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Our Las Terrenas Team
Laura Bencosme
Campus Coordinator - Las Terrenas
Ecology & Environmental Management, la Pontificia Universidad Catholics made y Maestra, Dominican Republic
I began working with children in June 2012, when I had just turned 15. I worked as a teacher assistant in a summer camp in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I remember feeling very nervous and scared, as it was my first formal job ever. After the first day, those feelings of nervousness started transforming into feelings of passion and curiosity for what I was doing. I remember at the end of that first experience, being awarded outstanding employee of the summer camp, and that’s when I started believing in what I was doing and seeking to learn more from it.
After that first experience, I worked for different summer camps around the country, in Jarabacoa, San Cristobal and Santo Domingo. In Jarabacoa, I worked in a four-week long summer camp called Baiguate, in 2014 and 2015. In this particular work experience, we had to stay for a month in Jarabacoa, being 24/7 with our group of kids and mentoring them every single day. Living for a month with these children was yet another experience that touched my heart and motivated me to keep working in the presence of children. Baiguate’s motto is “Quiero, puedo y soy capaz” , which translates into “ I want, I can, and I am capable of doing so”. This motto forever inspires me, and reminds me that everyone, including children, can pursue their dreams.
As I graduated from highschool, I had no clue what I wanted to study. Therefore, I decided to go for a cultural exchange program, in which I went to live abroad for a year in Belgium with a host family. During that year, I became fluent in French and worked as an assistant in a center for mentally handicapped adults , which works towards providing a space where they can perform activities such as cooking, art, music and other fun things. I also lived in a permaculture based community during this time, which led me to decide where I was going regarding my university studies.
I came back to Santo Domingo in 2016 and decided to pursue a career in Ecology and Environmental Management in la Pontificia Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra of Santo Domingo. I got a full scholarship for my four years of studies, and concluded my studies in November 2020. During my college career, I interned at the Botanical Garden of Santo Domingo, volunteered for an organization called Ser Eco, created my own jewelry business called Memoria del Agua , worked for Genius Academy summer camp as an environmental science teacher, created my own gardening workshops at home and pursued my Permaculture Design Certification.
I started as a volunteer in the ISLA family, providing a gardening workshop for the elementary class and a presentation on my bachelor thesis and ecology to the highschool students. In January 2021, I officially became part of the ISLA family , working with the Casita (Pre-k) group in Cabarete. I joined ISLA Las Terrenas team in February 2021, as an elementary teacher for Kinder-2nd grade. I am happy to be part of this family, and would like to keep integrating ecology with education, teaching kids to be guardians of the Earth and enjoy the process of learning.
Ana Raquel Tavarez
Elementary Teacher
Licenciatura en psicologia clinica. Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU).
Hi! I’m Ana Raquel, a proud Dominican who grew up in "la capital". Since my childhood, I've always enjoyed being around children. From being an "assistant" in a daycare at the age of 10 to finally becoming a Kindergarten teacher, my connection with the early years of childhood has been constant. My passion for this stage led me to study Clinical Psychology with the goal of specializing in Early Childhood Intervention, seeking to combine this with my love for the arts through Art Therapy.
My professional career began in a school that follows the Reggio Emilia methodology. It was there that I found a space where children and their ideas are valued, where individual differences are celebrated and an encouraging environment for their creativity and curiosity is created. In addition, I discovered the positive influence of nature in the formation of empathetic, sensitive and committed citizens of the world.
My desire to continue to challenge conventional boundaries and to integrate nature and the arts into my teaching led me to ISLA Academy. I am truly excited to join this amazing team and contribute to this educational community.
Angela Hernandez
Elementary Assistant
Hello everyone! My name is Angela Vazquez. I was born in La Havana, Cuba but moved to the US when I was just 18 years old. I have worked in many fields, from cruises to delivery services. My husband & I decided to retire to the Dominican Republic because of its beautiful beaches and welcoming community. I have 3 lovely children and 4 grandbabies. I have always been passionate about nurturing and caring for kids even outside of being just a mother. As my kids got older, I started to take in foreign exchange students from all different countries so I could help teach them about the US culture but also to provide them a safe and loving family while they explored a new country. A part of me has always known that teaching children was where I belong. I am grateful and appreciative to the ISLA team for boarding me on this next chapter of my life & I hope to become a part your family
Marilis Pehlak
Elementary Teacher
Elementary Coordinator.
