Meet Our Team

Blanca Bastian

Owner & Spanish Preschool Teacher

Hola! Me llamo Blanca Bastian and I am the Owner and Director of Yak Academy. I started with Yak Academy as a Spanish teacher over 10 years ago, and fell in love with the philosophy of teaching, families, and students. I am a mother of 3 beautiful girls. As a local resident of Redondo Beach, I believe in providing our community and neighboring communities with the opportunity to enrich their world experience through language. While I am constantly on the go, I always make time for family, friends, and my Lakers! I am a sports enthusiast, and enjoy traveling to different destinations with my family.

Ms. Maria

Spanish Preschool Teacher & Assistant Director

Hola! Me llamo Maria Zerpa- Useche. I am a native of Venezuela. When I arrived to California, I decided to pursue my passion for teaching, which led me to Yak Academy. I have been teaching at Yak Academy for over 7 years, and have enjoyed every moment of it. When I'm not busy creating engaging and authentic curriculum for my preschoolers, you can find me at a concert, soccer game, spending time with my husband and son, or shopping for unique clothing and accessories.

Ms. Marysol

Curriculum and Instruction Specialist

Hola! Bonjour! Ohayo! Me llamo Marysol Perez, and I am the Curriculum and Instruction Specialist that supports Yak Academy-- Redondo Beach. Although I'm a California native, I take pride in my family's Mexican roots. Many moons ago, I taught Spanish at Yak Academy, which led me to further my career in education. I stepped into the charter world and taught for many years a dual language elementary teacher. After receiving my M.Ed in Bilingual Education, I had the opportunity to continue supporting learners in a K-12 setting were I currently support Lawndale Elementary School District as a Language Arts Specialist. I am a lingophile and am fluent in Spanish, English, French, and semi-conversational in Japanese. I like to stay busy, but also enjoy some leisurely time with my husband and two children. I enjoy concert-going, writing (or blogging), and traveling.

Ms. Karina

Financial Manager & Spanish  Teacher

Hola! Me llamo Karina. Bio to come ...

Mr. Leo

French Teacher

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Aurélien Leo Stuber. I am from Strasbourg in the beautiful region of Alsace located North East of France. I grew up their and graduated in Sales & Marketing. I moved to the California about 3 years ago to discover a new world and new challenges, well, and for the the sun also. Out of nowhere I started to give French tutoring to kids in 2015 and discovered I really enjoy it. Teaching my language to kids is so much fun. I am happy to keep on doing that when I am not working at Shade Hotel Redondo beach. I love to play soccer, travel, enjoy time with my family and simply be happy every day!

Ms. Ella

Mandarin Teacher

Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Ella. Bio to come ...

Ms. Kahina

French Teacher

Bonjour! Je m'appelle Kahina. Bio to come ...

Ms. Selene

Spanish Teacher

Hola! Me llamo Selene Barrera. I was born in Acapulco Guerrero, Mexico. I am an immigrant to the U.S. with a passion for teaching. When I was in Mexico, I studied education at high school and worked as a volunteer to help people who could not read or write, and tutored children. While the pay was not much, I felt happy and satisfied with my work. I am currently part of the family of Yak Academy. I love working with children. It is an honor to teach them the Spanish language and be part of their development. My favorite hobbies are taking photos, watching true story movies and hanging out with my group of friends.

Ms. Patty

Spanish Teacher

Hola! Me llamo Patty Herrera. Bio to come ...

Ms. Elena

Spanish Teacher

Hola! Me llamo Elena. Bio to come ...

Ms. Amy

Mandarin Teacher

Ni hao! Wo shi Amy. Bio to come ...