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At Instituto Thomas Jefferson Santa Mónica, safeguarding is a shared commitment that puts every student’s safety and wellbeing first.Students learn and grow in a secure and inclusive environment where teachers, staff and families work together to protect them from harm, spot risks early and support their academic and personal development with care and respect.
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Lety Lerma
Head of Well-Being
Mónica Díaz
Pink & Blue Psychologist
Mariana Ibarzábal
Thomasito Psychologist
Brenda Villalpando
Lower Primary Psychologist
Stephanie Barba
Upper Primary Psychologist
Paola Valerio
Middle School Psychologist
Yazmin Ponce
High School Psychologist
I'm Leticia Lerma, Psychologist and designated leader of safeguarding, specialized in psychopedagogy, with multiple specialties in adolescence, addictions, emotional intelligence, among others, is the basis that has allowed me to work at all educational levels. My specialty in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), allows me to accompany my students and families with the firm commitment to supporting their socio-emotional well-being.Hand in hand with my master's degree in educational sciences, I work in close collaboration with teachers, on the special needs of each student, integrating interventions according to needs.My ITJ experience with 15 years of experience also allows me to have a global approach to our school community and its changes. My passion and vocation is to achieve the maximum potential of the abilities of each of my students.
I’m Mónica Díaz, a child psychologist and the person in charge of Wellbeing at Pink & Blue. I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in Psychopedagogy and have completed various diplomas in Play Therapy, Literacy, Positive Discipline, and more.With 4 years of experience working with children, I truly enjoy exploring their world, discovering how unique each one is, and constantly learning from them.
I'm Mariana Ibarzábal. I’m part of the Well-Being team at Thomasito, where I have the privilege of supporting students and their families during such an important stage of their development.I'm a Psychopedagogue with experience in early childhood education and personalized support. My work focuses on creating strategies that promote inclusion, emotional well-being, and meaningful learning for every child.I see Well-Being as a bridge that connects home and school, giving children the tools they need to grow academically, socially and emotionally.
Hello, my name is Brenda Villalpando, and I am the Primary School Psychologist at ITJ Santa Mónica. It is a great honor to be part of this community, where I feel deeply grateful and proud to contribute to the integral development of our students.My role allows me to help reinforce the values that build a positive community between families and school, while promoting essential life skills such as respect, empathy, problem-solving, and the importance of mental health care from an early age.I bring with me over 10 years of experience in the educational field, having worked as a classroom teacher, which gave me a strong understanding of academic processes. For the past 4 years, I have specialized in school psychology, furthering my purpose of guiding students in both their personal and academic growth. Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Family Therapy and have completed courses and certifications in the field of mental health, which strengthen my professional practice.
I'm Stephanie and I have a degree in Psychology and am currently pursuing a Master’s in Neuropsychology and Education. I have experience working with children diagnosed with autism.My role as an upper elementary school psychologist is to provide support and guidance to students so that, through the wellbeing area, they feel safe, motivated, and confident.This allows them to build healthy relationships with their peers and, at the same time, reflect this sense of wellbeing both in the classroom and at home. The ultimate goal is to contribute to and positively impact their overall development.
My name is Paola Valerio, humanistic psychologist, master's degree in education and a specialty in body psychotherapy.With 22 years of experience working with children and adolescents, my work is passionate about understanding the development process of each individual and accompanying them so that they can be their best version.I am currently working in Secondary School, developing projects that bring well-being to our community, always accompanied by a great team.
My name is Yazmin Ponce, in addition to being part of the Itj, I have a master's degree in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and different courses on adolescence, thus allowing me to have a better understanding of the development of adolescence.I also have a diploma in the Counsellor Accreditation Program that allows me to support not only the ITJ but also as an external psychotherapist, vocational guidance support for adolescents.Have worked at ITJ for 11 years and for me it's a commitment for the students to be prepared so I can help them.
Students at our IB private school feel safe, supported, and cared for through a clear and comprehensive safeguarding policy. This policy sets out how any concerns are identified, reported and addressed promptly and effectively.The commitment extends beyond policies as the school actively involves families and works with external experts to ensure every student’s wellbeing is nurtured. Safeguarding information is transparent and accessible to all members of the community.
Immediate medical assistance is available on campus for both students and staff whenever needed.
Students thrive in a safe, supportive environment with the KíVa anti-bullying program, fostering empathy, respect, and positive peer relationships.
Guides staff in managing physical interventions with care, only when absolutely necessary, and always in the best interest of the child.
Protects students engaging in remote learning by setting clear expectations and monitoring standards in digital classrooms.
Ensures that all staff undergo rigorous background checks and vetting procedures, including federal criminal record certificates from all countries lived or worked in over the last 10 years.
