Meet the tambran team

The Tambran Team

We are delighted to welcome several incredible educators to our growing team, including four additional lead classroom teachers with over three decades of combined experience, as well as a Coordinator for Teaching and Learning and a Wellness Coordinator and School Counselor, who together bring another 20 years of experience to our staff.

Our teaching team is wonderfully international, with teaching experience in over ten different countries before joining us here in Nicaragua. Each educator holds a degree in Education, and many bring additional qualifications in fields such as performing arts, engineering, psychology, special education, and language instruction. Several also hold Master’s degrees in education, psychology, and teaching foreign languages.  Our collective expertise spans curriculum implementation, student assessment, differentiated instruction, creative expression, math intervention, restorative practices, and more. We are proud of the diverse experience and passion each team member brings to Tambran

All of our lead classroom teachers and administrators have experience working in international school settings and all have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.

Leadership

Erick Rivas
Erick Rivas

Head of Campus
& Board Member

Mayra Solis
Mayra Solís

Academic
Director

Sarah Fahey
Sarah Fahey

Recruitment, Admissions, and Strategic Advisor

Sarah Denner
Sarah Denner

Coordinator of Teaching and Learning

Barry Griffin
Barry
Griffin

Coordinator of Wellness and School Counseling

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Marcela
Morales

Early Childhood Consultant

Cinthya Mena
Cinthya
Mena

School Administrator

Faculty & Staff

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María
García

PK2 Teacher

Carly Caldera
Carla
Caldera

PK Teacher

Heydi Rocha
Heydi
Rocha

Kindergarten Teacher

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Helem
Bustos

Early Childhood Teacher Assistant

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Mike
Lewis

First Grade Teacher

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Amy
Olson

Second Grade Teacher

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Stien
Naets

Third Grade Teacher

Mercado, Alex_web
Alexander
Mercado

4/5 Grade Teacher

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Rebekah
Golubev

Sixth Grade Teacher

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Daniel
Eden

Middle School Teacher (Humanities)

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Leann
Winn

Middle School Teacher
(Math/Science)

Arlen Gomez
Arlen
Gómez

Spanish Language and Literature Teacher

Fabianny Gallo
Fabianny
Gallo

Spanish Language Acquisition Teacher

Jeyling Solis
Jeyling
Solís

Spanish Teacher
& Tambran Clubs Coordinator

Castro, Roniel_web
Roniel
Lara

Music Teacher

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María
Mercado

Dance & Art Teacher

Castro, Francisco_web
Francisco
Castro

Physical Education Teacher

Campus General Services

Speir, Julie_Business Development Associate
Julie
Speier

Business Development Associate

Ruiz, Roger_Accountant
Róger
Ruiz

Accountant

Denis Cerda
Denis
Cerda

General Services Supervisor – Outdoor Areas & Gardening

Elisa Rodriguez
Elisa Rodríguez

General Services Supervisor – Internal Areas & Cleaning

Melvin Espinoza
Melvin Espinoza

General Services Assistant – Outdoor Areas & Gardening

Jassoara Cerda
Jassoara Cerda

General Services Assistant – Internal Areas & Cleaning

Sirias, Patricia_Cocinera
Patricia
Sirias

Cook

Perez, Nayeli_Auxiliar Limpieza Cociner
Nayeli
Pérez

Cooking & Kitchen Assistant

Christian Juarez
Cristhian
Juárez

Gardening

Milex Acuña
Milex
Acuña

Gardening

Erick Rivas

Erick Rivas is an experienced educational leader and curriculum specialist who has been instrumental in Tambran School’s development since its earliest years. As Head of School, he translates Tambran’s mission into action to create an exceptional, student-centered learning environment. He works closely with teaching and leadership teams to maintain high expectations, strengthen schoolwide systems, and guide continuous program development. Through purposeful collaboration, Erick ensures that every decision prioritizes the academic, social, and emotional growth of Tambran’s students.

