Secondary School

On behalf of the Secondary Program, I would like to welcome you to the American Nicaraguan School in Managua, Nicaragua. We are a campus that serves the needs of the local and expat community through a balanced, global approach of creativity, innovation and knowledge.
The American Nicaraguan School is committed to offering students a world-class education focused on a student-centered, constructivist approach to learning with a global lens. Our vision is centered around six key core values: Intellectual Curiosity, Global Awareness, Social Responsibility, Respect for Self and Others, Environmental Stewardship, Innovation & Creativity. Students have an assortment of options to choose from to develop critical thinking and 21st century problem-solving skills. Currently, we offer 19 Advanced Placement courses either in person or on-line to better fit the needs of our students. Students may also apply for our distinguished Global Studies Academy, which allows each student to delve deeper into what it means to be a citizen of the world. In addition to these options, our school has a rich tradition of competing in Model United Nations (MUN), HACIA Democracy and AASCA Knowledge Bowl, to name a few. If students want to push themselves on the field, court, or in the pool, we offer a variety of sports, which include soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, track and field and cross-country to provide each student with a well-rounded education.
At ANS, we are not just dedicated to rigorous academics. We also encourage students to become integral parts of the global community by instilling a love for learning and a passion for service. Throughout the year, each grade level commits to serving others in a variety of ways. This connection to service allows our students to grow as leaders and flourish as stewards of Nicaragua and beyond. In addition to our service days, many students take advantage of a plethora of clubs and activities such as Operation Smile, National Honor Society, and Pink Club to balance out the ANS experience. Whether students are heading to a university or joining the workforce upon graduation, each student will have the skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
It is truly my pleasure to lead such a historic program like ANS. As an ANS alumni, I have a strong passion and love for our school.and am committed to working tirelessly to continue our growth as a school and community. I look forward to getting to know each one of you personally, and if I can do anything to make this journey more pleasant, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Jacqueline Krüger
Secondary Principal
jkruger@ans.edu.ni

I am honored to join the secondary community as Instructional Coach. Although some of you may know me as an elementary math and science teacher, I actually started my career teaching high school Spanish. Over the years, I have taught a variety of subjects and age groups ranging from K-12 to adult classes. Additionally, I previously served 4 years as Instructional Coach for the Bilingual Department at Dunn Elementary. Originally from Houston, Texas, I am an avid traveler, an impetus which prompted me to move abroad and pursue an M.ED in International Education. After teaching 4 years at Colegio Maya in Guatemala, I moved to beautiful Nicaragua with my husband and two boys, where we are happy to start our 5th year at ANS.
I believe that a quality education is the most powerful tool we give our children and the foundation on which we build our collective future. Consequently, I favor instruction through inquiry-based projects, aimed to engage student interest and critical thinking through the questioning and investigation of real issues. I challenge students to draw conclusions, design solutions, and present their findings to an authentic audience.
As Instructional Coach, my goal is to empower teachers in similar ways, as I work to support them in inquiry-based projects related to instruction and assessment in their individual context. It is important to note that coaching is not a form of supervision or evaluation, rather a partnership built on communication and trust. I strive to meet teachers where they are in their professional journey, building on their strengths and interests, while assisting them to reach their chosen goals.
I have an open door policy, so drop by the ST Services Office if you have any questions or would like to meet. I am excited to be back at the secondary level and look forward to a fantastic year!
Assignments
Resources
Meet the Team
Secondary School Office

Jacqueline Krüger
Secondary School Principal

Augusta Lacayo
Secondary School Assistant Principal

Katia Andino
Secondary School Secretary

Allison Zelaya
Secondary School Secretary

Lori Fine
Instructional Coach

Claudia Andino
Student Life

Axel Canales
Substitute Teacher
Student Services & Wellness Center

Nidia Gutiérrez
MS Counselor

Manisha Bishop
HS Counselor

Rubí Zeledón
College Counselor

Jennifer García
Student Services Secretary
Teachers
Caitlin Hurley
Secondary English

I come to ANS with more than a decade of international educational experience in Rome, Italy, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and the US. I majored in Psychology at Harvard and earned a law degree from Suffolk University. I have worked as a travel correspondent for the Boston Globe, a legal adviser for UN Women in Pakistan, the Associate Director for Temple University Rome, and most recently as a 4th grade teacher and coach at the Bullis School in the DC area. I am passionate about fostering a love of reading and writing in my students as well as developing the hard and soft skills needed to thrive and be kind, thoughtful, caring global citizens. I continue to cultivate a passion for running and have completed over 10 marathons and numerous half marathons. When not working, I love being outdoors, reading, and spending time exploring Nicaragua with my husband and 3 children, all ANS students.
Lisa Lippay
Secondary English

