After spending her high school and college years in Puerto Rico, Karen fell in love with the Latino culture and decided to pursue a career teaching in a bilingual setting. She began her career as a Migrant Teacher for the Oxnard School District in California. The lack of Spanish materials at the time both frustrated and motivated her to create something new, something that would help Latino students learn to read. Thus, the first copy of the Estrellita program was born. She utilized Estrellita in the classroom for over 17 years before deciding to take a leave of absence and work on Estrellita full-time.

While still teaching, and with the help of her parents, Karen began a small company out of the garage in her condo and poured her heart into making Estrellita something teachers would love. She traveled around the United States setting up in-service presentations and explaining to teachers and administrators why ma, me, mi, mo, mu wasn't the only way to teach Spanish. Now Estrellita can be found in classrooms across the country and Karen can be proud that it has helped thousands of students on their journey to successful lives.

Karen went on to obtain her M.A. in Education along with a Reading Specialist Credential. She continues to be involved in bilingual education and is diligently working on new curriculum for Estrellita.

Stephen has been the Executive Director of Estrellita for the past 13 years, taking the company over for his sister, Karen in 2011 and moving the offices from California to Colorado. Prior to working with Estrellita, Stephen worked in several different industries in various capacities including sales, marketing, and operations. He earned his MBA while in the business sector and after joining Estrellita, earned his M. Ed. in Bilingual Education at CU Boulder. He also obtained a substitute license and spent time in Kindergarten classes, which was far more difficult than running a company!

Stephen earned a third master’s degree in theology and then spent the last four years in seminary, so on his off days, he serves as a deacon.

Stephen, his wife Cindy and their three children have been in Colorado for 19 years and enjoy all the outdoor activities the state has to offer.