Our Team
Our dedicated teachers are all native French speakers with comprehensive experience working with toddlers in multicultural environments.
Deborah Bellec
Director of the Preschool and Youth Programs
Initially from France, Déborah moved to New York City a few years ago. She studied Business Law in Paris and after her first internship as a lawyer, Déborah realized that it wasn’t the career path that she wanted to pursue and switched to education. She started as a French teacher in Paris. Upon moving to New York, she continued her teaching career with a local language school first as a teacher and soon as their program manager.
Jacqueline Hogan
Preschool Coordinator
Jacqueline is a New York native with both a passion for French and early childhood education. During her undergraduate studies, she minored in French and spent a semester studying in Paris and teaching English to the young children of a French family. Upon returning to New York, she began working in a preschool for children with developmental disabilities where she stayed for five years. While working, she pursued a dual master’s in Early Childhood General Education and Early Childhood Special Education and received her certification in both areas. Jacqueline worked as Special Education Itinerant Teacher, working closely with families and other specialists to create and administer education plans for preschoolers with disabilities. She also worked as a general education classroom teacher. She is excited to use her range of experiences in her role as Preschool Coordinator at FIAF.
Soledad Rodas
Teacher – Pre K
Soledad is a passionate teacher with more than a decade of experience in preschool and elementary education. At FIAF, she has taught children of all ages and launched the youth program at FIAF Montclair. Before coming to FIAF, she taught for more than ten years in France, as well as at the Lycée Français in Barcelona. Her diverse experience has included collaborating with researchers in early childhood education and working as a volunteer educational coordinator in Ecuador. Soledad holds an advanced degree in education from the University of Lyon.
Armelle Rather
Teacher – Junior
Armelle is certified as a teacher by the French Ministry of Education and has over three years of experience working in pre-K, kindergarten, and elementary schools in France. She earned a specialized Masters degree in teaching children from the University of Besancon, located in the eastern region of France, and has experience working with children with autism. Armelle recently moved from France to New York, joining the FIAF Preschool team in spring 2022. Armelle plays the flute, and enjoys swimming and running in her free time.
Tina Taleb
Assistant Teacher – Pre-K
Tina Taleb has five years teaching experience and prides herself with encompassing a dynamic and engaging teaching style that creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She is excited to be a member of the FIAF teaching team and looks forward to meeting all the students.
Sirine Bahouche
Assistant Teacher – Junior
Sirine Bahouche was born and raised near Paris, France and holds a double degree in education, and health and social sciences with a focus towards children’s education, development, and care. Sirine hopes to one day become a children’s psychologist. In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, traveling, decorating, singing and dancing.
Join the Team!
View current career opportunities at FIAF and the FIAF Preschool here.