Our Team
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Dionis
My name is Dionis. I gratefully received the opportunity to keep Ad Astra School alive within our community. It is an exciting challenge that invites me to learn, grow, and work with dedication so that this space can continue to illuminate paths and transform lives.
I enjoy living life with joy, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. I appreciate the little things that make each day special, and I find great happiness in sharing moments with children. I love watching them grow, discover the world, and develop in a healthy environment where they feel safe, supported, and valued.
Shell
Raised in South Florida, Shell feels right at home in Sámara’s tropical climate. Her path took her from the Florida coastline to the ridgelines of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA, where she earned degrees in Music and Education.
Shell is the school’s Kindergarten and Music Teacher. For Shell, teaching and music have always gone hand in hand. Throughout her nearly decade-long career in education, she has worked with students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and learning needs. Certified in Level I Kodály Music Education, she is especially passionate about working with young children and helping them learn through music, seeing firsthand how it strengthens language, literacy, creativity, confidence, and connection.
Outside the classroom, Shell enjoys unplugging from technology, singing and sharing songs with friends, swimming in the ocean, creating art, and spending time reading and writing.
Valentina
Born and raised in Argentina, Valentina obtained her teaching degree in Junin, province of Buenos Aires.
She has worked as a teacher in various positions and has experience with children with disabilities.
Valentina speaks Spanish as her mother tongue.
She is very curious and likes to learn. She also loves sports.
Paul
Paul has earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Leicester and has a TEFL/TESOL certificate for teaching English as a foreign language..
He has lived in Samara for 8 years now and has taught at other schools as well as tutoring high school students.
Paul speaks English and Spanish.
He enjoys playing Volleyball at the beach
Sandra
Sandra is our art teacher and a very talented artist!
She speaks Spanish and English.
Learn more about her art on her Instagram.
Christine
Christina is our English teacher from the United States of America.
She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and Literature.
Cande
Hello! I’m Cande.
I was born in Argentina and am a History Teacher. I am passionate about learning, teaching, and supporting children as they discover the world through curiosity, respect, and creativity.
A lover of books, humor, movement, and meaningful conversations, I believe that the most valuable learning happens when there is space to explore, ask questions, and enjoy the process.
My interest in the body and well-being also led me to train in Yoga and the Barre Method. At Ad Astra, I teach Yoga, Spanish, and Science classes, integrating different ways of learning, expressing oneself, and connecting with both oneself and others.
Teaching Spanish holds a very special place in my heart because every word carries stories, cultures, and new ways of seeing the world.
Mumi
My name is María Sylvia Fontana, but everyone knows me as MUMI.
I am from Argentina and have been living here for a year and a half. I plan to stay because this place is truly incredible.
I am passionate about the world of sewing. I was fortunate enough to learn it as a child in school, and over time it became my profession. Now, I have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences with these children. Who knows—perhaps I can inspire a new passion in one of them.
From joining two small pieces of fabric together, to learning how to use a sewing machine, and then letting our imagination take us wherever it may lead, the possibilities are endless.
Let’s return to the basics while looking toward the future.
Olivier
Hi, I’m Olivier… although around here everyone calls me Ollie! I’m the principal’s husband, a martial arts enthusiast, beach explorer, nature lover, and a professional specialist in bad jokes. I believe in movement, mindfulness, sandy feet, salty air, and that feelings come before formulas.
I also believe that integrity matters in everything we do—whether it’s helping others, learning something new, or admitting that you definitely ate the last cookie. Life is better when we act with kindness, keep an open mind, laugh often, and treat people with respect. Bonus points if we can do it barefoot near the ocean! 🌊😊