BA in Early Childhood Education
Greetings! I am Mariliis Pehlak, and I'm all about helping kids learn while enjoying the great outdoors. I grew up in a cozy village in Estonia, surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers – which made me fall in love with nature.
Forever, I've dreamed of being a teacher. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor's degree in Early Years Education, and not long after, I embarked on a transformative experience in a European Union Teaching Practice Programme, shaping my teaching skills in a vibrant Spanish public school setting in Madrid. I stayed in Madrid for more than ten years, having a blast teaching children aged 3 to 6, embracing Early Years Education as my true passion.
Throughout my time in Madrid, I continued to learn about various alternative teaching methodologies. delved into emotional education practices, and embraced hands-on, child-centered learning approaches. In 2020, I proudly obtained the title of an official Forest School Teacher, solidifying my commitment to innovative and holistic educational practices.
In 2015, I decided to go on a big adventure and traveled the world for two years. My encounters with 8 to 15-year-olds as a volunteer teacher in destinations like Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Laos provided invaluable insights and deepened my appreciation for working with diverse age groups.
Come September 2021, an exciting opportunity presented itself. The role of an Elementary Teacher at ISLA Academy beckoned, and my excitement knew no bounds. ISLA is all about respecting each other, having the freedom to learn, and exploring the world around us – which is precisely how I think learning should be. I'm super proud to be part of the ISLA Las Terrenas team.
Marisol Alvarez
Elementary Assistant
Marisol Alvarez born in USA. I have been living in Dominican Republic for 10 years now lived inthe U.S. for 25 years where I married with 1 child. As a young person I traveled with my parents and 2 brothers to India and South America.
Trigal Moreno
Elementary Teacher
University Catolica Santo Domingo Clinical Psychology
I am Trigal Moreno, an experienced teacher for 15 years at different levels of education. I am an empirical scientist of new and innovative teaching and learning strategies.
I was born and raised in the city of Santo Domingo with my parents and my siblings, both teachers at some point in their careers. My father showed me from a young age, other perspectives of the value of knowledge and the importance of knowing oneself internally.
Since I was a child, I would always immerse myself for hours in the yard, enjoying the trees, making up stories and I always felt very connected to an order beyond what I could understand at the time, but it gave me a lot of security.
Over time I began to expose myself to other experiences such as martial arts (Shaoling Kung Fu for 7 years, Capoeira for 4 years), parkour, dance, theater and play music in different musical projects.
There I was able to have the opportunity to express parts of myself that I didn't know. I was able to direct various groups and do training and staging which I didn't see myself capable of before. I began to develop and discover that there are many interesting and above all fun ways to learn. I was fascinated by the idea of being able to positively influence children's lives through learning.
I went into psychology for several years, then continued researching and began to inform myself and practice various methods such as Waldorf, the Finnish educational system and training in neuropadagogy and inclusive education, where my mind expanded. Not only on a professional level, but on levels beyond what I could imagine.
I began to understand and seeing the process of my students and myself, that there are many ways to explore knowledge. That what is important are the interests of the students, and that it is necessary to respect the learning pace, abilities and talents that each individual carries with him or her. While studying pedagogy at UTEL University in Mexico, I realized how many light years we are apart, and the importance of expanding this type of education, closer to the interests of these generations.
My first job as a teacher was in a kindergarten, Colegio Alicia Guerra in 2019, where I faced unique challenges but also experienced the greatest satisfaction. There I learned the importance of adaptability and creativity in the classroom. Every day was a new opportunity to keep my students interested and help them discover their potential.
I also had the opportunity to work in different areas: arts, English, physical education, language art, among others. In centers such as: Centro Educativo Juego y Aprendo en Inglés, Colegio Aurora Tavares Belliard, Colegio Santa Ana, Padre Julio Sillas, Genius Academy.
Over time, my career led me to teach in various schools and summer projects, private tutoring, among others. I have had the privilege of working with students of different backgrounds and abilities, which has taught me the importance of empathy and inclusion in education.
Outside the classroom, I am dedicated to lifelong learning, creating craft, educational and other projects to enhance my skills as an educator. I strongly believe in education as an engine of social change and am committed to providing my students with the tools they need to face the world with confidence and determination.
My greatest satisfaction as a teacher lies in seeing the personal and academic growth of my students. Every accomplishment, no matter how small, is a confirmation of the positive impact we can have as educators.
In short, being a teacher is not only my profession, it is my vocation and my passion. Every day I wake up with the motivation to make a difference in the lives of my students and to continue to learn and grow alongside them.
