Team

Meet Our Faculty

Carmen
Manon

Carmen is our First Grade teacher at Gaia School and brings over 20 years of experience in Waldorf education. She holds a Waldorf Teacher Certification from the Anthroposophical Center in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and began her teaching career as a music instructor in Mexico City and Aguascalientes while pursuing studies in Violoncello at the National School of Music of Mexico (ENM). Throughout her career, Carmen has worked at numerous Waldorf schools, including the Waldorf School of Turrialba (Costa Rica), Cuernavaca Waldorf School (Mexico), West Palm Beach Waldorf School (Florida), Green Meadow Waldorf School (NY), and Kimberton Waldorf School (Pennsylvania), where she taught Spanish and handwork. Carmen’s passion for Waldorf education extends to her personal life as well—she is married to a Waldorf class teacher, and both of their daughters received a full Waldorf education. We are delighted to have Carmen leading our first grade, where she enthusiastically shares her knowledge and dedication to fostering a love for learning in her students.

FACULTY

Juan
Berecoechea

Juan, our dedicated 2nd-grade teacher at Gaia School, combines his 17 years of experience in Waldorf Kindergartens with an outstanding career in dance and circus arts. As a full professor at the National University of Tres de Febrero, Argentina, and trained in Waldorf Pedagogy in various countries, Juan is also a teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language (ELE). As a dancer and choreographer, he has founded the successful "Vanakkam" Troupe and the "aRiesgo" Company, performing over 150 shows in Argentina and abroad. Currently, he is training in Spatial Dynamics and Bothmer Gymnastics, in addition to obtaining an English Teaching degree. Juan's comprehensive approach and passion for education make him an inspiring figure in our school community.

FACULTY

Mariel
Torres

Mariel Torres is the assistant to Juan, our second grade teacher at Gaia School. She grew up in the province of Limón and moved to Cóbano, Costa Rica, in 2000. Mariel holds a degree in Primary Education from Universidad Hispanoamericana and a Bachelor’s degree from Universidad Castro Carazo. Before joining Gaia, she worked as a teacher at Futuro Verde and is now an essential part of our community, supporting various initiatives across the school.

In her free time, Mariel enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, horseback riding, and exploring nature. We are excited to have her on the team and greatly appreciate the dedication and positive energy she brings to Gaia School.

FACULTY

Melanie
Rodriguez

Melanie Rodriguez, our dedicated third grade teacher at Gaia School, is originally from South Florida. With a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education from the University of Central Florida, Melanie brings a diverse and well-rounded educational background to our community. During her studies, she had the opportunity to expand her teaching perspective through an internship at Whitleigh Community Primary in Plymouth, England. After graduating and teaching in Orlando for several years, Melanie embraced a new adventure and moved to Montezuma, Costa Rica, in 2017 to pursue her passion for education. Since then, she has been teaching in the area, building a life, and starting a family of her own. With extensive experience in traditional educational settings, Melanie felt the need to seek a new approach that aligned more deeply with her values. Discovering Gaia School was the spark she had been searching for, reigniting her love for teaching. She believes that the Waldorf methodology offers a beautiful, holistic way to educate children and is thrilled to be part of the Gaia community, where she continues to learn and grow alongside her students

FACULTY

Marco
Spindola

Marco Spíndola, our new fourth grade teacher at Gaia School, brings nearly 30 years of teaching experience to our community. A trained Waldorf educator, Marco completed his Waldorf training at the Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto. Throughout his career, he has served as a class teacher, music teacher, Spanish teacher, orchestra teacher, and drama teacher at Waldorf schools in Mexico, Costa Rica, and the United States.

Before embracing Waldorf education, Marco taught music, drama, and classical guitar in Mexico, enriching his approach with a strong foundation in the arts. He has also contributed his expertise as an instructor at a Waldorf teacher training institute in Cuernavaca, Mexico. We are thrilled to welcome Marco to Gaia School and look forward to the knowledge and passion he brings to our community!

