Meet our team

Alejandra nació en una familia multicultural: padre mexicano y madre italiana que creció en Francia y Argentina antes de emigrar a Canadá. Vivió en México, España y Canadá antes de establecerse en Guadalajara.

Alejandra tiene una licenciatura en Administración de Empresas por el Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, una Maestría en Administración de Empresas por la Thunderbird School of Global Management (Arizona) y una Maestría en Educación Internacional por la Framingham State University. Aunque su vida profesional inició en el mundo de los negocios, descubrió que su verdadera pasión estaba en la educación cuando comenzó a impartir clases a estudiantes universitarios hace 20 años. Desde entonces ha enseñado en niveles de primaria, secundaria y preparatoria, además de participar en la administración dirigiendo esas mismas etapas.

Durante los últimos 9 años, como parte del Instituto Thomas Jefferson, Alejandra se ha sentido orgullosa de apoyar a los estudiantes para que vean lo mejor de sí mismos y los motive a ser agentes de cambio en su mundo. Ha fomentado un entorno en el cual las personas se sienten apoyadas y empoderadas a través de la promoción de relaciones positivas.

She holds a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education with 17 years of experience. As IT J's Preschool Principal since 2020, she leads with innovation, passion, and empathy, ensuring a nurturing learning environment.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Sciences and currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Psychopedagogy, I have over 20 years of experience in the educational field, 16 of which have been specifically dedicated to the elementary level.
I began my career as an English and Spanish teacher, which allowed me to understand both the academic and emotional needs of students directly in the classroom. Later, I took on the role of Academic Coordinator, where I had the opportunity to lead curricular improvements focused on the integral development of students.
As a professional, I strive to strengthen the bonds between school and families, promoting an inclusive, innovative education centered on the well-being of the student community. It is an honor to take on this leadership role and to work as a team to continue fostering the educational excellence of our institution.

Ali comes from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and made the move to Guadalajara, Mexico in 2013 to begin teaching at ITJ Valle Real.  She has a double undergraduate degree in both Spanish Language and Literature and Psychology, as well as her Master's Degree in Urban Education.  She also completed a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education through the University of Buckingham.  Ali believes that working in education allows us to form future leaders.  It is her honor and privilege to see students transform from unsure sixth-grade students into successful, confident young adults seeking university careers.

Ruth Chávez, with a background in Psychology and postgraduate studies in Learning, Development and Cognition, as well as in Neuropsychology, has a solid trajectory as a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist.
Since 2013, her role as Director of the extracurricular program at ITJ Valle Real has allowed her to focus on supporting the comprehensive development of students.
She considers student participation in the extracurricular program to be fundamental, as it fosters teamwork, autonomy, and self-confidence, while also providing the opportunity to identify talents in various disciplines and to experience the benefits of perseverance.
Her professional experience has enabled her to accompany students’ growth from preschool through high school, demonstrating the positive impact of sports and the arts in strengthening their self-esteem.

With over a decade of experience as a psychologist, Lilian is dedicated to promoting the mental well-being and social-emotional development of children and adolescents. Holding a Master’s in Psychology, she combines evidence-based practices with a deep commitment to creating supportive and caring environments.
Her work, both in school settings and private practice, is guided by the conviction that nurturing emotional health transforms lives. Through research, collaboration, and innovative initiatives, she strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow in a safe, resilient, and compassionate environment.

Ms. Veronica Mendoza holds a degree in Psychology and a Master's in Behavioral Sciences with a focus on Neuroscience. She has dedicated over 15 years to supporting and understanding child neurodevelopment, with a deep commitment to inclusive education.
Her professional journey has been enriched through her work as a university professor, her clinical practice in child neuropsychology, and her active participation as a trainer in workshops, courses, and conferences.
What has guided her path is a deep belief: that every child deserves a compassionate, specialized, and respectful approach—one that can recognize and nurture their unique abilities.
She firmly believes that truly inclusive and equitable education not only opens doors, but transforms lives and helps build a more just world for all.

Human developement Coordinator: Lilian Garduño, a psychologist with advanced training in Psychology and experience in CBT. Passionate about community well-being, she supports students, families, and educators at ITJ Valle Real. In the past, she explored the impact of socio-emotional education on mental health. She is committed to fostering healthier environments through research, collaboration, and inclusive mental health initiatives that promote positive change.