LIFE International School boasts of a highly qualified staff. Our teachers are trained to support students from different countries, ensuring they thrive academically in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Our Team
Mike grew up in Southern California, where he has worked for the past 17 years. He earned his undergraduate degrees in Kinesiology and Educational Studies from The Masters University and his Master's in Educational Leadership from National University. Before joining LIFE, Mike spent nine years in Los Angeles as a teacher and school administrator, one year in China helping to establish a new international school, and seven years as the director of a youth camp in the mountains of Idaho. Mike is deeply passionate about guiding and supporting the growth and development of the children he teaches.
Laura grew up in Brazil and the United States. She began her career in education as an elementary teacher and reading specialist. In 2018, she completed a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education at Michigan State University. For three years she worked as an Assistant Professor of Education at Houghton College where she mentored developing and early-career teachers. Primarily teaching courses in elementary education and language and literacy at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Carol started her educational career as a school social worker in Williamsburg, Virginia. Over the past 13 years, she served in schools in the country of Paraguay as a social worker and teacher. Most recently as the secondary school principal and director of curriculum and instruction at Asunción Christian Academy. Carol holds a master’s degree in Social Work and an Ed.S. post-master’s degree in Christian Education Leadership. She completed a Ph.D. in Christian Education Leadership.
Walter was born and raised in the United States. He is from New York, holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, Spanish Language, and French, and has a Master's in Spanish Language. He has taught Spanish and French to students from fifth grade to university level. For six years, he was the assistant director of the Spanish as a Second Language program at Michigan State University, and for the past three and a half years, he has been a professor at Houghton College, where, in addition to language classes, he has taught courses in pedagogy, linguistics, and second language acquisition.
Annie was born and raised in Colombia. She holds a degree in Economics from the Javeriana University in Colombia, and her experience has been developed between Colombia and Chile in business administration, management control, and finance. She has worked as a financial process analyst, business administrator, and later as a business consultant in technology companies for the implementation of information systems in management control and reporting processes.
Quezia was born and raised in Brazil, ever since freshman year of college she has dedicated to basketball coaching and management. Due to her career she also had the opportunity to live in the USA and Lithuania, where she did her Masters program. She is passionate about discipleship and uses the skills God had given her to intentionally poor into her athletes, youth adults at church and to our staff at LIFE. In 2025, she has transitioned from teaching P.E at the school to managing the front office, where she can put to work all of the people management skills and organizational skills from 12 years of coaching and directing basketball teams to test.
Soravel Llanos is originally from Puerto Rico and has recently relocated to Madrid. She holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing, as well as a Master's in Professional Studies. Soravel approaches her role at LIFE International School with strong problem-solving and management skills, taking on responsibilities within the Operations and Office Departments.
Rebecca grew up in Indiana, USA. She began her career as a caregiver for the elderly, taking care of her grandparents and working in various nursing homes. During this time she completed a Bachelors Degree in General Studies with a minor of Organizational Leadership. She then switched careers to work as an administrative assistant, using her skills of organizing, creating work instructions, and training to assist her supervisors. She is excited to use her knowledge and skills to assist the admin team and teachers at LIFE School.
Marta has degrees in Theology and Primary Education from the University Complutense in Madrid. She has more than 20 years of experience working with children in various contexts, including serving as a camp director and coordinator of humanitarian trips to Romania and India, serving in schools and orphanages. She has worked as a primary school teacher since 2008, including 4 years teaching in a bilingual school in Charlotte, North Carolina in the United States.
Charis is the music and art teacher for PK-7th grade students. She received her degree in Music Education from a Bible University in Missouri after 5 years of study and a semester of student teaching. She has taught K-6 Music at an inner-city school for 2 years. She is running our music program and technology classes.
Jessica was born in Madrid into a missionary family. She grew up in different countries and her exposure to different cultures has made it easy for her to build bridges of trust, understanding and respect with those around her. She has a degree in Pedagogy from the Complutense University of Madrid and has a specialization in the attention of students with special needs and learning difficulties. She strongly believes in inclusive education, where everyone can learn at their own pace.
Doreen has a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education) from New Zealand Tertiary College. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 4) from ARA Institute in Christchurch, New Zealand. For the past 16 years, she has worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher in Madrid and has experience teaching all ages and levels of English.
Clara has been working in the field of education for over 25 years. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Passionate about language acquisition and early childhood education, Clara has taught in public and private schools in the United States and Brazil. Her extensive experience encompasses both classroom teaching and educational administration. She is delighted to join the LIFE teaching team and looks forward to supporting students in their learning process.
Natália grew up in Brazil and England, and also lived and worked in Portugal before moving to Spain. She has over 16 years of teaching experience and started her career in education as an English teacher for non-native speakers.
She worked as a Cambridge oral examiner between 2011 and 2013 and became a Cambridge University certified teacher in 2017. Her educational background includes a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a degree in Early Childhood Education.
For the past 10 years, she has taught English immersion programs in bilingual/international schools (preschool through elementary).
Natália is passionate about bilingual literacy, children's literature and STEM education.
She worked as a Cambridge oral examiner between 2011 and 2013 and became a Cambridge University certified teacher in 2017. Her educational background includes a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a degree in Early Childhood Education.
