WHO WE ARE
Proud of our Community Development
Founded in 1977 in Loiza, Puerto Rico by the Company of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Centro Esperanza is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the children, youth and families of Loiza and its neighboring towns. Historically, we work actively to respond to community needs and promote its development.
With an integral approach and academic education as the focal points of our work, we demonstrate our commitment through our core community programs: Montessori of the Sea, Life and Hope, Melodies of Hope, Mochila Alegre (Happy Backpack), and Heritage Tourism and Community Service.
Educators from the beginning
Our journey began by providing services to special education children from poor families in Loíza. Back then, the Loiza community lacked the teaching capacity and support required for children with special needs. Later on, in response to community need and demand, we began to offer traditional pre-school education, which subsequently lead to the Montessori philosophy.
Today, we offer high-quality, certified education services. In compliance with the Puerto Rico Department of State and Department of the Family, we operate a beautiful Montessori school for children 18 months to 9 years.
Addressing violence, drug addiction and school dropout
One of Puerto Rico’s greatest challenges is ensuring educational stability for children and youth, and Loiza is no exception. At the same time, we’re facing and tackling the pressing problem of school dropout and the adverse consequences of crime and drug addiction.
Promoting peace and mental health
We are deeply committed to serving the Loiza community and its neighboring towns through peace education, individualized music instruction, and mental health support. Centro Esperanza offers a welcoming space, a place of friendship, empowerment, solidarity, respect and freedom, where children and youth enjoy learning and enhancing their innate potential, as families find opportunities and experiences to achieve economic stability and healthy coexistence.
Our Team
Board of Directors
César A. Osorio Casanova
PRESIDENTE
Rosa J. Calcaño Rivera
VICEPRESIDENTA
Sor Glenda Y. Ríos Gónzalez
SECRETARIA
Edith Verdejo Hernández
TESORERA
Elvia I. Soto Mójica
VOCAL
María Cecilia Ortíz Elicier
VOCAL
Vidalina Calderón Fuentes
VOCAL
Luz Arelis Martínez Cruz
VOCAL
Miriam E. Santiago Rodríguez
VOCAL
Enox Medina De Jesús
VOCAL
Luis Daniel Pizarro Osorio
VOCAL
Staff

Sor Claribel Camacho Figueroa, HC
DIRECTORA EJECUTIVA

Sor Onelia Blanco Torres, HC
ASISTENTE EJECUTIVA

Carmen L. Ayala Rivera
VICEPRESIDENTA

Ineabelle Ayala
ENCARGADA DEL PROGRAMA MOCHILA ALEGRE

Marilyn Rodríguez Santana
MAESTRA DE VALORES

José C. Sanjurjo Calcaño
CHOFER

Elix Figueroa Quiñones
ENCARGADO DEL PROGRAMA HORTICULTURA

Luz Mirtala Cirino Cruz
MANTENIMIENTO

Amanda Lanzó Olivero
AUTORIDAD ESCOLAR

Gloria Rivera Siaca
Guía Montessori Taller I, Montessori del Mar

Merianny Heureaux
Guía Montessori Casa de Niños 2, Montessori del Mar

Deborah Delgado Ortíz
Guía Montessori Casa de Niños 1, Montessori del Mar

Aleida Lacén Correa
Asistente Guía Montessori- Taller I, Montessori del Mar

Louise A. De Jesús Manso
Asistente Guía Montessori Casa de Niños 2, Montessori del Mar

Gladys Fuentes Plaza
Asistente Guía Montessori Casa de Niños 1, Montessori del Mar

Ellemanuely Negrón Ayala
Guía Montessori Andarines, Montessori del Mar

Luangie E. Pérez Pizarro
Guía Montessori Andarines, Montessori del Mar

César A. Díaz Osorio
Maestro de música, Melodías de Esperanza

César Canales De Jesús
Fundador y maestro de música de Melodías de Esperanza

Militza Lebrón Rosa, Ph.D
Directora del Programa Vida y Esperanza

Jonathan Torres García
Psicólogo Escolar, Vida y Esperanza

Orlando Sánchez Rivera
Psicólogo, Vida y EsperanzaV