Head of School

Dr. Dan Yamasaki, EdD
Canadá

Dan is a passionate international educator and leader with over 22 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and head of school in Colombia and Canada. During his career he has led the implementation of project-based learning, STEM education, and has overseen school growth and expansion. Dan holds a B.A. in Sociology, a B. Ed. in Primary-Junior Education, an M.A. in Education, and an educational doctorate in international school leadership from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. Prior to his career in teaching, Dan worked in outdoor education settings, leading excursions for school groups and at-risk youth.

Academic Principal

Verena Castro, M.Ed.
Costa Rica

Verena Castro has been in the education field for over 20 years. She started her career working at public and private schools in Costa Rica. In addition, she founded Pedagogical Consultant Services, a consultant company providing support to teachers, parents, and school administrators on effective educational methods and school culture improvement. On 2002 as part of a new learning challenge she moved for two years to Boston, Massachusetts; but ended staying 10 years. In Massachusetts, she taught Spanish Language Arts for bilingual students, and Spanish as a Second Language for new students at the middle school level. Later she was promoted as Foreign Language Coordinator, designing the Spanish and French programs for all levels of Middle School. She soon was promoted to another leadership role, as a Dean of Students, fostering the school’s culture by creating a learning environment with clear and safe expectations for students and teachers. Upon her return to Costa Rica, in 2013, she joined Del Mar Academy; first as a Learning Specialist and later as Dean of Students. Ms. Verena received an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a bachelor degree in Special Education from the National University in Costa Rica. She holds a Masters degree in Educational Psychology from the University of La Salle and Masters degree in Educational Administration. She has given seminars in Costa Rica and the USA about many topics, including “Teenagers in Social Risks”, “Bullying”, “Differentiation in the Classroom”, “Students as Leaders”, and “The Importance of the Game in Special Education”. She believes that all students can learn and achieve their goals through hard work and a motivational and supportive environment.

Business Manager

José Miguel Quirós
Costa Rica

Accounting Assistant

Angela Ghesquiere
Costa Rica

Executive Assistant

Diana Solano
Costa Rica

Technology

Carlos Roblero
Costa Rica

Counselor

Marcel Brenes
Costa Rica

Admissions & Administrative Assistant

Fiorella Campos
Costa Rica

Receptionist

Silene Vargas
Costa Rica

School Accountant

Elena González
Costa Rica