FACULTY

Anya
Forrestell

Anya, our dedicated fourth and fifth grade teacher at Gaia School, brings over 20 years of classroom experience, with a strong focus on grades 5 and 6. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Anya has lived in Costa Rica on and off for more than two decades, teaching in several local schools as well as in Canada. In addition to her classroom teaching, Anya led the Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical (SINEM) in Montezuma for many years, where she directed a youth string orchestra and taught violin, viola, and cello.

Anya holds degrees in psychology, sociology, education, and special education, and is fluently trilingual in Spanish, English, and French. Currently, she is embracing the Waldorf methodology under the guidance of our experienced mentor, Alecia Dodge. Anya is passionate about creating engaging and dynamic lessons, fostering thought-provoking discussions, and guiding her students as they explore the world around them. With a deep commitment to her students' growth and success, Anya aims to inspire a lifelong love of learning and curiosity in her classroom at Gaia School

FACULTY

Marianela
Fallas

Marianela Fallas Castro is the Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Gaia School, bringing a strong commitment to children's well-being and education. Born in San Ramón de Alajuela, she has spent her entire life in the Cóbano area of Costa Rica. Marianela holds a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual Preschool Education from the University of Costa Rica and is on track to obtain her Education degree in 2023. Her educational journey led her to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where she pursued specialized training in Waldorf pedagogy, further enriching her knowledge and skills in this methodology. Marianela has gained valuable experience working in both public and private educational institutions in Costa Rica, reinforcing her passion for supporting children’s growth and development. Outside of her professional life, Marianela enjoys engaging in sports, staying active, exploring new places through travel, and cherishing moments with her family, who hold a special place in her heart. She believes that each day presents an opportunity for personal growth and self-improvement. Marianela is honored to be part of the Gaia School team and is enthusiastic about leading the Pre-Kindergarten program and contributing to the school's mission and vision.

FACULTY

Florian
Valverde

Florian Valverde Camareno, originally from Paquera and currently residing in Cóbano, is the new assistant to Marianela in the Pre-Kindergarten class at Gaia School. At 31 years old, she brings a deep passion for early childhood education and a strong commitment to creating nurturing learning environments. Florian completed her primary education at Escuela Julio Acosta García in Paquera and her high school education at C.T.P. de Paquera. She later pursued her Bachelor's degree in Preschool Education at Universidad Castro Carazo. With four years of experience as an educator, Florian began her career at Cen Cinai in Cóbano, where she worked for two years before moving on to Liam Baby House, where she dedicated another two years.

Florian is thrilled to be part of the Gaia School community and is eager to immerse herself in the Waldorf methodology. She sees this as a wonderful opportunity to continue growing professionally while contributing to a warm, supportive, and engaging environment for the children.

FACULTY

Patricia
Fernandez

Patricia, our new lead Kindergarten teacher at Gaia School, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our early childhood program. Originally from Spain, she moved to Costa Rica eight years ago, where she fell in love with the country’s natural beauty and decided to build a new life with her husband. Soon after, they welcomed their daughter, Vera, into their family. Since joining Gaia, Patricia has completed two Waldorf trainings, and we are thrilled to see her potential flourish as she takes on this new responsibility. With a background in special education and extensive experience as an educational support teacher in various centers in Madrid and Costa Rica, Patricia believes in honoring each child’s unique learning pace. She is passionate about creating an educational environment that embraces multiple intelligences, where every child’s strengths can be nurtured with the support of their families and teachers. In her free time, Patricia enjoys spending quality time with her family, walking her dogs, and caring for her other animals. She loves reading, exploring nature, and finding peace in the tranquility that Costa Rica offers. We are excited to have her lead our Kindergarten team and look forward to her continued impact on our community!

FACULTY

Solmar
Fernandez

Solmar Fernández Segura, the Kindergarten Assistant to Patricia at Gaia School, is a Costa Rican native born in San Ramón de Alajuela in October 1997. She grew up in Río Negro and completed her high school education at Colegio Técnico Profesional de Cóbano. Afterward, she moved to Puntarenas, where she began studying English Teaching at the University of Costa Rica.

