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OUr Staff
OUr people
Loida Betía Ajiquichí
Director
Loida Betía Ajiquichí Sicajau is originally from Panajachel, Sololá. She is an elementary teacher studying a second career to be a Pedagogical High School Teacher in Educational Administration at a local University.
Loida's many years of experience have been served with the dedication and love in various local schools, and she has been at LIFE School since 2015. Connecting with the students is very special to her, as well as having a unique time learning and sharing interesting things with them every day.
She has loved the opportunity of teaching and learning at the same time and now that she is part of LIFE School.
Molly Healy
Parvulos A&B, Homeroom Coordinator
Originally from Boston, Ma, USA. Molly has been teaching for over ten years and she joined LIFE School in 2020. She has worked in public and private schools both internationally and in the states.
Molly has taught Pre-K through 5th, with the much experience in early years. She is Montessori and ABA trained. Molly holds a degree in Humanities from Champion Sollege in Sydney, Australia.
She has lived and taught in many countries, most recentrly having taught in Myanmar. Molly is passionate about education and enjoys reading, writing and traveling.
Silvia Saminez
Parvulos A&B
Silvia is from Monte Mercedes, Sololá. She graduated from the Sololateco Integral College of Infant Eduation.
She also graduated with a degree as a high school teacher from the University of San CArlos de Guatemala.
Since 2014 she has been part of LIFE School as a Kinder A teacher, and she really loves imparting knowledge.
Daniella Easter
Parvulos C
The daughter of an American father and a Guatemalan mother, Daniella was born and raised in Sololá.
She likes to play sports, read, write, and sing, but she especially loves teaching and helping others.
She is a graduated English Teacher and has been teaching since 2017 and joined LIFE School in 2020.
She is motivated by the passion she feels when she sees her studenst improve and internalize their knowledge.
Abigail May
1st. Grade
Abigail is a passionate educator and a lifelong learner. She began teaching in her hometown in Virginia when she was 22, shortly after completing an undergratuate degree in elementary education and theatre. After six years of teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten in Virginia public schools, Abigail made the move to a private school in Guatemala City. She quickly fell in love with the country, especially Lake Atitlán.
She also has a certificate in gifted and talented instruction. One of her greatest joys is teaching young learners through play.
When she is not teaching she is knitting sweaters, baking vegan desserts, and walking her dog Lucy. Abigail joined the team in 2023 and she and Lucy are very excited to call Panajachel their home.
Rachael Beyer
2nd. Grade
Rachael is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. She has a Masters degree in Elementary Education and is certified in teaching English as a Second Language.
She spent a year teaching Kindergarten in Taiwan. She also has experience teaching English to Spanish speakers.
Beyond the classroom, Rachael loves traveling, going on adventures, scuba diving, reading and doing art.
When she was younger, she traveled to Guatemala and is now very excited to live here and to immerse herself in the vibrant culture. She is thrilled to be a part of LIFE School.
Erin O'Flaherty
3rd. Grade
Erin O'Flaherty is from Minnesota, USA. She has been teaching for over ten years and joined LIFE School in 2024.
She holds a degree in Elementary Education. Erin has taught and lived in La Rioja, Spain and Queretaro, Mexico.
She has taught 1st. through 4th. grade. Erin is passionate about helping students develop into world citizens.
She enjoys playing sports, reading, dancing and traveling.
Erik Castellanos
4th. Grade
Originally from California, Erik is thrilled to embark on a new chapter as a teacher at LIFE School. He has most recently served as a 4th-grade educator in a public school in California, and he is eager to continue nurturing young minds in an international setting. Erik holds a Master's degree in Teaching from the University of Southern California.
He is passionate about teaching, project-based learning, and seeing the growth and development of his students. Erik's family and ancestry also hail from Guatemala. He loves immersing himself in the rich, vibrant culture of Panajachel and learning from his students. Beyond the classroom, Erik finds joy in reading, origami, sightseeing, and experimenting with food. He is thrilled to be a part of the community in Panajachel.