For the past 10 years, she has taught English immersion programs in bilingual/international schools (preschool through elementary).
Natália is passionate about bilingual literacy, children's literature and STEM education.
Samantha is a specialist in English language immersion, as well as teaching through fun and nature. She has been working with Linguistic Immersion method in the Spanish private school system for six years. A native of Jamaica, she has a master’s degree in Social Education from the Complutense University of Madrid.
Lilah recently graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Her degree contains a focus on English language learners, Christian education, and reading acquisition. She has been volunteering and substitute teaching in a variety of elementary classes since her senior year of high school. After previously student teaching with LIFE, she is very excited to continue to inspire students to be life-long learners through teaching sixth grade.
Sarah Mae Rossman is from Denver, Colorado and attended college at Palm Beach Atlantic University, receiving her B.S in Elementary Education and Intercultural Studies. She completed her student-teaching internship at LIFE International and is now a 3rd grade teacher at LIFE. She has volunteered internationally as an English Language Teacher in Colombia and has worked as a substitute teacher for Palm Beach County, working at a dual-language school in South Florida. She is passionate about incorporating creativity into the classroom and believes in holistic education that promotes spiritual, emotional and academic growth.
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Toyin holds a BA in Biblical and Cross‑Cultural Studies and an MSci in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. She also holds a PRINCE2 qualification in Project Management. Now a qualified teacher, Toyin is particularly passionate about promoting a love of learning in children by simplifying complex academic concepts and processes, and she has a special interest in integrating Biblical principles into her instruction.
Jenna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from MidAmerica Nazarene University, earned in December 2021. She furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master of Science in Education (MSE) in K-12 Special Education from Arkansas State University in December 2023.
Her professional experience includes serving in numerous long-term substitute roles during her graduate studies. She has two years of experience as a full-time special education teacher, with one year dedicated to K-5 resource teaching and another year focused on 3-5 behavior special education instruction.
Her professional experience includes serving in numerous long-term substitute roles during her graduate studies. She has two years of experience as a full-time special education teacher, with one year dedicated to K-5 resource teaching and another year focused on 3-5 behavior special education instruction.
Dana is passionate about Education. Having grown up in North Carolina, she graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University with a B.A. in Spanish and a B.A. in International Business. She has taught swim lessons for children ages 3-16 since 2018 and has also spent time tutoring children in after-school programs. With her enthusiasm and dedication, she always strives to create a positive and welcoming learning environment where children can grow and develop to their fullest potential.
Abigail grew up in California in the United States before attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Elementary and Special Education. After teaching 6th grade for three years in public schools in Arizona, she moved to Spain in 2024 to study and teach English. In July of 2025, she graduated with her Master's Degree in Information and Communication Technology in Education from Universidad de Alcala's Instituto Franklin. Her thesis project for the program was a Math Intervention Curriculum Design for Upper Primary Students.
Nate grew up in Franklinville, New York. After high school he worked as a self-employed carpenter. He heard about LIFE when Walter came to his church and talked about needing more staff. Nate volunteered to do maintenance. Since then he has also taught gym, robotics, and Bible. In his free time, Nate likes to sing and write songs. He also enjoys reading and listening to audio books. Nate has enjoyed having coworkers that he considers family and teaching the students.
Donald has a Bachelor degree in History. He worked at a living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia as a Journeyman Silversmith and taught Colonial and Revolutionary War history. For 13 years he worked and learned from the silversmiths in Asunción del Paraguay as well as taught secondary social studies at Asuncion Christian Academy before coming to LIFE.
Chloe holds two Bachelor's degrees in Education. Additionally, she is a Registered nurse in the Philippines. As an educator, she believes that education is the best way to help students develop holistically. She has practiced both professions, as a teacher and as a nurse, in the Philippines and the Republic of Palau in Micronesia.
Juan Diego was born in Lima but moved to Madrid at a very young age. He holds a degree in Humanities and a Master’s in Secondary and High School Education, specializing in Language and Literature. Juan Diego also has a diploma in classical guitar and music production. For several years, he worked as a music teacher in music academies and for local councils. He is passionate about fostering critical thinking and hands-on learning in education, and very excited to join LIFE School this year!
Iris was born in Colombia and grew up in Miami, Florida. Her family recently moved to Spain after living in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for ten years. She loves sharing her love for language and literacy in both English and Spanish, usually teaching in the target language that is different from the one of her present context. She has worked in various educational settings throughout the past twenty-five years, including private schools, public schools and homeschool co-ops.
Iris earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida International University in Miami and a Master of Arts in Education from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Most recently she worked as the Spanish Interpreter for Watauga County Schools in Boone, North Carolina and she has been a member of the Samaritan’s Purse International Association.
Iris earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida International University in Miami and a Master of Arts in Education from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Most recently she worked as the Spanish Interpreter for Watauga County Schools in Boone, North Carolina and she has been a member of the Samaritan’s Purse International Association.
