6th grade

Ms. Ashley Barker - MS Principal

Can you tell where we are in the photo? Hello- I am Ashley Barker, Middle School Principal. I am so grateful to be on Bogota, Colombia with my two middle school children- Blaine and Gus, our dog Sugar (or Azucar), our new kittens- Lemy and Ember and my husband, John Parker who also works at the school. We are from the beautiful Seattle area and find comfort that at least one time per day, the weather in Bogota is just like Seattle. As a family, we love movies, new and favorite restaurants, sports, reading and most of all, adventure- which brought us here. My husband and I have taught in Shanghai, China and as a family, we share a love of travel- we only have two more continents to visit. I look forward to meeting each middle schooler at CNG and getting to know everyone by name and strength. Please help me get to know you and your child by introducing yourself and challenging me to work on my Spanish. It is an honor to serve the CNG family as middle school principal.

Mr. Michael Gohde - MS Vice Principal

Greetings! My name is Michael Gohde. After growing up in Seattle, Washington I went to school at the University of California at Santa Cruz where I discovered that teaching is my passion- 26 years later, here I am! I have had the pleasure of working in many different international schools around the world- Taiwan, South Korea, Jordan, Thailand, of course, here in Bogotá! Alex Gohde, my wife, is currently a first-grade teacher and my children Danny and Leona are in grades 5 and 4. We are happy to be a CNG family!

Ms. Bodhaine - MS Counselor

I am Malia Bodhaine, the new Middle School Counselor. As a teacher and counselor for over twenty years, I have lived in Jordan, Cambodia, Switzerland, Malaysia, and the United States. I’ve just arrived in beautiful Bogotá for my first year at CNG. As a counselor, I believe that every student has innumerable strengths; by identifying and capitalizing on one’s individual strengths, every student can thrive. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring this beautiful world, practicing yoga, cooking, reading, and hiking.

Ms. Lina - MS Counselor

Hola. I am Lina Lopez, this is my fifth year in counseling at CNG. I am the other half of our counseling team here at Middle School! I am one of the Girl Space sponsors in middle school. Previously I lived in Canada and United States, studying and working. I hope to continue supporting and collaborating with students, parents and teachers to ensure and maximize individual potential of each students educational path. I believe all experiences bring growth and learning to our lives. I enjoy traveling, running, hiking, knitting and dog sitting :)

Ms. Maria Lucia - 6th Grade Team Leader

I was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia. I have a degree in Education and Modern Languages from the Universidad Javeriana and a Master´s degree in English and Teaching Languages from the University of North Texas. This is my 20th year working at CNG. I am married and have two children. I like sports, especially tennis. I also enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family and friends. I've loved teaching since I can remember, and nd my goal is that my students enjoy the class, and love Spanish and Colombia.

Ms. Patricia

Hi!! my name is Patricia Berger. I am from Bogota but lived overseas for 18 years (USA, UAE and Bahrain). This is my second year teaching at CNG. I have a masters in teaching spanish as a second language from la universidad de Barcelona. Outside of school I love spending time with my family and doing sports. My favorite thing to do is traveling and trying new things!

Mr. Tyrie

Hi! My name is Peyton Tyrie, and this is my first year at CNG. Before moving to Colombia, I taught in the Cayman Islands, China, and the United States. I'm originally from Denver, Colorado, USA - I love outdoor activities like camping, hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding, as well as the Denver Broncos. I completed my undergrad in International Relations at the University of Denver and my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Colorado. In addition to outdoor activities, I love reading and writing (I'm currently working on an epic space opera that follows our hero, a time traveling martian named Borg, through time and across the known universe), as well as traveling and baking bread.

Ms. Amorós

Nice to meet all of you! I’m Lauren Amorós, and I love teaching English; I’m passionate about growing and learning along with my students! :) This is my eighth year teaching, and my first year at CNG. I’m coming from the Bay Area in California, where I did a lot of hiking, drinking coffee, journaling, and spotting wildlife. My bachelor’s degree is in English literature and my teaching credential is in secondary education. I have traveled to many places around the world with my husband, Aristotle, and we are both so excited to be living in Colombia, where we will be able to experience the culture and biodiversity across the country!