I have a degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master’s in Education. I love living in Nicaragua and being a part of our amazing school community. I have a passion for teaching English Language Arts because there are so many applications to our lives such as improving the way we communicate, and developing empathy and resiliency through literature. I enjoy giving students voice and choice in the classroom as they grow to be independent learners. Besides being a proud mother of two sons, I am an avid reader, I enjoy the art of writing, and I love spending time with family and close friends.
Daniel Blute
Secondary English

I have been in education for thirty years and teaching for a little over twenty years. I worked for over twenty years with at risk students in Boston and underfunded schools in the area. Following my time in Boston, I sought international teaching abroad in China. When taking the next step in international teaching, I had to choose between Thailand and Nicaraguan and I’m glad I chose here, both the people of Managua and my colleagues and students at ANS have been incredibly warm and inspiring.
Brittiany Andears
Secondary English

For the past five years, I have taught middle school and high school students in international schools. I completed both a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. I’m passionate about creating curricula that are both relevant to students’ lives and their interests, and about making it so. I currently teach English to 7th and 9th grade students. Traveling, running, and hanging out with friends are some of my favorite things to do in my free time.
Olivia Gunn
Secondary English

I was born and raised just outside Toronto, Canada, and I have always been passionate about education. I completed my Honors Bachelor of Arts degree and my Bachelor of Education degree in a dual university five year concurrent program with a focus on international education, and a few months after I graduated, I moved to Nicaragua to teach at ANS in the Middle School. After spending a year in Canada, I am incredibly excited to be back at ANS for this school year, this time teaching 10th grade English, Philosophy, and AP Human Geography. In my free time I enjoy reading, participating in any team sports I can find, and surfing.
Vilma Zúniga
Secondary Science

I am from Honduras and I came to Nicaragua in 2017. I teach Environmental Science and Biology to 9th and 10th grade. I am a Development and Environment Engineer with a Master in Environmental Management and I am passionate about protecting the environment and working with people to achieve this goal.
I have been teaching at ANS for two and a half years and my goal is to engage students in authentic learning experiences by doing hands-on activities, exploring phenomena in the real world and developing projects to learn the science practices and skills needed in real life. I am a proud mom of a two year old boy and I spend with him playing and exploring nature in our surroundings.
Rodrigo Díaz
Secondary Science

My name is Rodrigo Díaz, I’m from Nicaragua, ANS has been my home for many years! I’m an ANS Alumnus, Class of 2005! I am currently teaching 11th Grade Chemistry and 8th Grade Physical Science, and I hope I can continue to inspire in my students the love for Science, Inquiry and Intellectual Curiosity. I love supporting my students in growing both inside and outside the classroom, thus, I am extremely honor to be mentoring our school’s student leaders as their National Honor Society Advisor!
Besides from teaching and Science, I have a great passion for anything artistic: singing, acting, painting, drawing, etc! I love finding ways to express my creativity, and have creative escapes to relax and release stress. Currently, I’m focusing on Digital Artwork and Calligraphy, so come visit to check my work!
I am super proud and happy that my daughter Isabella is part of this amazing and beautiful Tiger community, which we are proud to call HOME!
Thelma Blandón
Secondary Science

I am Thelma Blandón. I have an AS in Computer Science and also a BS in Marketing. I also have a Master degree in Education. I teach Life Science and also AP CS50 -Computer Science Principles at ANS. One of my goals is to promote a growth mindset in my students, since there is nothing more rewarding for me, as a teacher, than to be able to help my students learn how to use that approach as an important part of their learning process and in life in general.
“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower”
-Alexander Den Heijer
Juan Casco
Secondary Science

My name is Juan Martin Casco, I’m from Nicaragua but have spent half of my life in the US.I’ve been teaching for around 14 years and this will be my second year here at ANS. I currently teach 6th Grade Science and 8th Grade Physical Science. Teaching for me is 100% about the students and their well being. I want my students to have fun and enjoy science but most importantly, I want them to be able to develop and transfer the skills they obtain to different areas in life. I love drawing, reading, building things and spending time with my wonderful family. Important things to live by as a teacher and parent:
“You were once a child, too” – Fred Rogers
“Be who you needed when you were younger” -Brad Montague
Adriana Targa
Biology, AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology

I was born in Austin, Texas and moved to Nicaragua at the age of 8, I studied at ANS where my love for the life sciences began. I have a B.S. in Biology from Penn State University as well as a Masters in Education and have been a science teacher for almost 12 years now, but my love for academia started in college as a tutor. My hobbies are painting, reading, watching anime, and catching sunshine at the beach with my two dogs. I am so excited to come back to ANS as part of the faculty.
Miriam Rojo
Secondary Spanish

Nací en Managua, Nicaragua, de madre nicaragüense y padre español. Estudié la Licenciatura en Lengua y Literatura Hispánicas, y poco tiempo después, una Maestría en Didáctica de la Lengua y la Literatura, y un Diplomado en Enseñanza del Español como Lengua Extranjera. Después de muchos años en la docencia, puedo afirmar que amo lo que hago y que trabajar con niños y adolescentes puede ser tan retador como reconfortante. Trabajar en ANS es, para mí, un placer y un reto diario que espero cumplir con devoción. Amo la naturaleza y creo profundamente en que el ser humano debe recuperar el equilibrio con ella para poder vivir en armonía con su entorno.
Thelma Flores
Secondary Spanish

Máster en Comunicación y Educación por la Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Licenciada en Administración de Empresas por la Universidad Centroamericana. He tenido el placer de trabajar en ANS desde hace 7 años y en el área de educación desde hace 10 años. Creo firmemente en una educación integral, tanto en conocimientos como en virtudes, ética y moral. Individuos formados en valores, pensamiento crítico y libertad es la mezcla perfecta de un futuro exitoso y pleno.
Cristopher Torrez
Secondary Spanish

I graduated from my B.A in TEFL at Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, Nicaragua and have participated in several international programs for English teachers and learners sponsored by the U.S Department of State in places such as Costa Rica and the United States where I was part of an exchange program at Juniata College, Pennsylvania. I recently obtained my M.A in Linguistics from Distrital University Francisco de Caldas in Bogotá, Colombia. My philosophy of education is based on providing students with a safe space of critical reflection and that education is an ongoing spiral that adapts itself to the settings, goals and expectations students set for themselves. Education is the means from which societies can achieve progress and walk towards a brighter future.
Dina González
Secondary Spanish

Soy Lic. en Español; Especialista en Didáctica de la Lengua y actualmente estoy haciendo la tesis de mi Maestría. Imparto la clase de Lengua y Literatura desde el 2010 en ANS. Nací en Chontales y vivo en Managua desde hace 20 años. En mis clases, me gusta trabajar a través de proyectos que pongan en contacto al estudiante con su realidad. Amo a Dios, mi familia y mi trabajo. Me esfuerzo por hacer las cosas de corazón, como para el Señor y no para los hombres.
Sara Román
SLL / AP Spanish Language

Siempre he pensado que los maestros tenemos el poder de construir junto con los jóvenes un mundo mejor y desde siempre me he apegado a este pensamiento que me impulsa a hacer día con día la diferencia. Soy una nicaragüense inspirada en Darío con una visión cosmopolita y futurista de la vida. Soy Lic. en ciencias de la educación con especialidad en inglés y poseo una maestría en educación. Me encanta la naturaleza, los animales, la música y sobre todo amo mi vocación.
Sonia Dávila
Secondary Spanish

Nací en Nicaragua, Río San Juan y tengo 37 años de ser docente. Soy graduada en la Escuela Normal de Managua de Maestra de Educación Primaria; estudié en la U.N.A.N. de Managua Nicaragua la carrera de Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Educación en Español y una Maestría en Filología y Literatura Latinoamericana. Soy una persona muy alegre, enamorada de mi familia, apasionada por mi trabajo, comprometida con la enseñanza de mis estudiantes; y me siento muy contenta y honrada por ser parte de la comunidad de A.N.S. desde el 2012.
Carolina Yun
Chinese / AP Chinese Language

My Chinese name is Hui-Chen Yun and I graduated from the Department of Chinese Literature, College of Liberal Arts at Providence University in Taiwan in 1987. “To live until old, to learn until old”. This wise, ancient Chinese saying tells us how we should always continue learning. Every single student that I’ve had the pleasure to meet is completely unique; they all have different weaknesses and strengths! And these students are in fact the ones who teach me everyday how to be more creative, how to be a better listener… how to be a real educator.
Karen Corea
French / AP French Language