Rachel Weight
5th. Grade
Rachel Weight is originally from California, where she double-majored in Socio Economics and Politics of Latin American and Spanish at UC Santa Barbara. She started her teaching career at a classical academy, where she taught middle school Latin, Spanish, and Drama. Rachel has also taught English in Brazil and most recently first and fourth grade in Hong Kong.
In her fourteen years of teaching she has developed a passon for making grammar fun, project-based inquiry learning, and using digital tools and games to enhance learning. Outside of school, Rachel's favorite things are meeting new people, baking treats, reading, playin guitar, hiking, and traveling. Rachel is incredibly excited to live in Guatemala - a country where she spent time backpacking in 2008 - and be a part of the community of LIFE School.
Michael Timoney
6th. & 7th. Grade Math & Science
Michael is originally from Belfast, Ireland. His first degree was in French and Spanish before he decided to move into education. He has been recentrly working with children with Special Educational Needs and has found it really inspiring.
He loves teaching as it is never boring, and each day is different. He really enjoys seeing the growth in his pupils as learners and as human beings.
Outside of work, he loves cooking and eating new foods,learning new languages, reading and all kinds of sports (particularly basketball). He joined LIFE School and the wider community in 2023.
Tilly Jagelski
6th. & 7th. Grade ELA & Social Studies
Tilly is originally from the United States, but has grown up attending international schools around the world.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Theatre from Augustana University, and has spent the last year at the American International School of Abuja working with kindergarteners and third graders.
She loves getting to know her students as individuals, and combining her passion for teaching and drama within the classroom.
Outside of school, she enjoys reading, writing, baking, and watching cartoons. She joined the team in 2023 and loves being a part of the wonderful community in Panajachel.
Cyril Mychalejko
8th. & 9th. Grade ELA
Cyril Mychalejko is from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is just outside of Philadelphia. Before joining the staff at Life School, his previous education experience includes teaching locally at AMA, and before that at Duhok British International School in the Kurdish region of Iraq where he was Head of Secondary. In addition to teaching, Cyril works as a journalist and podcaster and edits a U.S.-based online news publication. When he actually finds some free time, Cyril likes to get out in nature and hike or climb volcanoes. His favorites spots in Guatemala (outside of Lake Atitlan) are Tajumulco, Acatenango, and hiking from Nebaj to Todos Santos.
Matthew Morris
8th. & 9th. Grade Science & Social Studies
Matthew is originally from Florida but has spent the last 4 years teaching Middle School in a Native Alaskan village. He has a BS degree in Education and is working on teaching English as a second language certification.
An educator for over 25 years, he has taught kindergarten through 12th grades, History and Science being his two favorite subjects.
He believes learning should be student-driven, question-based, and promote growth in mind, body, and heart. Matthew enjoys Nature, listening, and poetish writing.
He is excited to join the LIFE family and looks forward to learning with all of you this coming school year.
Jesús Recinos
8th. & 9th. Grade Math
Jesús is from Panajachel, Sololá, Guatemala. He is 22 years old and currently lives in Panajachel. He has a degree in agroforestry. He has taught topics of sustainable production and entrepreneurship on livestock and agricultural production to high school students in addition to giving reinforcement classes in Basic Chemistry for students who want to enter university. Jesús likes to go for walks, watch sunsets, and play basketball. He is delighted with the excellent work and general environment that LIFE school has. He likes to learn new things every day with each student he works with and he also likes to meet new people who come from other parts of the world.
Gabriela Leiva
Entrepreneurship, Art Spanish Teacher
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Gabriela teaches Entrepreneurship, Art, and Spanish in Middle and High School.
She is from Panajachel and studied at the Pan-American University in Sololá. Gabriela likes challenges.
She is dynamic, responsible, and dedicated in everything that is entrusted to her, and she is ready to keep up the learning adventure with our middle school students.
She joined LIFE School in 2022
Elvia Verónica Muj Bal
Kaqchikel & Spanish Teacher
Elvia joined LIFE School in 2012 as our Kaqchikel and 4th/6th Spanish teacher.
She lives here with her daughter, son, and husband.
