Meet Our Staff
Administration

Carlos Zelaya
GENERAL DIRECTORHaving been raised in a Christian home, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. My personal growth in the faith is directly related to my parents’ guid...Read More
Carlos Zelaya
GENERAL DIRECTOR
Carlos Zelaya
Having been raised in a Christian home, I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at an early age. My personal growth in the faith is directly related to my parents’ guidance and teaching, and through their ministry as missionaries and church leaders in the USA and here in Costa Rica.
I believe that God has provided through His Word and a personal relationship with Him the tools and guidelines we need to raise generations of active believers who are called to make a difference. I am committed to making Lighthouse a safe and active place, where healthy relationships are the lifeforce for learning academics, friendship, and love of God. I am always available to serve in any way I can, ensuring that the vision and mission of the school are upheld and effectively carried out.

Sonia Pastrana
Secondary PrincipalI have had a 23-year career in education and held positions as a teacher, educational coordinator, and 10 years as a principal of which the last three have been as academic directo...Read More
Sonia Pastrana
Secondary Principal
Sonia Pastrana
I have had a 23-year career in education and held positions as a teacher, educational coordinator, and 10 years as a principal of which the last three have been as academic director of Middle School and High School at LIS. I currently live in Carmen de Guadalupe with my husband and daughter.
My adventure in education started in 1992, and since that time, I have had the opportunity to be a part of many educational moments, not only in the classroom but also in leadership. As a leader, I am committed to helping bring understanding, purpose, and value within the educational community and throughout the different and difficult moments of change. These core values have allowed me to experience great joy, commitment, and purpose throughout my career.

Elisa Castro
Finance and Operations ManagerI was born and raised in the province of Guanacaste; I am the seventh of nine siblings, of farmer parents, and very proud of my peasant roots. I especially admire my father for bei...Read More
Elisa Castro
Finance and Operations Manager
Elisa Castro

Tatiana Cordero
Admissions & Communications CoordinatorI have been working at LIS since October 2016 and it has been a great blessing to me. I have 7 years of experience working in corporate communications, press management, and corpor...Read More
Tatiana Cordero
Admissions & Communications Coordinator
Tatiana Cordero
I have been working at LIS since October 2016 and it has been a great blessing to me. I have 7 years of experience working in corporate communications, press management, and corporate social responsibility programs. I’m passionate about the Lord and getting involved in different ministries. My husband and I serve in Children’s Ministries in our church. I love reading, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Bianca Aymerich
Front DeskI am Costa Rican. I have worked as a classroom assistant and teacher for 8 years and12 years as a director assistant and administrative teacher in Saint Mary School. I have been wo...Read More
Bianca Aymerich
Front Desk
Bianca Aymerich
I am Costa Rican. I have worked as a classroom assistant and teacher for 8 years and12 years as a director assistant and administrative teacher in Saint Mary School. I have been working at LIS since January 2018. I have a 9-year-old and 3-year-old boy. I enjoy and am passionate about what I do (administrative or teaching), always trying to give the best of me as a person. I like solidarity, fellowship, and respect for one another that exist at LIS.
Meet Our Staff
Pre-School

Laura Pérez Garita
KinderI was born in San José, Costa Rica, and have lived in this beautiful country all my life. I am very blessed to say that this is my first year at LIS. As a testimony, I can tell yo...Read More
Laura Pérez Garita
Kinder
Laura Pérez Garita
I was born in San José, Costa Rica, and have lived in this beautiful country all my life. I am very blessed to say that this is my first year at LIS. As a testimony, I can tell you that it was an answered prayer from God. My family and I are extremely grateful for the blessing of being part of this ministry/school, where we not only teach for children to learn academically, but we also have the opportunity to teach about God's love for us and learn to obey him. Teaching is something I enjoy very much. I consider that the most important challenge as an educator is to be the best example for each of the children, to give the best of me so that they are happy and can learn for life.


Gabriela Estevez
Kinder AssistantI’m from Costa Rica but I’m a mix of everything with a Mexican dad a Spanish granddad and an Italian grandma. I love working with kids and love being part of their development....Read More
Gabriela Estevez
Kinder Assistant
Gabriela Estevez
I’m from Costa Rica but I’m a mix of everything with a Mexican dad a Spanish granddad and an Italian grandma. I love working with kids and love being part of their development. I even moved to Asia for a few years to work with children at risk. My goal is to help them to be their very best self and fulfill who they are meant to be.