Before joining Tambran, Erick served for six years as Principal of the Chinese Nicaraguan School and worked as an educational consultant for the Pan American Health Organization. His extensive background spans teaching secondary mathematics and university English, as well as publishing research on curriculum innovation and teacher identity. Erick holds a Master’s degree in Education alongside a degree in Civil Engineering, and he is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education. This unique blend of analytical and pedagogical training allows him to provide Tambran with grounded, knowledgeable leadership as the school continues to grow.

Mayra Solís

Mayra del Socorro Solís Briceño brings over 30 years of educational and administrative experience to her role as Tambran’s Academic Director. She has been a vital part of the school since its formative stages, having successfully led the institutional processes required for official accreditation. In her current position, Mayra expertly navigates regulatory requirements to ensure Tambran remains in full compliance with Nicaragua’s Ministry of Education. She works closely with leadership and teachers to seamlessly bridge the school’s international curriculum with national educational standards. Her deep institutional knowledge guarantees that Tambran meets all local expectations while preserving its unique, student-centered approach to learning.

Before joining Tambran, Mayra spent nearly two decades teaching secondary biology and natural sciences before serving as a school director for ten years. She also expanded her organizational skills by serving in San Juan del Sur’s municipal government, where she managed public resources and championed community development initiatives. Her strong academic foundation includes a degree in Educational Sciences from UNAN-Managua, alongside postgraduate diplomas in Educational Leadership and School Administration. This extensive background in pedagogy, public administration, and team leadership allows her to effectively coordinate with government institutions and support Tambran’s ongoing growth. The school community benefits immensely from the extraordinary dedication, institutional expertise, and caring leadership she brings to her vital role.

Sarah Fahey

Sarah Fahey is a strategic advisor at Tambran International School, bringing over 20 years of experience in education and leadership. Having been involved in Tambran’s development since its earliest stages, she has played a vital role in shaping the school’s mission, educational philosophy, and campus planning. In her current capacity, Sarah leads student admissions and teacher recruitment while advising the leadership team on strategic growth, enrollment, and program development. Her approach ensures that the school’s expansion remains deeply grounded in its original values of inclusion, experiential education, and whole-child development. Dedicated to preserving the warmth and community at the heart of Tambran, Sarah believes that strong educational environments are built through trusting relationships and thoughtful collaboration.

Before helping to establish Tambran, Sarah spent a decade serving in international-school leadership in San Juan del Sur, giving her a profound understanding of the local community. This extensive background in counseling, admissions, and organizational growth continues to inform her relationship-centered approach to building sustainable systems for diverse families. Academically, Sarah holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Boston University alongside a Bachelor of Arts from Skidmore College. She also maintains a Massachusetts school-guidance counseling license and has completed specialized training in mindfulness, positive behavior support, and social-emotional learning. By seamlessly combining her counseling qualifications with her robust administrative experience, Sarah provides essential institutional memory and invaluable guidance to support Tambran’s thriving future.

Sarah Denner

Sarah Denner is an experienced educator who serves as Tambran’s Coordinator of Teaching and Learning, overseeing curriculum and instruction for Grades 1 through 8. In this leadership role, she collaborates closely with teachers to strengthen instructional planning, assessment, differentiation, and professional growth. Since joining Tambran during the 2025–2026 school year, Sarah has been instrumental in developing the primary science curriculum and designing rich, community-connected SPARK experiences. Her thoughtful guidance ensures that students build knowledge progressively while continuing to engage in the curiosity, creativity, and real-world learning that define Tambran’s educational philosophy.

Before stepping into her current position, Sarah built a diverse career as a head teacher, lead math and science educator, environmental instructor, and high school program coordinator. Her extensive teaching background spans elementary through high school, where she has consistently emphasized inquiry, critical thinking, hands-on investigation, and meaningful connections to the wider world. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University, alongside a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire. As a licensed educator with additional wilderness and first aid certifications, Sarah brings a highly collaborative, well-rounded approach to fostering both academic excellence and joyful learning.