Etienne Jean Hilaire
Elementary Assistant
Hello everyone! My name is Etienne Jean Hilaire, and I am excited to share with you my exciting journey at Isla Academy, from when I joined in 2020 until this glorious year 2023. My story is a testimony of how dedication and passion can open doors and allow for significant personal and professional growth.
Adriana Gonzales Vera
Elementary Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Concentration in Sociology
Hi! My name is Adriana.
Like many of our students, I experienced a childhood of movement and adaptation. Born in Peru and schooled across Colombia, Mexico, and the United States - I am intimately familiar with the challenges and opportunities that come with an international upbringing. I lived in the United States through my adult life until November 2021, when my family and I moved to Las Terrenas.
I had the honor of joining ISLA as a teacher's assistant in Phase 5 last year. This experience granted me valuable insights into the unique community and an understanding of the values this school works to instill in our kids’ young minds. With that said, I’d like to share that my journey in education has been both diverse and dynamic.
With a degree in International Relations and Sociology from Canisius College, my academic background provides me with a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics and social structures. Although I'm new to the formal teaching realm, I've had the privilege of guiding young minds as a Spanish and English (ESL) tutor for students aged 9 through high school in the United States. These experiences instilled in me the importance of personalized learning approaches that cater to individual needs and learning styles.
I have also worked as a job readiness program instructor (and co-wrote the curriculum for this program) for a group aged 14 through 21, I facilitated their transition into the professional world by imparting essential life skills and fostering a strong sense of self-confidence. This experience underscores my belief in education as a vehicle for empowering students to excel both academically and in their personal development.
Additionally, being a mother of two young girls further fuels my passion for education. It is with this maternal perspective that I approach my role as a teacher, understanding the importance of fostering a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young minds to flourish.
What truly excites me about ISLA Academy is its commitment to preparing students for the real world. I am committed to creating a classroom where curiosity thrives, diversity is celebrated, and critical thinking takes center stage while fostering a deep understanding of global interconnectedness and societal dynamics.
John McNamara
Secondary Teacher
BSc (Hons) Tourism Development Studies 2:1
TESOL: Language Teaching Methodology
John McNamara thinks that writing a personal bio is a very important matter. To undertake this very serious process he decided to travel through the rivers and mountains of Tibet until he was able to find the temple of the Dalai Lama, once there he sat in uninterrupted silence for many hours of meditation & contemplation and entered the deepest, darkest recesses of his mind – unfortunately the only things that he managed to find there were some Justin Bieber lyrics, a memory of falling off his bicycle when he was 4 years old and a vision of what he would like for breakfast tomorrow (poached eggs with smoked kippers).
Upon returning home, he asked his family what he should write, his wife suggested that he write about his fancy education & experience and why he loves to teach; well, I’ll tell you what he likes about kids; they are fun & inquisitive, they ask lots of questions and are often covered in mud & snot. I’ll also tell you what he doesn’t like about kids; they are fun & inquisitive, they ask lots of questions and are often covered in mud & snot.
His own children recommended that he write about his history;
John McNamara was born in Britain in 1978, until then it was simply called Britain, but after he came along it was renamed Great Britain in his honor (this may or may not be true).
He grew up in a city called Liverpool, it’s famous as that’s also where ‘The Beatles’ are from. Mr. McNamara knows all the words to ‘Hey Jude’ & ‘Let It Be’ but has a terrible singing voice (your ears will fall off if you ever listen to him do Karaoke).
He grew up in a small family (they weren’t dwarves, that just means he didn’t have any brothers or sisters) and he always had big ambitions to become a Viking or a Pirate.
He went to a very boring school with very boring teachers (nothing like ISLA at all) but he liked to study, and he loved to read. As he got older, he was persuaded that maybe a life of adventure on the ocean waves wasn’t for him, so instead he decided to become a teacher.
This was a great decision as it led him to South Korea.
There, he taught at a prestigious Elementary school, met his wife, started a family, and eventually opened their own academy. It was a big success!
But something was missing; ADVENTURE!
It was time to leave and find an exciting new quest elsewhere, but where?! Open a map, close your eyes, press down your finger and there you go - the Dominican Republic!
He arrived in January 2022 and was blown away with how beautiful it was and how friendly the people were, plus – it’s an island of rum & shipwrecks, maybe he could become a pirate after all!
Regrettably, his wife didn’t allow him to become a pirate as she wanted to start her own Korean food business and needed him to be the delivery boy.