María Fernanda Solano
Preparatory TeacherI was born and raised in Costa Rica. I found my passion for teaching 12 years ago and became part of the Lighthouse family 2.5 years ago. I love God and my family with all of my ...Read More
María Fernanda Solano
Preparatory Teacher
María Fernanda Solano
I was born and raised in Costa Rica. I found my passion for teaching 12 years ago and became part of the Lighthouse family 2.5 years ago. I love God and my family with all of my heart, and enjoy baking, crafts and reading. Working at Lighthouse is a wonderful experience because it gives our students, families, and staff a sense of belonging to one big LIS family where you find, not only excellence in academics, but spiritual growth. There is no other place with such a wonderful caring environment for everyone!
Meet Our Staff
Elementary

Jessica Salamanca
Third GradeI am from Bolivia and have been teaching for more than 15 years. I have lived and worked in many countries and have been blessed to experience different cultures. I have been livin...Read More
Jessica Salamanca
Third Grade
Jessica Salamanca
I am from Bolivia and have been teaching for more than 15 years. I have lived and worked in many countries and have been blessed to experience different cultures. I have been living in Costa Rica for the past 4 years; I am married to a Tico and have a one-year-old son. Teaching is my passion and it’s a gift God has given me to share of Him and His love! This is my 4th year at Lighthouse and I love working at this school!

Emma Hall
Fifth GradeI am from Atlanta, Georgia, and have been living in Costa Rica since 2010. What I love most is listening to music and being with my family and friends. I started teaching in 2011 a...Read More
Emma Hall
Fifth Grade
Emma Hall
I am from Atlanta, Georgia, and have been living in Costa Rica since 2010. What I love most is listening to music and being with my family and friends. I started teaching in 2011 and have been at Lighthouse since January of 2015. What I love most about Lighthouse is the close, Godly relationship that there is between staff and students and how it helps me on a daily basis in my walk with the Lord.

Shawndra Chase
Fourth GradeI am originally from northern Minnesota. I taught third and fourth grade for six years in Houston, Texas. This is my fifth year teaching fourth grade at L.I.S. I absolutely love th...Read More
Shawndra Chase
Fourth Grade
Shawndra Chase
I am originally from northern Minnesota. I taught third and fourth grade for six years in Houston, Texas. This is my fifth year teaching fourth grade at L.I.S. I absolutely love the Lighthouse community of staff, parents, and students! My husband and I have two lovely golden retriever dogs and a baby girl on the way (due in April)!

Liz Zelaya
English as a Second LanguageI was born in San José, Costa Rica but grew up in Sarchí. I gave my life to the Lord when I was seventeen and since then He has continually helped me make all the important decis...Read More
Liz Zelaya
English as a Second Language
Liz Zelaya
I was born in San José, Costa Rica but grew up in Sarchí. I gave my life to the Lord when I was seventeen and since then He has continually helped me make all the important decisions.
I began my teaching career in Houston, where we lived for more than 16 years. I have been part of the Lighthouse family since its beginnings as the kindergarten teacher, Learning Support Program, and English as a Second language Program. I pray that the Lord will allow me to be a blessing to my colleagues, parents, and especially the students.

Yendry González Sánchez
Spanish & Social StudiesI am very passionate about what I do, I have 13 years of experience. I am the proud mother of 15-year-old Paula and 18-year-old Jafet, happily married for 20 years to Edwin Chan, a...Read More
Yendry González Sánchez
Spanish & Social Studies
Yendry González Sánchez
I am very passionate about what I do, I have 13 years of experience. I am the proud mother of 15-year-old Paula and 18-year-old Jafet, happily married for 20 years to Edwin Chan, and owner of a very special puppy. I really enjoy sharing the joyful message of God’s word with children and showing them that being a Christian is not boring, on the contrary we are creative, happy, dynamic and brave people.



Kristie Bloomfield
Second GradeI was born in Costa Rica, but I'm half Jamaican. I've been teaching since 2015. I've been working at Lighthouse International School for a year. I love spending time with my family...Read More
Kristie Bloomfield
Second Grade
Kristie Bloomfield
I was born in Costa Rica, but I'm half Jamaican. I've been teaching since 2015. I've been working at Lighthouse International School for a year. I love spending time with my family and friends, and also traveling around the country discovering new places. Teaching is my passion, I love being part of the growth and development of children in all areas, not only academically. As teachers, we learn new things every day, and this is what I enjoy most of my job. What I like the most about Lighthouse is the working environment, everyone is always willing to help and support you if you need it.
Meet Our Staff
Middle & High School

