Saint Charles Preschool
"Sharing in the Wonder of God's Creation"
Meet the Teachers
4 Year Old
Program
Junior Kindergarten
MRS. SIMMONS
Angels Lead
Mrs. Simmons was born and raised in Arlington and is so happy to be teaching in the same Diocese where she was a student. Mrs. Simmons earned her Bachelor’s Degree from East Carolina University in Family Community Services with a concentration in Early Childhood Intervention. She then worked for the University in their Child Development Lab developing and implementing a new curriculum. Mrs. Simmons came to St. Charles in 2017 and is truly in her element working with preschool children. She can't wait for another great year with the Angels!
MS. SPRING
Angels Assistant
Ms. Spring came to St. Charles in 2017 and is excited for another great year! Her nurturing manner and sunny disposition make our students feel welcome and cared for, as they navigate the joys and challenges of childhood!
MRS. SIMMONS
Angels Lead
Mrs. Simmons was born and raised in Arlington and is so happy to be teaching in the same Diocese where she was a student. Mrs. Simmons earned her Bachelor’s Degree from East Carolina University in Family Community Services with a concentration in Early Childhood Intervention. She then worked for the University in their Child Development Lab developing and implementing a new curriculum. Mrs. Simmons came to St. Charles in 2017 and is truly in her element working with preschool children. She can't wait for another great year with the Angels!
MRS. KATZ
Angels Long Term Substitute
Mrs. Katz is a retired Preschool Teacher, who taught Pre-K in Arlington for 13 years. She was born and raised in France, and immigrated to the U.S in 1985. She has two daughters, who both attended Nottingham, Williamsburg, and Yorktown schools. Both are adults now, studying Social Work and working on a PHD in Wildlife Ecology. Mrs. Katz herself, earned a B.A Magna Cum Laude in Early Childhood Education. She joined our St. Charles team 3 years ago, and delights in being back teaching her favorite age group, which she finds fascinating in their facility and eagerness to learn. Mrs. Katz prides herself in her ability to provide a loving, caring, fun environment, where children will blossom and grow in all the areas that require development before entering Kindergarten.
4 Year Old Program
MS. DIAZ
Sunflowers Lead
Ms. Diaz began working at St. Charles in 2021, and loves serving as the Lead Teacher for the Sunflowers classroom. Prior to her time at St. Charles, she taught at a Catholic preschool program in New Jersey. Ms. Diaz attended Catholic schools her whole life and received her Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Saint Peter’s University in May 2017. She is passionate about teaching and creating a happy and nurturing environment for her students. Ms. Diaz loves to travel and create memories with her family. She is also fluent in both Spanish and English.
MS. MA
Sunflowers Assistant
Ms. Ma is a long time teacher's assistant at St. Charles and mother to an alum. She is excited to be returning to the four-year-olds in the Sunflower class again. Ms. Ma loves the great experience of working with children and helping them learn and grow in a safe and loving environment.
3 Year Old Program
MS. HELEN
Busy Bees Lead
Ms. Helen joined the St. Charles family in 2021 and is excited to be returning as the lead teacher for the Busy Bees classroom. Ms. Helen grew up in Arlington and attended both Saint Agnes Catholic School and Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School. She has a Bachelor's Degree in History with a minor in Religious Studies from Randolph College. Ms. Helen loves the energy and curiosity of 3 year olds and prioritizing creating a safe and nurturing environment for them. When not in the classroom, she loves to travel and spend time with friends and family.
MS. LUZ
Busy Bees Assistant
Ms. Luz began at St. Charles in 2022 after working in a Montessori school in Arlington for several years. A retired Colonel in the Colombian Army, Ms. Luz arrived in the United States in 2019. She loves the always-interesting and ever-changing environment of the classroom and provides love and support to the children in her care. Outside of school, she loves reading, exercising, and her family. She is the proud mother of two amazing daughters, one in high school now and one teaching in Munich, Germany!
MS. IRIARTE
Happy Apples Lead
Ms. Iriarte is a mother of two daughters who are St. Charles graduates, and she joined the St. Charles staff in 2007. She loves teaching in the Happy Apples classroom and sparking the curiosity and joy of 3 year olds on a daily basis.
MS. CHIARI
Happy Apples Assistant
One of our longtime veterans, Ms. Chiari joined our staff in 2007. Two of her three children are graduates of St. Charles, and she loves this close-knit community. All the smiling faces she sees every day make this a wonderful place to work!
MS. KATE
Butterflies Lead
Ms. Kate was born and raised in Arlington. She joined the St. Charles family in 2016, and loves working with the three year olds. Ms. Kate is very excited to be teaching the Butterfly class and is looking forward to a great year. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her two boys, traveling, and outdoor activities. She can’t wait to play and learn with the Butterflies!
MS. ANDREA
Butterflies Assistant
2 Year Old Program
MS. SKARLET
Guppies Lead
Ms. Skarlet joined the St. Charles staff in 2020, and she is excited to be returning as the lead teacher for the Guppies class. She holds a B.A. in psychology from George Mason University, and loves working with our youngest age group. She can't wait to create another year of memories with her students. Outside the classroom Ms. Skarlet enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.
MS. TATIANA
Guppies Assistant
Ms. Tatiana has been working at St. Charles since 2021. She studied criminal justice and psychology at Trinity Washington University and may attend law school someday. She loves working and growing with young children, especially the two year olds whose personalities emerge more and more each day! She loves traveling, trying new food, and spending time with family and friends. She can’t wait to meet each and everyone of you!
MS. JUANA
Hummingbirds Lead
Ms. Juana joined our St. Charles staff in 2019 and is thrilled to be returning as the Hummingbirds lead teacher this year. A native of Colombia, Ms. Juana earned a business degree from the Universidad Sergio Arboleda in Bogata. Ms. Juana loves working with 2 year olds who are growing and changing so much every day. She strives to create a caring and nurturing environment where the children will thrive. She currently lives in Falls Church with her husband and daughter, who is a St. Charles graduate! Ms. Juana enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her friends and family.
MS.KIM
Hummingbirds Assistant
Ms. Kim came to the United States from Vietnam in 1998, and joined our St. Charles family in 2006. Mom to a St. Charles graduate, she brings over 20 years of experience to our program. She looks forward to another great year with the Hummingbirds and treasures the love, peace, laughter, and happiness of our preschoolers!
MS.BEZA
Ducklings Lead
Ms. Beza joined the St.Charles community in 2023 and is now thrilled to be leading the Duckling classroom this school year. Ms. Beza is a proud Arlington native who gained valuable experience working in preschools across Arlington, Annandale, and Falls Church. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education from George Mason University. Outside of teaching,Ms. Beza enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and relaxing. Ms. Beza is excited to share a joyful year with the Ducklings families!
MS.GERA
Ducklings Assistant
Ms. Gera is excited to be working with the 2-year-olds this school year at St. Charles. Since joining the St. Charles community in 2024, she has enjoyed supporting children of all ages in their growth and development. A native of Arlington, Ms. Gera is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art History, along with a minor in Early Childhood Education, at George Mason University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, visiting art museums, spending time with family, and relaxing. Ms. Gera looks forward to a engaging year with the Duckling families!