Thursday, September 24th- Día de Mercedes: No classes
Our Cabarete Team
Nicol Mejía Castillo
Primary Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design
PUCMM University
Nicol was born and raised in Sosúa, Dominican Republic, and has been connected to the field
of education from a very young age. As the daughter of an educator and principal in the
Dominican Republic's public school system, she grew up in an environment where learning,
teaching, and serving students were part of everyday life. From an early age, she helped
prepare educational materials, interactive resources, and creative classroom projects,
developing a deep appreciation for the positive impact education can have on people's lives.
Her passion for learning and working with children led her to become actively involved in
educational settings from the age of 12, supporting teachers and taking on classroom
responsibilities whenever needed. During those years, she had the opportunity to work with
large groups of students and contribute to the development of essential literacy skills, including reading and writing—experiences that further strengthened her passion for teaching.
Nicol holds a bachelor's degree in Interior Design, a field she chose because of her love for
creativity, problem-solving, and designing spaces that enhance people's experiences and
well-being. However, her passion for education has always remained a central part of her
personal and professional journey.
In 2025, she joined the ISLA Academy community as a one-on-one support tutor, an experience that reaffirmed her calling as an educator. During this time, she supported a student in his academic, social, and personal development, witnessing firsthand the positive impact that student-centered education can have.
Nicol firmly believes that every child learns differently and that creativity, empathy, and patience are essential to creating meaningful learning experiences. She is committed to helping her students build confidence, develop curiosity, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning.
Nicol is currently exploring graduate programs with the goal of pursuing a master's degree in
Early Childhood and Primary Education, further demonstrating her commitment to continuous
professional growth and to providing enriching, high-quality learning experiences for her
students.
Gloribel Davila Ricart
Primary Mentor Lead Teacher &
Director of Performing Arts
Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Education from UNICARIBE University with a specialty in Early Childhood Stimulation
Master's Degree in Learning Process and Preschool Management from UASD University
Hi! My name is Gloribel Davila. I’m proud to be part of Isla Academy! I am Dominican, received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UNICARIBE University with a specialty in Early Childhood Stimulation, recently finishing a Master's Degree in Learning Process and Preschool Management from UASD university. This will be my 15th year teaching, offering curricular adaptations for children with educational support. I’m very creative! I love music, art, and science! I have worked with boys and girls with autism in regular classrooms. I have created workshops for parents and teachers to answer concerns about children's neurological, socio-emotional, and motor development. One of my goals is to use different pedagogical and creative activities that promote positive skills in children. I have a true passion for working with young learners! They are the key to the future! I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures their growth in a positive, fun, and lovable environment. I’m married and have a beautiful 13-year-old daughter who is part of the school too! I'm looking forward to working with you as partners in every child's growth.
Rachael Baker de Soler
Elementary Mentor Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Primary Education
Birmingham City University
Hello. My name is Rachael. I am originally from England. I knew from an early age I wanted to be a teacher, so after college, I went on to attend university. I went on to gain a BA (Honors) degree in Primary Education, specializing in Early Years in 2009. I taught in a range of schools, and have experience teaching children from 2– 11 years old. For our family holidays, we usually stayed close to home and visited Spain, Portugal, or one of the Balearic or Canary Islands. This was until one day my mum saw an offer in the travel agent’s window that she couldn’t pass up. Our first vacation to the Dominican Republic was back in 2006. There was a special charm about this small Caribbean island that inspired me to return, which I did for many years, until together with my identical twin I took the plunge and moved to Cabarete at the end of 2011.
With only what we could fit into a suitcase, we flew 9 hours, over 4,000 miles from home to see where Caribbean life would take us. After only a month, I began working at an international school here on the North Coast. I was a third-grade homeroom teacher for four and a half years.
I have three children who all attend ISLA Academy, and I am happy that they have the opportunity to have such a hands-on, child-centered education, such as is offered here at ISLA. I am a firm believer that children learn by ‘doing’, therefore I believe that using inquiry to allow children to ask and answer questions about the world around them is a fantastic way to engage children and help them to learn2love2learn.