Barry Griffin

Barry Griffin is an experienced international educator and behavioral mentor who serves as Tambran School’s Coordinator of Wellness and School Counseling. Now in his second year, he leads a proactive, schoolwide approach to student wellbeing by providing direct social-emotional and counseling support across all grade levels. Barry collaborates closely with teachers to integrate inclusive practices, positive behavior strategies, and social-emotional learning into the classroom environment. He also works directly with individual students and groups, helping them navigate friendships, decision-making, and emotional regulation. His relationship-based philosophy ensures that behavior is met with empathy, clear expectations, and restorative reflection, which closely aligns with Tambran’s commitment to whole-child development.

Originally from Ireland, Barry brings over eight years of diverse educational experience from international schools in Cambodia, Spain, Türkiye, and Nicaragua. His extensive professional background includes dynamic roles as a classroom teacher, language-support specialist, and restorative-practice facilitator. Barry holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a specialized focus on developmental and behavioral psychology. Earlier in his career, he gained valuable expertise by developing individualized learning programs for students with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other specific learning needs. This deep understanding of child psychology and inclusive education allows Barry to provide compassionate, highly effective support to the entire Tambran community.

Marcela Morales

Marcela Morales brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education and instructional leadership to her role as Tambran’s Early Childhood Consultant. In this capacity, she collaborates closely with the Early Childhood team to strengthen developmentally appropriate teaching practices and support the continued professional growth of educators. Marcela is dedicated to ensuring that Tambran’s youngest students thrive in inclusive learning environments rooted in play, movement, connection, and belonging. Her relationship-centered philosophy focuses on building open, trusting connections to help children become confident, happy individuals who treat themselves and their environment with dignity.

Before her consulting work at Tambran, Marcela developed her educational expertise by serving as a preschool teacher, grade-level leader, and early childhood coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Education, providing a strong, well-rounded foundation in both child development and pedagogy. Additionally, Marcela is a Certified Brain Educator, a professional instructor with the Brain Power Wellness Program, and possesses specialized training in children’s yoga. This rich background in social-emotional learning, movement, and family education allows her to expertly support both young learners and the educators who guide them.

Daniela López

Daniela López is the school administrator, dedicated to ensuring that every part of the school environment functions with clarity, order, and purpose. With experience in administrative processes and coordinating educational programs like Free To Learn, she supports both the team and families so that the school runs smoothly and children can thrive. She believes that thoughtful, behind-the-scenes management is key to creating a positive, organized, and nurturing community for everyone.

María del Carmen García

María del Carmen García Silva is a warm, creative educator who brings nearly a decade of experience teaching English and working with young children to Tambran School. In her role guiding Tambran’s two-year-old learners, she focuses on creating a joyful, predictable environment where children can comfortably adjust to their first school routines. Through sensory exploration, stories, songs, and caring daily interactions, she helps her students build early language, independence, and social skills. She believes that children learn best when they feel safe and connected, ensuring each child experiences school as a place where they are known and valued. Her nurturing approach helps build the vital trusting relationships necessary for healthy early development.

Before joining Tambran, María del Carmen built a strong foundation in early childhood education by teaching preschool English, serving as a paraprofessional, and leading music-and-movement experiences. This diverse background has given her a deep understanding of how language, play, and movement work together to support early cognitive and social growth. Academically, she completed her university studies cum laude at the Universidad Centroamericana. To further support diverse learners, she has pursued continued professional training in educational innovation, special educational needs, and curriculum accommodations. She is also a Google Certified Educator, combining her pedagogical expertise with a passionate, whole-child perspective to support inclusive early learning.

Carla Caldera

Carla Caldera is a bilingual early childhood educator who brings warmth, creativity, and a deep respect for individual development to Tambran’s three- and four-year-old classroom. She creates a calm, joyful environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and build early confidence. By integrating games, storytelling, music, and art into her daily routines, Carla actively supports her students’ language, physical, and cognitive growth. She also helps young learners recognize their emotions, build meaningful friendships, and take independent steps in caring for themselves and their surroundings. Her compassionate, play-based approach aligns perfectly with Tambran’s commitment to nurturing the whole child through caring relationships and meaningful daily experiences.