Kathy Sabean
Literature, History, US Government & EconomicsTwenty-five years ago, I married my teenage sweetheart and had two children who are now teens. I was born in Costa Rica, but my parents were North American missionaries. After work...Read More
Kathy Sabean
Literature, History, US Government & Economics
Kathy Sabean
Twenty-five years ago, I married my teenage sweetheart and had two children who are now teens. I was born in Costa Rica, but my parents were North American missionaries. After working in non-Christian institutions for many years, it is a breath of fresh air to work in a place where I can pray with my coworkers and students, share what God is doing in my life, comfort others with passages from God’s word, and seek counsel when I need a wise word of advice. It is a privilege to help children on the way to their future. “The dream begins, most of the time, with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you on to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called truth.” (Dan Rather)

Lynne Allen
Science, Math & HistoryI grew up in Western Washington State and moved to Costa Rica right after I graduated with my teaching degree in 2011. I worked for a year and a half at another school before joini...Read More
Lynne Allen
Science, Math & History
Lynne Allen
I grew up in Western Washington State and moved to Costa Rica right after I graduated with my teaching degree in 2011. I worked for a year and a half at another school before joining the Lighthouse team in December 2012. I am married to an amazing Tico man and we love being outdoors, biking, playing frisbee, swimming at the beach or hiking. I love working at Lighthouse because each day I get to spend learning and growing with an amazing team and incredible students. Starting off each day studying
God´s word, praying together and worshiping our creator is such a blessing!

Marijke Armstrong
IB Literature & Research WritingIn 2010, I came to Costa Rica looking for adventure. Since then, I have met and married the man of my dream, had two beautifully vibrant children, lived in five different houses an...Read More
Marijke Armstrong
IB Literature & Research Writing
Marijke Armstrong
In 2010, I came to Costa Rica looking for adventure. Since then, I have met and married the man of my dream, had two beautifully vibrant children, lived in five different houses and never regretted a second! I have been at LIS since I came and absolutely love the fact that beyond the pages required in the books, I have a chance to talk about life, faith, morality, and ethics. Working with teens has been more than I could have ever asked for on so many levels. From the questions asked, to the stories told, I never cease to be amazed to see how faithfully God pursues His children through every step in life.

Ariette de Bruin
Literature & Composition, Chapter Advisor National Honor SocietyI was born and raised in the Netherlands where I got my degree in both English and Teaching. I worked for several years as a high school teacher in the Netherlands and then moved t...Read More
Ariette de Bruin
Literature & Composition, Chapter Advisor National Honor Society
Ariette de Bruin
I was born and raised in the Netherlands where I got my degree in both English and Teaching. I worked for several years as a high school teacher in the Netherlands and then moved to Northern-Ireland to work for a missionary organization. Meeting my Costa Rican husband made me move to Costa Rica in 2009. We have a five-year-old son, Mateo, and a one-year-old daughter, Tahlia. I have been teaching English at Lighthouse International School for almost four years now and it truly has been a blessing to be part of the Lighthouse family.

Xinia Rojas
MEP Spanish & IB SpanishI am Costa Rican, and this is my seventh year at Lighthouse. It has been a very edifying time in my life because my daily lessons are infused with Christian values. I thank God for...Read More
Xinia Rojas
MEP Spanish & IB Spanish
Xinia Rojas
I am Costa Rican, and this is my seventh year at Lighthouse. It has been a very edifying time in my life because my daily lessons are infused with Christian values. I thank God for allowing me to work in a school where individualized attention can be given to the students.

Juan Pablo Sánchez
MEP Social StudiesI live in Barva de Heredia, and two of my five years of teaching experience has been here at Lighthouse. I love reading about issues of contemporary history, social movements and h...Read More
Juan Pablo Sánchez
MEP Social Studies
Juan Pablo Sánchez
I live in Barva de Heredia, and two of my five years of teaching experience has been here at Lighthouse. I love reading about issues of contemporary history, social movements and historical novels. Another passion is soccer which I like to watch and play. As a teacher, I believe in an education for life and the construction of meaningful learning. That is why it is important to know the context of the student since they are the reason for our vocation. Teaching is summarized in the following sentence of Paulo Freire, “Learning is not measured by the number of pages read in a night, nor by the number of books read in a semester. Learning is not an act of consuming ideas, but of creating and recreating them.”