I am very much looking forward to this next academic year, my eleventh year teaching at ISLA Academy.
Savannah Scallon
Elementary Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Spanish Teaching
University of Northern Iowa
Hi! My name is Savannah Scallon. I am originally from Iowa, where I earned my bachelor's degree in education. After graduating, I taught in Honduras for two years and then in Iowa for another two years. During my spring break in March 2023, I visited the Dominican Republic to go scuba diving. I made the decision to move here in June 2023, and since then, I have been helping manage a local scuba diving business. While I have enjoyed this exciting adventure, I have truly missed teaching, so I am thrilled to be joining the ISLA Academy community.
Teaching has always been my passion. I strive to create an inclusive, engaging classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential. My goal is to help each child grow not only academically but also socially and emotionally.
Outside of the classroom, you will usually find me making crafts, spending time with my dogs, scuba diving with my husband, or volunteering with local animal rescue organizations. I am excited to get to know my students and their families and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth together!
Thomas Daniel
Middle School Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies
Indiana University
Master's degree in Educational Leadership
University of Massachusetts Global
Greetings, Isla Family!
My name is Thomas Daniel. I am a 50-year-old High School Administrator from Gary, Indiana! I am a proud father of 4 (Kennedy, Psalms, Seven and Eaton) and have been an educator and youth advocate for26 years! I have earned both a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Curriculum.
I began my teaching career in 2001, teaching English as a Second Language at Peking University in Beijing, China. Since then, I have taught at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels. For the past 4 years, I was blessed to hold the positions of both Dean of Students and Principal. I am also the former Program Director for Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana and Youth Family Community Renewal Learning Center in Gary, Indiana.
I love to hike, swim and fish and have enjoyed coaching Swimming, Track and Field and American Football over the years! I am really into music and have been a producer since I was 17 years old! Many of my students have attended my Hip Hop clinics to learn how to DJ and create their own recordings!
I chose to leave my career in the United States and join the Isla family in the Dominican Republic with great enthusiasm! I strongly believe that Isla has established a learning environment which caters to the needs of the “WHOLE CHILD” and emphasizes the development of a critical, but healthy, world view!
I am extremely excited to be a part of this team and have no doubt that this will be one of the most fulfilling years of my life!
In the spirit of our children,
Thomas Daniel, M.Ed.
José Alastre
Secondary Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Business Education
Pedagological Institute
José Alastre is a husband, a father, and a teacher with almost two decades of experience in education. He graduated from a pedagogical institute, where he developed a strong foundation in the idea that education is not simply about transmitting information, but about helping students learn how to learn and teaching themselves how to understand. He spent 10 years in Venezuela teaching students from high school to university level. After moving to the Dominican Republic, he has worked exclusively as a science teacher within the North American educational system and according to North American standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), across all high school levels. He teaches different branches of science, including Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. He can also hold his own in Mathematics.
José loves spending time with his family, studying how living organisms work, teaching, and going to the gym. These are the things that make him who he is both inside and outside the classroom.
As an educator, José believes in learning by doing. His approach is centered on giving students opportunities to explore, experiment, question, and discover science for themselves. Throughout his career, he has used different approaches, including the scientific method, STEAM, project-based learning, and problem-based learning.
José’s challenge this school year is to give his students meaningful opportunities to experience science in different ways and to guide them through the process of becoming curious, critical, and independent thinkers. At the end of the year, he wants to be able to look back with his head held high and say with pride that he was a guide who helped transmit as much knowledge as his students were willing to receive, always teaching from the perspective of the brain that learns.
Brendon Maher
Secondary Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
London Metropolitan University
Cristina Ricart
Secondary Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Clinical Psychology
Technological Institute of Santo Domingo
I am a British educator with three years of international teaching experience across Cambodia, Thailand, and Mongolia. Before entering education, I worked in the hospitality industry, where I developed strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. At 51, I bring extensive life experience, cultural awareness, and a practical, hands-on people-focused approach to the classroom.
