The Genesis Story
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“Remember where we started. There were six kids.”
Before there was a school, there were Deaf children in San Miguel de Allende and its surrounding communities; bright, curious, and ready to learn. Yet many lived on the margins, without access to language-rich environments, without meaningful opportunities to communicate, and without a place where they could truly belong or develop a strong Deaf identity. On September 3, 2012, everything began to change. That day, six Deaf children walked into a small, newly opened school. It was a simple beginning, but a profound one; the start of access to language, to education, to connection, and to a different future. A group of seven residents and professionals had come together with a shared belief: every Deaf child deserves access to education, language, and opportunity. They formed a Board of Trustees, registered EEESMA as a nonprofit, secured and renovated a space, and hired three Mexican teachers deeply committed to Deaf education. Just as importantly, they reached out into the community to find children who had been largely invisible within the traditional school system and invited their families into something new - something hopeful. Those six children shaped everything that followed. From that first classroom, EEESMA grew into a vibrant, language-centered learning community where Mexican Sign Language (LSM) is at the heart of education. It became a place where communication is accessible, identities are affirmed, and students are supported to grow academically, socially, and personally. |
Over time, the impact of that early investment became clear. In 2019, three young women became the first EEESMA students to complete their online high school studies, an important milestone and a powerful example of what is possible.
In 2022, one of those graduates earned a university degree in education and returned to EEESMA as a teacher. For today’s students, her journey, from student to educator, offers a tangible vision of literacy, independence, productivity, resilience and belonging. Today, EEESMA stands as a leading example of Deaf-centered education in Mexico. Its model integrates academic learning, language development in LSM, and practical vocational training; an approach that remains rare in the country. Students are not only supported to reach academic milestones, but also to develop the confidence, skills, and independence needed for life beyond the classroom. And still, the need continues. There are Deaf children in the community who have yet to be reached, who are still waiting for access to language and education. EEESMA remains committed to expanding that reach while strengthening the quality and depth of its programs. What began with six children has grown into a strong and evolving school, made possible through the generosity of donors, grants, and a caring community who believe in this work. And while much has been achieved, the story is still being written. So on we go… "Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." -Malcolm Forbes |
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MEET OUR TEAM
Our dedicated faculty, staff and vibrant volunteers are the heart of the school.
SANJUANA GARCIA SALGADO
Sanjuana joined us in 2012 as the school's first teacher and is now the school director. She shares, “Having spent a large part of my life working here fills me with pride, knowing that I have been part of the progress of our students and the school.“ When she's not directing, Sanjuana loves to dance and sing with her young son and relax at home with her husband. |
CECILIA VILLAFRANCO HERNÁNDEZ
Ceci enjoys her job as administrator where she has the chance to improve skills learned at university. She says “Although I dislike rising early in the morning, my job allows me to explore, learn and live things, including Mexican Sign Language, which would not normally touch me”. Ceci also enjoys practicing singing, being with friends and traveling. |
LAURA RODRIGUEZ RAMIREZ
Laura joined EEESMA in 2014 as a student. After graduating online university she has been the primary school teacher. She enjoys creating fun educational materials for her students that strengthen their learning. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and learning new skills in the kitchen, as she dreams of being an independent woman. |
ELIEL GUTIÉRREZ HERNÁNDEZ
Eliel joined EEESMA in 2022 with the desire to learn Mexican Sign Language. He started as an elementary teacher assistant and quickly progressed to high school teacher. Eliel comments "I deeply value the connection with the Deaf community and the shared learning experience with the students". In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, eating out, spending time with friends, or simply relaxing at home. |
FERNANDA GODINEZ ZÚÑIGA
Fernanda joined EEESMA in 2013 as a student. Ten years later she was hired as a teacher assistant and also leads drawing classes for Deaf students. "I love being part of the Deaf community and motivating my students to continue learning every day" signs Fernanda. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, embroidering, sewing and making crafts. She also likes to spend time with her family, especially with her mother and her sister, who recently became a mother. |
JESÚS (TONY) RAMIREZ VÁZQUEZ
Tony was one of the first students to enroll at EEESMA in 2012. After graduating high school he began teaching computer science, LEGO, coding, and robotics to students from elementary to high school. "I am motivated by teaching through technology and connecting it to everyday life topics" states Tony. Besides his love for teaching, Tony enjoys chess, repairing cell phones, running, and spending time with his family and his wife. |
NOELIA CORTES ÁLVEREZ
Noelia arrived at EEESMA in 2016 as a student and after graduation in 2024 began a career as an elementary school teacher assistant. Noelia shares " I am passionate about working with my students through reading projects and recreational activities that foster their creativity". She loves organizing outings or trips to the ranch for the students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and most recently, learning to cook. |
ARACELI RAMÍREZ JUÁREZ
Araceli holds what many consider one of the most important positions, that of chief cook! Araceli likes to learn Mexican Sign Language to better communicate with the students, although she wishes she knew more. Family is on the top of Chely’s list of priorities, and spends most of her spare time with them, considering Sunday a sacred family day. |
GABRIELA JUÁREZ ANDRADE
Gaby has been part of the maintenance staff since 2022, motivated by the attendance of her Deaf son at EEESMA. Her work reflects the love and commitment she has to the school's Deaf community. In her daily life, she balances her duties with caring for her family and household chores, and on weekends, she prefers to rest and enjoy her home; mentioning that as a mother, there is no such thing as free time! |
JAVIER BUSTOS BARRERA
Javier has been teaching in the jewelry workshop since 2016. In 2023, he took on the added role of the school's driver. Javier comments "I enjoy sharing my knowledge of jewelry, witnessing how students acquire a trade that can provide them with financial independence in the future by enabling them to one day have their own business". Driving is another of Javier's passions and his time of relaxation too. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, making jewelry repairs, and maintaining his home. |