Carla’s effective teaching methods are supported by her extensive experience in bilingual education and her specialized training in Waldorf early childhood methodology. Her diverse professional background also includes valuable studies in educational psychology, emotional education, human development, and sociocultural programming. This rich blend of expertise allows her to deeply understand and accommodate the unique pace of development for every young learner. Furthermore, Carla is highly passionate about art, culture, and language, utilizing these elements to encourage creative expression and imagination in her classroom. Her holistic educational background and dedication to emotional wellbeing make her an invaluable addition to Tambran’s Early Childhood community.

Heydi Rocha

Heydi Rocha brings more than a decade of early childhood education experience to her role as Tambran’s Kindergarten Teacher. Known for her joyful and warm approach, she creates engaging learning environments where young children feel safe, confident, and excited to participate. In her classroom, Heydi utilizes hands-on activities, play, and meaningful exploration to help students build strong foundations in language, literacy, mathematics, and social-emotional development. Recognizing that each child progresses at their own pace, she ensures that every student feels known, supported, and appropriately challenged. Her genuine love for teaching helps foster early independence and a lasting curiosity in her young learners.

Before joining Tambran, Heydi taught preschool for many years and further expanded her leadership skills by serving as an Early Childhood Program Coordinator from 2017 to 2024. Originally from Managua, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Preschool Education alongside a postgraduate degree in the Cognitive Neurosciences of Education. Her extensive professional background is complemented by specialized training in teaching English to early learners, allowing her to instruct fluently in both Spanish and English. This deep understanding of child development and curriculum planning empowers her to design consistent, developmentally appropriate experiences tailored to her students. Heydi’s remarkable blend of pedagogical expertise, warmth, and compassionate instruction makes her an invaluable member of Tambran’s Early Childhood team.

Helem Bustos

Helem Bustos López brings over six years of educational experience to her role as Tambran School’s Early Childhood Teaching Assistant. Working closely with the teaching team, she helps cultivate a nurturing, playful, and inclusive environment where young learners can safely explore and grow. Dedicated to fostering early confidence, Helem thoughtfully supports children as they navigate classroom routines, build meaningful friendships, and learn to communicate their needs. Her empathetic approach ensures that every child feels capable and valued as they develop vital social and cognitive skills through daily play.

Before joining Tambran, Helem built a strong foundation in inclusive education by serving as a bilingual co-teacher and a one-to-one support educator for children with specific learning needs. A dedicated member of the San Juan del Sur community, she has also led local literacy initiatives and provided free academic support to neighborhood children. Helem holds a degree in Pharmacy, which enhances her careful, observational approach to student development, alongside advanced English proficiency. To further support diverse learners, she has completed specialized training in general pedagogy and developmental psychology. This unique blend of scientific organization, community spirit, and compassionate educational experience makes her an invaluable asset to Tambran’s early childhood team.

Mike Lewis

Mike Lewis brings over 15 years of diverse educational experience to his role as Tambran School’s Grade 1 Teacher. He is dedicated to creating an inclusive, engaging classroom where young learners feel safe to ask questions, take risks, and collaborate. By emphasizing inquiry-based learning, hands-on exploration, and student agency, Mike helps children develop strong early confidence. His focus on social-emotional learning and building strong relationships with families ensures that every student feels uniquely supported. Ultimately, his curiosity-driven, whole-child approach to education aligns perfectly with Tambran’s philosophy and community values.

Before joining Tambran, Mike developed a rich international perspective by working with school communities across Canada, Indonesia, Rwanda, and Malaysia. Throughout his extensive career, he has served in various impactful roles, including primary classroom teacher, grade-level coordinator, early childhood center director, and primary school principal. Academically, Mike holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, alongside bachelor’s degrees in both Education and Community Studies. Furthermore, he is a certified Ontario teacher equipped with specialized training in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and ESL instruction. This impressive blend of global leadership and pedagogical expertise allows him to deeply understand and effectively support diverse learners.

