Hi all! My name is Irina Santapaola. I am from Kuressaare, Estonia. I have three children, two boys and a girl. As a child I went to an art school for four years. I like to draw, paint, and challenge myself with creative projects. Gardening is another hobby of mine. I have been at Smart Stars Academy II & Beacon Preparatory Academy for three years and truly enjoy working with kids. I incorporate my hobbies with the students here and together we have built a wonderful garden in the back. The children assist in taking care of it, picking the veggies, and our chef gets to use them as ingredients in the meals she serves. I strongly believe in nurturing our children whether they are 2 years old or 10 years old, it is just as important for their development. I am excited to see what the new school year has in store for us!