Team

Meet the Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Interim Head of School

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.

Meet the Administration Team

Head Teacher

ADMINISTRATION

Heather Fields

Over the last twenty years Heather 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.

Administrative Director

Director of Admissions, Communications & Marketing

ADMINISTRATION

Khalida Katz Lockheed

Khalida is a bilingual educator and digital design professional with over 20 years of experience in leadership within education, creative industries, and community development. She is passionate about fostering inclusive, student-centered environments and effective cross-cultural communication. With a background in teaching Visual Arts and Theory of Knowledge, as well as leading curriculum development for international programs, Khalida brings a deep understanding of educational philosophy and community engagement. Her experience includes founding and growing a dual-language international school in Costa Rica, where she promoted shared vision and cultural competence.
Khalida’s expertise extends to digital communication, branding, and project management, supporting learning platforms and community outreach at BEabove Leadership. She holds an MFA in Digital Design from Pratt Institute and a BA from William Smith College. As Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Communication, Khalida is dedicated to welcoming diverse families, sharing the school's mission, and cultivating a strong sense of community.

ADMINISTRATION

Daniel Segura

Financial Officer

Admissions, Communications & Marketing Manager

ADMINISTRATION

Valeria Murillo

Valeria holds a degree in Journalism and has been part of the digital media world since 2010, working as a copywriter, communications coordinator, and creative. She finds joy in giving shape to stories, whether through writing, crafting content, or creating narratives that speak both on the page and on the screen. Her career has included collaborations with both commercial brands and mission-driven institutions, always exploring how to craft stories that connect with people in a genuine way.
In the Waldorf philosophy she recognizes a path that resonates with her own story, stirring the wish that her sensitivity had once been embraced in such a way. At Gaia School she has found a place where that recognition inspires her daily work where professional skills meet what moves her most: the silence of nature, the beauty of simplicity, and the tenderness that keeps the world gentle. She loves the sound of the forest and creative expression in all its forms, qualities that nurture her sensitivity and curiosity, and connect her with the world of childhood.

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

Waldorf Mentor Teacher and Handwork Specialist

ADMINISTRATION

Ivannia Fernandez

Ivannia Fernández 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.

Administrative Assistant

ADMINISTRATION

Rob Essa

Head Chef

Rob is a plant-based chef who has lived in Santa Teresa for 25 years. He was raised on a farm in North Carolina and was professionally trained as a chef at Johnson and Wales in Charleston, South Carolina. He worked at the Harker School in San Jose, CA, where he learned how to offer culturally appropriate, kid-friendly food to over 2000 students. He worked as the Executive Chef at Casa Chameleon hotel in Mal País for seven years and currently works as a private chef for Blake Mycoskie and his family. He and his wife, Marianne Fischel, along with their two daughters, Kalyana and Zoey, own a hotel in Santa Teresa called the Magic Place. Zoey, aged 10, attends Gaia School.

Meet Our 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

Patricia
Fernandez

Patricia, 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

Kim
Van De Berghe

Kim is the Lead Kindergarten Teacher at Gaia School. Originally from Belgium, she brings more than 20 years of teaching experience, including 14 years in Waldorf education. She began her journey in traditional education, working with young children for 6 years before transitioning to the Waldorf approach, where she focused on early childhood and first grade.
She moved to Costa Rica 4 years ago with her partner to begin a new chapter. For the past 3.5 years, she taught a mixed-age group of preschool and early grades at Pacific Waldorf School in Guanacaste. Kim is thrilled to be part of the Gaia community and to share her passion for nurturing young minds through the Waldorf philosophy. She deeply values the beauty and simplicity of Costa Rica’s natural environment, and believes it provides rich, meaningful learning experiences for children. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, crafts, sound healing, yoga, and embracing the Pura Vida lifestyle.

FACULTY

Melanie
Kidd

Melanie returns to Gaia, now as our new First grade teacher. She grew up in Idaho, spending her summers in the mountains and learning to motorbike at a young age. Her childhood taught her the value of hard work, as she worked in her family's businesses and accompanied her father on building sites. Longing to see more of the world, she moved to the San Francisco Bay area to attend the Academy of Art University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Fine Art Painting and Sculpture. Melanie then travelled to India to complete a Yoga Teacher Training Certificate in the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon returning to San Francisco, Melanie began teaching at a local Waldorf school and undertook her Waldorf teacher training with a specialization in high school and early childhood education before helping found San Francisco's first urban farm school as an Early Childhood teacher. Melanie has moved to Costa Rica with her partner to deepen their knowledge of the land while serving the community of Gaia School.

FACULTY

Carmen
Manon

Carmen is our Second 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 second grade, where she enthusiastically shares her knowledge and dedication to fostering a love for learning in her students.

FACULTY

Juan
Berecoechea

Juan, our dedicated Third 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

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

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.

Mariel
Torres

Mariel Torres is the assistant to Juan, our Third 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

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

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

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.

Meet the Board

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Meet Our Faculty

Career Opportunities

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