Secondary Faculty 

Mr. Cristian Ardila

cristianardila@delmaracademy.com

• MYP Art 8-10

• DP Visual Arts SL/HL 11-12

I am Cristian Fernando Ardila Suárez, from Colombia, and I teach Art in grades 8-10 and IB Art in grades 11-12 at Del Mar Academy. I hold a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree in ICT Technologies in Art Pedagogy. I am a passionate visual artist and teacher with over 25 years of experience in art education. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in an international school in Colombia for 16 years, where I have shared my love for art with my students, fostering their creativity and personal expression. I am passionate about nature, enjoy outdoor walks and dancing, which inspire and connect me with what I teach. As a teacher, my mission is to inspire and guide my students in their artistic development, helping them explore and express their own voices. I am committed to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment where each student feels valued and motivated to reach their full potential.

Mr. Rafael Arguedas

rafaelarguedas@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP Social Studies 7-10

• MYP Design 8Rafael Arguedas Loria  

I am originally from Costa Rica and teach Social Studies, Civic Education, and Design. I am currently pursuing a degree in Psychopedagogy at the State Distance University of Costa Rica and hold a degree in Teaching Social Studies and Civic Education from the University of Costa Rica. With 12 years of experience in both public and private education, I specialize in developing a pedagogical approach that promotes critical thinking and active student participation. I have received training in Middle Years Programme (MYP) workshops, which has enriched my perspective on concept-based teaching. Outside the classroom, I am passionate about inclusive education and the holistic development of students, and I enjoy exploring new educational methodologies to enhance learning. I am excited to lead projects that foster environmental engagement and collaborative learning among my students.

Ms. Emily Dittmann

emilydittmann@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP English A 10

• DP English A 111-12, English B 12, Extended Essay 11-12

Originally from the Philadelphia area, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Education degree in Literacy with a Concentration on Writing from the University of Maine. I am a certified English teacher with 15 years of experience, including 7 in the IB program. This year I am teaching English 10-12 and Extended Essay 11-12.  I am passionate about creating learning experiences that help students make meaning. During our study and analysis of texts, we develop thinking skills through strategies designed to foster student independence as they make connections between texts, themselves, and our world.  My passion for cooking and gardening led me to find and direct a community garden for my school district in Maine, where I lived before moving to Nosara. During my time in Maine I also served as a Maine Writing Project teacher consultant. For recreation, I enjoy reading, writing, playing soccer, practicing yoga, and spending time at the beach. These activities allow me to recharge and inspire ideas for the classroom.

Ms. Keren Espinoza

kerenespinoza@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP Physical Education and Health 7-10

• CAS, Athletics and After School Coordinator

My name is Keren Espinoza Vega. I was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica, and moved to Guanacaste 14 years ago, settling in Nosara over 10 years ago, where I live with my husband and our 7-year-old son. I studied Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports Teaching at the University of Costa Rica, and in 2023, I completed a Master’s degree in Neuroeducation and Physical Education. I am an aquatic educator certified by the Mexican school "Nadar sin Fronteras," a Level 1 Volleyball coach certified by the Costa Rican Volleyball Federation (FECOVOL), and hold a certification in wilderness first aid.

I have worked with children for over 20 years, leading summer camps and activities. I have also worked in various international schools as a Physical Education teacher and coach for girls' teams in San José and Playas del Coco. I spent a few years of my career dedicated to fitness and some time in tourism, but I returned to education nine years ago when I began working at Del Mar Academy with the Splash program for visiting children. Seven years ago, I became a full-time Physical Education teacher, working with students from Casa to Secondary School.

As of 2024, my role has shifted slightly, and I now have the opportunity to work exclusively with secondary students and take on the coordination of the school's athletic and activity programs. Working with children and young people has always been enriching and enjoyable for me. I firmly believe in the importance of the holistic development of children through movement, sports, and physical activity. I like to think that the environment here in Nosara promotes a harmonious blend of physical well-being and environmental awareness.

Mr. Carlos García

carlosgarcia@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP Spanish A 7-8, Personal Project 10

• DP Theory of Knowledge 11-12

• ATL Coordinator

My name is Carlos Alberto García Piñero. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Education from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and a degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from San Antonio University of Murcia, along with a Master's in Educational Innovation from the University of La Rioja. With over 10 years of experience, I have worked with children with behavioral disorders and have taught Literature and Social Sciences at international schools in Tanzania, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Recently, my students and I published a book of creative variations on traditional legends, which won a contest and was published by a Spanish publisher, now available on Amazon. I am passionate about football and bodyboarding, activities that inspire me to promote resilience and teamwork in my classes. Additionally, I have led winning teams in debate and public speaking competitions and coordinate projects such as the MYP Personal Project and the Model United Nations, where students develop communication skills and global reflection.

Mr. Julio López

juliolopez@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP Spanish B 7, 9-10

• DP Spanish B 11-12

I am Julio Lopez, a passionate educator from San José, Costa Rica, with 24 years of teaching experience. I graduated from the University of Costa Rica with a Bachelor's degree in Spanish Philology and earned a degree in Literature and Linguistics from the University of Heredia. Additionally, I completed a teaching degree at the State Distance University and a Master’s degree in Educational Management with an Emphasis in Leadership from the National University. Now in my third year at Del Mar Academy, I strive to offer an education that combines academic rigor with a playful approach to Hispanic culture. Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, fishing, and playing football—activities that enrich my teaching. I am currently expanding my horizons by studying Massage Therapy to integrate new perspectives into my educational work.

Mr. Chad Williams

chadwilliams@delmaracademy.com 

• MYP Math 9-10

• DP Math Applications and Interpretations 11-12

I am Chad Williams, a dedicated math teacher for grades 9-12 at Del Mar Academy, where I have been shaping young minds for 18 years. I hold a BA in Mathematics from Texas Tech University, and I am passionate about continuously refining my teaching approach by incorporating new methods and research. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing guitar with friends, which fosters my creativity and helps me connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enhancing my ability to engage and inspire them in meaningful ways.