Meet our leadership team

Melody Jensen Martín del Campo grew up near Washington, D.C. in the USA, and studied a degree in Inter-American Relations at the University of Maryland. She received her master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Alabama and studied at the Doctorate level in International Education. 
 
In 2001, Melody joined Instituto Thomas Jefferson and Co-Founded ITJ-Guadalajara in Palomar, Mexico. The school was received so positively that in 2013 she led the opening of the Valle Real Campus. Currently both schools have the recognition of excellence marked by their accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges NEASC).

Amanda Martín del Campo Jensen is a woman who loves what she does. Through her knowledge and experience, she aims to bring about positive changes both in her students and in people in general. 
 
Mrs. Amanda studied Comparative Literature, focusing on peace and conflict studies at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania. She later pursued a Master's degree in International Education at Framingham State University. 
 
Her great sensitivity and sense of humanity led her to participate in various courses to understand the psychology of children and adolescents, helping them protect themselves from high-risk behaviors. Additionally, she spent two years of her professional career working in public schools in the United States.

Jennifer Barbour is delighted to serve as the Elementary Principal and has been a dedicated member of the school community for the past 13 years. Over this time, she has had the joy of watching countless students grow, learn, and discover their strengths - an experience she considers the very best part of her role.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s in Education, and a Master’s in Neuropsychology. Her academic background deepens her understanding of how children learn and drives her passion for supporting students - especially those with learning differences, so they can gain confidence and succeed in their own unique way.

Outside of school, Jennifer is a proud mother of three teenagers who inspire her daily. She enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and music, exercising, and spending time with friends. Traveling is one of her greatest passions, and she dreams of exploring the world with her husband during her retirement years, especially through hiking and outdoor adventures.

Jennifer approaches life with curiosity, joy, and gratitude, and she strives to share those values with her students every day.

With a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, María José Valencia González has extensive experience working with students aged 2 to 7 years. 
 
She has worked as a lead teacher, assistant director, and director at various educational centers, gaining knowledge and tools over the years that contribute to the comprehensive development of the children she works with. 
  
Since 2012, she has served as our Preschool Principal, where she carries out activities related to organization and academic development, including research, design, and evaluation of programs, projects, and educational practices such as curricula, lesson plans, and teaching methodologies. 
  
All of this is done in alignment with the human quality philosophy of ITJ Campus Palomar, collaborating in the integral development of teachers, students, parents, assistants, and support staff. 
  
Ms. Marijo is dearly loved by the youngest members of the community - their smiles, hugs, and gestures of affection motivate her to be better every day. 
  
Her greatest reward is leaving a mark and contributing to the formation of lives that will one day transform the world through integral and fulfilled human beings.

Eustolia is a psychologist and family therapist, specialized in children and adolescents. For more than 24 years, she has accompanied our families with care and dedication. She deeply believes in the human capacity for growth and in the hope of better outcomes when well-being is nurtured. For her, the family is at the heart of every child’s and adolescent’s development, and she works to strengthen it through values, Social and Emotional Learning, and mental health support, helping each person discover their own inner resources. She is also committed to protecting and guiding students, while encouraging them and their families to recognize their strengths and thrive together.

Jessie Degollado has been part of ITJ Palomar’s story since its very beginning in 2002. She joined as a collaborator and, at the same time, as the mother of two founding students, giving her the unique opportunity to experience the school’s growth from both a professional and personal perspective.

She began her journey as a teacher assistant and, over time, discovered her true calling in the Admissions Department, where she has dedicated more than 13 years. In this role, she has welcomed hundreds of families, listened to their dreams, and shared in the excitement of becoming part of the ITJ community.

Jessie has grown alongside the school; ITJ has not only been her workplace, but also her home. Her story reflects what it truly means to belong to a family that believes in education as a powerful force for transformation.

She is an educator dedicated to fostering meaningful learning experiences and supporting academic growth. She believes that every student is capable of excellence when curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking are nurtured. For her, learning is a collaborative journey—one that connects teachers, students, and families in the shared pursuit of knowledge and growth. She works to strengthen teaching practices through innovative curriculum design, student-centered approaches, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement. Passionate about education, she strives to empower both learners and educators to discover their potential and achieve success together.

Psychopedagogist, specialized in working with students with special educational needs, focused on supporting the cognitive, personal, and social development of each child. My work is centered on guiding personalized intervention programs that address both learning barriers and the potential of those who excel in their abilities, helping children and adolescents strengthen their skills, recognize their talents, and reach their fullest potential.  I firmly believe in the power of education as a driving force for holistic growth and in the importance of supporting each student through understanding, empathy, and motivation. For me, collaboration between families and schools is essential, which is why I strive to build bridges that foster both well-being and meaningful learning for all students.

Pamela Morales has been part of ITJ for 4 years, balancing her professional role with her experience as a mother of two young students at the school. With a background as an industrial engineer, a diploma in International Business, and international experience - including 4 years working in Australia and managerial roles - she is well-prepared to support international families and students with dedication and understanding.

Pamela  knows what it means to adapt to new environments and cultures, and she brings that experience to every family that joins ITJ. She is committed to ensuring that each student feels supported, confident, and motivated to grow within this community, while families receive the guidance and support they need to make their school experience enriching and fulfilling.

Eustolia is a psychologist and family therapist, specialized in children and adolescents. For more than 24 years, she has accompanied our families with care and dedication. She deeply believes in the human capacity for growth and in the hope of better outcomes when well-being is nurtured. For her, the family is at the heart of every child’s and adolescent’s development, and she works to strengthen it through values, Social and Emotional Learning, and mental health support, helping each person discover their own inner resources. She is also committed to protecting and guiding students, while encouraging them and their families to recognize their strengths and thrive together.

She is a Child Psychologist with 20 years of experience supporting young children and their families. Her true vocation is to be close to little ones, listening to them, understanding them, and helping their families enjoy every stage of their growth to the fullest. She firmly believes that play, affection, and trust are the best ways to learn and grow. For her, the family is the first and most important place of learning, which is why she works hand in hand with parents, strengthening values, social-emotional skills, and well-being. Her commitment is to care for, guide, and encourage each child and their family to discover their strengths and live this stage with joy.

She is a Belgian Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, dedicated to the emotional well-being of adolescents and their families. With graduate studies in Education and extensive experience in school settings, private practice, and higher education, she integrates therapeutic support with preventive and educational approaches. She believes in the transformative power of empathy, resilience, and connection, and works to provide tools that foster emotional growth and healthy relationships. Through her teaching, she also inspires reflection on mental health and well-being, encouraging students and families to recognize their strengths and create supportive environments where individuals can thrive.

She is a clinical and health psychologist with years of experience working with children in diverse school settings. Her work focuses on promoting emotional well-being, strengthening social skills, and supporting the healthy psychological development of children. She believes that providing young people with the right emotional, social, and mental health tools is key to helping them build resilience and lead fulfilling lives. She is passionate about early intervention and preventive mental health strategies, and is committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the communities she serves. She is currently seeking new opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, and meaningful contributions in the field of psychology.