Co-Head of School
Robins Educator (8- and 9-year-olds)
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Throughout his career, Sam has focused on the design and implementation of individualised, competency-based curricula. His teaching philosophy centres on active exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking. Sam believes in fostering an environment where intellectual inquiry is coupled with a sense of security and joy, guiding students through successes and failures. He strives to create nurturing and dynamic learning spaces that empower students academically, socially, and emotionally. He is currently studying towards the Certificate in School Management and Leadership (CSML) from Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Co-Head of School
Curriculum & Innovation Lead
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Leona is an international educator with over 15 years’ experience in Primary and Secondary education, as well as extensive experience in curriculum development and innovation. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management. Leona is co-creating a bespoke TGS curriculum that combines academic rigour, meaningful assessment, technology and nature, whilst promoting service learning, wellbeing and mindfulness.

School Bursar
Admissions Officer
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From Bursar to Admissions Officer and much else besides, Jacques also acts as a nexus between The Garzón School, our legal studio and architect and the local authorities. Born in Montevideo, and having lived in the Basque Country and in New York, Jacques has enjoyed a rich multicultural upbringing and education which underpins his cultural openness and life experience. Outside TGS, Jacques is currently completing his thesis with a view to obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies.

Lower School Coordinator
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Annina originally hails from Finland, where she pursued her Master’s degree in Education and worked in both Primary and Early Childhood Education. For the past 12 years, Annina has been immersed in international educational settings across Asia, implementing a variety of curricula, including Cambridge, IPC, IB, and the Finnish curriculum. She has held diverse roles ranging from teaching to leadership positions. Annina firmly believes in the importance of learning through hands-on experiences, exploring the natural environment, and fostering creativity and play-based learning as core values in Early Childhood and Primary Education.

Technical Director
Falcons Educator (10- and 11-year-olds)
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Having graduated from the Instituto de Formación Docente in Maldonado, Natalia is a Primary educator who has worked in a range of public and private schools throughout Uruguay. In her role as Technical Director, she represents the School before the Administración Nacional de Educación Pública (ANEP), ensuring TGS is fully compliant with national accreditation standards. In her spare time, Natalia enjoys travelling and immersing herself in new cultures and experiences, which once even led to her working as a teacher in Dublin, Ireland!

Literacy Lead
Falcons Educator (10- and 11-year-olds)
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Fio joined the team in 2023 following a decade working in Elementary and Secondary Schools at the Uruguayan American School in Montevideo, where she was English Department Lead. As well as working across American and Uruguayan curricula, Fio has experience in school accreditations. Holding a Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Montevideo, Fio is passionate about professional development and is currently pursuing a Master’s in English Language and Intercultural Bilingual Education. She was selected to present on an area of particular expertise — Social Emotional Learning — at the ASSA International Conference 2020 in São Paulo.

Robins Educator (8- and 9-year-olds)
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With over 10 years’ experience in education, Juan has made important contributions to prestigious institutions such as The British Schools Montevideo and Woodlands School. Holding a degree in Bilingual Education from the University of Montevideo and a degree in Business Communications and Public Relations from ORT University, Juan focuses on building confident and safe relationships with students. He is dedicated to empowering primary school learners to maximise their capabilities and overcome life’s challenges.

Owls Educator (6- and 7-year-olds)
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Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Jess worked in Vietnam and Peru before relocating to Punta del Este in 2019. She entered education having received a Bachelor's in Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town, and completed her Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) through the University of Nottingham whilst teaching in Peru and Uruguay. Jess believes meaningful learning is dynamic and engaging, and she thoroughly enjoys implementing research-based practice in her classroom to support children in reaching their full potential. In 2024, Jess was accepted into the University of Nottingham School of Education to pursue a Master’s in Education, which she will complete remotely whilst teaching at The Garzón School.

Owls Educator (6- and 7-year-olds)
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Jimena has been passionate about teaching from an early age. With a double Bachelor’s in Bilingual Education from the University of Montevideo and a Post Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Educational Management from the Catholic University of Uruguay, she embodies The Garzón School’s commitment to cross-cultural and innovative learning. Hailing from Montevideo, she also reflects the School’s dedication to attracting and developing the brightest young talent in the country. Jimena was selected to represent Uruguay in the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders. She believes in making learning enjoyable, meaningful, and interactive, focusing on nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning.

