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Mission of BELLA

At BELLA Academy, our mission is to nurture compassionate, curious, and connected learners by providing high-quality, bilingual early childhood education and connections to community resources. 

We empower children and families with the language, intercultural understanding, and cognitive skills needed to build meaningful connections, both locally and globally.

 Through intentional teaching and play, as well as intentional partnerships, we foster empathy, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning that prepares young minds to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world.

Single Image
Spanish Classes Taught 500
Years of Experience 40
Students Served 2400
Languages Learned 18

Step by step


to be the best

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1997

Started kids center

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2004

EduBii certified partner

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2012

45 schools in Europe

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2021

International certified

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2023

International Expo

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Our Dream Team

President
Savanna Hellman

Savanna Hellman serves as President of BELLA Academy, and brings a strong background in family support, community education, and early childhood advocacy. She is the founder of Wise Traditions Birth and Family Support, an independent contractor doula with The Womb Room, and a consultant with The Aspiring Phoenix Foundation. Her experience in birth work, family care, and community based programming informs BELLA’s family centered approach, and its commitment to culturally affirming early education. 

Savanna Hellman se desempeña como Presidenta de BELLA Academy, y aporta una sólida trayectoria en apoyo familiar, educación comunitaria y defensa de la primera infancia. Es fundadora de Wise Traditions Birth and Family Support, doula contratista independiente con The Womb Room y consultora con The Aspiring Phoenix Foundation. Su experiencia en acompañamiento familiar, trabajo de parto, y programas comunitarios guía el enfoque centrado en las familias y el compromiso de BELLA con una educación temprana culturalmente afirmativa.

Vice President
Alexandria Cummings

Alexandria Cummings contributes expertise in clinical research coordination, and youth athletic development. She works as a Clinical Trial Coordinator at Continental Clinical, and has extensive coaching experience through Harford Gymnastics and Whitemarsh Gymnastics with the Baltimore County Department of Recreation. Her leadership supports BELLA’s focus on whole child development, physical literacy, and community engagement. 

Alexandria Cummings aporta experiencia en coordinación de investigación clínica, y desarrollo atlético infantil. Trabaja como Coordinadora de Ensayos Clínicos en Continental Clinical y tiene amplia experiencia como entrenadora en Harford Gymnastics y Whitemarsh Gymnastics con el Departamento de Recreación del Condado de Baltimore. Su liderazgo fortalece el enfoque de BELLA en el desarrollo integral del niño, la alfabetización física y la participación comunitaria.

Treasurer
Adam Cortez

Adam Cortez brings deep experience in digital marketing, financial operations, and small business ownership. He is the owner of ARC Creative Co and the founder of Steingard Financial, where he provides bookkeeping and financial management services. His expertise strengthens BELLA’s financial planning, nonprofit sustainability, and long term growth strategy.

Adam Cortez ofrece una amplia experiencia en mercadeo digital, operaciones financieras y gestión de pequeñas empresas. Es propietario de ARC Creative Co y fundador de Steingard Financial, donde brinda servicios de contabilidad y administración financiera. Su experiencia fortalece la planificación financiera de BELLA, la sostenibilidad organizativa y la estrategia de crecimiento a largo plazo.

Secretary
Nyssa Knarvik

Nyssa Knarvik offers academic and instructional expertise in bilingual education, and language acquisition. She is an Instructional Consultant at the University at Albany and an Assistant Professor of Spanish and Second Language Acquisition at Colorado State University. Her background supports BELLA’s dual language curriculum, cultural programming, and educational quality standards. 

Nyssa Knarvik aporta experiencia académica y pedagógica en educación bilingüe y adquisición del lenguaje. Es Consultora de Instrucción en la Universidad de Albany y Profesora Asistente de Español y Adquisición de Segundas Lenguas en la Universidad Estatal de Colorado. Su trayectoria respalda el currículo de inmersión dual, la programación cultural y los estándares educativos de BELLA.

Executive Director
Jess McLeod

Jess McLeod serves as Executive Director and brings valuable experience as a family childcare provider at Mis Amiguitos Daycare. Her hands on knowledge of early childhood care, family needs, and bilingual childcare environments contributes directly to BELLA’s program design, daily operations, and community connection. 

Jess McLeod se desempeña como Directora Ejecutiva y aporta valiosa experiencia como proveedora de cuidado infantil familiar en Mis Amiguitos Daycare. Su conocimiento práctico sobre el cuidado infantil, las necesidades de las familias y los entornos bilingües contribuye directamente al diseño del programa, las operaciones diarias y la conexión comunitaria de BELLA.