STAFF

Ayodele Mellor | Program Director & Founder

Ayodele Mellor is originally from Oxford, North Carolina and has been teaching Spanish in the Wilmington area since 2003. She attended Universidad Tec de Monterrey, Campus Cuernavaca in Morelia, Mexico and in 1999 was accepted into the NC Teaching fellows elite teacher prep program at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. There, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Spanish along with her K-12 teaching license. In 2008 she earned a NC Early Childhood Credential to work with preschool-aged children and in 2023 earned her level 2 Administrator’s Credential from NC Division of Child Development.

She served as department chair of Spanish 1 and also taught Spanish 2 at Laney High School from 2003 – 2006. After the birth of her son, she began working exclusively with preschool aged children. She founded the popular Best Amigos Preschool Spanish Program, which educated over 400 children since 2007. She is passionate about language immersion programs & enjoys immersion curriculum development and creating unique learning experiences.

She resides in Wilmington with her husband and five children, ages 9, 12, 14, 16 and 18 and in her rare free time enjoys riding her Elliptigo bike, reading about historic America and traveling.

Toddler Lead Teacher

Maestra Willvelys is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was a dedicated staff member of Forest Hills Elementary School since November of 2014. Willvelys h as been working with Wilmington Bilingual Preschool since the summer of 2021. In the fall of 2025 she earned her NC Early Childhood Credential from Cape Fear Community College. She has two teenage children and her patient, sweet demeanor makes her perfect for working with our 1 & 2 year old students.

Young Pre-K Lead Teacher

Maestra Betina is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has a bachelor degree in law and journalism studies from the Catholic University of Buenos Ares.

Betina loves languages and enjoys teaching them. Her native language is Spanish but she also speaks fluent French and English. She enjoys sharing knowledge with children, especially with her nieces and with her son who is bilingual and graduated from Wilmington Bilingual Preschool. She has been a part of our school since 2021, first as a volunteer, then as an assistant and in summer of 2023 as substitute lead teacher of Pre-K 1. She earned her Early Childhood Credential from Cape Fear Community College in 2025.

Betina believes that bilingual education can only benefit a child’s development and she is excited about being a part of our team!

Older Young Pre-K Lead Teacher

Mary C. is originally from Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. She grew up an only child but completed her volunteer requirements working with children at a daycare. She studied Business Administration but always wanted to be a teacher. In spring of 2026 she earned her Child Development Associate Degree. Mary is a valued team member since 2023 and the students love her cheerful, positive demeanor. In her free time she enjoys reading, learning Japanese and listening to podcasts. 

Pre-K 1 Lead Teacher

Niurka M. is originally from La Habana, Cuba where she worked at a preschool with 5 year old students and also ran a coffee shop with her husband. They came to the United States in 2023 to start a new life along with their daughter and son who are both now grown. Niurka is an extremely positive person, very mothering and patient with our students. She brings so much dedication and many fun activities to our PK1 classroom. She finds it rewarding to be a part of their development and she is thrilled to be a part of our team!

PK2 Lead Teacher

Maestra Viviana is originally from Colombia, South America where she studied preschool education and graduated from the University de San Buenaventura in Cali, Colombia in 2009. In Spring of 2022 she earned her NC Early Childhood Credential from Haywood Community College. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband and two sons. She has a passion for her profession and brings much patience and experience to the classroom. We are excited to work with her at our full time school!

Advanced PK2/Kindergarten Lead Teacher

Maestro Michael is originally from Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. He graduated from La Universidad Nueva Esparta with a degree in Business Administration and specialized in International Finances. In Venezuela he taught English class to first graders and he is proud to teach the students skills that will help serve them in the future. He has been a member of our team since 2023 and “Maestro Michael” is a very loved staff member among our students!

Toddler Assistant

Maestra Rosy is originally from Guatemala where she studied physical education. She has been working with our school since 2021 and loves being with our toddlers. She is energetic, fun and our toddlers adore her! She also has a toddler son and is a natural working with all ages.

Young Pre-K Assistant

Maestra Ruth is originally from the capital city of Venezuela, Caracas where she studied graphic design and art. She began working with WBPS in fall of 2024 and has worked at both our half day and full day locations. Ruth has two elementary school age children and used to volunteer at their schools. She enjoys working with our students and helping them develop their creativity and imaginations. In her free time she likes to sing, go to the movies and spend time with her family. We are happy to have Ruth at our school!

Older Young Pre-K Assistant

Maestra Emma is originally from the southernmost tip of South America, the country of Chile. She earned a degree in early childhood education from the Universidad Católica Silva Henriquez. She has worked with young children in the preschool environment since 2012, specializing in infants and toddlers and she joined our team in the fall of 2024. She has three adult sons and in her free time she enjoys cooking, reading and getting to know new places. She is loved for her patient, motherly and nurturing way of interacting with our students.

PK1 Assistant

Maestra Sandra has been a part of our schools since 2022, initially helping as a substitute and later as an assistant teacher. She is originally from El Salvador and has previously worked in cleaning services for many years. She currently resides in Rocky Point with her husband and four children. She has two grandchildren and enjoys teaching and sharing her culture and knowledge with our students. In her free time she likes to spend time with her family, read and cook her specialty- pupusas, a traditional dish from El Salvador that she often sells to our teachers. We love her laid back personality and love how much she helps keep our school organized and clean. We are thankful for Maestra Sandra!

