About Us
The Pineapple School functions as a community where children, parents and caregivers play key roles in the educational process. That is where our name originates, as the pineapple is a Southern symbol representing friends and family. The pineapple is also a sign of welcoming. We want our little amigos and their families to feel welcome at The Pineapple School, from the moment they are carried, crawl, wobble or walk into our center.
A family-owned business, The Pineapple School was founded in 2010 by San Antonio residents, Juan and Krisana Puccio, and Dr. Hugo and Susan Carvajal, Krisana’s parents. While each founder brings unique experiences and skills to the team, Susan and Krisana are actively involved with the schools and support a strong team of administrators.
OUR MISSION
The mission of The Pineapple School is to provide a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment where young children can develop age appropriate cognitive, physical, social and emotional skills while simultaneously assimilating the language and culture of Latin America.
Our Philosophy
Learning should be fun and children learn best when actively involved. Optimal learning and development occur within a community where children feel safe and welcome, where everyone contributes, everyone belongs and everyone is respected as an individual. Children, their families, the teachers and support staff are valued members. Through active participation within a community centered around the Latin culture, each child will embrace the Spanish language. At the same time, he/she will master skills essential for success in future years.
Our CORE Values
LATINO CULTURE IN OUR HEARTS
We embrace the Spanish language and Latin American culture and proudly share it with our Pineapple School community.
HEALTH & SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY
We practice safety and promote health in all aspects of our work.
We provide a safe environment for students and staff at all times.
We speak up to ensure the health and safety of others.
WE ARE FAMILY
We value and respect all families, embracing differences without judgement.
We treat students, their families and co-workers with warmth and compassion.
We form healthy relationships, creating strong bonds that give us a sense of identity and belonging.
GROWTH & LEARNING FOR ALL
We seek out new ideas and information and apply them in our work.
We listen to our students and co-workers and learn from them, just as they learn from us.
We embrace opportunities to provide meaningful learning experiences for students and for ourselves.
Susan Carvajal, Founder
As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Susan’s lifetime professional career has focused on the care and well-being of young children. She has worked in inpatient and outpatient pediatric settings, providing primary care to infants and young children. Susan and her husband owned and operated a childcare center in Galveston for 13 years. In San Antonio, Susan founded and developed the St. Agnes Play Group, a volunteer early learning program for socially disadvantaged, Spanish-speaking children. After serving as founding Director of The Pineapple School for 7 years, Susan now holds an advisory role, working with curriculum development and issues related to health and safety.
Pasatiempo favorito: Sharing “Wilford Stories”, intended to teach life lessons to my grandchildren
Krisana Puccio, founder & CEO
The Pineapple School came about because of Krisana’s love for children, language and entrepreneurship. She learned Spanish through immersion in 2004 when she attended a two-year international MBA program in Costa Rica. While working for a San Antonio corporation, Krisana dreamed up the concept of The Pineapple School; she was inspired by two factors: the strong desire among San Antonio parents to raise bilingual, bicultural children and her personal language-learning struggles as a young adult. Together with her parents and Venezuelan husband, she founded The Pineapple School in 2010. Today, Krisana serves The Pineapple School’s three campuses, leading functions such as Human Resources, Customer Relations and Marketing.
Frase favorita: “Todo lo bueno en la vida nace de un salto al vacío.” Alan Moore
Jessie Bakke, OWNER
Inspired by art and design as well as the language and culture of Latin America, Jessie is actively engaged in the design and development of classroom environments and outdoor play spaces. She plans and coordinates special celebrations at The Pineapple School. Additionally, Jessie works with our Pre-K program curriculum, implementing Reggio Emilia ideas and a project-based approach to learning. Jessie attended the University of Texas at Austin where she earned a degree in International Business with a focus on Latin America and a minor in Spanish. After college, she went on to study Landscape Architecture and practiced for several years before joining The Pineapple School team.
Destino favorito: Mexico City, for its colorful sights and sounds, delicious food, and artisan treasures.
Cecilia Bowka, Director
Cecilia was born and raised in Mexico where her passion for early childhood education was fueled by growing up in a family of educators. Cecilia earned a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Escuela Normal del Estado de Durango in 2000. Cecilia (“Mrs. Ceci”) has worked in the field for over 14 years, first in Mexico, then in Galveston, Texas and now in San Antonio. She began working at The Pineapple School in 2011, where she has embodied the language immersion philosophy by sharing her culture and her love of children. Cecilia serves as the Program Director at our North Central campus. She enjoys spending family time with her husband, Steven, and son, Michael.
Tradición favorita: Día de los Muertos holds a special meaning for Ceci because it celebrates the colors, flavors and joy of her culture.
CARLOS CARRANCO, DIRECTOR
Creative, caring, and energetic, Carlos is passionate about teaching and art in all its forms. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and has spent half of his life in the education field working as a teacher, coordinator, and director in several schools and institutions. Before relocating to San Antonio, Carlos was responsible for developing and implementing the artistic vision and focus for the Performing Arts Program at Colegio San Patricio (PK - HS), one of Mexico’s most highly-regarded private schools. Carlos currently serves as the Program Director at our Camp Bullis campus.
Actividad favorita: Art. Music, photography, painting, dancing, and acting promote imagination and creativity and help foster healthy and caring relationships among children.
Brenda PEREZ, Director
A South Texas native, Brenda boasts an impressive 18 years in early childhood education. Before joining The Pineapple School, she worked in leadership positions at other child care centers, where she was able to secure certifications, support, and grants from state and local agencies. Brenda attended San Antonio College and The University of Texas - Pan American. She and her husband of 20 years have a daughter who attends the University of the Incarnate Word. Brenda currently serves as the Program Director at our Stone Oak campus. She is passionate about helping families and children by cultivating meaningful relationships.
Recuerdo favorito: Visiting Monterrey in summertime and enjoying family excursions to Cascada Cola de Caballo and riding horses at Presa de La Boca.
CARLOTA E NUÑEZ, INFANT & TODDLER SPECIALIST
With more than 30 years of experience in the field of education, Carly holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her native country, Venezuela, Carly was a university professor and advisor of Early Childhood Education. Later, she worked as an educator and spokesperson for the corporate university of a large oil company. Carly joined The Pineapple School family in 2014. She currently serves all three campuses as the Infant & Toddler Specialist, providing coaching and training for the teachers and pouring her heart and soul into the wellbeing of Pineapple School’s youngest students. Carly is passionate about contributing to her community and has held key leadership roles for non-profit organizations in San Antonio. She has two grown children with whom she is currently writing a storybook about family traditions.
Comida favorita: Traditional Venezulean food, especially Chalupa Caraqueña made with cachapas and queso de mano, Espuma de Limón (or Carlota de Limón), Ensalada Navideña, and Papitas de Leche, all made with love from Carly’s family recipes.
ANDREA VIVANCOS, OPERATIONS MANAGER
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain, Andrea brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. She is deeply passionate about culture, traditions, and connecting with people. Andrea comes with over eight years of experience in administration and human resources and holds a Bachelor's in Education and an MBA. In 2018, she and her husband, Kike, moved to San Antonio ready to build a future together. Today, Andrea is the operational backbone for the three Pineapple School locations, and has a gift for scouting out the best maestras around. Andrea enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spoiling her two dogs, Mel and Sugus.
Plato favorito: Hands down, ¡Croquetas de jamón ibérico! The combination of bechamel and Iberico ham is divine. Just one bite of this sensory delight takes her back to the bustling streets of Barcelona.