Please contact me with any questions, and also know that I want to work with you to support your student(s)!

Ms. Gerard

My name is Rebekah (Bekki) Gerard and I'm from equal parts upstate New York and the greater Boston area. I have a BA in English and a Post Baccalaureate certificate in teaching Secondary English from Framingham State College. I also have my MS from SUNY Buffalo.

I love literature. Reading is an amazing way to travel to different worlds, cultures, and times. I love the idea that through reading we get to live and experience many lives, not just one. This is my tenth year teaching internationally. Prior to moving to Colombia, I taught in Kazakhstan and in Ecuador. I love South America, and I particularly love the Andes.

In addition to teaching and reading, I love nature, hiking, yoga, and my two goofy dogs.

Mr. Fay

Hello! My name is Mr. Fay, and this is my second year teaching Mathematics at Colegio Nueva Granada. I am originally from Chelsea, Massachusetts. I earned my Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame. I achieved certification in Massachusetts to teach middle school/high school History and middle school Math. I have been teaching Math in Colombia since 2009, first in Medellin, and now here in Bogota. This will be my 19th year teaching and 35th year working with kids (I had been a baseball and basketball coach.) Prior to becoming a teacher I had worked in banking, journalism, customer service, sales, security, and accounting….to name just a few. My “free” time is spent working with my band Sonic…..recording, playing live, promoting...etc.

Ms. Powell

Hi! I am Ms. Powell. I am from the San Francisco Bay Area but have lived overseas for the past 8 years in Europe and Asia. This is my first year in Bogota and I am very excited to be a part of the CNG team! As a grade 6 math teacher, I feel so lucky to be doing what I enjoy and am passionate about. I have been teaching middle school for about 18 years now and have a Masters in Education and am a math specialist. Outside of school I enjoy reading, hiking, climbing, sailing, scuba diving and horseback riding, all of which I can’t wait to do here in Colombia. I am looking forward to a great year!

Ms. Gober

Hello, my name is Kara Gober and this is my first year at CNG. I am excited to be teaching 6th and 7th grade science this year and look forward to many exciting experiments. I received my B.A. from Humboldt State University and my Teaching Credential from the Returned Peace Corps Program in California. Over my 17 years of teaching I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of schools both in and out of the U.S. as well as teach almost every subject in first through eighth grade. I moved to Colombia from California with my husband and two children. As a family we love to camp, hike, ride bikes, try new foods, and explore new places.

Ms. Was

Kia Ora. My name is Nicolette and this is my 16th year working at CNG (I guess I like it here :-)). I originally studied to be an ecologist and have worked in outdoor education as a wilderness guide and as an ecologist both in New Zealand where I come from and in Oregon in the USA where I worked for the USDA Forest Service. I realized that being a science teacher could have a higher positive impact on the environment than being an ecologist so moved into the field of education. I have studied at Lincoln University, Lehigh University , and Javeriana University. I have

Mr. B

Hello! My name is Bryce Boudreau and this is my second year teaching at Colegio Nueva Granada. Originally from New Brunswick, Canada, I have spent the past three years teaching abroad. This will be my fifth year in the profession. I enjoy singing, being active, and keeping up with popular music and events. I thoroughly enjoy working with young adults, and am looking forward to learning and growing with you this year.

Contact: bboudreau@cng.edu

Important links

taught at university in New Zealand and taught science (and some English) in Colombia for the last 19 years. Apart from teaching I have also had the opportunity to be an author for various science textbooks used in bilingual schools in Latin America. In my spare time I love playing music (very amateur guitar, piano and ukelele), reading, being outside, playing with my dogs, sheep and horses and of course spending time with my family.

Ms. Stewart

My name is Amy Stewart and this will be my second year teaching science here at CNG. I first started my journey in teaching during college when I got a part-time job at the St Louis Zoo teaching education programs. That led me to earning education degrees from Washington University in St Louis and the University of South Carolina, and spending the next 5 years teaching in St Louis, Missouri. A little over four years ago, I was sitting in the back of a safari vehicle in Kenya, when a friend of mine talked me into throwing my hat into the international teaching game. A year later, I sold my car, gave away most of my stuff, and moved to Bucaramanga, Colombia, where I continued to teach rad kids about science and nature, started to learn to speak spanish and dance salsa. I firmly believe that middle school is the best place to be in any school, and that science is the key to understanding each other and the world around us. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy reading, practicing a variety of types of exercise, exploring the city, exploring the wilderness, sleeping on the ground, cooking and baking things.

