Meet Our Staff
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Founder & Head of School
I have a passion for learning that furthers my love for teaching. I love reading about educational methods & theory. I’m constantly looking to integrate what I learn in my parenting and teaching. More than preparing children academically, I want to share and demonstrate the love of Jesus to each of my students and flourish their faith.
As a young adult, I enjoyed caring for & tutoring children ages 3 to 12. In 2012, I moved to Costa Rica and began my career in educating. First I worked for Amigos de la Educación, a non-profit organization that raises and grants academic scholarships. At the same time I volunteered as a leader at Playa Grande Kids Club where I helped plan weekly activities for school aged children in the community. I started at La Paz Community School in 2014 as the Preschool Assistant Teacher and after-school Dance Instructor. Then in 2015, I founded a large recreational and competitive dance studio in Brasilito called The Movement Dance Studio. For 3 years I created and taught multiple dance programs across a variety of disciplines. Most recently, I launched an early childhood performing arts program called Discover Movement for ages 2-6. Over the past 7 years, I’ve served in children’s ministries teaching Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. I’ve also been homeschooling my own children as well as helping other families in their educational journey developing homeschool co-ops/hybrids.
I hope to ignite a love for learning in children that will last a lifetime. For many children, the world of the arts gives them a safe space where they have the freedom of creativity. Drawing from my background in the arts, I want to extend the opportunity for my students to examine the true, good, and beautiful gifts God has given each of them.
CPR and First Aid Certified
Fully Bilingual & Biliterate
15 years experience working with children and creating programs for ages 3 - 7
College courses taken in Early Childhood Development and Spanish
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Secondary Mathematics
I am a U.S.-educated math teacher with more than 20 years of classroom experience. At Flourish Children’s School, I will be teaching math while also supporting students’ spiritual growth through devotional time. I am passionate about helping every student succeed in math, whether they are building confidence with foundational concepts or looking for greater academic challenges.
Throughout my career, I have helped strengthen math programs across all levels, prepared students for the SAT, and coached students for international competitions such as Math Kangaroo and Mathematics Olympiads. I love making math practical, engaging, and meaningful, and find joy in seeing students discover that they are capable of far more than they imagined.
My husband Aaron and I have been married for nearly 20 years and have two children. As a naturally curious person, I enjoy learning about healthy families, nutrition, and different cultures, and am always looking for new ways to grow both personally and professionally.B.A. in Education: Middle School Math & Science, John Brown University, USA
Certified Google Educator Levels 1 & 2; Certified Gemini Educator (2026)
IB Professional Learning (2026); Universal Design for Learning (2024)
AI in the Classroom Seminar, Kelly Gibson, John Brown University (2023)
NASA International Space Camp CR teacher representative, Alabama (2008)
III International Symposium on Mathematics Education, UCR (2017)
Walton International Scholarship recipient, John Brown University
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Custodian & Maintanance
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Secondary Science, Electives + P.E.
We are excited to welcome Conrad Zeglinski to the Flourish Leadership Academy team this year as our Secondary Guide for Science, Math, and Electives including Woodshop, Cooking, Drama, Forestry, and Health.
Conrad brings a unique blend of real-world experience, leadership, creativity, and mentorship to the classroom. With a background as both an educator and former paramedic, he is deeply passionate about helping students grow not only academically, but also in character, confidence, resilience, and practical life skills.
Before transitioning into education, Conrad spent over 12 years serving on the frontlines with Toronto Paramedic Services, including specialized pediatric and neonatal critical care transport through the Acute Care Transport Service (ACTS) team at SickKids Hospital. His experience working in high-pressure situations developed a calm, grounded leadership style and a deep understanding of teamwork, responsibility, and compassionate care, qualities that strongly shape his approach to mentoring young people.
Over the past several years, Conrad has taught middle school math, science, drama, and a variety of hands-on electives in Costa Rica. He is especially passionate about experiential learning and creating engaging environments where students can build practical skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity, and independence. Whether leading a woodshop project, cooking lesson, outdoor education activity, or science experiment, Conrad brings enthusiasm, authenticity, and real-life application into every class.
Conrad is known for building strong relationships with students through healthy discipline, encouragement, and genuine connection. He values creating classrooms where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow into capable young adults with integrity and purpose.
Outside of school, Conrad and his wife operate a wellness-focused business centered on holistic health and PEMF therapy. He is also an active member of Beach Community Church where he serves on the worship band, using music as a form of ministry and community connection. We look forward to witness what Conrad brings to FLA and cannot wait to see the impact he will have on our students.
Education & Certifications:
• Advanced Diploma in Paramedicine — Humber College, Toronto, Canada
• Bachelor of Science in Biology — Brock University, Ontario, Canada
• Specialized Pediatric & Neonatal Critical Care Transport Experience through SickKids Hospital ACTS Team
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Orchids Homeroom - English Kinder and grades 1/2
Miley is an educator, wife, mother of two, and lifelong learner with a deep passion for helping children feel seen, known, and capable. She brings over 10 years of experience teaching in both public and private school settings across Texas, Colorado, and West Virginia, with a strong focus on whole-child education rooted in faith, creativity, movement, and meaningful relationships.