My name is Cristina Ricart. I was born and raised in Santo Domingo and now live on the north coast as part of the ISLA family in Cabarete.
I am a passionate educator and clinical psychologist with a deep love for art, human behavior, and creative learning. Since I began teaching at 19, my career has led me through both public and private sectors, working with students ranging from middle school students to university-level adults.
I earned my degree in Clinical Psychology from the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC) and completed specialized training in School Dropout Prevention and Reintegration through MASHAV in Israel. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Holistic Psychology online.
What matters most to me in the classroom is creating a safe space for students. I believe a supportive and empathetic environment encourages learners to take risks, express themselves authentically, and explore their ideas freely. When students feel secure, we can grow together—building strong connections and redefining success as a collaborative journey.
Teaching at ISLA has been a deeply rewarding experience, where creativity, curiosity, and connection come to life every day.
Jamie Hart
Behavior & Academic Support Staff
Child & Youth Worker Advanced Diploma
Mohawk College
Hello/Hola! My name is Jamie Hart. I am originally from Canada but moved to the Dominican Republic with my wonderful wife and daughter almost four years ago. We absolutely love it here.
I graduated from Mohawk College with an Advanced Diploma, Children and Youth Worker in 2010. I was able to work in many different foster home settings and treatment centers with at-risk children and youth. I finally landed my career at the Hamilton School Board working with children ages 3-13, creating/implementing treatment plans that pertained to their needs in a classroom setting.
Throughout my career, I also worked at a summer program for 7 years called Under the Willows. It was an art, garden and play therapy program allowing children to paint, build and just let their imaginations run wild.
My family and I love to spend time walking the beaches of Cabarete/Sosua as well as soaking up the sun and culture with the locals. We are also enjoying learning how to speak Spanish.
I am very honored and thankful to be a part of the ISLA team as this is a wonderful school to work at.
Angelica Vargas
Spanish Language Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Modern Language
UTESA
Hello ISLA Families, I am a passionate childcare provider and teacher with over 6 years of experience supporting early childhood development and language instruction. My background includes working as a Phase 1 Classroom Assistant at ISLA Academy, as well as an English Teacher at NLIr, Art Teacher and secretary at ESD.
I specialize in providing attentive, high-quality care for children from 6 months and older, combining early childhood care with engaging educational activities. I believe that early childhood education should be a safe, creative, and engaging environment where children learn naturally through play, discovery, and language. My goal is to foster curiosity, build confidence, and support each child's individual growth through attentive care and interactive learning.
I love ISLA because it protects the magic of childhood while nurturing independent,
creative, and joyful learners in harmony with nature.
I enjoy staying active through fitness and listening to music from different genres. Whether
it's learning a new song or trying a new workout routine, I love activities that bring positive
energy into my day.
ISLA is a wonderful school to work at!
Tarra Louis-Charles
Art & Secondary Outdoor Education Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Legal Studies, Minor in Sociology & Spanish
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Hello! I’m Tarra Louis-Charles. I’m excited to be part of the ISLA Academy community as the
Art and Secondary Outdoor Education Teacher.
I am a Haitian-American artist and educator born in Brooklyn, New York. I spent part of my
childhood living in Haiti, an experience that continues to shape the way I see creativity, culture,
and community. While studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I traveled to
Argentina for an independent study focused on the role of graffiti art in social movements,
including Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo. Through this experience, I came to understand art not
only as a form of expression, but also as a powerful tool for storytelling, resistance, and giving
voice to communities. Later, while studying abroad in Costa Rica, I deepened my appreciation
for nature, film, and visual storytelling through a cinematography course, discovering new ways that different creative media can be used to share ideas and perspectives.