Giovanni

Hello, My name is Giovanni Hurtado, I was born in Colombia and raised in Israel, Pakistan, Lebanon and India. I studied in the American International Schools of these countries and was always in touch with the education part of school. I am an engineer that has been teaching World History for the past ten years in the Montessori British School. This is my third year here in the CNG, and I expect to bring back some Team Spirit for sports, like basketball and help the students get to their highest goals through hard work and mutual respect to the community. Working hard in the Middle School section will bring great rewards not only to the students but to the future as well. PS, I like traveling, reading and love STAR WARS.

Mr. Dorsey

Hello! My name is Mike Dorsey and I am in my third year as a 6th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher at CNG. This year I am also teaching the Bloodiest Century elective course for 8th graders. My home is Denver, Colorado, and I taught for 15 years in Nebraska in private independent schools teaching History and Geography. I also have ten years teaching experience at Creighton University, where I was an adjunct professor of World Geography. Education is an art, and I have enjoyed working with students of all ages for the last 16 years. I bring a sense of humor, passion, and high expectations to the classroom, and CNG has been a wonderful fit for me. Every child has value, every child has a unique character, and every child deserves the chance to learn and do their best. My goal is to challenge them to think critically and act with integrity, ultimately finding their courage and desire to LEAD in our society. I want them to be the greatest version of themselves every day. In my spare time, I enjoy socializing with my amigos, hiking, running, scary movies, Starbucks chai, Denver Broncos football, reading, and learning Spanish. I look forward to another amazing year! Go Falcons!

Mr. Graziano

Buenas Dias/Tardes/Noches…..My name is Mr. Tony Graziano and I am a 6th and 8th grade Social Studies teacher. I moved to Colombia in 2011, as I was previously at the Columbus School in Medellin before I joined the CNG family in 2017. I taught and coached (wrestling and soccer) in the Chicago Public Schools for many years before I moved abroad. I am a veteran teacher with more than 16 years of experience, and have taught a wide variety of students throughout the years. I have seen them all, from students that received full scholarships to Universities in the USA, to the student that works 25 hours a week outside of school and still receives good grades, to the nerdy overachiever that turns into a popular class leader in 12^th grade. Teaching runs deep in my blood, as many of my family members are or were teachers. I am a world traveler and have been to more than 40 countries, and bring many of my travel/life stories to the classroom with enthusiasm. All the information for my class can be found on my “Google Classroom” pages. All students are currently enrolled.

Cristina Casas Sinisterra

¡Cuidamos y queremos lo que conocemos!

Enseñar es mi pasión y mi vocación.Soy profesora hace veinte años de los cuales he trabajado diez y siete en el Nueva Granada. Me encanta trabajar con sus hijos “viajando” por Colombia y trasmitiéndoles la importancia de ser miembros activos de las comunidades a las que pertenecemos como la familia, el colegio, el equipo, el club, el barrio, la ciudad, el pías y el planeta. Creo que la mejor manera de formar buenos ciudadanos es dando buen ejemplo.

Soy una persona espiritual. Practico yoga y medito. Me encanta el campo, viajar por Colombia, visitar plazas de mercado, hablar con los campesinos, leer y conversar. Tengo una especial preocupación por las comunidades más vulnerables de nuestro país. Colaboro en el CNG con el programa de “Educación para adultos” y con la Fundación Nueva Granada. Participo en un Comité de Convivencia aportando ideas para promover las buenas prácticas de la vida en comunidad.

Palabras claves en mi vida son Empatía y Perdón.

