Meet Our Staff

  • 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

  • 2nd-3rd Teacher (Flora Homeroom)

    Born and raised in California, I attended a small private Christian school from kindergarten through high school, which ignited my passion for education and lifelong learning. As a competitive athlete since the age of four, I developed a profound love for movement and a fascination with the science behind it. This journey has instilled in me a deep respect for self-control and sacrifice, as well as the mental and emotional strength they require.

    I hold a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and am CPR/Aide certified. My love for people drives me to build meaningful relationships, and I have a God-given desire to work with children. My background includes teaching, coaching, personal training, physical therapy, and nutrition, all of which enhance my dedication to nurturing others. I am thrilled to return to Flourish as a homeroom teacher, continuing to combine my experience in education and athletics to support the growth of my students.

    Fitness is a major part of my life; I enjoy running, swimming, weight lifting, skateboarding, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Beyond athletics, I have a deep love for animals and music, and I express my creative side through art, fashion, and DIY projects whenever possible.

    I am honored to contribute to the spiritual growth of students and grateful to be part of the Flourish family once again. My guiding principle is simple: “The Joy of the Lord is my strength!”

  • Spanish Teacher (Jr. High and High School)

    I received my education training from university after which I started a wonderful career working in nurseries and private centers starting in 2006. Over the last 7 years, I have worked in the Tamarindo area with children ages 6 to 8 years old assisting them in their learning process. I firmly believe that learning is a continuous process, we (teachers) learn from our students every day. Each school year, teachers & students discover new knowledge and skills. I am very excited to be part of the Flourish team to share new experiences with; full of knowledge and spirituality. It is a blessing to be part of this beautiful family.

  • Preschool-PreKinder Teacher (Seedlings+Sprouts 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.


    • Bachelor in Preschool Education graduated from San Isidro Labrador International University. -Labrador International University.

    • Bachelor's Degree in Preschool Education from Universidad Internacional San Isidro Labrador.

  • 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

  • Director of High School/Lead Guide

    I’m Carll Burr, and I helped create Flourish Leadership Academy (FLA) to help high school students prepare for life through hands-on learning, faith, and real-world experiences. My background as an entrepreneur, Principal, writer, founder, Marine and Naval Aviator taught me the importance of "learning by doing." For over 9 years, I lived this principle in dynamic and challenging  environments, learning on the job or in the cockpit and not just from textbooks. This approach to learning shapes everything I will do in the high school where students will gain confidence by doing a lot more life. 

    In 2021, I launched a K-12 school in Sacramento, California, and served as the High school Lead Guide and Principal for three years. I led a student body of 135, including 35 high schoolers, and 9 staff members focusing on empowering them to grow through experience. This goes for the other Guides as well as students. Too many people today are held back by fear, and I believe that confidence is built by doing more, not just through tests, but through real, meaningful work and learning how to learn.

    At Flourish Leadership Academy, we emphasize four core meta-skills that every student needs: creativity, self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability. These skills will carry them through life, no matter what the world throws their way. We don’t just prepare students for college or careers; we prepare them to face life with boldness, rooted in the mission of 2 Timothy 1:7, which calls us to live with spirit, love, and discipline.

    I’m passionate about entrepreneurship, and in 2018, I launched a startup called "Time Out From Technology" (TOFT), aimed at helping teenagers take breaks from their screens and connect with real life. The venture didn’t succeed long-term, but it was a huge learning experience for me. One that reinforced the value of resilience and adapting to challenges. A lot of times we learn our best lessons in failure. Something not really allowed in the traditional school system and it is wrong. 

    While I have a degree in business, most of my successes have come from learning by doing. Whether in real estate, business, or leadership, I’ve always believed that education with action is what drives growth. Faith is a critical part of my journey and more than a belief, it’s an action. I want students at Flourish to see that the Bible is real and active in their lives. 

    At Flourish Leadership Academy, I’m committed to giving students an education that goes beyond the classroom, one that helps them build confidence, develop critical life skills, and live their faith with boldness and action.

  • Kinder + 1st English and Spanish Teacher (Blossoms Homeroom)

    I am a dedicated wife, mother of two, and educator from San José, Costa Rica, with a passion for serving God through my work with children and families. Over the years, I have taught and supported students in many K–12 schools across Colorado, USA, fostering academic growth, character development, and a love for learning.