They are originally from San Juan Comalapa. Elvia is currently studying education at La Universidad de San Carlos in Sololá.
Elvia loves teaching Kaqchikel and Spanish languages and the Guatemalan culture.
Omar de León
Physical Education Teacher
Omar has been a PE teacher since 2012 and he is currently finishing his last semester to receive his license in PE, Sports, and Recreation.
He loves to learn, teach, and share knowledge and he loves bringing happiness into the lives of his children through his classes.
He is motivated to contribute to the education in his municipality and his country, and he is happy to be a part of LIFE School where he can impact many students.
Josías Queché
Technology & Communication Teacher
Originally from Panajachel, he graduated from high school with a specialty in computing.
He is currently studying a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy and Educational Administration at the Universidad Panamericana.
He seeks to ensure that the learning can be applied to real life; he is motivated that students can use what they learn in class in other areas.
Eliezer López
Art Teacher
Eliezer López is a teacher committed to the education and comprehensive development of his students. Throughout his teaching career, he has worked in comprehensive, scientific, pedagogical and moral teaching, guiding children and young people in the learning process through creative and innovative methodologies. Its pedagogical approach is based on active learning, exploration, personal and scientific expression.
In his classes, he seeks to promote critical thinking, creativity and collaboration, using different learning methodologies as tools to improve communication, self-esteem and understanding of the environment.
He has years of experience in the planning and implementation of educational programs adapted to different levels, from the primary level to the diversified level, integrating strategies that allow students to develop skills in visual arts, theater, literature, social sciences and oral expression. In addition, it works on the formation of language and writing, strengthening the students' ability to analyze and express themselves.
Carmen Díaz
Administrative Coordinator
Born in Panajachel, a business administrator, Carmen has been part of LIFE School for six years as the mother of a student and has been part of the LIFE School staff as the Administrative Coordinator since 2018.
She very much enjoys being part of an educational project that helps the Panajachel community.
María Elena Criado
Secretary
maría Elena Criado is from San Pedro La Laguna. She graduated as a bilingual secretary. María Elena is now a Middle School Teacher and has a Bachelor's Degree in Educational Administration. María Elena joined the LIFE School administrative team as a Secretary in 2014, and is happy to be part of the LIFE family.
Sofía Rosales
Accountant
Sofía is originally from Panajachel. She graduated from high school with a certification as an accountant, and is currently finishing her postgraduate studies at the Mariano Gálvez University in the city of Quetzaltenango.
She is passionate about contributing to the developemtn of the educational community of Panajachel and is grateful to have joined the LIFE School team in 2022.
Esthela Solís Suy
Maintnance Staff
EEsthela is from Patanatic, Solola. She speaks Quiche and Spanish. She loves to cook and play soccer.
She is very happy to be part of the LIFE school community, where she has been contributing along with her husband Luis and son Bryan since 2011.
José Luis Queché
Guardian
Jose Luis is the school’s Jack-of-all-trades. He is from Panajachel and enjoys being a member of the LIFE School community along with his wife and son, who is a proud graduate of the school.
He has been at LIFE School since 2011.
Yulissa Tuis
Secretary Assistant / Yard Duty
Yulisa is a PE Teacher from Panajachel. Her passion is teaching and learning and is currently receiving her license in Physical Education, Sports, and Recreation.
She is a beginner's basketball coach who loves seeing the smile on students' faces when they learn something new.
She believes that respect and empathy are two of the most important characteristics that we can have, and she loves sharing that with her students.
Alicia Saloj
Yard Duty
Alicia is from Sololá, and is a teacher with a specialization in learning disabilities. She recently acquired her license in psychopedagogy and is interested in the formative stages and the well being of her students.
She is very grateful and happy to be part of LIFE School.
Analy Chávez
Yard Duty
Analy is originally from Santa Lucía Utatlán
She graduated recently in Science and Letters with Orientation in Education.
She is recently studying in university a carreer about teaching English as a foreign language which she is also teaching already.
Analy loves spending time with children, taking care of them and making them feel secure.
She is happy to be part of the LIFE School team this school year.
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