ESTUDIOS

Abogada Universidad Javeriana. Curso para profesionales no licenciados Universidad Javeriana. Escalafón Docente. Teacher College Reading and Writing in Content Areas. Columbia University

Charlie

Mi nombre es Carlos Amaya, en el colegio me conocen como Charlie. Estudié filosofía y teología en el seminario Mayor de la arquidiócesis de Bogotá y soy licenciado en Lengua Castellana. Llevo 27 años en docencia, 13 de ellos en el Nueva Granada. Soy docente de Educación Religiosa Escolar, Religiones del mundo y Estudios Colombianos.

Adriana

Sixth and Eight Spanish and Literature Teacher

“De los diversos instrumentos inventados por el hombre, el más asombroso es el libro; todos los demás son extensiones de su cuerpo… Sólo el libro es una extensión de la imaginación y la memoria”, Jorge Luis Borges.

Reading and learning are important parts of my life, I believe in our future because our future is our kids. That’s why I decided to dedicate my life and my knowledge educating people who can work in a better Colombia.

I studied Philology and Languages at Universidad Libre de Colombia and a Master in Literature from Universidad Javeriana. I have 27 years of experiencing the fabulous process of learning in young students.

Xenia

Hello!

I'm Xenia Vives, I teach Spanish in sixth and seven grade. I am a teacher by conviction, always in love with my profession, I love what I do. I like to teach because I am always learning many things from my students, they “recharge” me with a beautiful energy , They are a gift from God!!!

I enjoy the sunsets of my city: Santa Marta, reading, dancing and sharing time with my children! Every day I thank God for the gift of life!

Working in CNG is one more of my dreams come true!

Ms. Agudelo

Bonjour à tous, Je m’appelle Alejandra Agudelo Joves et je suis ravie de vous raconter un peu plus de ma vie.

I’ve got a bachelor’s degree in Languages: Spanish, English and, French from La Salle University Bogotá. I am a magister in Analysis of Political, Media and Institutional communications from Paul Valéry Montpellier III University. I hold a degree in Project Management from Politécnico de Colombia University. I am a sociolinguistic with political and cultural emphasis. I’m a native speaker certificated by French government and I have a basic level of German (still learning). I’ve been working as a French teacher since 2012 and I love what I do.

I enjoy listening to music while cooking and drinking good wine. I like to travel and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to learn about different countries and cultures all around the world. I love to spend time with my loved ones, being with my dog Daphne and going to the gym. Horses, race motorcycles, making my mom happy and beautiful landscapes are my life passions.

« Si, avec un mental pur, quelqu’un parle ou agit, alors le bonheur le suit comme l’ombre qui jamais ne le quitte » S.G

Mr. Summer Li

你好！My name is Summer Li, and I am from China. I teach MS and HS Mandarin, and this is my 5th year in CNG. I love my job and my life here in Colombia, because it feels like home to me. I enjoy adventure and photography, movies and music. I also have a great passion for teaching Mandarin and I believe that speaking multiple languages opens up new opportunities and worlds for a person. Learning Mandarin is not only about learning the language, but also the culture and the people. Hopefully, there will be more people in Colombia speaking Mandarin!

Mr. Sturrock

Hi everyone! My name is Noah Sturrock and I teach Middle School PE for grade 6,7 and 8. I am originally from Toronto, Canada but have been teaching internationally for the last 11 years in the UK, China and Malaysia before moving to Colombia. I love the outdoors and during my free time you can find me in the mountains, by the water or diving under it! I also enjoy all fitness activities, cooking, reading or watching a good movie. This is my second year at CNG and am excited to continue working with such an amazing group in the Middle School!

Mr. Baldion

My name is Juan Baldión and I am from Bogotá, Colombia. This is my 17th year working at CNG as a middle school physical education teacher (6th, 7th and 8th grades) and boys volleyball couch. I have a degree in Physical Education from Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia and having different physical education clinics from California Polytecnical University,CalPoly, and a volleyball specialization in Colorado Springs at the Olympic Training Center and University of Arizona. I like to travel, riding motorcycles and reading about physical conditioning and the brain (sports neuroscience).

Clemen

My name is Clemencia Toro, I grew up in Cali and studied at Colegio Bolivar. Studied Psychology at Universidad Javeriana and did a specialization on Bilingual Education at Universidad Unica de Colombia. I have worked in education for 14 years, started in Santiago de Chile, then Miami and finally at CNG. I teach Health to 6^th., 7^th., and 8^th., graders. I love teaching Health because it is about life and giving students tools they can apply now in their experience of growing up into young adults. I have a passion for horses, dogs, doing exercise, horseback riding, riding mountain bike, doing yoga, and being outdoors. Last but not least always in love with my two sons.

