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3rd Grade Mandarin Immersion Class at Orion

Meet Our School Leadership

A smiling woman with dark hair and a white blouse with a black bow stands against a plain gray background.

Winnie Chen | Principal

Hello everyone! 您好！I am very excited to be the principal at Orion Alternative School. I have a deep commitment towards uniting my experience and my openness to learn with my student-centered approach to support every child and build strong relationships with everyone. My hope is to create an environment where every student can feel a strong sense of belonging at Orion regardless of their background.

I joined the Redwood City School District in 2017 and have worked as a Mandarin Immersion and Math instructional coach, developing Mandarin Immersion curriculum and coaching teachers in all grade levels. I taught 2nd to 5th Grade in the MI program for 5 years. Throughout the years, I have taken on numerous leadership opportunities such as the School Site Council, School Leadership Team, Mandarin Immersion Advisory, leading district and school-wide professional development programs, and helping new teachers as an Induction Program mentor. Prior to coming to the States, I taught math and Mandarin in two international schools in China. I also taught in a Delaware elementary Mandarin Immersion program, Pre AP/IB Mandarin classes in junior high school in Texas, and World Language classes in Washington D.C.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, swimming, jumping rope, cooking, traveling, and exploring new delicious food. 

MaribelIbarra

Maribel Ibarra | Assistant Principal

Maribel Ibarra serves as the school district's language immersion assistant principal serving both Orion Alternative Elementary School and Adelante Selby Spanish Immerison School. A longtime member of the Redwood City School District community, she brings a deep commitment to supporting students, families, and staff through strong relationships, collaboration, and a student-centered approach to leadership.

Before becoming an assistant principal, Ms. Ibarra served as Orion’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and previously taught fifth grade at the school. Her experience supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth has helped her build meaningful connections across the school community.

Born and raised in Redwood City, Ms. Ibarra is passionate about serving the community that helped shape her own educational journey. She is bilingual in Spanish and is dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with families while creating inclusive and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

As Assistant Principal, Ms. Ibarra works closely with students, families, and staff to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed.