MEET THE TEAM
At Mareas, we are committed to creating a caring, child-centered academic environment, where freedom and flexibility go hand in hand with learning from the most qualified teachers in the Samara area.
Lenina Araya Orocu
Founder & Director
Lenina is a native of San Jose, Costa Rica, where she completed her studies at the Universidad de Santa Paula with a specialization in Special Education, with an emphasis on Speech Therapy. She has worked exclusively with children for the last 26 years and truly enjoys the time spent with them, nurturing them as they grow and learn. Her other passions are reading, riding her bicycle, and spending time with her family.
Miroslava Castro
Early Years Teacher
Miroslava is from Caracas, Venezuela. She is a Preschool Education teacher who studied at the Instituto Pedagógico de Caracas, a university specializing in training educators. Additionally, she is a 4th Dan Karate-Do Sensei, a passion that led her to open two dojos, one in Sámara and another in Nosara, with a new location coming soon in Nicoya. Miroslava has worked with children for 30 years in various capacities, including as a teacher, Sensei, academic tutor, recreational instructor, and babysitter. She loves working with children, as their smiles and hugs brighten her day. Miroslava also enjoys sports, walking, reading, and watching movies. She is thrilled to be part of the Mareas Academy team, beginning her 8th year with the school, always giving her best for the well-being of the community.
Katie McIntosh
Early Years Teacher
Katie was born in San Francisco, California and has lived in New York City and the Canary Islands before relocating to Sámara, Costa Rica. She is an NYU graduate, Fulbright Scholar, and TEFL Certified educator. With over three years of experience in early childhood education, Katie specializes in using art and music as means of language learning, cultural inclusion, and creative expression. She is also very passionate about special education, and prioritizes creating a classroom environment that is accessible, safe, and joyful for all students. In her free time, Katie loves to play music, write, read, surf, travel, and hike. Katie feels very excited to join the Mareas Academy team and looks forward to working together this year!
Sabah Light
1st-2nd Grade Teacher
Originally from Kenya, Sabah received her Bachelor’s degree at the San Francisco Art Institute and continued her studies at Ithaca College before working as an educator in the U.S. for eight years. She has found home in Samara and has been part of the community for the past two years. With a background in the Montessori and Waldorf school systems, Sabah is passionate about supporting children as they blossom into their unique strengths, personalities, and outlooks. She enjoys reading, writing, making art, and being by the ocean with her mischievous dogs.
Melissa Jimenez
1st-11th Grade, Spanish & Social Studies Teacher
Melissa is a Costa Rican economist, originally from Playa Sámara, Guanacaste. She enjoys reading and practicing sports. She has worked as a professor at various universities across the country, teaching courses in Social Sciences and Economics. Melissa has been part of the Mareas Academy family for 6 years, and for the 2024-2025 school year, she will be teaching Social Studies for native speakers and Spanish for non-native speakers.
Nayarit Campos
1st-11th Grade, Spanish Teacher
Nayarit is a passionate teacher with a background in Business Administration and English Teaching for Primary Levels, currently pursuing further studies in Finance. With two years’ experience tutoring core subjects and English to primary and secondary students, and three years as a volunteer in religious education, she brings empathy and creativity to her teaching. Known for her dedication to meaningful learning, Nayarit designs adaptable strategies to meet individual student needs and enjoys collaborating with colleagues to support student growth.
Andrea Hartwig
3rd-12th Grade, English & Social Studies Teacher
Andrea is a dedicated elementary educator with over a decade of experience, specializing in experiential learning and curriculum design tailored to individual student needs. She has a strong background in hands-on activities that foster curiosity and critical thinking. Previously a Nutrition Ambassador, Andrea taught children about health and wellness through engaging, practical lessons. Her holistic approach creates an inclusive classroom where each child feels empowered to learn and grow. Andrea holds a BA in Social Sciences with a focus on Environmental Justice and Food Security, along with an Early Education Certification. Recently relocated to Puerto Carrillo from Washington State, Andrea and her husband Allen, along with their two dogs, are excited to become part of the Samara community. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, reading on the beach, and playing games. Andrea also has three grown children living in Washington.
Stephanie Rangel
3th-12th Grade, Science & STEAM Teacher
Stephanie is Mexican, born in Mexico City. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biology and a Master's degree in Science in Natural Resources and Rural Development. She has worked constantly on environmental education issues. She is very passionate about field work and she loves it when her students share with her the love and respect she has for nature and all the beings that live in it. What she enjoys most about teaching science classes is being able to appreciate live and direct all the wonders that the environment has for us.
Diego Salas
3th-12th Grade, Math Teacher
Diego is native of Alajuela, Costa Rica where he completed his studies at the Universidad de Costa Rica. He is a Professor of Mathematics at Universidad Central o in a university. He likes to practice soccer and volleyball, also likes listening to music and playing videogames.
Valeria Cambronero
Physical Education Teacher
Valeria is a passionate fitness enthusiast and certified personal trainer with over five years of experience. As a third-generation teacher, she carries on her family's legacy with a deep commitment to education, especially with children. Valeria pursued a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports to blend her love for teaching with her dedication to promoting active lifestyles.
Domi Barattolo
Art Teacher
Domi is Italian and has been living in Sámara, Costa Rica, for four years, she has been working with Mareas since then. Domi studied art conservation and restoration of ancient works in Rome and lived in Barcelona for four years before coming to Sámara. She is an art teacher and enjoys teaching art history along with artistic techniques. She loves teaching children of different ages and greatly enjoys working at Mareas School.
Silvia Rangel
Assistan
Silvia is originally from Estrada de Hojancha, Costa Rica. She is 44 years old and has 3 children. She has been part of the Mareas family for 12 years and for five years she has been a preschool assistant.
Isabella Di Capua
Assistant
Isabella is our third student to graduate from high school. She has decided to take a gap year before defining what she wants to do in her future. This year she has the opportunity to work at Mareas as an assistant and she is very excited to be part of the educational experience of our students.
Hillary Campos
Assistant
Hillary was born in San José; she is 25 years old and has four girls who attend Mareas. She is a bilingual preschool technician, and this is the fourth year that she works with us. She has really enjoyed her experience as an assistant to the little ones at school.