Amy Olson

Amy Olson brings over 15 years of diverse educational experience to her role as Tambran School’s Grade 2 Teacher. She is dedicated to creating thoughtful, engaging learning environments that respond to children’s unique developmental needs and encourage early independence. By incorporating creativity and meaningful exploration into her daily instruction, Amy helps students thrive in a deeply student-centered space. Her strong commitment to bilingual, inclusive, and experiential education ensures that every child feels valued and supported as they grow. Ultimately, her passion for fostering curiosity and whole-child development aligns perfectly with Tambran’s core educational philosophy.

Before joining Tambran, Amy built a rich international perspective by teaching diverse learners across the United States, Nicaragua, Spain, and Palestine. Her extensive professional background spans bilingual, Montessori, and project-based classrooms, alongside impactful roles as a curriculum developer, museum educator, and teacher trainer. Academically, Amy holds a Master of Arts in TESOL from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Tufts University. She is also certified by the American Montessori Society and possesses New York teaching credentials in early childhood and bilingual education. This impressive blend of global experience and specialized pedagogical training allows her to deeply understand how language, culture, and community enrich student learning.

Stien Naets

Stien Naets brings a deep passion for outdoor learning, sustainability, and inclusion to her role as Tambran School’s Grade 3 Teacher. She is committed to creating a collaborative classroom where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported in building confidence and independence. By utilizing inquiry-based and interdisciplinary teaching methods, Stien helps students connect their academic learning to the environment, society, culture, and history. Her trauma-informed practice and focus on emotional regulation ensure that all students receive the compassionate, individualized support they need to thrive. Ultimately, her dedication to experiential, learner-centered education aligns perfectly with Tambran’s whole-child approach.

Before joining Tambran, Stien developed a rich international perspective by working with children and communities across Belgium, Australia, Peru, and Sweden. Her extensive teaching background includes serving as a primary classroom educator as well as supporting students with significant and complex learning needs. Through these diverse roles, she cultivated exceptional strengths in educational differentiation and collaborative teamwork alongside families and specialized support staff. Academically, Stien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Outdoor and Sustainability Education at Linköping University in Sweden. This unique blend of global adaptability and specialized pedagogical training empowers her to foster profound curiosity and real-world problem-solving skills in all her students.

Rebekah Golubev

Stien Naets brings a deep passion for outdoor learning, sustainability, and inclusion to her role as Tambran School’s Grade 3 Teacher. She is committed to creating a collaborative classroom where every child feels a strong sense of belonging and is supported in building confidence and independence. By utilizing inquiry-based and interdisciplinary teaching methods, Stien helps students connect their academic learning to the environment, society, culture, and history. Her trauma-informed practice and focus on emotional regulation ensure that all students receive the compassionate, individualized support they need to thrive. Ultimately, her dedication to experiential, learner-centered education aligns perfectly with Tambran’s whole-child approach.

Before joining Tambran, Stien developed a rich international perspective by working with children and communities across Belgium, Australia, Peru, and Sweden. Her extensive teaching background includes serving as a primary classroom educator as well as supporting students with significant and complex learning needs. Through these diverse roles, she cultivated exceptional strengths in educational differentiation and collaborative teamwork alongside families and specialized support staff. Academically, Stien holds a Bachelor’s degree in Primary Education and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Outdoor and Sustainability Education at Linköping University in Sweden. This unique blend of global adaptability and specialized pedagogical training empowers her to foster profound curiosity and real-world problem-solving skills in all her students.

Daniel Eden

Daniel Eden is a bilingual educator and school leader who brings extensive expertise in adolescent development to Tambran’s Middle School program. He is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where students are actively encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and engage with multiple cultural perspectives. By drawing on his rich background in language and social studies, Daniel helps young learners become independent thinkers and globally minded citizens. His profound dedication to fostering curiosity and authentic real-world connections aligns perfectly with Tambran’s emphasis on experiential education.