He was happy zooming around Las Terrenas delivering delicious food, he would even deliver to ISLA, that’s why all the students there called him ‘Sushi Guy’.
Then one day he heard that ISLA was looking for a new Phase 3 teacher & he thought, ‘hmmm maybe I could do that, maybe that could be fun’.
And fun it was!
But as the tides of change would have it, he has now bid farewell to the good ship P3 and set sail on a new journey, ready to take on the mighty sea monster known as 'teenage angst' as the 2024/25 Phase 5 teacher.
Together with my inquisitive, ambitious, and (most probably) occasionally mutinous teenagers we’ll navigate the stormy seas of adolescence, quench our thirst for knowledge and seek out the buried treasure of imagination.
And I’ll finish writing this very important and serious personal bio.
Lisa Schmidt
Secondary Teacher
Secondary Coordinator
Bachelor’s degree in Education and TESOL certification
My name is Lisa and I am thrilled to begin my third year as part of the ISLA community! The mission and values that are upheld at ISLA academy resonate with my core beliefs, not only as an educator, but as a parent. My family and I moved to Las Terrenas in June 2022 from the U.S. to pursue our dreams of living in the Caribbean. Every day, we wake up feeling blessed to live in this wonderful community within the Dominican Republic.
We are originally from the state of Idaho where I received my bachelors degree in Elementary Education and TESOL/ENL Education in 2018 at Boise State University. School was NOT a passion of mine when I was a child. I was an inquisitive child that was raised in a schooling system which did not encourage creativity and innovative thinking, which in turn, I chose to rebel. It wasn't until adulthood (and motherhood) that I discovered the true privilege, appreciation and power of education.
Over the past 7 years, I have had the opportunity to lead teach in the general education classroom with students ranging from 2nd through 5th grade, but truly found my calling as lead high school teacher last year. I have also had the pleasure of teaching Kindergarten through 12th grade English Language Learners who come from a variety of culturally rich backgrounds. Their diverse experiences has given me the gift to see the world through their eyes and has allowed me to become a more culturally responsive, empathetic, and open-minded human being.
My educational philosophy centralizes around culturally responsive teaching, which recognizes the importance of including students' cultural references in all aspects of learning. This inclusive type of environment allows for an enriching classroom experience which helps students set high expectations for themselves in order to promote individual authentic learning and success.
My goal as this year's lead high school educator and secondary coordinator is to spark curiosity in the minds of students and staff, guide them as they approach their own understanding and craft, and learn right alongside them. Over the course of the school year, I aim to excite students about the world around them and broaden his or her academic interests while simultaneously supporting them emotionally and socially.
Jean Reyes
Secondary Teacher
Bachelor’s degree in Education
Hey there! My name is Jean Reyes. I was born and raised in Santo Domingo, and just recently decided to move away and find a new adventure in Las Terrenas.
I started working as a teacher in late 2017, and I instantly fell in love with it. At the time, I was collaborating with a friend as her substitute teacher, but by January 2018 I was a lead teacher for the English Immersion Program, an intensive, scholarship-based project available to undergraduates in Santo Domingo.
My first year as a full-time teacher cemented my pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Education, so in 2019 I enrolled in APEC University in order to fulfill that goal. Four years later, in early 2023, I graduated and received my degree. In 2022, I went to work for Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña, commonly known as ISFODOSU. There I worked teaching English to undergraduates.
Leaving the city, my intention is to find alternative ways of teaching that align better with the needs of our physical bodies, our emotions, and our planet. I’m excited to be collaborating with ISLA on this new journey.
Nikolas Snyder
Music Teacher
I was born and raised in San Diego, California. I started classical piano at the age of 7, then got into jazz and blues piano when I was 12. In High School I joined the Jazz Band and began playing banjo and guitar. The summer before my junior year I learned trumpet in order to be the Student Band Leader in my junior and senior years of high school. We did a trip with the High School band to New Orleans my Senior year, and I fell in love with the city. So when I turned 18 I bought a one way train ticket to New Orleans and played music there professionally for many years, touring the USA, Canada and Europe as well as playing many of the top Jazz festivals. I have taught at various schools here in the Dominican Republic; Las Terrenas International School (which closed down with the pandemic), Baby’s Planet and Lycée Français International de Las Terrenas. I am happy to have taught the last couple years here at ISLA and am looking forward to the future!
