Martina Vecchietti: Pre-K Teacher
Hi, I'm Martina, an Italian mother and full-time early childhood educator passionate about children's pedagogy, storytelling, and nature. My goal is to positively impact children's lives through empathy and joy. I hold a Diploma in Pedagogical Sciences and a Bachelor's in Educational Sciences and Early Childhood Education, with training in Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches. I have worked with children since I was 17 in various roles, including school assistant and educator. Since joining the Journey community in 2019, I've enjoyed fostering a culture of growth and innovation as a leader in preschool and K-2, helping to implement the Reggio Emilia approach alongside supportive administration and colleagues.
Emma Pacheco: Pre-K Teacher
My name is Emma Pacheco, a 19-year-old from Costa Rica with a passion for baking, particularly pasta sauces, and a love for traveling to Italy to connect with family and culture. I revived my mother's bagel business and graduated from Journey School of Costa Rica in 2022, which sparked my interest in early childhood education. Now in my third year as a preschool assistant, I find joy in witnessing the growth of my students, especially their transition from pre-k to kindergarten. Starting in September, I will study online at UNED for a diploma in early childhood education, with the goal of specializing in special education to positively impact children's development. Being part of the Journey community for seven years has been incredibly rewarding, fostering both personal and professional growth.
Yovania Nuñez: Pre-K Teacher
My name is Yovania Nunez, a Nicaraguan national, married mother of three, and an active member of Beach Community Church. As a Spanish teacher, I strive to create a safe, loving classroom where my students feel like part of a second family. My passion for working with children began at 16 when I attended boarding school, and I’ve since worked with children at churches in San Jose and at Cepia in Guanacaste. Since joining Journey in 2019, I've experienced incredible growth and camaraderie. Journey is more than just a school; it’s a family that embodies mutual support and collaboration, and I am truly grateful to be part of it.
Sofia Castro: Kindergarten Teacher
Hello! I'm Sofía, a passionate educator from Costa Rica with a love for the countryside. I live on a farm with horses, which I believe have a unique ability to connect with humans and bring peace. As a certified equine therapy instructor, I help children and adults through this special bond. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education and Bilingualism from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and have additional certifications in areas like dyslexia. With six years of teaching experience, I've seen the joy of watching students grow and learn in a supportive environment. I'm entering my third year at Journey, where I appreciate the strong sense of community and collaboration among students, teachers, families, and administration.
Marisela Lopez: 1st and 2nd Spanish, Science and CRSS Teacher
I am a dedicated Spanish, Social Studies, and Science teacher with 18 years of experience, committed to fostering lifelong learning and inspiring critical thinking in my students. I hold a Bachelor’s in Primary Education from UNED and a Master's in Educational Administration from the University of San José, along with studies in Dance and Photographic Arts. My passions for cooking, dancing, and jogging enrich my life and teaching. I believe that happiness and humor are vital for effective learning. My transformative experience at Journey School is rooted in its strong sense of community, where love, respect, and open communication thrive, allowing me to support each student's unique learning journey through real-world problem-solving projects.
Carmen Brenes: 1st & 2nd grade ELA Teacher
Hello! I'm Carmen Brenes, 48 years old, originally from San José, and I've been enjoying my journey here for the past 10 months. I'm happily married with one wonderful child. Teaching is my true passion, and I love mountain biking, weightlifting, and CrossFit. With 19 years of experience teaching English at the primary level, I hold a master’s degree in Psychopedagogy from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, which enhances my ability to support diverse learners. This will be my second year at Journey, and I’m grateful to be part of such a warm, compassionate community that prioritizes love, empathy, and generosity. The connections I've made with colleagues, students, and their families are incredibly rewarding and inspire me every day.
Yannira Piedra: Spanish Teacher
Hello everyone! My name is Yannira Piedra, and I’m a Spanish and Social Studies teacher for Elementary at Journey School Tamarindo. Originally from San Carlos, Costa Rica, I started teaching in 2010 and have worked with students from first to sixth grade. I love helping students learn new languages and sharing their stories, as teaching enriches my life as well. I hold a Diploma in Bilingual Executive Assistance and both a Bachelor's and Licentiate degree in Language Teaching. I joined Journey School in January 2023, motivated by the opportunity to work with innovative methods like Project-Based Learning, Conscious Discipline, and Cognia, which have greatly influenced my teaching approach. In my personal life, I enjoy exploring Costa Rica, visiting the beach, and spending time with my pet and family. I believe that the peace we give out reflects back to us, helping maintain balance in life.
Alejandro Godínez: Math Teacher
My name is Alejandro, a 28-year-old Math and Science teacher from Costa Rica with a deep passion for education. I am also a certified Yoga Instructor, which allows me to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into my teaching. I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and practicing yoga. I believe that our thoughts shape our reality and strive to maintain a positive outlook, sharing this mindset with my students. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Costa Rica and completed a year of coursework towards a Master's degree in Physics at Bonn University in Germany before returning to Costa Rica in 2020. Since then, I've taught Physics, Math, Biology, and Science at both the high school and elementary levels. This is my fourth year at Journey School, which feels like my second home. The supportive community created by teachers, administration, students, and families has profoundly impacted my perspective on education.
Rocie Gamboa: Science Teacher
I am Rocie Gamboa, a 29-year-old science teacher from Costa Rica with a background in Biotechnology Engineering and a postgraduate degree in Teaching. Since 2017, she has taught in various fields, now focusing on elementary science at Journey School, where she has found a supportive and inspiring community. Passionate about fostering curiosity and critical thinking, she embraces an inquiry-based teaching approach that integrates academic and soft skills. Outside the classroom, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, sudoku, and origami. She believes in leading by example, emphasizing the power of controlling one's thoughts and actions.