With over six years of experience as a private tutor and nanny for various families and guests in local villas and hotels, Solmar has developed a nurturing approach to working with children. Now, as part of the Gaia School community, she is excited to learn more about Waldorf Pedagogy and embrace this new teaching methodology. Her warmth, gentleness, and dedication make her a wonderful addition to our team, and we are thrilled to see her grow in her role.

FACULTY

Alejandra
Fallas

Alejandra Fallas Rojas, the Kindergarten Assistant at Gaia School, is a dedicated Costa Rican educator. From a young age, she dreamed of becoming a teacher, a passion nurtured by a loving family and a happy childhood. As she grew, her commitment to this path only deepened, and she knew that teaching was her true calling. Alejandra recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education (I and II Cycle) from the Universidad Hispanoamericana. Her goal is to be an educator who gives her best to her students, providing not only academic instruction but also fostering values, respect, and holistic development—emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. She is currently furthering her skills through Waldorf pedagogy training in Argentina, aiming to deepen her understanding of this methodology to better support the children in their learning journey. This is Alejandra’s third academic year at Gaia School, a place she considers her second home. She feels truly grateful for the support she has received and is honored to be part of such a welcoming and inspiring community.

FACULTY

Lucia
Mereu

Lucia, originally from Sardinia, Italy, holds degrees in Psychological Sciences and Techniques, along with a Master’s in Developmental Psychology and Social-Work Processes. During an Erasmus exchange at Spain’s Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, she gained further expertise in child education and inclusion. Her introduction to Waldorf education began as an assistant Pre-K teacher, where she immersed herself in its philosophy and practices.

Now serving as our school psychologist, Lucia combines her academic background with a passion for Waldorf principles to support the holistic development of our students. Recently, she completed a specialization in Clay Field Therapy in England, allowing her to better address specific learning and developmental challenges. Additionally, she is studying Sensorimotor Psychotherapy in the United States and Italy to provide comprehensive support for students, teachers, and families. Lucia’s diverse expertise and commitment to child development make her a valuable addition to our school community.

FACULTY

Pamela
Cerdas

Pamela, our Spanish teacher, is a Costa Rican native with a rich background in the arts and education. She holds a degree in Dramatic Arts from the University of Costa Rica, where she developed her skills in both performance and pedagogy. With over seven years of experience leading theater workshops for all ages, Pamela has focused on fostering personal growth through the power of the stage. Her expertise extends to public institutions, including municipalities, cultural centers, and state theaters. Before joining Gaia, Pamela spent two years designing a theater curriculum for a local international school on the Peninsula. In addition to her work in drama, she has expanded her knowledge into fields such as art therapy, psychodrama, and creative movement. Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Pamela aims to integrate artistic psychotherapy techniques into her teaching approach, blending creativity with emotional development. Her dedication to continuous growth, love for nature, and passion for the arts shine through in every class, making her an inspiring presence in the Gaia School community.

FACULTY

Viktorija
Zenkova

Viktorija, a gifted herbalist and brewmaster hailing from Latvia, has called Costa Rica home for over 8 years. Her journey at Gaia School involves co-creating our vision and mission, seamlessly blending permaculture and biodynamic wisdom with the playful spirits of the children in our school. Together, they breathe life into our food gardens, medicine gardens, and native forests. Viktorija is not only a dedicated teacher but also a weaver of sacred life paths. For the past 6 years, she has been imparting wisdom through workshops, touching the lives of local communities. Her journey is one of continuous learning from nature and her abundant medicines. Central to her philosophy is the belief in responsibility and sustainability. She advocates for the value of independence and the power of regeneration. Viktorija is a practitioner and passionate promoter of concepts like "Immunity for the Community," "Zero Waste," and "Fair Energy Exchange." Under her guidance, we learn the profound art of nurturing not only our environment but also our spirits.