Throughout her teaching career, Miley has created engaging, inquiry-based classrooms that support literacy development, social-emotional growth, creativity, and differentiated learning for each child. She is especially passionate about helping students build confidence as readers and learners through movement-rich, hands-on instruction and nurturing encouragement. Her training in Orton-Gillingham phonics instruction has further shaped the intentional way she supports developing readers.
Miley also loves integrating dance, music, creative movement, and the arts into learning experiences, helping children express themselves, build confidence, and discover the joy of learning. She believes every child is uniquely created by God with gifts, purpose, and potential, and feels deeply called to help students grow not only academically, but also spiritually, emotionally, socially, and creatively.
Known for her joyful spirit, servant-hearted leadership, and warm presence, Miley values creating learning environments where children feel safe, loved, challenged, and encouraged to flourish. As both an educator and mother, she is passionate about building strong relationships with families and cultivating classrooms where curiosity, compassion, confidence, and character can thrive.
Miley and her family are excited for this new chapter in Costa Rica and feel grateful to become part of the Flourish community. We are incredibly thankful for the wisdom, care, creativity, and heart she brings to our students and families.
Education & Certifications:
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – Elementary Education, University of Northern Colorado (Summa Cum Laude, GPA 4.0)
• Colorado Teaching License with CLD Endorsement• Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Endorsement
• Orton-Gillingham Practitioner Certification – Classroom Educator Level
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K-2nd Spanish Teacher (Blossoms Homeroom)
Hello my name is Brenda Moya Rodriguez, I am 24 years old and I was born in Grecia, Alajuela.
I love my career and I love children and have my degree in Early Childhood Education.. I love to live experiences with my students and create new things together. I have 7 years of experience working in Kindergartens, Preschools and Daycares. I love the beach, that's why I chose to move to Tamarindo earlier this year.. I am a very loving person, very family oriented and I like to generate trust so that the children know that they have a Teacher who will always listen to them and will always have arms that will protect them.
From Flourish I love to have the opportunity to teach based on faith and respect, always motivating them and having the and respect, always motivating them and keeping values in mind, I am very excited for this new stage of my life.
new stage of my life.
Montessori Guide Training Program for Children's House 2.5-6 years old from Centro de Formación Montessori en Lima, Perú.
Bachelor's Degree in Preschool Education from Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador.
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Secondary Spanish, Civics and Social Studies
Isaac Larios Orozco is a Costa Rican historian and educator with a passion for history, civic education, and helping students understand the world around them. His background combines academic research, teaching, cultural heritage, and education, giving him a broad perspective that he brings into the classroom.
Isaac has experience teaching Costa Rican History, working as a classroom teacher and substitute teacher, conducting historical research, and working with cultural collections at the Museo del Jade. He enjoys connecting academic content to real-world events, Costa Rican culture, and the experiences of students.
Credentials & Experience
Bachelor’s Degree in History — Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA), 2024
Bachelor’s Degree in Teaching Social Studies & Civic Education — Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED), in progress
Master’s Degree in Applied History — Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA), in progress
Professor of Costa Rican History — Instituto Costarricense de Educación Turística (ICETUR)
Historical Researcher — Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica (UNA)
Research Intern — Museo del Jade INS
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4th-6th English Teacher (Selva Homeroom)
My passion for working with children began while volunteering at a summer camp in the U.S. for underprivileged children. It was a safe environment that enabled children to flourish and thrive and I witnessed first-hand the impact that a loving, caring and supportive community can have on the lives of children. I absolutely loved my time there and this led me to pursue a career in education.I spent the following two years working as a Teacher’s Assistant in a primary school in the U.K. (my home country) and later returned to university to complete my teaching qualification. Since then, I have gained experience working in a variety of schools which has helped me gain an insight into various teaching strategies.I am excited to be part of a school community here in Costa Rica which is rooted in the Word of God. I look forward to having the freedom to talk about the person who has changed my life - Jesus! My hope is that I can create a safe and happy environment where children are nourished spiritually, emotionally and academically.
Bachelors Degree in Environmental Studies
Licensed Primary School Teacher
9 years of experience working with children
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3rd - 5th Spanish Teacher (Palms Homeroom)
Originally from San José, Costa Rica, Ms. Naty is a passionate Christian educator, devoted wife, and loving mother of two who is deeply committed to serving children and families through bilingual education. With over 10 years experience as a bilingual educator in the US and Costa Rica, her experience as a Spanish tutor, family liaison at a large high school, after school program coordinator and bilingual teacher in kindergarten and third grade have given her a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and leadership that she brings to her classroom.
Ms. Naty is known for creating a learning environment built on love, respect, and firm boundaries, helping students grow both academically and personally. She has a special gift for building strong, meaningful relationships with students and parents, partnering closely with families to support each child’s success and character development.
