Faculty and Staff
The Creating Center Teaching Philosophy
Our Team
Our human talent is our greatest asset
Our Featured Teachers

Marilú Salvador
Director

Marilú Salvador
Director
Graduated with a master’s in education and over 32 years of experience in public, private, and non-profit
sectors focused on human and social development.
Has served as a teacher, mentor, facilitator, and director of educational programs. Former National Director of Education for the Ministry of Education of Panama, leading Aprende Al Máximo, a national initiative aimed at improving educational quality with equity.
Education & Leadership
o Holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum Development, and Policy
Studies from The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC).
o Member of CALI Class XI (Central American Leadership Initiative).
o Part of the Aspen Leadership Network.
Commitment to Education & Equity
o Passionate about educational quality with equity.
o Describes herself as a "faithful defender of the rights of ALL children to quality education"
o Aims to blend traditional education with creativity-driven learning.
o Seeks to reshape education through an alternative method that enhances traditional models.
Has served as a teacher, mentor, facilitator, and director of educational programs. Former National Director of Education for the Ministry of Education of Panama, leading Aprende Al Máximo, a national initiative aimed at improving educational quality with equity.
Education & Leadership
o Holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Curriculum Development, and Policy
Studies from The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC).
o Member of CALI Class XI (Central American Leadership Initiative).
o Part of the Aspen Leadership Network.
Commitment to Education & Equity
o Passionate about educational quality with equity.
o Describes herself as a "faithful defender of the rights of ALL children to quality education"
o Aims to blend traditional education with creativity-driven learning.
o Seeks to reshape education through an alternative method that enhances traditional models.

Katherin Pineda Chang
Early Years

Katherin Pineda Chang
Early Years
Ms. Katherin Penida has been working with children under six years of age for 15 years.
For her, this stage of development is the most beautiful and crucial in the growth of every individual. In these early years, the foundation for a child’s development is established, and it is during this time that we must invest our greatest effort and offer an abundance of love. This nurturing environment strengthens children and enables their abilities to flourish to their fullest potential.
Kathy believes that “every day is a new adventure with the little ones, where, more than teaching, we are learning together.”

Gillian Phillips
Early Years

Gillian Phillips
Early Years
Ms. Gillian Phillips has been teaching early childhood education for 6 years. She is passionate about working with young learners, bringing charisma, enthusiasm, and compassion into the classroom to support each child’s development at their own pace.
She believes in fostering confidence, innovation, and a sense of adventure in her students, encouraging creative expression through play and everyday experiences. By nurturing curiosity and imagination, she helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
One of her favorite quotes is:
“When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do, our work takes on the quality of play, and it is play that stimulates creativity.”

Male Alemán
Early Years

Male Alemán
Early Years
Ms. Male Aleman has been teaching early elementary grades for 5 years, bringing a deep passion for education and a dedication to nurturing young minds. She believes in creating a dynamic learning environment where students feel both challenged and supported, fostering not only intellectual growth but also emotional and social development.
For Male, teaching is a two- way journey - she both teaches and learns from her students, striving to cultivate a well-rounded education that nurtures both minds and hearts. She is committed to building a supportive, loving classroom where students can have fun while learning, helping them develop confidence, self-esteem, and a strong belief in themselves.
She finds immense joy in guiding children through these formative years, ensuring they feel valued and empowered every step of the way.
"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." – Brad Henry

Carolina Archuleta
Administration

Carolina Archuleta
Administration

Candace Chivers
Primary

Candace Chivers
Primary
Ms. Candace Chivers has been teaching all subjects to various grade levels in Panama for the past 9 years. Originally, she studied fine arts at York University in Toronto, Canada, with the intention of becoming a dance instructor. However, Candace soon realized her true passion was not only teaching dance but also helping young learners succeed academically.
TESOL certified and fluent in both English and Spanish, Candace brings a charismatic and fun-loving approach to her teaching. She loves incorporating nature, music, and movement into her lessons, which helps her students develop self-confidence, communication skills, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Candace believes in a holistic approach to learning, seeing the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected in the educational process. One of her favorite quotes by Sabine Howe reflects her philosophy:
“Learning, thought, creativity, and intelligence don't just come from the brain alone, but from the entire body.”

Gabriela Mendoza
Secondary

Gabriela Mendoza
Secondary
Ms. Gabriela Mendoza is a psychologist specializing in child and adolescent development. She has been an integral part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with school staff to design and implement academic and behavioral interventions for students facing challenges.
Her true passion lies in the classroom, where she has taught students from preschool to high school for the past 8 years. Gaby finds the most fulfillment in building positive, lasting relationships with her students and their families, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and empowered.

Jorge Marrero
Physical Education

Jorge Marrero
Physical Education
Mr. Jorge Marrero is a physical education specialist with a passion for teaching children, teenagers, and adults. He has been involved in various educational institutions and sports centers, where he has helped coordinate sports and recreational activities while also training staff to implement them effectively.
As a black belt in modern martial arts and a certified personal trainer, Jorge enjoys teaching classes and promoting an active, healthy lifestyle within the community.

Daniela Ponader

Alexandra Espino

Milagros Ibarra

Elias Vera

Carmelo Fagundez

Hannah Tucker

Milagros Ibarra

Ben Clark