My 10+ year journey as an artist and educator has reinforced my belief that creativity is a
powerful form of self-expression. I have taught art to children and led creative workshops that
encourage personal growth, confidence, and connection. I believe art is a place where students can ask questions, take creative risks, and discover their own unique voice. Whether we’re creating in the studio or spending time outdoors, I hope students recognize that creativity exists everywhere.
Living in the Dominican Republic has inspired a new chapter in both my life and artistic practice as I trace the Caribbean’s rich ancestral history and the cultural threads that continue to shape the region today. I look forward to bringing this same spirit of exploration to my students, encouraging them to look closely and find inspiration in the world around them. More than anything, I hope my students leave with the confidence to keep creating, questioning, and trusting their own voices.
My daughter will also be joining me at ISLA this year, and I’m grateful that this next chapter is
one we’ll experience together as a family.
Mery Jane Garcia Ynfante
Primary & Elementary Gardening Teacher
Bachelor of Arts, Social Communication
Universidad Catolica Santo Domingo
Master's degree in education with a specialty in educational management from the Universidad Internacional de Mexico and the Universidad del Atlántico in Spain
Mery Jane Garcia Ynfante is the name my mother and father gave me, I was born and raised in Santo Domingo. I am a lover and guardian of the natural resources and ancestral wisdom of this island. I come from an indigenous farmer's lineage that protects food sovereignty.
My passion for education goes beyond the established principles, for me it is part of my philosophy of life to be in contact with Mother Earth, respecting her natural cycles and appreciating the greatness of her love and benefits. Everything is connected in nature, everything has a rhythm and a cosmic balance, so for me, it makes sense to project this same ancestral wisdom in the upbringing of my son, as well as in his path through life and equally, in what today we call it education, with games and connecting with our essence in a safe, relaxed and fun space.
I completed a degree in Social Communication at the Universidad Catolica Santo Domingo in Santo Domingo and a Master's degree in education with a specialty in educational management in the Universidad Internacional de Mexico and the Universidad del Atlántico in Spain. I have performed various roles in public and private schools and NGOs national and international.
My partner and I are a multicultural family and we have been living in the beautiful community of Cabarete for 9 years. Our son Theo Josep also studies in Isla Academy, so you will surely see him from time to time pulling my arm. We are grateful to be part of the family of this space that honors the spirit and diversity in all aspects.
Marlon Bonilla Disla
Physical Education Lead Teacher
Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education
Higher Institute Teacher Training Salomé Ureña
My name is Marlon Bonilla Disla, I was born on October 28, 1998 in Puerto Plata, graduated in physical education from the Higher Institute of Teacher Training Salomé Ureña (ISFODOSU) and graduated with honors (Magna Cumlauden) with diplomas in education such as; diploma in technology with the use of ICTs, diploma in professional ethics and diploma in English for teachers, in my experience, as a teacher I had two years of practices and internships in various public schools and colleges in Santiago, plus a year as a teacher in the area of physical Education at the episcopal college of Montellano.
Mabel Suero
Primary Assistant
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
UTESA
Hello there! I’m Mabel, and I’m so excited to be part of ISLA’s Team this school year. I’m outgoing, patient, and always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. I am happy to be supporting in Phase 2 this year to make things run smoothly and ensure everyone feels welcome.
Paola Taveras
Primary Assistant
Bachelor of Arts Tourism & Hotel Management
University O & M
Hello there! My name is Paola Taveras. I am originally from Moca, Dominican Republic.
I did my high school in the Liceo Eladio De Peña De la Rosa in Moca, I am currently completing my degree in Tourism and Hotel Management at Universidad O&M in Moca. Throughout my studies and work experience, I have developed strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills, and I enjoy working with people and learning from new experiences.
I have experience working with children which has taught me to be patient, responsible, caring, and attentive to children’s individual needs. I really enjoy spending time with children and being part of their learning and development.
In my free time, I enjoy photography, traveling, going to the beach, exploring new places, and spending time with my family and friends. I also love learning about different cultures and meeting new people.
