UCA STAFF
SCOTT D. BOGARD - FOUNDER & HEADMASTER
As former pastor and entrepreneur from Indiana, Scott is uniquely qualified for his important role as UCA Headmaster. First and foremost, he has a sincere love for his students and sees their limitless potential as human beings whom God has created; he constantly looks for ways to be involved with students in a one-on-one capacity that goes beyond his daily role in administration. Scott's zest for life and love for his students join together with crucial business experience that afford him the privilege to serve as Headmaster at UCA.
As former pastor and entrepreneur from Indiana, Scott is uniquely qualified for his important role as UCA Headmaster. First and foremost, he has a sincere love for his students and sees their limitless potential as human beings whom God has created; he constantly looks for ways to be involved with students in a one-on-one capacity that goes beyond his daily role in administration. Scott's zest for life and love for his students join together with crucial business experience that afford him the privilege to serve as Headmaster at UCA.
BRIGIT L. BOGARD - CO-FOUNDER, DIRECTRESS OF MASTERY-BASED LEARNING
Brigit is a skilled and dedicated teacher, who enjoys the multi-faceted world of education! Although her love for education wasn't realized until later in life, she feels passion and zeal for teaching, and it's evident in her approach. She sees her students as individuals, and likes to consider their personal interests and goals when teaching them. Brigit likes to take the time necessary to "really explain" something that is hard for a student to comprehend. She boasts experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in the school system where her children attended in Indiana before re-locating to Costa Rica in 2012. Brigit also taught local high school and elementary level students when she served as teacher/tutor at The Learning Place, a private tutoring company she and her husband, Scott, founded in Indiana.
Brigit is a skilled and dedicated teacher, who enjoys the multi-faceted world of education! Although her love for education wasn't realized until later in life, she feels passion and zeal for teaching, and it's evident in her approach. She sees her students as individuals, and likes to consider their personal interests and goals when teaching them. Brigit likes to take the time necessary to "really explain" something that is hard for a student to comprehend. She boasts experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in the school system where her children attended in Indiana before re-locating to Costa Rica in 2012. Brigit also taught local high school and elementary level students when she served as teacher/tutor at The Learning Place, a private tutoring company she and her husband, Scott, founded in Indiana.
EILIN SILVA - LEAD TEACHER, PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Eilin Álvarez Silva lives with her family in Uvita, and is studying at CEFOM (Centro de Formación Ministerial) and IBAD (Instituto Biblico Asambleas de Dios). Eilin often works with children when she teaches them at her local church in Uvita; she feels that working with children is a real pleasure, a firm commitment, and a privilege. She shares, "When I teach children about God and our faith in Him, I feel passion! When I teach, I learn, too!" Eilin looks forward to her career at UCA, and is eager to teach UCA's youngest students the Spanish language.
Eilin Álvarez Silva lives with her family in Uvita, and is studying at CEFOM (Centro de Formación Ministerial) and IBAD (Instituto Biblico Asambleas de Dios). Eilin often works with children when she teaches them at her local church in Uvita; she feels that working with children is a real pleasure, a firm commitment, and a privilege. She shares, "When I teach children about God and our faith in Him, I feel passion! When I teach, I learn, too!" Eilin looks forward to her career at UCA, and is eager to teach UCA's youngest students the Spanish language.
JOYCE OCALIN SALAZAR - LEAD TEACHER, KINDERGARTEN
Joyce Ocalin Salazar Aldi lives in Perez Zeledón, and is so excited to teach Kindergarten at UCA! Originally, she studied at Universidad Nacional for two years to be a School Counselor, because of the passion she feels when having contact with people whom she can help and interact with. Ocalin became a dedicated mother of two wonderful children, Alison and Ethan, who made her realize how amazing children are. She sees children as amazing because they have the capacity to learn and have fun at the same time! Later, Ocalin studied English at Universidad Nacional. She really enjoyed working with children in education; not only mentally, but also spiritually. God is Ocalin's powerful and most important source of love and strength! She knows that great things are possible for those who believe in Him. It's an honor for her to be a part of the lives of children at UCA!
Joyce Ocalin Salazar Aldi lives in Perez Zeledón, and is so excited to teach Kindergarten at UCA! Originally, she studied at Universidad Nacional for two years to be a School Counselor, because of the passion she feels when having contact with people whom she can help and interact with. Ocalin became a dedicated mother of two wonderful children, Alison and Ethan, who made her realize how amazing children are. She sees children as amazing because they have the capacity to learn and have fun at the same time! Later, Ocalin studied English at Universidad Nacional. She really enjoyed working with children in education; not only mentally, but also spiritually. God is Ocalin's powerful and most important source of love and strength! She knows that great things are possible for those who believe in Him. It's an honor for her to be a part of the lives of children at UCA!
