10/13/2026
As part of our celebration of Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month, we are highlighting a few of our PHA teachers who proudly identify as Latinx or Hispanic. First we have Maielly Da Silva, one of our PreK teachers. Says Maielly:
"My family is originally from Brazil, from the beautiful state of Minas Gerais, a very small town. Everyone knew each other and our families. We played outside in the streets, gathered at the town square, and grew up surrounded by community.
We went to school with the same friends year after year, often graduating with the same classmates. We built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Our Catholic church was at the heart of our town—a place of faith, family, and belonging.
I grew up in a family of teachers, with my mom teaching for many years. School was a huge part of my childhood—music, theater, dancing, and so many memories. In our small town, school brought families and the whole community together. It truly felt like home.
Christmas is my favorite holiday. My family celebrates by gathering together, cooking/baking, sharing a big meal, listening to music, and spending quality time with the people we love. Family, food, and togetherness are a big part of our celebrations.
Food is one of the things that brings me back home the most. I grew up surrounded by homemade food and fresh ingredients from the farm. Some of my favorite foods are pão de queijo, Brazilian barbecue (churrasco), chicken with okra (frango com quiabo), fresh farm eggs, homemade cakes, breads, and roscas.
[To young Latino students at PHA, I would say] never be afraid to be proud of where you come from. Your culture, language, family, and story are part of what makes you special. Dream big, work hard, and always remember that your roots are something to be proud of."
One word of what it means to me to be Latina: Pride 💚
