Meet Our Staff

  • Co-Founder & Director

    I have a passion for learning that furthers my love for teaching. I love reading about educational methods & theory. I’m constantly looking to integrate what I learn in my parenting and teaching. More than preparing children academically, I want to share and demonstrate the love of Jesus to each of my students and flourish their faith.

    As a young adult, I enjoyed caring for & tutoring children ages 3 to 12. In 2012, I moved to Costa Rica and began my career in educating. First I worked for Amigos de la Educación, a non-profit organization that raises and grants academic scholarships. At the same time I volunteered as a leader at Playa Grande Kids Club where I helped plan weekly activities for school aged children in the community. I started at La Paz Community School in 2014 as the Preschool Assistant Teacher and after-school Dance Instructor. Then in 2015, I founded a large recreational and competitive dance studio in Brasilito called The Movement Dance Studio. For 3 years I created and taught multiple dance programs across a variety of disciplines. Most recently, I launched an early childhood performing arts program called Discover Movement for ages 2-6. Over the past 7 years, I’ve served in children’s ministries teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. I’ve also been homeschooling my own children as well as helping other families in their educational journey developing homeschool co-ops/hybrids.

    I hope to ignite a love for learning in children that will last a lifetime. For many children, the world of the arts gives them a safe space where they have the freedom of creativity. Drawing from my background in the arts, I want to extend the opportunity for my students to examine the true, good, and beautiful gifts God has given each of them.

    CPR and First Aid Certified

    Fully Bilingual & Biliterate

    11 years experience working with children and creating programs for ages 3 - 7

    College courses taken in Early Childhood Development and Spanish

  • Kindergarten Teacher (Blossoms)

    As a teacher, I love that I am continually growing and updating myself each day in order to best serve my students.

    Each of my teaching positions have been incredible and rewarding for me. I am happy to continue being a tool in children’s growth and their personal & professional success here at Flourish. Teaching undoubtedly fills me with great satisfaction.

    I have worked in schools with established values and religious foundations; where each of my students is educated and nourished as individuals capable of facing any circumstance of life.

    The most rewarding thing for me as a teacher is the personal and professional growth at the end of an academic year. Seeing the evolution and learning of each student while they achieve their goals is also a huge reward.

    I thank God for having put me in this beautiful career where every day is joyful and blessed. There is always something new to learn and share with such wonderful and unique little ones.

    CPR & First-Aid certified 

    Licensed Primary School Teacher

    7 years experience teaching children ages 3 and up

  • Preschool/Pre-Kinder Teacher (Seedlings & Sprouts)

    As a child, I always enjoyed teaching. My preschool teacher told my mother that I would be a female leader one day because of my natural ability to lead my classmates. My school teachers would often ask me to help my classmates complete their assignments and I would do it happily! My classmates would also ask for help studying and I felt proud when they would tell me that they did well on a test.I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at the University of Costa Rica. I was fortunate to study under gifted teaching professionals; they inspired me to continue my career. During college, I assisted one of my professors at the university in completing a study for World Vision on children in vulnerable areas. I also taught summer workshops at the university as part of my community project. I provided private tutoring services as well.I love to observing children in their development. I enjoy learning with them, holding class in a dynamic and fun way and always giving my best in order to see the fruits of their learning. Now God has given me the opportunity to work at Flourish, which has been a huge blessing for me and a new adventure in working with children in a faith based environment.

    Certified Primary School Teacher with an emphasis in English

  • 1st - 2nd Teacher (Orchids)

    I received my education training from university after which I started a wonderful career working in nurseries and private centers starting in 2006. Over the last 7 years, I have worked in the Tamarindo area with children ages 6 to 8 years old assisting them in their learning process. I firmly believe that learning is a continuous process, we (teachers) learn from our students every day. Each school year, teachers & students discover new knowledge and skills. I am very excited to be part of the Flourish team to share new experiences with; full of knowledge and spirituality. It is a blessing to be part of this beautiful family.

  • 3rd - 4th Teacher (Flora)

    To me, there is no greater privilege than playing a key part in your child’s journey, as well as the raising of the next generation. One quote that I try and implement in my practice is, ‘tell them and they forget, teach them and they remember, involve them and they learn’. Growing up I’ve always sought opportunities to teach and inspire, listen and learn. This has led me to multiple seasons of au pairing across Italy and Slovenia, a year as a children/youth worker in a church, being an English teacher to Italian children, and most recently, two years as a Primary School teacher. Throughout this time I have loved soaking up the curiosity, joy and playfulness that the Lord has blessed them with. I am thrilled to be a part of the Flourish team and can’t wait to see what God has in store for us this year.

    Bachelor's Degree in Primary Education

    Licensed Primary School Teacher

    7 years of experience working with children 2-18 years old

    First aid trained

    120-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language Qualification

    Conversational in Italian and Spanish

  • 5th & 6th Teacher (Palms)

    My passion for working with children began while volunteering at a summer camp in the U.S. for underprivileged children. It was a safe environment that enabled children to flourish and thrive and I witnessed first-hand the impact that a loving, caring and supportive community can have on the lives of children. I absolutely loved my time there and this led me to pursue a career in education.I spent the following two years working as a Teacher’s Assistant in a primary school in the U.K. (my home country) and later returned to university to complete my teaching qualification. Since then, I have gained experience working in a variety of schools which has helped me gain an insight into various teaching strategies.I am excited to be part of a school community here in Costa Rica which is rooted in the Word of God. I look forward to having the freedom to  talk about the person who has changed my life - Jesus! My hope is that I can create a safe and happy environment where children are nourished spiritually, emotionally and academically.

    Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies

    Licensed Primary School Teacher

    9 years of experience working with children

  • 3rd - 6th Spanish & Social Studies Teacher

    From a very young age I have been passionate about working in education and believe that people should never stop learning.

    I started my work very young in the field of special education in institutions in San José. After 5 years, I had the pleasure of living in Japan for 4 years where I had the privilege of studying the Japanese language while also working with babies and children with Down Syndrome on a volunteer basis.

    When I moved back to Costa Rica, I rejoined the educational field teaching preschool and primary age children. I recently became certified in early stimulation and various reading methods for elementary school learners. I currently specialize in the treatment of dyslexia and firmly believe in utilizimg various learning styles.

    Bachelor's in Primary Education

    Post Graduate Certification in Special Education

    9 years experience working with children

  • Preschool/Pre Kinder Assistant Teacher

  • Preschool - 6th Music Teacher

    I am Brena Lages, a singer and music teacher with a degree from Santa Marcelina University, FASM, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where I graduated in 2003. Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1981, I am currently 42 years old. You can explore my recorded songs on Spotify under the username @brenalages.

    I am thrilled and filled with joy at the prospect of sharing my knowledge and love for music with the students at Flourish School. In my view, music plays a crucial role in the development of motor coordination, auditory perception, and memory. Moreover, it serves as a universal language capable of conveying messages and emotions.

    Recognizing the significance of music in various aspects of our lives, I believe it directly connects us to our spiritual side and faith. I am eager to support students in their learning journey and practice, empowering them to choose how they incorporate the profound tools of music into their lives.

  • Office Administrator

    I have always had the passion to care for people any way I can. I worked at a level 1 Trauma Center for 7 years where I cared for the sick and injured. Now God has led me to Tamarindo and has blessed me with a family. My passion is now to care for the hearts of my young ones by showing and teaching them Gods good news in every aspect of their lives.

    I have had years of teaching and working in administration at private schools in the area, as well as have consistently served for 8 years in the Children’s Ministry at Iglesia Casa Vida. There is such a joy in working with the little hearts of children.

    Tamarindo is now blessed with a Christian School that allows my children, and others, to learn about Gods love mercy and grace through their academic and social interactions. I am excited to be a part of the Flourish team that strives to implement God in every aspect of growing and learning.

    Bachelors of Arts & Science

    CPR & First Aid certified

    Teach4Heart teacher courses

    10+ years of teaching and management experience

  • Academic Coordinator

    My journey in education has been driven by my deep-rooted passion for nurturing minds and creating a positive learning environment. I am genuinely excited to be a part of the Flourish Christian School community, where I can contribute to the growth and development of our students.

    My educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Science of Education with a major in Counseling, providing me with a solid foundation to excel in this role. However, it is my unwavering commitment to mentoring and guiding students on their academic and spiritual journey that truly sets me apart.

    Before joining Flourish, I had the privilege of serving in leadership positions at various educational and religious institutions. In these roles, I had the opportunity to develop innovative strategies, provide essential student and family support, guide teachers and manage the counseling department.

    One of my core beliefs is that each student is unique and deserves to be in a space where they can be themselves and be heard, understood and cared for.

    I am genuinely excited to lead our academic efforts here at Flourish Christian School. My vision, dedication, and unwavering commitment to education and student wellbeing make me passionate about guiding our children and staff at Flourish.

  • Campus Coordinator

  • Groundskeeper

    Don Fernando is the 24-hour caretaker of the Casa Vida property. He helps ensure that the property is prepared each day for staff, students and parents while also keeping it secure in the evenings. Flourish is thankful for the responsibilities Fernando assists with voluntarily including the feeding & care of the Flourish Farm.

  • Occupational Therapist

    My name is María Fernanda Castillo and I'm a licensed Occupational Therapist focusing on the pediatric area. I am currently coursing a Certification in Ayres Sensory Integration. I also have knowledge on The Greenspan Floortime Approach. I speak English and Spanish and have worked with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Hemiparesis, Developmental Delays, Learning Challenges, among others.

  • Speech Therapist

    I have been working with children in the educational field for over 7 years.

    In March of 2019, I received my Bachelors Degree in Speech Therapy from Universidad Autonoma de Centro America. I received my license in April of 2020 in Speech Therapy from the Universidad San Isidro Labrador.

    I specialize in motor speech disorders, teaching life skills with positive discipline, intervention in autism spectrum disorders, early stimulation, childhood speech apraxia, communication intervention programs for children with ASD, stuttering, diagnosis and early intervention for speech sounds disorders with the CLAP approach.

    Registered by the College of Therapists of Costa Rica

    7 years of experience working with children

    Fluent in Spanish and English

“May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 115:14-15

Growing a love for learning.