Meet Our Staff
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Founder & Director
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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Kinder/1st Teacher (Blossoms)
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Preschool/PreKinder Assistant English Teacher
ello! My name is Emma Parker and I am from the United States, specifically Tennessee. There are many aspects of my life and my personality that I try to integrate into my classroom and teaching style. I have worked as a gymnastics and dance teacher for 5 years now, this has taught me the importance of movement and play in early childhood development. I have grown up in the church, and I often worked for the children’s ministry. For this, I am very thankful. I had the opportunity to see first-hand how God works in children’s lives and how He plans for them to grow. I recently completed my TEFL certification (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at the International TEFL Academy in Barcelona. This sparked within me the belief that learning a language can be a wonderful and life-changing skill, for all ages and people. As a teacher, I have a dynamic environment, to meet students at their needs or their level. My favorite part of being a teacher is watching and celebrating student’s growth. As an individual, I try to be positive and enthusiastic. I am very excited and thankful to work here!
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2nd-3rd Spanish Teacher (Orchids Homeroom)
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.
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Preschool-PreKinder Spanish Teacher (Seedlings 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.
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4th-7th 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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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.
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Preschool/PreKinder Assistant Spanish Teacher
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2nd-3rd English Teacher (Flora Homeroom)
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Preschool-PreKinder English Teacher (Sprouts Homeroom)
God made a way for teaching to become a part of my life 10 years ago when I began teaching dance classes in the United States. Working with children has been a passion of mine since I was a child myself. I received a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from the University of Central Arkansas in 2023. This included courses specialized in motor development in children, dietetics, and injury prevention. I first had the opportunity to work in early childhood education at 2nd Baptist Christian Preschool and I’m so thankful God led me to this new vocation. I have seen how much I can learn from my students each day which points me to Matthew 18:3. I strive to create a safe, blossoming, and Christ-centered learning environment for each student. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with the Flourish family!
Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology
10 years experience working with children ages 1-18
College courses completed for Dance and Theatre
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Office Administrator
I have always had the passion to care for people any way I can. I worked at a level 1 Trauma Center for 7 years where I cared for the sick and injured. Now God has led me to Tamarindo and has blessed me with a family. My passion is now to care for the hearts of my young ones by showing and teaching them Gods good news in every aspect of their lives.
I have had years of teaching and working in administration at private schools in the area, as well as have consistently served for 8 years in the Children’s Ministry at Iglesia Casa Vida. There is such a joy in working with the little hearts of children.
Tamarindo is now blessed with a Christian School that allows my children, and others, to learn about Gods love mercy and grace through their academic and social interactions. I am excited to be a part of the Flourish team that strives to implement God in every aspect of growing and learning.
Bachelors of Arts & Science
CPR & First Aid certified
Teach4Heart teacher courses
10+ years of teaching and management experience
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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
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Physical Education and Music Guide
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4th-7th 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.
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Director of Spiritual Life & Operations
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Groundskeeper
Don Fernando is the 24-hour caretaker of the Casa Vida property. He helps ensure that the property is prepared each day for staff, students and parents while also keeping it secure in the evenings. Flourish is thankful for the responsibilities Fernando assists with voluntarily including the feeding & care of the Flourish Farm.
“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