FACULTY

Juan Ignacio
Diano

Juan Ignacio Diano, our enthusiastic new Games & Movement teacher at Gaia School, is a passionate educator from Argentina with a lifelong love for sports and the outdoors. Influenced by his father, Juan has always embraced an active lifestyle, which led him to become a physical education teacher. He is also a certified swim coach and lifeguard, combining his love for the water with a commitment to safety and skill-building. Now transitioning into the Waldorf approach, Juan is excited to explore the differences between traditional sports and the holistic Waldorf method, which nurtures physical, emotional, and social growth. His energy and dedication make him a fantastic addition to Gaia School, and we look forward to seeing him inspire our students through his vibrant approach to movement and wellness. Outside the classroom, Juan enjoys hiking, camping, open-water swimming, cycling, and running. He believes that spending time in nature is essential for physical and mental well-being, viewing sports not just as activities, but as a way of life—one that he is passionate about sharing with others.

Meet the Administration Team

ADMINISTRATION

Reese
Langston

Reese, our Head of the School has been in Costa Rica and on the Nicoya Peninsula since the early 1990’s, working in a variety of fields. He has a background in education, NGO work, law, real estate and hospitality. One of his early ventures was helping to start the Playas de Nosara Community School in the early 2000’s. Reese is excited to use his diverse background to help Gaia become a landmark institution. When not working, or volunteering, he loves spending time with his wife and 4 children, surfing and diving into the most recent issues of Foreign Policy magazine.

ADMINISTRATION

Heather
Fields

Heather is the Head Teacher at Gaia School. Over the last twenty years she has taught in both private and public schools in the U.S. and abroad including a wide-range of students from preschool to adults. After earning her Master’s in Waldorf Education, Heather taught in Waldorf schools in England, Hawaii, Nepal, and California where she also began her journey as an administrator. Heather first fell in love with Costa Rica more than twenty years ago when she visited as a language exchange student over three summers living with local families in San Jose, Quepos, and Esterillos Oeste. She is very happy to be back in Costa Rica and to be part of the creation of Gaia School.

ADMINISTRATION

Angie
Briceño

Angie is an educator by profession with over a decade of experience. During the past 7 years she has been working in education administration on roles in the Human Resource department, Fundraising, Admissions, Scholarships and legal areas. Currently, Angie is the Head of Administration at The Gaia School, eager to embrace the Waldorf philosophy. She holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis in Bilingual Education, a Master's degree in Project Management, different leadership certifications and currently pursuing a master's degree in Intercultural and Inclusive Education from La Universidad Internacional de la Rioja. When not working Angie loves to spend time with her family, exercise, hike and walk outdoors, learn French and travel to new places.

ADMINISTRATION

Claudia
Martinez

Claudia, a French-Spanish national, was educated in Spain and France. She holds a dual degree in Law and Business Administration from the University of Lyon 3, taught in three languages. She did her Master in Hospitality Management at the Complutense University of Madrid.
Throughout her career, she has primarily held roles in sales and administration, driven by her passion for assisting and contributing positively to the lives of others. Claudia's most recent endeavor led her to the holistic health sector, where she served as a Senior Advisor at the renowned SHA Wellness Clinic, a luxury health facility. Claudia is now a vital part of the Gaia School community, serving as the Marketing Director and Head of Admissions. She is responsible for managing parent communication, enrollment, and overseeing the school’s marketing strategies to ensure that Gaia reaches its targeted audience. Additionally, she manages the school's digital presence, helping to strengthen the connection between the school and the broader community.