Bonjour-Hello my name is Karen, I am Nicaraguan.
I lived in Toulouse in the south of France for almost 8 years. Upon my return I worked as a pedagogical assistant, in charge of public and cultural relations in the Alianza Francesa Managua , then I worked as an international baccalaureate teacher for 6 years.I organized a cultural exchange with a French high school in 2019.
I am delighted to share this wonderful French language and culture with my students.
I studied FLE (French as a foreign language) at the University of Toulouse II “Le Mirail”
Claudia Genet
Secondary Math

My name is Claudia Genet and I am from Nicaragua. I have been teaching math for over 15 years, 11 of which I taught at ANS. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and master’s degree in International Education. I am passionate about providing students with opportunities to explore, analyze, problem-solve, and make decisions using math in their daily lives. I am a proud mom who loves spending time with family and friends.
Beatriz Gómez
Secondary Math

Mathematics is my passion, and, as such, I am delighted to help each one of my students to develop a love and appreciation for mathematical thinking. I believe that math is not only important for school, but it is also a subject that helps develop unique critical thinking skills to prepare students for the future. I strive to show students how math is an essential component of our everyday lives. My approach is to develop a Math Learning Community where students are encouraged to share their ideas, explore multiple solution paths, and evaluate different approaches to deepen their conceptual understanding.
My mathematics journey of over twenty years has led me to teach all different levels of math. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Florida, and a Master’s degree in Education from Framingham State University. In addition to my passion for mathematics, I love to run and spend time with my family and friends.
Miguel Aragón
Secondary Math

My name is Miguel Aragón and I teach Algebra 1 and Algebra 2. I truly enjoy both doing and teaching math, and every day I strive to help my students appreciate math for its beauty and the way it develops our reasoning capabilities. I believe the best way to learn math is through discovery, which should feel challenging, but organic, meaningful and exciting.
I love spending time with my family and friends, and I’m always up for a good cup of coffee. Music has also been a big part of my life, since I’m very passionate about singing, songwriting and playing the piano. I’m also very committed to helping others, which is why I actively volunteer in a Bible education program in my community.
Andrew Cajina
Math 7, Math 8

Hi! I’m excited to join the team at ANS! About myself, I’m born and raised in Alberta, Canada to two Nicaraguans. I have spent most of my life in Alberta until these past few years where I was able to see more of the world. My first real international living experience was shortly after my first degree, in Bilingual Biology and Math, where I went to teach ESL in Korea. I fell in love with teaching and returned to complete an after degree in secondary education.
Erika Johnston
Secondary Math

Hi! I’m excited to join the team at ANS! About myself, I’m born and raised in Alberta, Canada to two Nicaraguans. I have spent most of my life in Alberta until these past few years where I was able to see more of the world. My first real international living experience was shortly after my first degree, in Bilingual Biology and Math, where I went to teach ESL in Korea. I fell in love with teaching and returned to complete an after degree in secondary education.
John Spiro
Instrumental Music / Music

I have a background in both music and education and have taught music at ANS for 16 years. I firmly believe that a child’s education is not complete without music. I enjoy sharing my passion for music with students and helping them develop confidence and good work habits that can help them succeed in all their classes.
Lilia Montealegre
MS Art

I have almost a decade of experience in education. I have taught high school, lectured at the university level, and even worked on textbooks. I have a B.A. in Art History and History from Duke University and a Master’s Degree in Cultural Administration from the Instituto Superior de Arte in Madrid. I am currently pursuing a second master’s from the Harvard Extension School in Museum Studies with a specialization in Museum Education. I have taught World History, AP Art History, Modern Art, Philosophy, and World Literature. This semester I am thrilled to be teaching the Architecture elective for Secondary School. I love to read, to visit museums, to explore artisan markets and anywhere with pretty trees.
Sagrario Chamorro
MS Art

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Jarvin Arce
HS Art

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Érika Morales
MS and HS Tech

I’ve been passionate about teaching ever since I had my first teaching experience in ESL here at ANS in the ELI courses. Now, I have the honor to teach problem-solving, innovation, creativity, critical and computational thinking skills through the classes: Intro to Robotics, iMovie and Intro to Animation. I am committed to help students develop their potential and become global citizens and well-rounded individuals. As a lifelong learner, I believe we can outdo ourselves if we commit to learn something new everyday, serve with love and give our very best in every single thing we do.
Kristin Kniehl
Inclusion Lead

