New Faculty Q&A—Meet Ms. De La Ossa

Name: Christel De La Ossa
Department/Job title: Teacher of French (and Class X Advisor)
Previous job(s): French and Spanish K-12 teacher in NYC and Texas public schools, a college instructor (French and political science) in Panama, Florida and Virginia. I was also a French translator for NATO in a previous life (back in the 90s).  
Something that makes Brearley different from other places you've worked: This is my first all-girls school and my first private school. I love it so far.
Favorite food (sweet, savory, etc.): My favorite thing has to be breakfast—a fresh croissant and a café crème—at the terrace of a French café in Paris. I also love Indian food (lamb saag) and street food (tacos) in Mexico. Peruvian cuisine is another one of my favorites.
Coffee or tea (or neither): BOTH! I have to have coffee first thing in the morning. I like a cup of mint tea after lunch.
Favorite Music/Band: Patti Smith (I have seen her live four or five times). I like alternative rock and Latin American hip-hop (Calle 13, Aterciopelados, Mano Negra, Mana….). And of course any type of French music. 
Favorite thing about working in New York: It is a cultural melting pot. 
Hobbies: Traveling, reading French literature, jogging in Central Park, cooking 
Fun fact(s) about you: I was born in France and grew up there. I lived in Algeria as a baby, and spent three years in Panama as an adult. I have traveled extensively by train, plane, automobile and motorcycle throughout Europe, Latin America and Canada.
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The Brearley School is a K-XII independent day school for girls in New York City. Empowering girls of adventurous intellect to think critically and creatively.
610 East 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028
(212) 744-8582 

590 East 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028
(212) 744-8582