First Grade Teachers

Gien Gonnella is proud to be a member of the first grade team at CCLA. Maestra Gien obtained her bachelor’s  degree and Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with accompanying BCLAD from Sonoma State University. Inspired by her love of academia, she has also received a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. Maestra Gien has nurtured a love for athletics, music and education throughout her career. She has a diversity of interests and experiences; Gien coached tennis at Santa Rosa Junior College and served on the board of the nonprofit Girls on the Run in Sonoma County. She has directed a variety of tennis camps and continues to teach piano lessons. Maestra Gien was honored to receive the National Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award presented by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). She has fostered her proclivity for Spanish in both academic and organic settings. Maestra Gien is passionate about inspiring bilingual, bicultural and biliterate students. She is dedicated to providing new avenues for her students, whether it be playing tennis on the playground, piano days during lunch or simply sharing a moment of connection. Gien believes that a bilingual education with the integration of music and movement provides a deeply unique and enriching educational experience.

Email: ggonnella@srcs.k12.ca.us | Extension: 23209

 Jessica Ortiz grew up in Rohnert Park. She is a first-generation college graduate. Ortiz graduated from Sonoma State University with her BA and majored in Early Childhood Studies in December of 2017. She then pursued her Multiple Subject Teaching the following semester at SSU and graduated December of 2018. Ortiz student taught at Loma Vista Immersion Academy in Petaluma in 5th and 2nd grade. She worked for California Mini-Corps as a tutor for migrant students at various schools in Sonoma County.

Email: jortiz@srcs.k12.ca.us | Extension: 23247

Jennifer Silva Ayala was born and raised in Healdsburg, California. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Sonoma State University. She also earned her Multiple Subject Credential from Sonoma State. Teaching is something she is very passionate about because she wants to create a space where children feel safe, motivated, and excited to learn. She enjoys being part of the CCLA community because she always hoped to teach at a bilingual school. Jennifer loves to dance, travel, and spend time with her family. 

Email: jsilvaayala@srcs.k12.ca.us |Extension: 23211