Before joining Tambran, Daniel built a diverse educational career serving as a teacher, Assistant Principal, coordinator for multilingual learners, and university Assistant Professor. Originally from California, he has also lived in Latin America and Asia, which allows him to bring invaluable international perspectives directly into his daily instruction. Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Inspired Teaching alongside a Bachelor’s degree in Language Studies and numerous California educational credentials. This robust blend of global experience and specialized pedagogical training empowers him to effectively support the unique academic needs of diverse multilingual learners. Outside the classroom, Daniel enjoys surfing, scuba diving, and traveling with his family, bringing a vibrant, adventurous spirit to the school community.

Leann Winn

Leann Winn brings more than 20 years of science education experience to her role as Tambran’s Middle School Math and Science Educator. She is dedicated to helping students approach these disciplines with curiosity, confidence, and a strong willingness to investigate challenging questions. By emphasizing inquiry, observation, and critical thinking, Leann ensures her lessons are grounded in meaningful, real-world problem-solving. Her deep passion for experiential education perfectly aligns with Tambran’s philosophy, as she firmly believes that students learn best by actively engaging in the scientific process. Furthermore, her specialized background creates exciting opportunities to connect classroom concepts directly to Nicaragua’s extraordinary coastal ecosystems.

Before joining Tambran, Leann taught a diverse range of middle and high school science subjects across both national and international learning environments. She has extensive experience designing accessible curricula and leading dynamic laboratory and field-based investigations for diverse learners. Beyond the classroom, Leann has partnered with notable organizations like NOAA and Sharks4Kids to conduct research, promote ocean literacy, and lead student expeditions. Academically, she holds a Master of Science in Environmental Education alongside bachelor’s degrees in both Marine Science and Psychology. This robust blend of scientific expertise, psychological insight, and hands-on environmental advocacy makes her an inspiring addition to the Middle School community.

Arlen Gómez

Arlen Gómez López serves as Tambran School’s Spanish Language and Literature Teacher, bringing a deep commitment to helping every student grow. In her classroom, she cultivates dynamic, inquiry-based learning environments where students are encouraged to actively participate, explore ideas, and learn from one another. Arlen helps students deepen their command of Spanish through comprehensive reading, writing, and cultural exploration while empowering them to develop their individual voices as writers. She consistently emphasizes critical thinking and fosters a profound appreciation for the richness of Nicaraguan language and culture. By valuing each child as an individual and providing thoughtful feedback, Arlen intentionally builds a supportive classroom culture rooted in respect, responsibility, and empathy.

A dedicated educator from San Juan del Sur, Arlen brings over 25 years of diverse teaching experience to her vital role at Tambran. Throughout her extensive career, she has taught in primary, multigrade, and secondary classrooms, developing exceptional strengths in adapting her instruction to meet the needs of all abilities. Her outstanding educational contributions and deep community roots have earned her formal honors and recognition for excellence in teaching within San Juan del Sur. This rich background of careful planning, adaptability, and pedagogical expertise directly informs her highly empathetic approach to student development. Arlen’s profound local connections and lifelong dedication to education make her an incredibly valued and inspiring member of the Tambran community.

Faby Gallo

Fabianny “Faby” Gallo Navarro is a passionate language educator who believes students learn best when language is connected to meaningful relationships, real-life experiences, and the world around them. Now in her second year at Tambran, she helps students develop the confidence and skills to communicate increasingly independently in Spanish.

Faby holds a bachelor’s degree in Hispanic Language and Literature from UNAN-Managua. Her experience includes teaching Spanish as an additional language to international learners, teaching English to children and adults, and supporting bilingual elementary classrooms as a teaching assistant.

In her Spanish classes, Faby creates opportunities for students to develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing through conversation, stories, games, projects, and practical experiences. She encourages students to take risks, use Spanish for authentic purposes, and view mistakes as a natural and important part of learning a new language.

Faby also brings a strong background in community service, having spent several years as a firefighter and fire-safety inspector in San Juan del Sur. This experience strengthened her leadership, calm problem-solving, sense of responsibility, and commitment to serving others—all qualities she brings into her work with students.