.Calvin grew up in Washington State in the United States. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Washington State University in 2022 and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Governors University in 2025. He is beginning his teaching career at LIFE International School, where he is eager to foster students’ growth in mathematical understanding and critical thinking. Calvin has a passion for people and education and is grateful to be a part of the LIFE family.
Trisha is from South Dakota. She has a B.S. in Secondary Science Education and Christian Studies from Crown College. While in the United States, she worked as a library associate in an inner city high school and as an aide in a Spanish-immersion preschool. She spent 8 years teaching middle and high school science in Prague, Czech Republic at an international Christian school. She also has experience as an athletic coordinator and enjoys coaching and playing different sports.
Edith is the lunch service coordinator. She has been working in this service for several years, and her priority is to educate others on the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. As the main person in charge of our dining service, Edith ensures that our students enjoy balanced and high-quality meals, making sure that each dish contributes to their well-being.
Eduardo was born and raised in Venezuela, and also lived in Colombia for two years. He received a degree in theology from Grace School of Theology (Texas). He worked at International Christian School Caracas for seven years and has been working at LIFE International School in Tres Cantos for three years.
Gloria Serrano Marín holds a degree in Primary Education with a pecialization in Therapeutic Pedagogy at the University of Alicante.
She has received a university extension diploma in Psycho-educational in Psychoeducational Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and another one in Tutoring and School School Guidance, both issued by the University of Nebrija.
She has also published two research articles in the Journal of Disability, Clinical and Neuroscience.
Disability, Clinical and Neuroscience (DCN) on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Negative Defiant Disorder (NDD).
She has a great vocation for teaching, and is convinced that every student should have a respectful environment.
that every student should have an environment of respect and diversity, where they feel accepted and capable, respecting their learning rhythms.
For her, teaching goes beyond transmitting knowledge; it is opening doors to a future with equal opportunities.
to a future with equal opportunities.
She is very grateful to God for the opportunity to serve at LIFE in the subject of Spanish Language and Culture.
She has received a university extension diploma in Psycho-educational in Psychoeducational Intervention in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and another one in Tutoring and School School Guidance, both issued by the University of Nebrija.
She has also published two research articles in the Journal of Disability, Clinical and Neuroscience.
Disability, Clinical and Neuroscience (DCN) on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Negative Defiant Disorder (NDD).
She has a great vocation for teaching, and is convinced that every student should have a respectful environment.
that every student should have an environment of respect and diversity, where they feel accepted and capable, respecting their learning rhythms.
For her, teaching goes beyond transmitting knowledge; it is opening doors to a future with equal opportunities.
to a future with equal opportunities.
She is very grateful to God for the opportunity to serve at LIFE in the subject of Spanish Language and Culture.
Ms. Crase is originally from the United States and has previously lived in Israel and China, experiences that have given her a broad multicultural perspective. This year she is part of the LIFE educational community as a librarian and 5th grade Art teacher, where she is enthusiastically committed to supporting learning and fostering creativity in students.
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Sarah is from New Orleans, Louisiana. She received her BBA in marketing with a minor in Spanish from Baylor University in Texas, USA. After college she moved to Spain and taught English in the Auxiliares de Conversacion program through Madrid public schools. She then moved into marketing at various companies and even owned a small business for a few years. Since 2018 she has worked in Tech marketing and eventually led the marketing efforts at TUVU, a Christian social media company. She started at LIFE School in the fall of 2025 as a teacher, and is now working in marketing. Sarah is excited to be working at a school where she can share Christ’s love and where children are learning about Christ at a young age.
Isabelle Herting grew up in Washington State, USA. She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and a minor in Psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, where she also played collegiate soccer for four years. She went on to complete a Master’s in Teaching with Elementary Certification (K–8) at Eastern Washington University, where she played her final year of college soccer.
During her studies, Isabelle completed her student teaching at Sacajawea Middle School in Spokane, Washington, and worked as a soccer trainer for middle and high school girls. The 2025–26 school year marks her first year teaching at LIFE International School, where she teaches Bible, English Language Arts, and Math to 6th and 7th graders. Isabelle is passionate about education, teamwork, and supporting her students’ academic and personal growth.
Esther Sanchez was born and raised in Madrid and currently lives at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains. She trained as a historian and geographer at the Autónoma de Madrid. She specialized in physical geography and the study of Pyrenean glaciers. She served as a monitor, director, and guide at camps run by a Christian mountaineering association. She has always been involved with youth groups at her local church and is thrilled about this new chapter as a Geography and History teacher at LIFE.
Pilar grew up in Madrid, where she also earned her degree in Hispanic Philology, specializing in Hispanic Literature. She has spent almost her entire career as a secondary school teacher in the Madrid public school system, teaching Language and Literature, as well as serving as a tutor and coordinator for the Language Department. She is excited to begin this new chapter at LIFE International School.
Judy is from the Philippines where she attended the University of Rizal System, earning a BA in Secondary Education with a major in English. For a few years after graduation she worked in a hospital as a Human Resource/Customer Service Representative which led to a promotion as the HR team lead focusing on training and development. She then spent a year at a private school teaching 8th grade English before switching to a public school teaching 9th, 11th, and 12th grade English for a year. She is currently LIFE's 4th grade teacher and is looking forward to continuing her growth as a teacher.
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