Ligia Vasquez
Hello and welcome! I'm the founder of Ibis Learning, a dual language school in Houston's Spring Branch area. A proud "adopted" Houstonian for 25 years, I began my career as an architect but discovered a deep passion for education while raising my child.
I'm certified by the Texas Education Agency as an Early Childhood–6th Grade Bilingual Teacher and have taught in public schools in Houston, TX. I'm currently pursuing a three-year certification with Tools of the Mind, a research-based program focused on executive function and playful learning.
I also volunteer as a religious education facilitator in my local parish, working with Pre-K and middle school students. This ongoing experience continually inspires my work at Ibis and my belief in nurturing the whole child.
Our Team
With 35+ years in education and a master's degree plus certifications in Early Childhood, Reading, Gifted & Talented, and ESL, Barb is a passionate advocate for every child. Honored by the Texas Senate for her work with special needs students, she brings deep expertise, warmth, and a lasting commitment to student confidence and growth.
Barb Yost
Education Specialist & Interventionist
Jennifer Martin
Early Childhood Specialist & Consultant
Monica McGhee
TEA-Bilingual Certified Teacher
Jennifer Martin
Early Childhood Specialist & Consultant
Jennifer Martin is an experienced educator and early childhood specialist with more than 20 years of experience serving students and families in school communities across the U.S. Her work spans from classroom teaching to behavior support and early intervention, where she partnered with families to nurture children's academic, social, and emotional development.
Jennifer has contributed to curriculum development with a focus on executive functioning skills and continues to use best practices that support the whole child. Now based in Houston, Texas, she continues to consult educators and schools through meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
Monica McGhee
TEA-Bilingual Certified Teacher
Monica McGhee is a TEA-Bilingual certified teacher bringing over 15 years of experience from public and private schools in Austin, Houston, and internationally in Japan and England. Her fluency in four languages and strong global perspective are invaluable assets to iBis Learning's dual language environment.
Dedicated to nurturing strong values and character, Monica also contributes her time as a parish leader and volunteer. In her free time, she pursues her passion for cooking, which she developed after studying culinary art in France. She is also the proud mother of two curious boys.
Our Mission
At iBis Learning School, we nurture curious learners through social-emotional development, dual-language immersion, hands-on exploration, and mixed-age learning. Our mission is to help children build strong executive function skills and think critically to help them navigate challenges, and become independent, lifelong learners.
Our Vision
At iBis Learning, we envision a school where children learn how to learn—across ages, collaboratively and with purpose—growing into confident, bilingual, and resilient learners.
Our Story
iBis Learning is a family-owned school grounded in strong family values. We believe education thrives through a partnership between home and school, so we foster close, collaborative relationships with parents to support each child’s growth.
A Learning Journey
When our son was ready for preschool, we searched for a nearby place rooted in dual language and focused on social-emotional development. We couldn't find it, and we realized we had to create it and found a place to start with.
Before
Do you want to find out more about
our Two-Ways Dual Language Model?
So Ligia 'GiGi' went back to school, became a teacher, and immersed herself in early childhood education—learning everything she could to bring her dream to life…
That dream found a home in a place with deep personal meaning: iBis Learning School, which once sheltered the family when they lost their home during the Harvey flood. Today, it's a place where children are not only safe but supported, and inspired to grow—mind, heart, and language together.
"iBis" has evolved and adapted to changes along with its creators. iBis Learning is more than a school — it's a labor of love, perseverance and a story of resilience.
After
Curious about iBis' approach to second
language acquisition? Book a visit.
ACCREDITATIONS
- TEA EC-6 Generalist teacher
- TEA Bilingual Teacher
- TEA Science of Reading (Reading Academies)
- CDA Pre 3-5 Bilingual