Our Staff
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Founder
Hello, my name is Mabel Espinoza and I am the founder of Building Blocks Day Schools. I’m from Bolivia and a mother to 5 children. I was schooled in Bolivia as a medical surgeon and worked in Pediatrics. I have also received an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and General Studies at NOVA with honors. I believe education is a priority and the key to success in life. For over 30 years, I have been providing both childcare and early childhood education to families in Northern Virginia. At Building Blocks we value the importance of quality education and provide a loving, engaging, and a secure environment for our children to grow and thrive.
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Assistant Director of BBDS-1
As Assistant Director at Building Blocks Day School, I’m grateful to be part of a community dedicated to nurturing young minds. My passion for early childhood education began early and grew through hands-on experience, including 11 years as a nanny and completing college courses in the field. I also bring a creative background in Baking and Pastry Arts, which has shaped my attention to detail and love for learning. Since joining Building Blocks, I’ve enjoyed supporting teachers, families, and students, and contributing to a joyful and enriching environment where children can thrive.
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Principal of BBDS-2
Hello! My name is Christian Cespedes, and I serve as the Director of Building Blocks II and one of the Administrators of the Building Blocks Schools. Prior to this role, I worked as Assistant Director and also held various positions within the office staff.
My academic background is in medicine, having earned my degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) in Virginia. I completed two years of training in psychiatry and another two years in family medicine after passing my medical boards. In addition, I hold an MBA from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), with a focus on child and developmental psychology. I also have experience in child psychiatry.
Though my journey began in the medical field, I’ve always had a passion for working with schools and children. That passion ultimately led me to dedicate my career to Education and administration.
I’m also a proud parent of three wonderful children who keep me busy with their activities and hobbies. I truly enjoy working with children, families, and our incredible staff to ensure our school community thrives.
Meet the BBD1 Team
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Isabel
Hi, I’m from Santa Cruz, Bolivia and have been working with children for over 20 years out which I have been working with Ms. Mabel for 10 years. I have loved to work with children and enjoy seeing them years later as young adults. I have two children and love to spend time with my grandchildren as well, not to mention my love for dogs. BBS is a part of my family.
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Marisol
I have graduated as a Technician in Industrial chemistry and Food processing; although, I also hold a Preschool Teacher Degree obtained in my native country Bolivia, where I worked for four years, prior to settle in Virginia. Consequently, I have the privilege of being part of Building Blocks Day School staff since 2007. For More than fifteen years, I have been working with the two's class; thus, I have been helping them to take their first steps in their school life.
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Lissette
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Andrea
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Carolina
I'm from a beautiful country called Colombia. In Colombia I studied at the university and graduated as a Bachelor in Child Pedagogy. I have more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and I have had the fortune to work with children of different ages to whom I have given all my attention and affection. I like to play, be dynamic, fun and be part of children's learning. I will currently start English classes to nurture my knowledge and be able to give the best of myself.
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Claudia
I’m an Educational Psychologist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I hold a Master’s in Management and Care of People with Special Needs, and I’ve taken ongoing professional development courses to stay updated. For the past two years, I’ve worked as a Lead Teacher at Building Blocks Day School. I believe in creating a safe, engaging, and play-based environment where each child can grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
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Carmen
I was born in Santa Cruz – Bolivia.
I have a Bachelor degree in Tourism and hospitality and an Associate degree in higher education.
In 2023 I joined Building Blocks Day School as teacher assistant in the bumble bee class also helped with the hoppers class for a period of time.
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Natali
I was born in Bolivia and moved to the U.S. in 2006 after studying English. I hold a degree in International Business, but after working as a babysitter, I discovered my passion for working with children. In 2014, I joined Building Blocks Day School as a Teacher Assistant in the Ladybugs classroom. Four years later, I became the Lead Teacher in the Bumblebees class.
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Alejandra
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English and Bilingualism from Unipanamericana University in Colombia. Since 2017, I’ve taught children and teens in public and private schools, and also worked with kids with special needs. For the past two years, I’ve been the Spanish teacher at Building Blocks Day School, where I combine my passion for teaching with the goal of building a strong foundation for future leaders.
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