Director/Teacher
Desiree Patten has been a part of Harbor City School since 2016 as a Lead Teacher, transitioning into the Director role in 2022. Desiree has attended extensive trainings in the Reggio Emilia Model and was the lead in implementing the pedagogy at HCS. Desiree works hard to advocate for early education and our East Boston community. She is a member of the Every Child Shines Early Education Action Team and was a Teach Plus Policy Fellow and Senior Fellow. When not at school Desiree enjoys spending time with her husband, two children and many pets, reading, cooking and traveling.
Teachers
Andrea Vela-Galvez
Andrea was born in Cambridge but raised in Revere. She has recently obtained a Child Development Associates with Salem State University. This will be her first year teaching preschool at Harbor City School. Before that, she was an accountant in the hospitality industry. Andrea plans to make a difference in the lives of children she meets along the way, and to create a safe learning environment. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, roller skating and gardening.
Hiroyo Dixon
Hiroyo(Yoyo) was born and raised in Japan. She has been in the United States since 2013. She lives in East Boston since then. Hiroyo holds her certification in early childhood education. She loves eating, baking and spending time with her 16 year old daughter.
Hailee Van Housen
Hailee is from Northern California and moved to Boston in 2022. In California, she received her B.A. in Liberal Studies and taught Kindergarten. Hailee holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Boston College. She enjoys working in Preschool because it gives her the opportunity to see the wonder of the world through a child’s eyes and be a part of bringing that wonder into the classroom. In her free time, Hailee loves to read, swim, and go on walks with her dog.
Miya Grein
Miya was born and raised in Winthrop, Massachusetts. She is EEC Certified and is currently working toward her associate degree in Early Education at Bunker Hill Community College. Miya is passionate about creating a warm, supportive, and engaging environment for children to learn and grow. Her favorite part about working at Harbor City is the strong sense of community built among students, families, and staff.
juana Hernandez Moz
Juana was born in El Salvador and moved to Boston in 2016, where I began building a new life and working toward her goals. She is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Urban College to become Lead Teacher certified. She has been working with children for the past two years and this experience has deepened her passion for teaching and helping each child reach their full potential. Through her studies and work, she has learned the importance of patience, empathy, and creativity in the classroom, qualities that she brings into her daily work to create a positive and nurturing learning environment.
Yesenia Granados
Yesenia was born and raised in El Salvador and has been in the United States since 2005, living in East Boston. She started working with children few years ago , now working at an amazing school that brings lots of joy to her life and a place for her 3 year old son to attend. Harbor City is more than a place to work it’s a fun place which she loves so much. Her favorite things to do are going place places with my son and eating yummy snacks
Support Staff
Anne McPherson- Anne was born and raised in East Boston, and now resides in Revere. Anne has always enjoyed working with children, and she has two children of her own. Anne holds her certification in early childhood education. Anne works hard to support the classrooms, teachers and director.