STEFANNY NAVARRO - LEAD TEACHER, JR. ELEMENTARY
Stefanny is Costa Rican, and originally from Buenos Aires, Puntarenas. She studied at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and has recently earned her English Teaching Bachelor's Degree. She believes that children are often used by God, and for that reason, she considers teaching a great opportunity to provide them with good instruction. She also believes that childhood is one of the most important stages in a person's life, because it is the time when personalities and beliefs are established. Stefanny believes the Bible verse that says in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." In addition to formal training, Stefanny has worked at her church with children, youth and worship ministries for several years, and music is one of her passions. She loves to play different kinds of sports in her free time, and also enjoys reading, singing and doing social work.
Stefanny is Costa Rican, and originally from Buenos Aires, Puntarenas. She studied at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and has recently earned her English Teaching Bachelor's Degree. She believes that children are often used by God, and for that reason, she considers teaching a great opportunity to provide them with good instruction. She also believes that childhood is one of the most important stages in a person's life, because it is the time when personalities and beliefs are established. Stefanny believes the Bible verse that says in Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." In addition to formal training, Stefanny has worked at her church with children, youth and worship ministries for several years, and music is one of her passions. She loves to play different kinds of sports in her free time, and also enjoys reading, singing and doing social work.
KAROLINA UMANA - ASSISTANT TEACHER, JR. ELEMENTARY
Karolina Umaña, who recently moved to Uvita in order to teach at UCA, made her home in San Buenas with her husband. She studied the English language extensively at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and has earned her Bachelor's Degree. Karolina sees teaching as a great opportunity to "change a life;" she hopes to empower children to believe they can do anything through acquiring knowledge! For Karolina, teaching is a passion and not only a job; she likes to see a student who's proud because of learning new things! In addition, Karolina loves nature, and spending time with her family. She is excited to work with students at UCA, and believes her work here will help her to grow as a teacher.
Karolina Umaña, who recently moved to Uvita in order to teach at UCA, made her home in San Buenas with her husband. She studied the English language extensively at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and has earned her Bachelor's Degree. Karolina sees teaching as a great opportunity to "change a life;" she hopes to empower children to believe they can do anything through acquiring knowledge! For Karolina, teaching is a passion and not only a job; she likes to see a student who's proud because of learning new things! In addition, Karolina loves nature, and spending time with her family. She is excited to work with students at UCA, and believes her work here will help her to grow as a teacher.
SHARON S. SALAZAR - LEAD TEACHER, ELEMENTARY
Sharon is a recent graduate of Universidad Latina in Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Sharon may be Costa Rican, but was raised in Florida where she earned her high school diploma. Sharon likes to travel back and forth to visit her parents when she can! She loves to spend time with kids and is very excited about her work at UCA. She believes that teaching Kindergarden, as well as Costa Rican Social Studies classes, will be a wonderful experience for her, and for her students. During her free time, Sharon enjoys going on hikes, as well as traveling to new places - she simply loves to be in contact with nature.
Sharon is a recent graduate of Universidad Latina in Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Sharon may be Costa Rican, but was raised in Florida where she earned her high school diploma. Sharon likes to travel back and forth to visit her parents when she can! She loves to spend time with kids and is very excited about her work at UCA. She believes that teaching Kindergarden, as well as Costa Rican Social Studies classes, will be a wonderful experience for her, and for her students. During her free time, Sharon enjoys going on hikes, as well as traveling to new places - she simply loves to be in contact with nature.
CONSUELO GUTIERREZ - ASSISTANT TEACHER, ELEMENTARY
Consuelo Gutierrez is originally from Nicaragua, and has lived and worked in Uvita for nine years. She and her husband love their daughter, Allison, who attends UCA in her first grade Learning Center. Consuelo began her career at UCA as an assistant in the Kindergarten class. She quickly proved herself, however, to be very valuable and hard working; she was promoted to work as Monitor in the Jr. Elementary Learning Center. Currently she works as the Supervisor for the Jr. Elementary class. For Consuelo, this opportunity is very important. She shares, "I like children and I love working with them
Consuelo Gutierrez is originally from Nicaragua, and has lived and worked in Uvita for nine years. She and her husband love their daughter, Allison, who attends UCA in her first grade Learning Center. Consuelo began her career at UCA as an assistant in the Kindergarten class. She quickly proved herself, however, to be very valuable and hard working; she was promoted to work as Monitor in the Jr. Elementary Learning Center. Currently she works as the Supervisor for the Jr. Elementary class. For Consuelo, this opportunity is very important. She shares, "I like children and I love working with them
STEPHANIA LANGFORD - LEAD TEACHER, UPPER LEVEL
Stephania loves working with kids and is happy to be joining the UCA family. Stephania first started to learn Spanish as a child in Peru, where her parents were missionaries. Her family is originally from Oklahoma. That is where she attended Southern Nazarene University and studied both International Studies and Spanish. Stephania also earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction there a few years later. She has taught in international Christian schools in both San Jose, Costa Rica and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most recently, Stephania has worked for the Richardson, Texas school district. She worked especially with bilingual students and second language learners. Stephania looks forward to getting to know our community, our families, and our students.