Ms. Sophie

Hi, my name is Sofia Romero, or as the students call me “Sophie”. I am from Bogota, Colombia. I am B.A. in Modern Languages from Universidad Pedagogica Nacional, then I decided to pursue my dream to be a professional dancer, so I studied contemporary dance at CENDA.

This is my first year at CNG. I teach 6th, 7th and 8th Dance.

Some of my hobbies are: reading, cooking, painting mandalas, taking pictures and doing sport activities like yoga and pilates. I also enjoy learning different dance techniques (Tango, bellydance, salsa, hip-hop, etc.)

My campaign will be to encourage my pupils to say:

THANKS TO DANCE:

“I’ve stopped saying “I can’t do that”, and started saying “I will be able to do that. Just give me some time to practice”

Mr. Wolfer

My name is Nick Wolfer and I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. This is my second year at CNG. I am the co-teacher for 6th, 7th and 8th grade Social Studies and 7th grade Learning Lab. I have a degree in special education and Social Studies from Northern Kentucky University. This is my 6th year as a teacher. I taught 5th grade Social Studies my first year and this will be my 5th year as a co-teacher. I love to co-teach because I am able to help and support students across multiple grade levels and I get to work with some great teachers. Aside from school I enjoy to travel, read, hike, and watch and play sports.

Mrs. Jaeger

Greetings! I am Olga Jaeger and this is my 2nd year at CNG. This year I am teaching Middle School English and High School math. My background is in teaching English and Linguistics. I grew up on the coast of the Black Sea in Crimea, Ukraine. I graduated from high school in Ukraine and got my college degree from a university in Russia. I moved to Missouri, USA with my husband Seth in 2007. My husband and I have two sons, Nicholas 8 and Konstantin 3. In my career I have taught every grade and college both in my home town and in Missouri where I continued my education and got certified to teach English Language Arts and English as a new language in middle school. Aside from teaching, I love riding bikes with my family, learning Spanish, cooking food from around the world, watercolor painting and doing math for fun.

Ms. Olga Camacho

My name is Olga Lucía Camacho, I was born in Bogotá and have lived in the States and in England. I studied Psychology at Javeriana University and worked as a family and clinical therapist for three years. In my practice, I saw that children could benefit from support in schools and I decided to pursue my Masters in Special Education in England. One of my passions is to guide children to get to know themselves, advocate for them and identify their strengths and skills they need to strengthen. I worked for three years in 3-4th grade and this is my second-year at CNG as a Science and Learning Lab Co-teacher. In my free time, I love spending time with my dog and family, as well as traveling to different cities and countries to get to know their cultures.

Ms. Lina

My name is Lina Bravo, I am a learning Center Math co-teacher for 6th, 7th and 8th grade. I have worked at CNG for 17 years; 10 in primary school, 6 in elementary and this is my second year in Middle school. I have a Master’s degree in Education and another one in Special Education and I have a Specialization in Bilingual Education.

I’m married and I have two beautiful twin daughters who are in MS. I like to travel, I like baking, I love dogs and horses even though I'm allergic to them.

Ms. Juliana

Hello all! My name is Juliana Andrade and I am a Learning Center Co-Teacher for 8th, 7th and 6th grade English. This year I will also be a 7th grade Learning Lab Teacher. I am a CNG alumni, class of 2008 and this is my third year working at CNG. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad de los Andes and a Masters in Science in Neuroscience and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. I have two dogs named Mila and Turron and aside from teaching, I love being outdoors, travelling, exercise and enjoying time with family and friends!

Ms. Heather

Hello! I’m Ms. Heather, this is my first year at CNG and I’m teaching LLI (Leveled Literacy Intervention) for sixth and seventh grade. I’m originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. Over the past decade, I’ve taught all over the world including South Korea, Egypt and Kuwait. I have also lived in England and completed my masters degree in Australia. Between completing my Bachelor of Education and my Masters of Special Education, I spent many years working as a behaviour therapist for young children with autism. I love travelling, scuba diving, swimming and singing!