    My approach combines professional excellence with genuine care, creating an environment where every child feels valued and encouraged. Outside the classroom, I enjoy gardening and spending time at the beach, where I’m reminded of God’s beauty and grace in creation.

  • 7th-8th Teacher (Jr.High Homeroom)

    I’m Casandra, an educator, mom of three, and lifelong learner who finds deep joy in walking alongside children as they grow into who God created them to be. I studied Child Development in the United States at Sacramento State University and have spent my career creating hands-on, real-world learning experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and growth.

    Before joining Flourish, I homeschooled my children and helped open and lead a K–12 school in California. There, I taught grades 4–8, helped design the school’s learning journey, and led a team of educators, training, mentoring, and collaborating to ensure that learning was purposeful, connected, and Christ-centered.

    I love helping learners discover what excites them, what brings them joy, and how they can use their unique gifts with meaning and intention. Raised near the ocean, I feel most at home outdoors with fresh air, family, and the freedom to explore.

    Our family recently launched a nonprofit focused on missions and being the hands and feet of Jesus, and our move to Costa Rica is part of that calling. I’m honored to be part of the Flourish community and excited to walk alongside your children in this season of growth and discovery.

  • Principal

    My name is Bill Spaedt and I am honored to be your new principal. This school year will be my 20th year in education and my career experience includes serving as a Spanish instructor for 12 years 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, most recently, serving as assistant principal of a middle school.  I can tell you that I am more excited than I have ever been because public schools in the US are open to any idea except God.  Being able to model and share Christ’s love, educate with the Word of God and use Godly principles in all we do is such a blessing. 

    My wife Natalia and I have been blessed with two children, Jacob (19 years old) and Victoria (14 years old).  We recently relocated to Matapalo from Fort Collins, Colorado where we attended Calvary Chapel Fort Collins.  My son will be attending University of South Florida but Natalia, Victoria and I are so happy to be here.   Natalia is a Tica and we were married in San Jose back in 2005 so we truly feel like we are coming home.

    I am so excited to meet each of you and your children.  I have learned a great deal about how to best support and educate students and I am very impressed with the educational and Godly foundation that has already been laid at Flourish.  I will work to ensure that Christ’s love is reflected in all we do as we continue to grow our curriculum in rigor and relevance.  I am an advocate for PBL (Project Based Learning) as I have seen first hand how motivated students are when they feel more in control of their learning and when they understand the “why?” of what they are being taught.  

    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 and a

    • Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University.

    • 20 years in education

  • 4th-6th Spanish Teacher (Palms Homeroom)

    From an early age, I have been characterized by my curiosity, extroversion and ease of learning to learn. I enjoy reading, writing and sharing quality time with the people close. I began my studies in Nicaragua, but when we moved to Costa Rica in the middle of fourth grade, I faced challenges in adapting to the mid-fourth grade, I faced challenges in adapting to the new educational system. However, with the support from my parents, I was able to overcome these obstacles and achieve my academic goals. I am a graduate of the International Baccalaureate program at Colegio Liceo de Villarreal.


    This experience allowed me to develop important soft skills, such as assertive communication, work in assertive communication, teamwork and conflict resolution.

    Currently, I am in my second semester of my Bachelor's Degree in Social Pedagogy, with emphasis in I and II. with emphasis in I and II Cycle of General Basic Education at the National University.

    In this new stage at Flourish, I am excited to create learning spaces where students see themselves as protagonists. where students see themselves as active protagonists of their own educational process. My goal is to fulfill the vision of the school not only by transmitting knowledge, but also by instilling knowledge, but also instilling values that allow them to develop in a meaningful way in society. in a meaningful way in society. I wish to teach not only through words but also by example.

    • Teacher of Spanish as a Second Language. Panamerican Language Center, Flamingo.

    • Bachelor's Degree in Pedagogy with emphasis in I and II Cycle of General Basic Education.

    • Education. National University of Costa Rica.

    • Diploma in Pedagogy with emphasis in I and II Cycle of General Basic Education.

    • Education. National University of Costa Rica.

    • Course on Soft Skills. Young Action

    • Graduated from the Liceo de Villarreal School with Technological Orientation and International Baccalaureate.

  • 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

Growing a love for learning.