PK2 Assistant

Maestra Eva is originally from the warm city of Merida, located in the Yucatan peninsula area of Mexico. She is a mom to two adult children who live in Mexico and in 2021 she moved to the United States with her husband. She studied law at la Universidad Hispano and after graduating she worked in property law in Mexico. In Maryland she worked with special needs students as a bus attendant in Anne Arundel county schools. Eva is an avid runner and enjoys participating in races as well as enjoying nature, reading and enjoying the beach and sea. She is a lifetime learner and enjoys taking early childhood development classes as it is a field that interests her. She says it is very gratifying to watch our students develop their skills in a second language & she enjoys celebrating their accomplishments each day!

Advanced Pre-K 2/Kindergarten Assistant

Maestra Janela is originally from Ecuador, where she studied education. When she came to the United States she began teaching at a church preschool in the Western part of NC. She joined Wilmington Bilingual Preschool in 2022. After the birth of her son in Jan. 2024 she took a maternity leave and is excited to return as our APK2/Kindergarten teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Janela is known for her patient and soft touch with our students. She loves creating unique experiences for her students and sharing knowledge with them in an imaginative way.

Supervisor- Student/Staff Support

Maestra Monserrat is originally from from Veracruz, a beach city on the Gulf of Mexico. She studied communicating and advertising in college. After moving to the USA she was one of our founding teachers at our half day school in 2017 and later taught at ‘The International School at Gregory’. She lives with her husband in Wilmington and loves going to the beach, traveling, taking pictures, making crafts, riding my bike, exercising, reading, learning new things, tending to her plants and watching sunsets 🙂

Floater & Afternoon School Age Teacher

Maestra Edith is originally from Venezuela where she studied publicity and marketing at Universidad Jesus Enrique Losada de San Cristobal in the state of Tachira. From a young age she always loved art and in 1999 she received a university certificate in pure art and sculpture. She was a resource art teacher at an elementary school in Venezuela and enjoyed inspiring her students to express themselves through the medium of art. She currently lives in Wilmington, NC with her husband and two children, including a teenage daughter. In her free time she dedicates herself to what she loves most, including her Art Club where she teachers children and adults to paint. Edith has worked with our school since 2022 and she appreciates and thanks all of our families and students for their trust in her each day!

Student Staff/Support

Maestra Lizbeth has been a part of our school since 2024. She was born in Rocky Point, NC where she graduated from Heidi Trask High School. She grew up bilingual, using Spanish at home, as her parents are from Oaxaca, Mexico. She graduated from UNCW in 2025 with a degree in social work and minor in psychology.  Her bubbly and positive personality make her a favorite among our support staff!

Floating Afternoon Assistant

Maestro Jovani is originally from Burgaw, NC. He was raised bilingual, as his parents are from Mexico and he learned English at school. He is currently attending UNCW as a senior and  is majoring in computer science. Growing up he helped take care of his brothers and sisters as he is 7 years older than them. He has worked as a translator at a doctor’s office and looks forward to inspiring kids on their language journey!

Student/Staff Support

Maestra Rosario is originally from Wilmington, NC. She learned Spanish from her parents who are from Oaxaca, Mexico. She is a 2025 graduate of New Hanover High School where she graduated with honors. She now attends the University of NC at Wilmington where she is active with the Latino Alliance student group and studying Elementary Education. She enjoys working with children and helping in our office. We love her calm, patient demeanor.

Student/Staff Support

Maestra Yamilet is originally from LaGrange NC. She learned Spanish from her parents who are from Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico. She currently attends UNCW and is majoring in Criminology and minoring in Spanish as she is very interested in a career in forensic science. In her hometown she volunteered in an elementary school and worked as a server in a restaurant where she had to use Spanish. She enjoys being a part of WBPS where she gets to interact with students of many diverse backgrounds and is amazed watching them develop a second language. Our students and staff enjoy her fun personality and positive outlook on life!

Student/Staff Support

Maestra Lesly is originally from Wilmington, NC. She learned Spanish from her parents who are from Oaxaca, Mexico and Honduras. She graduated from James Kenan High School and now attends the University of NC at Wilmington where is majoring in nursing. In her free time she likes reading, making desserts and crafts. She is very sweet & adaptable to every situation. Everyone loves working with Lesly!

Summer Camp Leader & Floating Teacher

Maestra Brenna is originally from Fuquay Varina, NC where she is the oldest of 4 siblings. She has always wanted to be a teacher and has worked as a nanny and swim instructor. During college she completed a study abroad experience in the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador practicing Spanish. She is finishing up her degree in Spanish and Elementary Education at UNCW and will be completing student teaching with New Hanover County Schools next semester. In her free time she enjoys playing the guitar, reading and painting. She is very punctual, responsible and a great example for our students!

Student/Staff Support

Maestra Michelle is originally from Italy. While in college she participated in study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico and had a wonderful experience. In spring of 2026 she graduated from UNCW with a degree in Spanish and whole health studies. She worked as a volunteer at our school during the 2025-2026 school year, assisting in our PK1 class. In her free time she enjoys helping at her parents’ pizza restaurant, trying new restaurants and spending time with her dog and family. She is very friendly and welcoming to all of our families!

Charles Mellor | Bus Driver and Maintenance

Charles Mellor (a.k.a. Señor Charles) is originally from Southport, NC. He is the father of 5 awesome kids and co-owner of Wilmington Bilingual Preschool. He has been driving our afterschool and summer camp van for our school age students since 2020 and helps keep our students safe on their field trips. You may see him from time to time delivering water or helping out, doing maintenance at our school. While he did not formally study Spanish, over the years he taught himself Spanish via apps, You Tube Channels and online programs. He appreciates the opportunity to use his Spanish daily with our amazing staff and Directora Ayodele.