a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the U.K., she brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. In South Korea, Jiho taught English in various universities and companies, working with students of different backgrounds, levels, and ages.
Her first assigned class at ACC is Todos Juntos, and she is eagerly looking forward to teaching it. Jiho believes that this experience will be valuable and is excited to contribute her knowledge and skills to the class. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue her passion for teaching English in a new environment and is committed to making a positive impact on her students’ language learning journey.
Jiho Lee
ESL Teacher
Elissa Mapp | ESL teacher
Elissa Mapp is a dedicated Educator originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and currently based in Austin, Texas. With over five years of experience in adult education, she holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with a focus on TESOL and is TEFL certified. She has taught both ESL and HSE classes while at Austin Community College to adults from all over the world. As a passionate linguist, she is committed to fostering effective language learning environments. Outside of work, Elissa Mapp enjoys game nights with family, karaoke, event planning and traveling abroad!
Elissa Mapp
ESL Teacher
INTERNS
Ruby Sandoval
Ruby is a first-generation Mexican-American born and raised in Tyler, TX. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin. Ruby is passionate about advocating for and working with families who share similar experiences to her own. As the daughter of immigrants, she witnessed firsthand the difficulties and sacrifices her parents endured while building a life and planting roots in an unfamiliar land. Ruby considers her family’s strength amidst these challenges a source of encouragement and inspiration. She aims to advocate for those who, like her family, are navigating and adapting to a new kind of normal. In her free time, Ruby enjoys painting, crafting, and spending time with family and friends.
Ruby Sandoval
Karina Hernandez
Karina was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and is a first-generation Mexican-American. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in Professional Sales and Business Development at The University of Texas at Austin. Her goals are to increase public awareness and engagement with the Todos Juntos Learning Center, as well as to share what it provides for students. Karina enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and attending football games with friends.
Karina Hernandez
Our Board of Directors
- Barbra Boeta (Board Chair)
- Erwin Cuellar (Board Treasurer)
- Edna Parra
- Alyssa Rodriguez
- Craig Snook (Governance Committee Chair)
- Sydney Padilla Wilburn
- Kendra Bolton (Development Committee Chair)
- Celia Godínez-Sánchez (Board Secretary)
- Danielle Engalla
- Veronica Sandoval
- Daniela De Urioste
Creating a better tomorrow for Central Texas. TOGETHER.
There are numerous ways you can help out so that, together, we can make Central Texas a more prosperous, just, and thriving community.