Ms. Katie

Hello! My name is Katie Jubert and I grew up in St. Paul Minnesota. I first played the flute when I was in 5th grade and immediately wanted to become a band director. After completing my undergraduate degree in music education, I moved to Venezuela and taught music at CIPLC international school. This is now my fourth year at CNG and I have loved living and working in Colombia. Teaching band is my lifelong passion and I am so fortunate to be following this dream at CNG, I hope students in my class learn about playing passionately and with joy. This past year I completed my Masters Degree in Instrumental Music Education and have been enjoying some extra time doing things I love such as cooking, playing music, learning about Colombian culture, camping and traveling.

Ms. Amy

Hola! My name is Amy Daiss and I am starting my second year at CNG. I teach Beginning PUG (piano, ukulele, guitar), Advanced PUG, and Show Choir in the middle school, as well as Intermediate and Advanced Ensemble in the high school. I grew up in rural South Dakota (where there are more cows than people) and received my bachelors degree in Vocal Music Performance from Black Hill State University. I taught choir and general music for 8 years in South Dakota and Montana before I finally took the leap to teach internationally. Some of my hobbies include cooking, gardening, camping, hiking, biking, running, and playing guitar and singing. I feel that music is an integral part of life that helps us to better understand ourselves and our surroundings. It gives us an outlet for our emotions and helps us to connect with those around us. I am thankful to be here in Colombia, sharing my love of music with my students.

Guz

My Name is Guzman Julio. I was born in Colombia and have lived in Bogota for many years. I received my Degree as Professional of System Administration and after that my Bachelor in Education in Bogotá.

I am teaching Technology in MS and HS this school year. In my extra time, I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, taking photographs and working as a Graphic Designer. In addition, I spend time with my family and friends, cooking and traveling which is my great passion.

Mr. Alejo

Hello. My name is Alejandro Corredor Parra, I am a Literature graduate of the Universidad de los Andes (2008), with a MA. degree in Literature from the same institution (2013), and a writer/researcher of digital poetry and literature. With that in mind I’m especially interested in the potential of video games as a product cultural complex.

I’m new to the CNG but I have been teaching Computer Science for more than 10 years. As a teacher I’m passionate about teaching by leading students to inquire and develop their own questions, answers and products. With the help of students and other teachers I’ve been able to have some insight, and more importantly, develop new questions, on how technology allows us to express our human condition.

Cata

Hello! My name is Catalina Botero and I am the drama teacher in middle and high school. I have a master in performing arts and a specialization in artistic education. I love Acting and teaching. I've done it all my life. I arrived at school in 2006. I loooove working here. In addition to the drama classes, I direct high school play and the Musical. Outside of school I work permanently in the theater and when I can, in movies and tv. I've been in some movies, so you may find me on your screen one day

I have a 23 year old son who is going to be a lawyer soon. I love spending time with him talking, singing and dancing. And with all my family and friends.

Like playing Catan and looove movies and music. And I have an old cat named Batman.

Diana

Hey Everybody!

I am Diana Marcela Castaño Domínguez the Social Service Analyst of the school. I have a Master in Education and another one in Quality System Management. Even though you don’t see me in the MS area much (my office is in HS) I am the one that coordinates the MS Community Service Program along with Mr. Gohde and Marcela Campos.

I am from Cali, Colombia but have being living in Bogotá for the past 7 years. I have a 2 year old Golden Retriever named Lila and I am a cat aunt to Homero. I love to bake, dance and spend time with my friends and Family. I also love animals and helping people out, so if you ever need help come and find me I am in H212 (the office with the Best view!).

Juan Carlos

My name is Juan Carlos Londoño, I was born in Colombia just 21 years after WWII ended! I have a bachelor’s degree in Administration from Universidad Externado and a Master Degree of Education with an emphasis in Mathematics Pedagogy from Universidad de Los Andes. My first experience as a teacher was at the Montessori School La Calera, which left an indelible mark in my education spirit. I have been a teacher for over 6 years now, and the thing I find most rewarding about it is watching children grow wiser, stronger and more virtuous. Some of the things I personally enjoy in my spare time are music, movies, and photography, especially in the company of my wife and my daughter.

