Our Leadership

Maribel Ventura-Torres is the Executive Director of the Barbara Chambers Children’s Center (BCCC). Mrs. Ventura-Torres has been with BCCC for nearly 40 years, initially working as a teacher and since 1991 as its director.

She has been instrumental in implementing new services for children and families including DC universal pre-K program. Under her supervision, all programs at BCCC have maintained NAEYC accreditation and have consistently attained the ‘Gold’ rating from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

Mrs. Ventura-Torres has fostered a strong partnership with the DC Office of Early Childhood Education and has been actively involved in educational initiatives, such as the implementation and funding of the Before and After school programs throughout the city.

Mrs. Ventura-Torres holds a master’s degree in Teaching Spanish Language and Culture from La Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, a bachelor’s degree in Human Relations from Trinity University, and a Director credential from the University of the District of Columbia.

She was born in El Salvador and has resided in the DC metro area since 1981.

Mrs. Reina Argueta joined the BCCC in 1987. She is an accomplished Child Care Center Administrator with over three decades of experience in all facets of day-to-day non-profit institution management including strategic planning, financing of programs and expansion projects. Mrs. Argueta holds a BS in Business Administration and receives continuous training in finance, accounting, human resources management, and information technology.

Mrs. Argueta was born in El Salvador and has lived in the DC metro area with her family and a series of feline companions, since 1980.

Sonia Di-Majo started her career with BCCC as a teacher in 1991 and is now responsible for the Pre-K and school age Before and After care programs at Barbara Chambers Children's Center. Mrs. Di-Majo holds a bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).

Mrs. Di-Majo was born in El Salvador and has resided in the District of Columbia since 1984.

Maria Arese joined Barbara Chambers Children’s Center in 2002 as a parent and a member of the PTO. In 2005 she started working with the 4-year-olds class and has been the Director of BCCC #2 since March of 2015, and Director of BCCC #5 since March 2022.

As a Center Director, she is responsible for the overall administration of center's childcare services. This includes direct supervision of the staff, training and serving as a role model for teachers, and working with parents.

Ms. Arese has been in the Early Childhood Education field since 1999 and has had the opportunity to work with every age group.

Mrs. Ana Rivera joined BCCC #3 as Director in December 2022. Mrs. Rivera has 7 years of experience working in the educational area. Three of those years at the Department of Education in Puerto Rico, and three years as a Case Manager with drop-out students in a nonprofit program from the PRANG. Lastly, 1 year of experience working with immigrants children as a Lead teacher.

Mrs. Rivera holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in School Psychology. She has recently obtained a Psycology Associate license from DC Health. 

She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been living in Virginia since 2021

As the BCCC General Services Administrator, Hermes Argueta Jr. is responsible for plant operations at the three BCCC centers. Additionally, Mr. Argueta plans and directs BCCC remodeling projects and leads architectural concept and design activities for new facilities.

Mr. Argueta has completed courses in architectural design and computer systems and has been with BCCC for 17 years.