Ogrys Gilbert
Math and Technology Teacher
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Instituto Superior de Docente Salome Urena
Hello, My name is Ogrys Taveras. I grew up between Santiago and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. I work at ISLA as a Math teacher and aid in any tech-related situation. I have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics oriented to education. I am currently doing my Master’s in Applied Mathematics at PUCMM.
I do love math! ISLA allows students to approach mathematics very specially, building up their understanding at their own pace.
I do enjoy watching how mathematics interconnects with many things that we enjoy and sometimes we don’t notice, like how you can geometrically visualise a scale on the guitar neck while you’re playing a song, or how your acceleration can widen or narrow your curvature near the apex while driving a race car, or how your brain creates algorithms for your body when flipping your skateboard over a stair set, there is math in all those things I enjoy and I am pretty sure it is on many other things you also enjoy, in cooking, dancing, planting, or just the nature itself everything has a spice of math to it, therefore, everyone can learn to do mathematics.
Dioradna Tavarez
Art Director & Teacher
I am Dio Tavarez, with over two decades as a Cinematographic Art Director and proudly the Creative Director and Art Teacher at Isla Academy. During five inspiring years as a teacher, I have shared memorable moments with my students, guiding them on a journey towards authenticity and self-confidence.
At Isla Academy, we believe in inspiring children to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams with passion. My commitment is to guide them in the world of art, showing them that perfection is not the goal, but the genuine expression of their being.
Each brushstroke and shared word are testimonials to the power of art to transform lives and build confidence. My greatest satisfaction is witnessing children elevate their self-esteem and grasp that being different is a gift, and that each one has the ability to leave a unique mark on the canvas of life.
With gratitude for this enriching journey, I look forward to continuing to nurture self-love and artistic passion in every child. Together, we create a space where love and confidence can lead our youth towards the realization of their dreams.
Sephora Paulous
Spanish Teacher
Born in Haiti, Sephora traced her educational journey to the Dominican Republic, where she completed her academic training. From an early stage, she immersed herself in pedagogy, leaving a lasting imprint on the institution that witnessed her growth. Her relentless quest for knowledge led her to explore the study of the English language at the prestigious APEC, simultaneously sharing this skill with others, discovering her vocation for the comprehensive formation of individuals, and balancing academic knowledge with human values.
Sephora's tireless dedication drove her to elevate professional standards by implementing innovative teaching methods at the Washington Center, significantly contributing to the planning and updating of methods. Her social commitment led her to be a pioneer in the "good treatment" movement, led by Rosa Ariza, aimed at eradicating bullying from its roots and promoting a safe educational environment.
Her expertise extends beyond the traditional educational realm, as Sephora has cultivated technical skills in administration, marketing, and accounting, excelling in renowned educational centers such as Ascua de Luz and Sigo XXI.
In 2014, Sephora achieved a significant milestone by marrying an exceptional partner, marking a new chapter in Las Terrenas. There, she continued her work as an educator in various centers in the municipality, enriching the lives of those who had the privilege of being her students.
Throughout her career, Sephora took a brief hiatus from the classroom to excel in customer service and property management, showcasing her versatility and exceptional skills in different fields. She was welcomed back into the field of education when the owners of Forever Wild reached out to her, asking her to join their team. Adding to her already extensive repertoire of skills in the classroom setting, Sephora gained knowledge in the learning standards used in the United States curriculum paired with a forest school type environment. Focused on differentiating the learning of each of her students and becoming an integral member of the team, Sephora began using her skills in cooking, languages, and natural remedies to teach lessons lasting far beyond the classroom.
Sephora’s journey in education reached new heights when she became a teacher assistant for elementary students. This experience profoundly impacted her, reinforcing her passion for teaching and her love for working with children. Her dedication and hard work in this role earned her the opportunity to become a lead Spanish teacher. Sephora feels immensely grateful for this role, as it allows her to continue nurturing young minds and sharing her love for the Spanish language.
Her love and passion for teaching not only the curriculum but also the whole child shines bright as she runs camps and various activities beyond the classroom.
Otis Paines
Physical Education Teacher
Otis Paines is from Saint Martin, a small, unique island in the Caribbean. Growing up surrounded by the ocean and nature, he developed a deep connection to the outdoors, immersing himself in activities like motocross, horseback riding, track and field, sailing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Fluent in four languages and coming from a large family, Otis moved to the island a year ago. He has since become known for leading adventure-packed expeditions and camps, where he emphasizes motor skills, team building, and fun. His practical and grounded approach helps others build confidence and connect with the natural world. Otis’s dedication to outdoor education and his love for nature have made him a respected leader in the community.