Stephania loves working with kids and is happy to be joining the UCA family. Stephania first started to learn Spanish as a child in Peru, where her parents were missionaries. Her family is originally from Oklahoma. That is where she attended Southern Nazarene University and studied both International Studies and Spanish. Stephania also earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction there a few years later. She has taught in international Christian schools in both San Jose, Costa Rica and in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most recently, Stephania has worked for the Richardson, Texas school district. She worked especially with bilingual students and second language learners. Stephania looks forward to getting to know our community, our families, and our students.
PAUL KING - LEAD MATH TEACHER, GRADES 7 - 12
Paul and his wife, CarlYe, are excited to be a part of the local community in Uvita! Paul graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a degree for teaching high school social studies. He found his first job in Taiwan teaching English, while tutoring Chinese speakers in his free time. He did a lot of traveling throughout Asia during his time there, and was eventually promoted to become head teacher of the school. After spending two years in Asia, Paul got married, and soon after moved to Costa Rica with his wife to experience a new culture and climate! Among other things, Paul is passionate about protecting our environment, and is the sponsoring teacher for UCA's Sustainability Initiative. He also enjoys games, music and learning new things.
Paul and his wife, CarlYe, are excited to be a part of the local community in Uvita! Paul graduated from Grand Valley State University in Michigan with a degree for teaching high school social studies. He found his first job in Taiwan teaching English, while tutoring Chinese speakers in his free time. He did a lot of traveling throughout Asia during his time there, and was eventually promoted to become head teacher of the school. After spending two years in Asia, Paul got married, and soon after moved to Costa Rica with his wife to experience a new culture and climate! Among other things, Paul is passionate about protecting our environment, and is the sponsoring teacher for UCA's Sustainability Initiative. He also enjoys games, music and learning new things.
MARIA BEJARANO - ASSISTANT TEACHER, JR. ELEMENTARY AND UPPER LEVEL
María Luisa Bejarano Quesada makes her home in Ballena, close to Uvita where UCA is located. She is excited to teach children, and to use her Spanish speaking skills to teach students who are hungry to learn! María enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Marlón. She currently dedicates time to studying English, always eager to improve her speaking skills!
María Luisa Bejarano Quesada makes her home in Ballena, close to Uvita where UCA is located. She is excited to teach children, and to use her Spanish speaking skills to teach students who are hungry to learn! María enjoys spending time with her family, especially her daughter, Rachel, and her husband, Marlón. She currently dedicates time to studying English, always eager to improve her speaking skills!
DAWN ROBERTS - LEAD TEACHER, ART
Dawn graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Merchandising and Fashion Design in the United States. She took various art classes including graphic design, ceramics, three-dimensional art, and sculpture. While studying in London, she learned about the impressionist and post impressionist European artists (Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Seurat, etc.). Dawn's current experience in "art" consists of decorating cakes, re-designing and re-modeling homes, and custom designing photo albums. Dawn makes her home in Ojochal, with her husband Steve and her crew of cats.
Dawn graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Retail Merchandising and Fashion Design in the United States. She took various art classes including graphic design, ceramics, three-dimensional art, and sculpture. While studying in London, she learned about the impressionist and post impressionist European artists (Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Seurat, etc.). Dawn's current experience in "art" consists of decorating cakes, re-designing and re-modeling homes, and custom designing photo albums. Dawn makes her home in Ojochal, with her husband Steve and her crew of cats.
MARTIE BECK - LEAD TEACHER FIRST GRADE 2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Martie Beck “aspires to inspire” and uses her creativity to make learning and life fun for students in the first grade! Originally a trainer and motivational speaker, Martie is excited to bring her talents to Uvita Christian Academy, where she believes she can teach a sincere love for learning. Martie studied business and communications at Lewis Clark State College and the University of Idaho; she has worked with small children in various capacities for about 30 years. She boasts experience working with local elementary schools in the US to teach "Kindergarten Boot Camps," is certified to teach "7 Habits for Happy Families," and has experience managing a daycare facility. Helping children discover their own special, God-given DNA of talents and abilities is something Martie is eager to do. Martie believes children learn best with lots of hands-on activities, and positive illustrations. She can't wait to let her enthusiasm explode! Along with Sam, her husband of 30 years, they are the proud parents of 4 sons, 3 daughter-in-laws and 7 grandchildren. The Becks are proud to be called “my American parents” by many international students who have lived with them while studying English at their local college.
Martie Beck “aspires to inspire” and uses her creativity to make learning and life fun for students in the first grade! Originally a trainer and motivational speaker, Martie is excited to bring her talents to Uvita Christian Academy, where she believes she can teach a sincere love for learning. Martie studied business and communications at Lewis Clark State College and the University of Idaho; she has worked with small children in various capacities for about 30 years. She boasts experience working with local elementary schools in the US to teach "Kindergarten Boot Camps," is certified to teach "7 Habits for Happy Families," and has experience managing a daycare facility. Helping children discover their own special, God-given DNA of talents and abilities is something Martie is eager to do. Martie believes children learn best with lots of hands-on activities, and positive illustrations. She can't wait to let her enthusiasm explode! Along with Sam, her husband of 30 years, they are the proud parents of 4 sons, 3 daughter-in-laws and 7 grandchildren. The Becks are proud to be called “my American parents” by many international students who have lived with them while studying English at their local college.