Leonardo Araya
IB Math & Math CoordinatorI was born in Guadalupe, San José and lived there during all my childhood. Then I moved to Tres Ríos, Cartago where I currently live. Since 1990 I got involved in different proje...Read More
Leonardo Araya
IB Math & Math Coordinator
Leonardo Araya
I was born in Guadalupe, San José and lived there during all my childhood. Then I moved to Tres Ríos, Cartago where I currently live. Since 1990 I got involved in different projects in the area of education and that is why I ended up studying teaching. Since 1992 I have been teaching Mathematics at the university level and since 2001 I started working in different international schools nationwide. Among my hobbies are sports (tennis, handball) with which I have come to participate several times in Central American and Caribbean Tournaments integrating the National Handball Team.
This is my first year at Lighthouse and I am passionate about teaching because it allows me to share with my students not only knowledge at the subject level, but as a person.

Roxana Araya
Spanish & CAS CoordinatorI live in Santa Ana, and I have 14 years of teaching experience, nine of those at Lighthouse. I am especially interested in the knowledge of Theology and research. Teaching is my p...Read More
Roxana Araya
Spanish & CAS Coordinator
Roxana Araya
I live in Santa Ana, and I have 14 years of teaching experience, nine of those at Lighthouse. I am especially interested in the knowledge of Theology and research. Teaching is my passion because I am a teacher by vocation, I love what I do and I believe that makes a difference in my work.

Felipe Bonilla
Math Department, IB TeacherI was born and raised in downtown San José, but I love the countryside and outdoor activities. I have been a teacher since the 8th grade when I started tutoring other students. Pr...Read More
Felipe Bonilla
Math Department, IB Teacher
Felipe Bonilla
I was born and raised in downtown San José, but I love the countryside and outdoor activities. I have been a teacher since the 8th grade when I started tutoring other students. Professionally, I started teaching in 2012. I began teaching at LIS in 2017, and right from the start, I loved it here! I live with my wife Andrea and my 2-year-old son Fabian (he was born 3 days before I started working at LIS). I am a Math teacher who likes Geography, Languages, and Science, and I love teaching, because being around students we always have a lot to learn!

Nicholas Davenport
IB Biology, History & Environmental Systems and Societies.I am from Raleigh, North Carolina, but I have lived in Virginia and Georgia as well. I have been teaching since 2005, so this, I guess, would be my 11th year (wow time flies by). I...Read More
Nicholas Davenport
IB Biology, History & Environmental Systems and Societies.
Nicholas Davenport
I am from Raleigh, North Carolina, but I have lived in Virginia and Georgia as well. I have been teaching since 2005, so this, I guess, would be my 11th year (wow time flies by). I have been teaching here at LIS since 2013. I love teaching here because I have students that want to learn and be pushed, but that I can also have a relationship with, and I am able to invest in them as a whole person. I would say that I am an adventurous person, a bit of a risk-taker, and I live my life so that I do not have any regrets. One of my slogans for life is I don’t live to work, I work to live. Meaning, I love my job, but I do it so that I can live life to the fullest. I especially love water activities and playing Ultimate Frisbee. I am married to the wonderful Mrs. Amy Davenport—the best decision I’ve ever made—and we have two beautiful dogs Leo and Maní.


Yoselyn Rodríguez
MEP BiologyI live in Desamparados, I started working at LIS in 2017. I love going out to know the biodiversity in Costa Rica, so I frequently visit beaches and mountains during the weekend. I...Read More
Yoselyn Rodríguez
MEP Biology
Yoselyn Rodríguez
I live in Desamparados, I started working at LIS in 2017. I love going out to know the biodiversity in Costa Rica, so I frequently visit beaches and mountains during the weekend. I love being able to observe the large number of species of flora and fauna that our country has and to be able to tell each experience to my students. For me, every day of work at LIS is a great blessing, I love teaching and being able to leave meaningful learning in each student's life.

Dayana Vargas
Math 125, MEP MATH & PhysicsI have been a teacher for three years and for one of them I have been a teacher at LIS. I am married and have two beautiful sons, I am from Heredia, and the fact of being in this s...Read More
Dayana Vargas
Math 125, MEP MATH & Physics
Dayana Vargas
I have been a teacher for three years and for one of them I have been a teacher at LIS. I am married and have two beautiful sons, I am from Heredia, and the fact of being in this school has been a blessing to my life. I am passionate about teaching and working with young people since I learn a lot from them and try to leave a positive mark on the learning and on the hearts of the children.
Meet Our Staff
Support

Vanessa Poveda
Service Learning CoordinatorI was born and raised in Costa Rica. When I am not in the classroom, I am a wife and a mother to my three sons. My hobbies include hiking in the Escazu mountains with my husband an...Read More
Vanessa Poveda
Service Learning Coordinator
Vanessa Poveda
I was born and raised in Costa Rica. When I am not in the classroom, I am a wife and a mother to my three sons. My hobbies include hiking in the Escazu mountains with my husband and my huskies and designing vintage furniture. I started teaching in 1990, and this is my ninth year teaching music at Lighthouse International School. Working at Lighthouse International School has been a very rewarding experience. I’m very grateful and honored to be a part of such a caring community that recognizes the importance of Christian values as part of life. Each and every day here at Lighthouse, I am reminded of my passion for teaching music and for making a difference in children’s lives.