Her heart for Christian education shines through in everything she does, as she encourages children to grow in confidence, kindness, and a love for learning. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation.
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Secondary English, Bible and History
I am excited to join the Flourish Children’s School team as an English teacher while also supporting Bible and history classes. I have degrees in business and theology, along with a master’s degree in education, and have taught English, Bible, and history in both Costa Rica and Ethiopia. In addition to my classroom experience, I have spent much of the past 20 years serving in educational leadership.
Our family enjoys traveling and exploring new places together. In my free time, I also enjoy board games and gardening. He love helping students grow in knowledge, character, and confidence while fostering a love of learning.
• M.A. in Educational Leadership, Universidad Latina de Costa RicaB.A. in International Business, John Brown University, USA
20+ years in education
Native proficiency in English & Spanish
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Principal
My name is Bill Spaedt and I am honored to be your principal. I have over 20 years in education and my career experience includes serving as a Spanish instructor in both middle and high school, serving as a character education/student leadership program coordinator, serving as Dean of Students for a large elementary school and serving as assistant principal of a middle school. Heading into my third year as Principal of Flourish, I can tell you that I am more excited than I have ever been to have the honor of modeling and sharing Christ’s love, educating with the Word of God and using Godly principles in all we do with your children.
My wife Natalia and I have been blessed with two children, Jacob and Victoria and are thrilled to be a part of the thriving Christian community here in the Tamarindo area. It is such a blessing to be a part of Flourish as we deepen our relationships with families from the area and help new families settle here.
As our school grows, I promise you all that I will continue to prioritize that Christ’s love is reflected in all we do. We are always seeking to ensure that our curriculum remains rigorous and relevant and our scholars have opportunities to grow through active learning and community service.
I am thrilled to be able to work and grow with all of you as we prepare the next generation to spread His word and to be a light in this dark world.
Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and English from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida
Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University.
20+ years in education
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Seedlings - Preschool ages 2-4
My name is Lara, and I am passionate about guiding young children in environments where they feel safe, respected, and inspired to learn. I believe that every child has an innate desire to explore, discover, and grow, and it is my role as a guide to thoughtfully prepare an environment that nurtures independence, curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
I am also an adoptive mother, a journey that has deepened my understanding of the importance of secure relationships, attachment, and seeing each child through a compassionate lens. This experience has strengthened my commitment to trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate practices that honor every child’s story, foster resilience, and create a genuine sense of belonging.
Beyond the classroom, I have had the privilege of participating in mission work on every continent, serving alongside diverse communities and learning from a wide variety of cultures. These experiences have shaped my worldview, strengthened my adaptability, and reinforced my belief that every child deserves to be seen, valued, and empowered.
As a guide, I strive to cultivate an environment rooted in respect, grace, purposeful work, and joyful discovery. I am committed to partnering with families to support each child’s independence, nurture their natural potential, and help them develop into compassionate, God honoring , and loving members of their community.
* Degree in Missions. University of the Nations, Kona HI (2018)
* Master propio en Terapia Psicoexpresiva. Valencia, España (2022)
* Certificate in Biblical Counseling. UofN Amsterdam (2015)
* Certificate in Bible Study based discipleship. UofN Kona (2018)
* Certificate in Innovative Youth Ministry. UofN Newcastle (2013)
* Certificate in Children at Risk Biblical intervention. UofN Fortaleza (2016)
* Certificate in Christian Worldview. UofN Kona (2017)
* Certificate in Dance pedagogy and methodology. Escuela Nacional de Arte. Habana, Cuba (2012)
* Certificate in Dance education for preschool. Once Upon a Ballet (2022)
* Montessori training for Children's home. center for the Guided Montessori Studies
* Universida de Costa Rica. Formación Docente para la educación General Básica.
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Head of Operations
My heart has always been for building strong faith communities, and for the past 10+ years I’ve had the privilege of doing that through leadership roles with non-profits here in Matapalo, across Costa Rica, and internationally. I love bringing people together, organizing projects and coordinating programs that meet real needs; making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so our team can focus on the mission.
My work has taken me from the coastal areas of Costa Rica to the busy construction sites of California. I’ve served with Futuro Brillante here in Matapalo, helping strengthen community development programs; worked as Project Planner/Estimator with PlayFoundations Inc. in Vista, California, overseeing bids, budgets, and field operations; and served as Latin America Missions Coordinator for Ride Nature in Florida, organizing action sports outreach trips, youth programs, and food relief. I also spent years as Community Outreach & Missions Coordinator for Iglesia Casa Vida in Tamarindo, where I partnered with local schools, town leaders, and U.S.-based organizations to make lasting improvements in our community.
At Flourish, my prayer is that in everything we do, we honor God and ensure that every child in our care is safe and loved.
Training & Certifications
CPR and First Aid
Abuse Awareness and Identification Training
International Bible Institute coursework
Bilingual: English & Spanish
“May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 115:14-15