Mr. Dan

Hello Dear all!

I am Daniel Bernal; (students call me Mr. Dan). I have always been interested about the world, its culture, its people and the amazing secrets behind everything we interact with. That drive plus a big desire for helping others motivated me to come to CNG. I finished my major in Philology and Languages in Universidad Nacional de Colombia and minored in Merchant Seamanship and maritime techniques. I have worked and volunteered in several NGO and in Colombian schools and universities, and worked as a Crew member in a Disney Cruise Line Ship for two years and half.

Ms. Caro

My name is Diana Carolina Hernandez, but I prefer to be called Carolina or Ms. Caro. I was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia.

I have a BA in Childhood Education from Universidad de La Sabana. My professional skills include 10 years of experience in Preschool, Elementary and Middle School as a homeroom and self-contained teacher.

I lived in Barranquilla for seven years were my son was born, he is almost 2 years now. We used to spend time going to the pool and at the beach.

This is my first year at CNG and I am a permanent substitute teacher in MS.

Julio

Hi there,

I´m Julio Acuña, this is my fifth school year working at Middle School Science Department, doing labs, supporting teaching and share happiness through this wonderful community. My academic background is short, but intense at the same time. I have a bachelor degree in Chemistry at UDCA, and I ́m M.Ed candidate in teaching Exact and Natural Sciences at the National University of Colombia. My work experience is summarized in 10 year working in universities and research centers in Colombia and 7 years working at International Schools in Bogota, Colombia. Also, I have an international work experience from Argentina and the USA in the fields of multimedia and high-tech.

My passions are science, technology, baking, traveling and community services.

Peace and love for everyone!

Ms. Maria Lucia

I was born in Bogota. Studied performing arts at Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute in NYC and Education at Newport University, CA. It is my first year as Middle School Art Teacher. I am CNG alumni and used to work as a HS Art Teacher from 2007-2011. Courses I have taken include fashion design, interior design, drawing and dance in Houston, NYC and Savannah as well as French civilization in Nantes, France. Some of my art shows include Louvre Art Carrousel in Paris, Open Art EXPO NYC, Justmad in Madrid. I have participated in the Bienal de arte contemporáneo of Argentina and Bolivia, winning second place for my installation “cambio de piel” in Buenos Aires. My last job, before joining CNG was with an NGO as an art director for social repair projects in Caqueta and Cordoba, Colombia. I am glad to return to teaching and look forward to a great first year.

Ms. Gretchen

I am Gretchen Miller, or as the students call me “Ms G”, and I teach 8th grade English and Advanced Learners Humanities this year. I am from the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., Washington State, where I fostered a love for the outdoors, literature, theater, and sports in my youth. I attended Gonzaga University for my undergraduate and graduate work (GO ZAGS!). I began my teaching career in the Everett Public School District as a high school English teacher, Service Leadership teacher, and a volleyball coach. After three years of that, I moved to the Flathead Valley in Montana where I learned the love of teaching middle school! We brought two kiddos into the world there and felt the responsibility to give them the world, as well as our own desire to travel. Ready for that adventure, our little family moved to Yangon, Myanmar in Southeast Asia where I taught Humanities at the International School of Myanmar for two years. In 2014 we came to Bogota! This is our 6th year at CNG, and my 13th year teaching. I have a bachelor's degree in English Literature, a teaching certificate in English/Language Arts, and a masters degree in Organizational Leadership. My husband, Evan Miller, also teaches at CNG in the Learning Center. We have three kiddos: a 5th and 2nd grader and a chiquitito in K5. I am a traveler, activist, flyfisher-woman, reader and writer, baseball fan, yogi, and more recently became a runner

Mr. B

Hello! My name is Bryce Boudreau and this is my second year teaching at Colegio Nueva Granada. Originally from New Brunswick, Canada, I have spent the past three years teaching abroad. This will be my fifth year in the profession. I enjoy singing, being active, and keeping up with popular music and events. I thoroughly enjoy working with young adults, and am looking forward to learning and growing with you this year.