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
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Founder & Director
Lenina is a native of San José, Costa Rica, where she completed her studies at the Universidad de Santa Paula, specializing in Special Education with an emphasis on Speech Therapy. She is the founder and principal of Mareas Academy, where her leadership, vision, and dedication have shaped the school’s growth and commitment to providing high-quality bilingual education in Sámara.
With over 26 years of experience working exclusively with children, Lenina finds great joy in nurturing their development and guiding them as they learn and grow. Her deep passion for education is reflected in her daily work and in the caring environment she fosters within the school community.
Outside of the classroom, Lenina enjoys reading, riding her bicycle, and spending time with her family.
Miroslava Castro
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Early Years Teacher
Miroslava García Castro is from Caracas, Venezuela. She is a Preschool Education teacher who studied at the Instituto Pedagógico de Caracas, a university specializing in training educators. She also holds a Master’s degree in Sports Psychology and a Master’s in International Sports Coaching. 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.
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. She also enjoys sports, walking, reading, and watching movies.
Miroslava is thrilled to be part of the Mareas Academy team, beginning her tenth year with the school, where she currently serves as Vice Principal and Preschool Teacher, always giving her best for the well-being of the community.
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Melissa Jimenez
1st-11th Grade, Spanish & Social Studies Teacher
Economist and Licensed Educator, originally from Playa Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Passionate about reading, sports, and exploring the history and culture of every place I visit, I have gained valuable experience teaching at various universities across the country in the field of Social and Economic Sciences. For the past eight years, I have been part of Mareas Academy, and during the 2025–2026 school year, I will be teaching Social Studies, Spanish, and Financial Education, for both native and non-native speakers.
Nayarit Campos
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1st-11th Grade, Science & Math Teacher
Nayarit is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator with a strong background in Business Administration and English Teaching for Primary Education. She is currently pursuing further studies in Finance, expanding her interdisciplinary perspective. With one year of experience working at Mareas Academy, two years tutoring core subjects and English to primary and secondary students, and three years of volunteer work in religious education, she brings empathy, patience, and creativity to her teaching practice. Passionate about fostering meaningful learning experiences, Nayarit designs flexible and engaging strategies that address individual student needs. She values collaboration and enjoys working with colleagues to promote both academic and personal growth in her students.
Rachel Strayhall
1st-6th Grade, English & Social Studies Teacher
I recently moved to Samara, Costa Rica with my husband and our two cats from Denver, Colorado. I’m a certified School Psychologist from the United States, and since relocating, I’ve earned my TEFL certification and have been teaching English online to both children and adults. I’m passionate about helping students learn, grow, and become the best versions of themselves. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking, crocheting, and walking along the beach.
Maikol Morales
PE Teacher
I’m Michael, and I am passionate about physical education, with a strong desire to inspire and motivate others to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and a diploma in Automotive Mechanics. With my skills and knowledge in weight and functional training, I aim to create innovative and effective workout programs.
I am deeply passionate about strength and functional training and enjoy challenging myself and pushing my physical limits. My goal is for students to experience physical education through innovation and motivation, developing training programs that promote their health and well-being, while continuing to grow and improve my skills as an educator and trainer.
Isabella Di Capua
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Administrative Assistant
Isabella is our third student to graduate from Mareas Academy’s high school program. This year, she has the wonderful opportunity to continue growing within the school community as an assistant, supporting both teachers and students.
For the past three years, Isabella has been an active and dedicated member of the Mareas team, providing support across all grade levels as well as assisting in the administrative area. Her familiarity with the school’s values, her enthusiasm, and her genuine care for the students make her a positive and inspiring presence on campus.
Isabella is very excited to contribute to the educational experience of Mareas students while gaining valuable professional experience that will guide her future studies and career.
Silvia Rangel
Preschool Assistant
Silvia is originally from Estrada de Hojancha, Costa Rica. She is 44 years old and the proud mother of three children. For the past 13 years, Silvia has been an integral part of the Mareas Academy family, contributing her dedication, warmth, and commitment to the school community.
For the last six years, she has served as a preschool assistant, where her kindness, patience, and care create a nurturing and joyful environment for our youngest learners. In addition to her work with the children, Silvia also supports the cleaning and organization of the school, helping to maintain the safe, welcoming, and beautiful environment that defines Mareas Academy.
Hillary Campos
Preschool Assistant
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Hillary was born in San José, Costa Rica, and is 29 years old. She is the proud mother of four girls, all of whom attend Mareas Academy, making her deeply connected to the school both as a teacher and as a parent.
Hillary is a bilingual preschool technician with a strong passion for early childhood education. Over the past five years, she has been an invaluable part of the Mareas family, dedicating her time and energy to supporting the PreK classrooms. Her warmth, patience, and creativity have helped foster a safe and joyful learning environment where our youngest students can grow, explore, and develop confidence.
This year, Hillary is eager to expand her experience by working with the older grades, where she looks forward to bringing her enthusiasm, nurturing spirit, and classroom skills to new learning adventures. Her commitment to children’s growth and her love for education continue to make her a cherished member of the Mareas team.
Thomas Teed
Volunteer
Tom Teed is a TEFL teacher from Canada. After a 30-year career in manufacturing, he retired and came to Sámara to get TEFL certified and learn Spanish. He is in his third year as a volunteer at Mareas Academy, where he enjoys working with children and helping them grow in confidence as they learn English. Tom enjoys Sámara’s relaxed lifestyle and the sense of community in the town.