Silvia Armas - Learning Lab Coordinator
Ms. Silvia has been with AIS for 6 years. She has 10 years of experience working as a teacher in numerous schools in Guatemala City, and has taught all levels from Pre-K to 12th Grade. She has also given reading, writing and emotional therapy workshops. Ms. Silvia graduated from Instituto Guatemalteco Americano as an Elementary Bilingual Teacher. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the San Carlos University, and her Master's Degree in Education Psychology from Galileo University. In her free time she loves to dance, swim, play video games, read, and travel, among many other hobbies. 
Emily Bloss -
Second Language Coordinator K-12 Emily Bloss is originally from Michigan, but calls Guatemala her home. She graduated from Spring Arbor University with a B.A in Spanish and Teaching English as a Second Language and is currently enrolled in the Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language Program. She loves working with students at AIS. 
Ms. Elisa Velásquez - 9th - 12th grade counselor and Support Program Coordinator
My name is Eli, and I am thrilled to continue my role as a High School counselor for another year. I find great fulfillment in guiding students through their journey of self-discovery, observing their growth, and learning from their resilience. My aim is to understand students by focusing on their strengths, thereby empowering them to face academic and social challenges with confidence and pride. I firmly believe that mental health, spaces for calm, and counseling are essential for everyone, and I always keep my door open to all. I am a psychologist with specialized training in psychotherapy, health interventions, and neuropsychology. |
Carmen Wirtz - College Counseling
Ms. Carmen graduated from the University of Chicago with a B.A in Psychology. She also holds a certification in Steiner -Waldorf Teaching from Emerson College, England. She has taught in Guatemala, Spain and the United Kingdom. She had her own preschool, La Casa del Sol, in Guatemala City. Ms. Carmen worked as an education consultant for many years and still does when families need her help. She also has extensive knowledge on homeschooling programs. 
Nora Barbero - EAL Support
Ms. Nora has been a Spanish as a Second Language Teacher at AIS for the last 4 years. She graduated from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala with special focus on teaching Spanish as a Second Language (L2). Before joining the AIS community she worked for the Peace Corps, in a linguistic project at Francisco Marroquín, and taught Spanish at the University of Arizona. 
Ms. Gabriela Silva - 5th - 8th grade counselor
I am a woman who enjoys listening, observing, and finding solutions to any situation that arises. I graduated as a teacher and also as a Psychopedagogue. Teaching has always been my passion, but after transitioning to Counseling, I realized that I have the potential to support students from a more objective and personal standpoint. Building connections with people beyond work or assistance makes me feel that I am providing the tools for a life to change and transform, helping students feel understood and valued 
Ms. Cristal Méndez - 1st - 4th grade counselor
My name is Cristal, a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to the well-being of children. I am passionate about being a counselor in the Support Program, where I guide primary students in discovering their strengths, developing their emotional skills, and supporting them in becoming the best version of themselves. I am a psychologist with training in psychopedagogy and a specialization in intervention for learning difficulties. |