Meet the Team

The people who shape your child's days

AFA is led by experienced educators and taught by native Spanish-speaking teachers from across Latin America. Together, our team brings decades of experience, cultural depth, and a shared commitment to bilingual early education.

Lucilla Dávila

Founder San Juan, Puerto Rico

Originally from San Juan Puerto Rico, Lucilla Dávila was raised bilingual in English & Spanish. She moved to Minnesota 25 years ago and has made Woodbury her home for the past nineteen years. Her two children currently attend Woodbury Public Schools.

With nearly 3 decades in the field of education, she has been a pioneer when it comes to creating, developing, and designing educational programs that address language acquisition, immersion/bilingual students, and all students' academic needs and cultural-linguistic approach.

Lucilla holds her K-12 Superintendent Licensure from the Minnesota State University, Mankato; K-12 Principal Licensure from Saint Mary's University, Twin Cities Campus; and a Master of Education in Second Languages and Cultures & Spanish & ELL (K-12) from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities; and a Bachelor of Arts & Education from the University of Minnesota, College of Education.

Melissa Thaemert

School Director Minnesota

Melissa is originally from Minnesota and has been in education for 24 years as an Elementary Teacher, Instructional Coach, and Administrator. Melissa currently lives in Bloomington with her family.

Melissa holds her Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership/K-12 Principal licensure from St. Thomas University, Master of Education in Professional Studies and Adult Learning from Capella University, and Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Concordia University St. Paul.

Melissa has been an Elementary Administrator for the past nine years in the public and private sector. At Alma Flor Ada, Melissa is the School Director and supports the day-to-day operations and management at AFA as well as supporting the needs of our families.

Juliana Capdevila

Parent Engagement & Asst. Director Buenos Aires, Argentina

Juliana Capdevila is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She moved to Woodbury, Minnesota 19 years ago with her husband and her two daughters.

Juliana has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and she has worked in the nonprofit sector empowering Latino families, as well as in assisting and relocating families moving to Minnesota from abroad. In addition, Juliana has worked for 3M in the area of business management for more than seven years.

As Alma Flor Ada Spanish Immersion Early Learning Academy's Parent Engagement Manager, Juliana's work is instrumental and is at the forefront collaborating with our AFA families and our committee at large.

Native Spanish-speaking teachers from across the Americas

Every teacher at AFA is a native Spanish speaker. They bring the music, traditions, and stories of their home countries into the classroom every day.

Malenny Fernandez Calderon

Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela

Moved to Minnesota in 2019 with her husband and 2 daughters. Bachelor's degree, CDA credential in Early Childhood. 3 years working with children.

Lina Angarita

Bucaramanga, Colombia

Moved to Minnesota in 2019. Bachelor's degree in education, CDA credential. 5 years with children.

Carolina Marquez Rivas

Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela

Moved to Minnesota in 2016. B.S. in education from Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Pedro Emilio Coll. Over 16 years in education.

Daniela Garcia

Durango, Mexico

Moved to Minnesota 10 years ago. CDA certificate. 3 years teaching.

Michel Acevedo

Minnesota (Roots in Mexico)

Born in Minnesota, family roots in Morelos and Michoacán, Mexico. CDA certified. Fourth year working with students.

Lilian Aragon

Mexico

Has lived in Minnesota for 29 years. 8 years working with children. CDA certified. Loves sharing Mexican culture through songs, stories, and traditions.