Alecia
Dodge

Alecia Dodge brings over three decades of Waldorf Education expertise to her role as a mentor at Gaia School, specializing in the Handwork program. With a foundation laid at the Waldorf School of Santa Barbara and later at the Waldorf School of the Peninsula, she has cultivated her skills as a Handwork Teacher since 1999, when she was part of the pioneering graduating class of the Applied Arts Program at Sunbridge College. Her commitment to education led her to co-found and coordinate a West Coast training program for Waldorf Handwork Teachers at Rudolf Steiner College, where she served for 15 years. Alecia's journey includes a diverse background in entrepreneurship, owning and operating a dressmaking/design shop in Berkeley, California, before transitioning into Waldorf teaching. Her academic achievements include a BS degree in Home Economics from the University of California at Davis, and she obtained her Waldorf Teaching Certificate from Rudolf Steiner College in 2013, followed by a MA in Waldorf Education with a focus on Handwork in 2016. Alecia's dedication to Waldorf education extends beyond the classroom; she is married with two grown children, both of whom benefited from Waldorf education from Kindergarten through eighth grade.

ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION

Ivannia
Fernandez

Ivannia Fernández, the Administrative Assistant and Receptionist at Gaia School, is the first point of contact for parents, students, and visitors. Originally from Puntarenas and born in 1992, Ivannia has always been passionate about learning and serving others. In 2012, she began her studies in Pharmacy at Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, an area that inspired her deeply and where she worked for eight years, providing guidance and support to those in need. Although she did not complete her Pharmacy degree, she redirected her passion toward Public Accounting—a field that allows her to continue helping others by supporting business growth and the achievement of professional goals. Outside of her professional life, Ivannia practices mindfulness, finding joy in being present and appreciating each moment. She enjoys reading and engaging in activities that keep her connected to herself and her surroundings. Gaia School is excited to have her as the welcoming face of the school and a supportive presence for the entire community.Throughout her career, she has primarily held roles in sales and administration, driven by her passion for assisting and contributing positively to the lives of others.

Meet the Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David
Perry

David is native of Arkansas in the United states. He has a chemical engineering degree from the University of Tulsa and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has spent his career as an entrepreneur, starting three publicly traded companies-- Chemdex, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, and Better Therapeutics, where he currently serves as the Executive Chairman. He was also the founding CEO of Indigo Agriculture. While in Costa Rica, David tries to surf everyday.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Georgi
Perry

Georgi came to Santa Teresa for the first time in 2013 and fell in love. She is honored to be a part of this community and is committed to contributing to its betterment wherever she can. She is a loving mother of two children: a 7 year old little girl, Vivienne and an 11 year old pup, Charlie. For the past 10 years she has been committed to spreading the message that food is medicine. To this end she collaborates within this vibrant community to grow and prepare food that nourishes and heals.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thomas
Hartland-Mackie

Thomas was born and raised in Switzerland before moving to Colorado and spending most of his life in the United States. He is president and CEO of Labora Global which owns several operating companies in the solar products distribution and electrical materials distribution space. Philanthropy is a major part of his life, having served on the boards of a number of charities including the Alcuin School, the Dallas Museum of Art and The Bridge Homeless Shelter. A devoted family man, Thomas is the proud father of four and enjoys spending quality time with his children and wife, Nasiba. He is passionate about art and enjoys surfing when he is in Costa Rica.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nasiba
Hartland-Mackie

Nasiba is a devoted mother of four, dedicated to raising her family in natural surroundings in Costa Rica and teaching them the importance of building a more sustainable planet. She continues to collaborate with other like-minded mothers to educate the wider community in non-toxic living and wellness via her social platforms.

Career Opportunities

Welcome to The Gaia School careers section, where we believe in fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment!

As a school rooted in Waldorf principles and committed to nurturing the potential of every individual, we value educators who are creative and have a profound connection with nature. Join our dedicated team of educators who inspire students to discover the joy of learning and embrace their unique gifts. At The Gaia School, we encourage creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning not only in our students but also in our staff. As a member of our faculty, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals and participate in ongoing professional development programs. We are always on the lookout for exceptional educators and staff members who share our values and vision. If you are interested in becoming part of our vibrant community and would like to inquire about job opportunities or to submit your application, please send your resume and cover letter to hiring@gaiaschoolcr.org.

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