World Language Department
American Sign Language
James Andrews
James Andrews has taught at MVHS since 2004. He earned his BA in Deaf Studies from Cal State Northridge, learning the language from Deaf professors, counselors, and roommates. Before MVHS, he taught at James Logan High School. Mr. Andrews' passion lies in building true relationships and connections with his students. Originally from Union City, his hobbies include sports, TV, and travel. He is married with two college-age children. A fun fact: he was once gored by a bull in Portugal. He can be reached at jandrews@srvusd.net.
Japanese
Noriko Nishimoto
Sensei Noriko Nishimoto has taught at MVHS since 2019, teaching all levels of Japanese. As a native of Japan, she was born and raised in a small town southeast of Tokyo. Before MVHS, she taught at American Language Institute, Acalanes Adult Education, and IEC. She holds a BA in Spanish from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, a degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, and a MA in TESOL from SFSU. She loves sharing her heritage language and seeing students grow into kind humans. Her hobbies include traveling and she is married with two sons. She can be reached at nnishimoto@srvusd.net.
French
Allison Sass
Madame Allison Sass has taught at Monte Vista since 1999 and currently teaches all levels of French as well as English. She learned French through school and traveling. Before joining MV, she was an English teaching assistant in Normandy, France. A proud Monte Vista graduate, Ms. Sass attended U.C. Berkeley, where she earned a double major in English and French. She also holds a Masters in Romance Languages from the University of New Orleans. She sponsors the French Honor Society and loves seeing students progress from total beginners to fluent francophones, enjoying the diverse activities and cultural elements they explore in class. Ms. Sass can be reached at asass@srvusd.net.
Spanish
Mary Kate Duggan
While Señora Mary Kate Duggan started at Monte Vista in 2025, she brings a range of teaching experience having formerly taught Spanish at Dougherty Valley High School and Holmdel High School in New Jersey. Ms. Duggan learned Spanish by living abroad in Spain and Chile and minoring in it in college (University of Maryland, BA in Communication; MA in Education). She loves inspiring students by sharing the culture of Spanish-speaking countries through music and films. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, surfing, and cooking. A New Jersey native, Señora Duggan enjoys her summers on the beach in New Jersey with her family where she works as a beach lifeguard. She can be reached at mduggan@srvusd.net.
Magali Le Bouder
Señora Magali Le Bouder has been teaching World Languages at MVHS since 2017. A native French speaker, she holds a BA from La Sorbonne Nouvelle University and an MA from McGill University. She taught French for a few years but now focuses exclusively on Spanish and ELD. She is dedicated to fostering student growth and "eureka moments." Beyond the classroom, she has volunteered with organizations like Doctors without Borders, Girl Scouts or the San Ramon Arts Committee. Her global background, including attending the French International High School and extensive travel (25+ countries), informs her love for travel and photography. She is married with three daughters. She can be reached at mlebouder@srvusd.net.
Danielle Franco
Señora Danielle Franco has been teaching Spanish since 2005 at her alma mater, MVHS. She formerly taught at El Sobrante Christian School and John Swett High School. Ms. Franco learned Spanish as an MVHS student, in college, and while living abroad in Venezuela after college. She holds a BA in Spanish and BS in Child Development from Harding University as well as an MA in Education from Chapman University. Ms. Franco loves sharing the many cultures associated with the Spanish language, especially the food and music. She sponsors the National Spanish Honor Society and various clubs on campus. A mom to three boys, she is also active in her church, loves to sing, enjoys traveling and listening to podcasts. She can be reached at dfranco@srvusd.net.
Leah Ottey
Señora Leah Ottey began teaching Spanish at MVHS in 2025, bringing 14 years of total teaching experience. She currently teaches Spanish Level 1. Ms. Ottey began studying Spanish in high school, majored in it at Sonoma State University, and studied abroad in Granada, Spain. Before MVHS, she taught at DVHS for 10 years and Venture/Del Amigo for 2 years. Originally from Livermore, she loves that her subject is fun, interactive, and relevant for students. She is married to Jeff, a middle school PE teacher, and they have two young children, Jaike (5) and Caden (3). Her hobbies include reading, going for walks, and spending time with family and friends. Señora Ottey can be reached at lottey@srvusd.net.
Richard Henriquez
Señor Richard Henriquez is a Spanish teacher at MVHS, where he has been teaching since 2021. As a native Spanish speaker, he has been speaking the language since birth. He grew up in Los Angeles and Palmdale, attending Knight High School. He holds a BA in Spanish from Arizona State University and an MA in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. Mr. Henriquez loves trying to make language learning fun. He is involved in school activities, sponsoring the Site Council and various student clubs. His pastimes include playing video games, watching TV, and playing/watching sports. A fun fact is that he loves to cook. He can be reached at rhenriquez@srvusd.net.