Her warmth, knowledge of the local community, and passion for language help students feel supported as they build both their Spanish proficiency and their connection to Nicaraguan culture. Faby continues to be a valued member of the Tambran community.

Jeyling Solís

Originally from Nindirí, Nicaragua, Jeyling Solís Blandón brings warmth, energy, and a strong background in bilingual education to her roles as Spanish Teacher and Tambran Clubs Coordinator.Jeyling holds a degree in Bilingual Preschool Education and has extensive experience teaching Spanish language and literacy to children. She has also completed training in playful learning through Harvard Project Zero and in Brain Power Wellness, strengthening her ability to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences. In her Spanish classes, Jeyling uses stories, conversation, games, collaborative activities, and real-life connections to help students strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. She creates an encouraging environment where students feel comfortable participating, taking risks, and developing greater confidence in Spanish. As Coordinator of Tambran Clubs, Jeyling oversees the development and implementation of extracurricular programs that allow students to explore their interests, build new skills, and connect with one another beyond the regular school day. Her previous experience creating and leading a successful school clubs program gives her a strong understanding of how to develop engaging, well-organized, and sustainable enrichment opportunities.

Roniel Lara

Roniel Castro is an experienced musician and educator who brings more than a decade of music teaching experience to Tambran. He has worked with students of many ages in private lessons, schools, and university settings, helping learners develop their musical abilities, confidence, and appreciation for the arts.

Roniel studied music at the ADILA Academy of Arts in Costa Rica and holds a degree in Theology from the Central American Theological University. His varied background has strengthened his ability to connect with students, communicate ideas clearly, and approach music as both a technical discipline and a meaningful form of personal and cultural expression.

In his classes at Tambran, Roniel creates an active and encouraging environment where students learn through listening, rhythm, practice, collaboration, and performance. He helps students develop musical skills while also nurturing creativity, perseverance, coordination, and the confidence to share their work with others.

Roniel believes that music should be joyful, accessible, and engaging for every student, regardless of prior experience. His enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to his craft continue to enrich Tambran’s arts program and school community.

María Alejandra Mercado

María Alejandra Mercado Domínguez is a creative and enthusiastic educator who is passionate about helping students express themselves through movement and the visual arts. As Tambran’s Dance and Art Teacher, she creates joyful opportunities for students to experiment, take creative risks, and develop confidence in their own ideas and abilities.

Alejandra studied Culture and Art at the Universidad Autónoma de Nicaragua, with a particular interest in dance, theater, painting, and cultural expression. Her experience includes teaching dance to children, creating choreography, directing rehearsals and performances, and participating in theatrical productions with children and adolescents.

In dance classes, Alejandra helps students develop coordination, rhythm, body awareness, collaboration, and confidence through movement and performance. In art, she encourages them to explore materials, techniques, colors, and ideas while discovering that there are many different ways to create and communicate.

Francisco Castro

Originally from San Juan del Sur, Francisco Castro brings more than a decade of experience in physical education, coaching, and community sports to his role as Tambran’s Physical Education Teacher. He is committed to helping students develop not only physical skills and healthy habits, but also confidence, perseverance, teamwork, responsibility, and respect.

Francisco holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports from the National Polytechnic University. He has also completed international training in beach-volleyball coaching and instruction.

Beyond the classroom, Francisco coaches Nicaragua’s national junior beach-volleyball team and leads a local soccer club. He also spent eight years overseeing municipal sports in San Juan del Sur, where he organized athletic programs and coordinated local and intermunicipal events for children, young people, and adults.

In his classes at Tambran, Francisco creates active, inclusive experiences that allow students with different interests and ability levels to participate, improve, and experience success. Through individual challenges, cooperative games, skill development, and team sports, he teaches students to care for their bodies, support one another, handle competition respectfully, and find joy in movement.

Francisco’s deep connection to the San Juan del Sur community, extensive coaching experience, and values-centered approach make him a valued member of the Tambran team.