Jays Educator (4- and 5-year-olds)
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A Montevideo native, Lucía explored Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Architecture before realising her true calling in education and teaching. With over 20 years of classroom experience, she has worked with Early Years and Lower Primary learners in schools from Montevideo and Maldonado, adopting and mastering different methodologies along the way. Her journey to The Garzón School has allowed her to gather the knowledge and tools essential for reaching students of all backgrounds and profiles. Lucía finds great joy in watching children learn, grow, and evolve into wonderful human beings.

Jays Educator (4- and 5-year-olds)
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Ksenia brings a diverse lived experience to The Garzón School, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Management from St. Petersburg State University and a Master’s in Marketing from the Universidad Politècnica de Catalunya. Furthering her commitment to education, she earned a PGCE from the University of Nottingham while teaching under Uruguay’s Plan Ceibal and at International College Punta del Este. Ksenia is passionate about creating inviting, inspiring and individualised learning opportunities for children. She enjoys meandering dog walks, yoga, crocheting, and reading (especially mysteries and biographies!).

Inclusion & Wellbeing Lead
Designated Safeguarding Lead
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Having studied in Argentina and worked in private clinics and primary schools, Cata pursued her Master’s Degree in Special Education in Australia. There, she expanded her expertise as a positive behaviour support therapist, focusing on autistic children. Cata’s experience includes supporting individuals with disabilities in transitioning to mainstream employment. She is a strong advocate for inclusive environments and equal opportunity, emphasising the equal development of students’ social, emotional, and academic skills. Cata’s relocation to Punta Del Este reflects her desire for nature, balance and community to complement a bright career trajectory.

Educational Psychologist
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After studying early education at the Universidad Católica del Uruguay, Agostina spent nearly a decade teaching before deciding to specialise in the field of educational psychology. With an ongoing desire to deepen her knowledge, she is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Neuropsychopedagogy. An enthusiast of music and dance, Agos brings a unique energy to her role. Her steadfast commitment to creating a supportive learning environment is a valuable addition to our School.

Psychomotor Therapist
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Physical Education Specialist
Co-Curricular Coordinator
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Santi is a world citizen and Uruguayan culture appreciator, as well as a curious and continuous learner. Santi holds a BA in International Relations and an MA in Global Studies, and is currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. His experience working in international schools in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia inspired a love for nurturing wiser learners with a deep-rooted connection to their environment, a broad sense of curiosity and the tools to find answers to their questions.

Art Specialist
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Beyond being an outstanding educator, Adam is also a practising artist who has exhibited his work in galleries from La Barra to London. Born and raised in Devon (UK), Adam studied English and Creative Writing at Bath Spa University before completing a CertTESOL at Trinity College. He taught students from all over the world at the Globe English Centre in Exeter, before moving to Uruguay in 2014. He currently divides his time between teaching, painting landscapes and raising six-year-old twins.

Music Specialist
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Nacho was born in Uruguay and has worked as an educator for nearly a decade. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Musical Therapy from the Cediiap Institute in Montevideo, and is trained as a Music Teacher in the Gordon’s Music Learning Theory (MLT). His professional interest lies in using music as a vehicle to advance wellbeing, communication and the acquisition of important values in each child’s development. He believes in active listening and providing spaces where children can express themselves naturally, creatively and authentically.

Accountant
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With her expertise in accounting and a passion for numbers, our wonderful accountant ensures the financial records of the school are in perfect order. When she’s not crunching numbers, you can find Analaura exploring new destinations, indulging in her love for travel, and sharing the benefits of hatha yoga as a certified instructor.

Marketing & Communications Lead
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Maru went to high school in New York and studied Hotel Management in Argentina before returning to her native Uruguay to study Communications. Transitioning from the corporate world to the educational sector five years ago, she has worked closely with parents and children of all ages. Before joining The Garzón School, Maru oversaw the marketing and communications strategy for the arts non-profit, CAMPO. She joined our team in 2024, bringing a love for art, communications, and children. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, nature, surfing and art.

Facilities Manager
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Few people know our premises better than Victoria. She has been attending to guests at Casa Zinc for over a decade, and chose to accompany us as the building transitioned from hotel to school. In her evolved role at The Garzón School, Victoria keeps our spaces presentable and secure, and ensures our children, families, educators and guests are comfortable throughout the day. A mother of two herself, Vicki has loved getting to know all of our children in her supportive capacity.

Facilities Assistant
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