My name is Kristin Kniehl and I am from Toronto, Canada. I came to Nicaragua in July 2021 with my husband Wade and our two cats, Benji and Petula. We are so happy to be part of the ANS family. At this school where creativity and passion are celebrated we have countless opportunities to grow our skill sets.
The most important thing to me about being a teacher is making sure that all students are provided the tools and pathways to achieve success. My career has been devoted to working with students that face academic, social-emotional, and/or systemic challenges. I have learned so much about resiliency through all of my students and it is their success stories that motivate me to always grow as an educator and as a human.
Vivian Campos
Inclusion Lead

My name is Vivian Campos. I’ve been working at ANS for 7 years in different roles, and this is my second year working as a part of the Secondary Inclusion Team. I am currently pursuing my second career which is Pedagogy with a mention in Administration and Management of Education. I have experience in supporting students and collaborating with teachers in order to provide strategies so that students have the best learning experience.
Social Studies Department
Belinda López
US History, Economics & AP Economics
I have a B.A. in Economics from the University of Alabama and a Master’s in Education from Framingham State University. I have been teaching at ANS since 1997. I love teaching economics because it has so many real-world applications and it thrills me to see students applying the concepts they learn in my class to their everyday lives. Teaching seniors is bittersweet because I get to know them and form a relationship with them their last year at ANS but thankfully I am able to keep in touch with many of my students after they graduate.
Karen Meléndez
Social Studies & Community Values
Hi everyone! I am very excited to start another year full of learning. I have been part of this community for 25 years, and I’m passionate about education. I earned a bachelor’s degree from UCEM in Nicaragua and I strongly believe that the aim of education is not only the knowledge of facts but the development of values. We must teach students how to think intensively and critically, because education is not preparation for life, but is life itself.
Cristopher Torrez
History & Geography of Nicaragua
I graduated from my B.A in TEFL at Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, Nicaragua and have participated in several international programs for English teachers and learners sponsored by the U.S Department of State in places such as Costa Rica and the United States where I was part of an exchange program at Juniata College, Pennsylvania. I recently obtained my M.A in Linguistics from Distrital University Francisco de Caldas in Bogotá, Colombia. My philosophy of education is based on providing students with a safe space of critical reflection and that education is an ongoing spiral that adapts itself to the settings, goals and expectations students set for themselves. Education is the means from which societies can achieve progress and walk towards a brighter future.
Julie Falbo
Secondary Social Studies
I grew up in the state of Minnesota in the United States and have been an educator for the past 15 years in many different places: in Mississippi and New York in the US, in Ecuador, and here in Nicaragua. I studied International Relations and Political Science at Augsburg University and then received my Master’s degree in Education. I am passionate about history and politics and deeply believe that every person has the ability to make a positive change in the world. I also believe that to be our best selves we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally. This is why Community Values and AP US Government and Politics are the perfect subjects for me to instruct! When I am not in school, you can find me spending time with my family (we especially love the Laguna de Apoyo), running, or reading.
Nora Rivas
Secondary Social Studies
I have a B.A. in Marketing from University of Mobile of Alabama and a Master’s of Education from Framingham State University. This will be my seventh year teaching at ANS. I believe in educating our students to become critical thinkers and active citizens of our global society.
Monika Cieslak
Secondary Social Studies
I’m excited to be returning back to the international community after teaching in Canada for a year. At ANS, I’ll be teaching World History and AP Comparative Government and Politics. I’ve taught overseas in Saudi Arabia for four years and, briefly, in Senegal where I joined on after completing my student practicum there. While working in Victoria, BC, Canada, I’ve discovered that inquiry centered teaching creates motivated lifelong learners. I look forward to continuing this practice at ANS.
Jonathan Holmer
Secondary Social Studies
I am the Modern World History Teacher. I serve as a Primary Source for the last 3rd of the period we are studying! I enjoy reading, exploring and learning about new places, learning about other people’s lives and watching videos of my grandchildren. My wife, Ms. Vernita, is the Primary School Principal. We have 5 children and 4 grandchildren. I can’t wait to meet my students and start our journey of learning.
Luis Castellón
Secondary Social Studies
Nací en Managua Nicaragua, tengo dos licenciaturas una en Economía General y otra en Ciencias de la Educación con mención en Lengua y Literatura Hispánica, ambas de la Unan Managua, he sido maestro de Español y Estudios Sociales en instituciones educativas bilingües. Estoy muy contento de formar parte de la comunidad de ANS como maestro de Geografía de Nicaragua y Geografía e Historia de América, es mi deseo colaborar con los padres de familia para formar estudiantes que lleguen a ser sujetos activos de cambio en nuestra sociedad.