Meet our team

Iris D. Santiago Cintrón is proud to serve as the Principal of Columbus Bilingual Academy North, bringing more than a decade of educational experience and over eight years of dedicated service to the school community. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to creating an environment in which every student is challenged to excel academically while feeling valued, supported, and connected to their culture.

Originally from Puerto Rico, Principal Santiago Cintrón earned a Bachelor of Science in K–12 Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus, graduating cum laude. She later completed a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration in Mild Disabilities from Caribbean University, graduating summa cum laude. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, further strengthening her expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum development, and school improvement.

Her educational career began as a first-grade teacher in Puerto Rico before she relocated to Ohio and joined Columbus Bilingual Academy North as a Mathematics and Science teacher. She later served as Director of Academics and Assistant Principal, leading initiatives focused on instructional excellence, data-driven decision-making, professional development, and student achievement. These experiences prepared her to lead the school as Principal.

Principal Santiago Cintrón believes education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities. Her Puerto Rican heritage has shaped her passion for bilingual education and her belief that language and culture are strengths to be celebrated. She is dedicated to ensuring every student—especially multilingual learners—has access to a rigorous, inclusive, and supportive educational experience.

As Principal, her vision is to cultivate a school community built on high expectations, strong relationships, and continuous growth. She is committed to advancing academic excellence, strengthening family partnerships, and fostering a safe, welcoming environment where students develop the confidence, character, and skills needed for lifelong success. She also believes helping students embrace their cultural identity prepares them to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.

Outside of school, Principal Santiago Cintrón enjoys traveling, photography, gardening, exploring new cuisines, and spending time with family. She is honored to serve the Columbus Bilingual Academy North community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to help every child reach their highest potential.

Christine Azeez is proud to serve as Principal of Columbus Bilingual Academy North Annex, bringing more than 16 years of experience in education and a passion for helping every student reach their full potential. She is committed to fostering a school community where students feel safe, valued, challenged, and inspired to succeed.

Principal Azeez earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Studies from The Ohio State University, with a minor in Family Relations and Human Development. She also holds a Master of Education in Early Education from Grand Canyon University. Her educational background, combined with years of classroom and leadership experience, has shaped her student-centered approach to education.

Throughout her career, Principal Azeez has served in a variety of roles, including kindergarten, first grade, and middle school teacher, Behavior Intervention Specialist, and school leader. For more than eight years, she has been part of the ACCEL Schools family, serving students in both traditional school settings and the online learning environment. She also previously served at Columbus Bilingual Academy North as both a kindergarten teacher and Assistant Principal, giving her a deep understanding of the school's mission, culture, and community.

Principal Azeez believes every child deserves an advocate who believes in their potential. She is passionate about creating opportunities for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally while building the confidence and character needed for lifelong success.

Her vision for Columbus Bilingual Academy North is to cultivate a culture built on strong relationships, high expectations, and collaboration. She is dedicated to supporting outstanding teaching, strengthening partnerships with families, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a welcoming, inclusive learning environment.

Outside of school, Principal Azeez enjoys reading, writing, solving puzzles, camping, and watching movies. She also enjoys exploring topics related to nature, self-sufficiency, and off-grid living. A fun fact about Principal Azeez is that she is the published author of the children's book What Do Monsters Eat?

Principal Azeez is honored to lead the Columbus Bilingual Academy North community and looks forward to partnering with students, families, and staff to continue building a school where every child is empowered to learn, grow, and succeed.