
OUR
TEAM
The Somos-Plymouth program is a collaboration between the Plymouth Congregation and Somos Lawrence. Our priority is English as a second language classes, and we draw on the experience of our local community.
There are no prerequisites to take our classes, nor is it necessary to have studied before. Our curriculum is based on everyday life and the Douglas County community. It integrates language learning with cultural literacy, local services, and community engagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
The Somos-Plymouth Administrative Committee is made up of committed and passionate individuals who work collaboratively to guide our mission and ensure the smooth operation of our programs. With diverse experiences and perspectives, each member contributes their talent and dedication to strengthening our educational and community initiatives, ensuring that our decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the community we serve.
Janet Buie
Janet has been an active volunteer in various English as a
Interim ESL co-coordinator teaching programs, including the Plymouth Language Program,
and Paper Airplanes (a non-profit organization that provides support to refugees in Syria and
other Middle Eastern countries). She currently serves on the Service and Justice Board at
Plymouth Congregational Church.
Araceli Masterson-Algar
She is one of the founders and core volunteers of Somos Lawrence.
She is also an educator and collaborator in various initiatives that seek to build bridges between our different communities. Her hope is for the Somos-Plymouth Language Program to become a collaborative and welcoming space for learning and growing together, demonstrating how language and communication can be the foundation for bigger hopes and dreams.
Rosina Aguirre
She has been a Spanish language educator for over 20 years. She was born and raised in El Salvador and came to Lawrence to complete her bachelor's degree and, later, her master's degree at the University of Kansas. Outside of the classroom, she volunteers for various community organizations, both local and international, that promote education.
Reverend. Caroline Lawson Dean
Pastor Caroline serves as Associate Pastor at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, Kansas. She oversees the faith formation programs, as well as the mission and service initiatives of a vibrant and inclusive congregation. She can be found around town journaling or meeting with people at coffee shops, leaving a class at a local gym, or enjoying nature with her two daughters and husband.
Lourdes Gouveia
She has been a lead volunteer at Somos Lawrence for the past four years. Prior to that, she served as the founding director of the Latino and Latin American Studies program at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where she worked closely with immigrant and Latino communities and organizations, both in and outside the city.
COURSE COORDINATORS AND INSTRUCTORS.

ESL Interim Co-coordinator & English Teacher
Lizette Peter
Lizette joined Somos Plymouth in the spring of 2026 as an ESL I discussion leader. Now retired, she has had a long career in foreign language teaching and teacher training, including as a high school French and ESL teacher, a university professor of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), a language specialist for the Peace Corps, and a volunteer English teacher for Afghan families through IROC (Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center).
![photo_Aguirre[44].png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/afb059_c8031af5cfbe439094a78773a052e678~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_399,h_331,al_c,lg_1,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/photo_Aguirre%5B44%5D.png)
Spanish Language Coordinator
& Spanish Teacher
Rosina Aguirre
She has been a Spanish language educator for over 20 years. She was born and raised in El Salvador and came to Lawrence to complete her bachelor's degree and, later, her master's degree at the University of Kansas. Outside of the classroom, she volunteers for various community organizations, both local and international, that promote education.

English Teacher
Araceli Masterson-Algar
Araceli will be teaching at Somos Plymouth during the fall of 2026, although her primary role with Somos Plymouth is as a volunteer on the administrative committee. Araceli has taught English and Spanish in schools, community centers, and at the university. She greatly enjoys the creative space that the classroom provides, as well as the human connections we form when we learn together.

Spanish Teacher LEVEL 1
Caio Nogueira Fontes de Castro
Caio de Castro is a Brazilian educator with a Master's degree in Latin American Studies and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Kansas. He has experience teaching foreign languages and working with diverse communities. He currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, and is distinguished by his commitment to education, cultural exchange, and social inclusion.
LET'S CONNECT
Learn a little more about who is part of this program.
Connect, discover more content, and join our community.
SOMOS LAWRENCE