Fiorella Fúster
Curriculum CoordinatorPassionate about technology and education, I was born in Costa Rica and I’ve been a teacher for 10 years. I’m a veteran at Lighthouse – I’ve been here since it opened its d...Read More
Fiorella Fúster
Curriculum Coordinator
Fiorella Fúster
Passionate about technology and education, I was born in Costa Rica and I’ve been a teacher for 10 years. I’m a veteran at Lighthouse – I’ve been here since it opened its doors in 2008 – and working here is such a joy since we all strive to care for children’s hearts and reach the highest standards of education.

Amy Mishoe-Davenport
IB Coordinator & LibrarianAs a southern girl from the foothills of North Carolina, I grew up with a deep appreciation of good people, good food, and our Good Lord, Jesus! I graduated from a small Liberal Ar...Read More
Amy Mishoe-Davenport
IB Coordinator & Librarian
Amy Mishoe-Davenport
As a southern girl from the foothills of North Carolina, I grew up with a deep appreciation of good people, good food, and our Good Lord, Jesus! I graduated from a small Liberal Arts college in Georgia, where I also met my fun, awesome husband, Mr. Davenport. I love reading, writing (words are my passion), Ultimate Frisbee, our two dogs (Leo and Maní), and I love to help lead others in finding their identity and passionate purpose in Christ. My work experience ranges from Higher Education to Creative Arts in church ministry, to writing for a variety of platforms, and now to a Librarian and IB Educator. I have been working at LIS since 2014, first as a long-term substitute, and then, as of 2015, as the school Librarian, and for me working here has been an absolute joy and an answer to years of prayer.

Andrea Ortiz
Core ValuesI am Costa Rican, I have been married for 20 years and I have two children; Claudia who is 16 and Santiago who is 15.
In 2003 I started working in the area of education as a Monte...Read More
Andrea Ortiz
Core Values
Andrea Ortiz
I am Costa Rican, I have been married for 20 years and I have two children; Claudia who is 16 and Santiago who is 15.
In 2003 I started working in the area of education as a Montessori Guide. From 2008 to 2014 I worked in the area of Physical Education in LIS as a teacher and sports coordinator. These were years full of emotions, sports, and spiritual growth. In 2014, my family and I went to Colorado to study Theology and Bible at Denver Seminary for a period of two years.
This year, LIS gave me the opportunity to teach Core Values, a subject that, through biblical principles and values, intends to train human beings, leaders and successful professionals, with a high moral code that allows them to excel in what they do. This opportunity is invaluable since we are in a society where moral values have been lost and the pressures that surround our young people are very negative and powerful.
I love young people, I like to interact with them and influence their integral growth in one way or another. I also love sports of all kinds, volleyball, hiking, mountain biking, swimming and when it is possible a little snowboarding.
It is a huge blessing to be in LIS again.

Jessica Quesada
Learning SpecialistI live in Desamparados, I am the mother of a beautiful 8-month-old baby, I have been married for 6 years to a wonderful man. I have almost 10 years of experience working with child...Read More
Jessica Quesada
Learning Specialist
Jessica Quesada
I live in Desamparados, I am the mother of a beautiful 8-month-old baby, I have been married for 6 years to a wonderful man. I have almost 10 years of experience working with children and adolescents, in various support services in educational institutions and private care. I entered LIS this year, with great enthusiasm to work on what I am passionate about "a learning support program for students." I love God above all things and try to serve him with everything I do.
Meet Our Staff
Security & Maintenance

Juan Mezza
GUARDJuan Mezza
GUARD
Roy Salazar
MAINTENANCERoy Salazar
MAINTENANCE
Marcia Cajina
HOUSEKEEPINGMarcia Cajina
HOUSEKEEPING
Zenelia Leal
HOUSEKEEPINGZenelia Leal
HOUSEKEEPING
Patricia López
HOUSEKEEPINGPatricia López
HOUSEKEEPING
Sandra Muñíz
HOUSEKEEPINGSandra Muñíz
HOUSEKEEPINGGet In Touch
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Lighthouse International School
Lighthouse International School
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Address: Click here to get directions
Phone: 2215-2393
E-mail: lighthouse@lis.ed.cr
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