Our Team
Our Founders
Where passion and dedication meet...
Since our initial discussions about the need in Brasilito in 2022, the team at ACCAI has been working tirelessly to champion our cause. We are incredibly fortunate to have a diverse group of volunteers and staff who bring their unique expertise and resources to everything we do. This is what allows us to efficiently achieve our goals. While there is always more work to be done, there is no doubt that we are making a significant impact. We don't measure our success solely through facts and figures but through the smiles on happy faces and the heartwarming feedback we receive.
Erika Araya
As the co-founder and Administrative Director and Academic Coordinator of ACCAI, Erika brings her 15 years of experience of teaching to the organization, driven by her passion for human connection and education. Her dedication to bridging the academic disparity in Brasilito is evident, as she recognized the urgent need to provide resources and opportunities to students who were previously lacking. With a deep commitment to her work and personal life, Erika strives to make a meaningful impact on her students' lives, cherishing every moment spent with the students, the team, her family and loved ones.
Karen Cerdas
As the co-founder and Executive Director and Coordinator of Community Programs, Karen brings her extensive experience in social work to ACCAI, driven by her passion to empower individuals to discover their potential and seize better opportunities to improve their quality of life.
With a strong sense of connection and compassion, Karen strives to provide unwavering support to those seeking to improve their surroundings, believing that it is a fundamental human right for individuals to have the necessary tools to enhance their quality of life.
Meet our Team
Math Teacher
David Cáceres
As a graduate in mathematics teaching, David has overcome personal challenges to achieve his career goal, instilling valuable lessons of effort and perseverance in his students. With a passion for helping others, David began volunteering at ACCAI, adapting his classes to meet the unique needs of each student, making mathematics accessible and understandable for all. With a track record of students improving their grades and confidence, David invites others to join his classes, promising to support them every step of the way towards achieving their goals.
Math Teacher
Chris Trandafir
With a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer spanning over 30 years, Chris brings a wealth of experience to his role at ACCAI teaching math. Having taught students from elementary to university levels in Europe and Canada, Chris has developed a passion for sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. As the child of two educators, he is honored to continue in this noble profession, driven by a desire to make a positive impact on students with diverse learning needs. With gratitude for the opportunity, Chris is committed to continuing his work at ACCAI for as long as possible.
Math Teacher
Graciela Gómez
Graciela, a native of Santa Cruz, is nearing the completion of her degree in Education with a focus on mathematics. Her experience working at ACCAI has been a highlight of her journey, as she's witnessed the organization's comprehensive approach to empowering youth. She's deeply moved by the impact ACCAI has on young people's lives, going beyond mere education to provide holistic support. Graciela is proud to be a part of this effort, and feels a sense of fulfillment knowing that she can contribute her skills in mathematics to help many young people in the community.
English Teacher
EJ Avey
EJ Avey, originally from Canada, spent 25 years in the US before moving to Costa Rica in 2018. With a nursing background, she's now thrilled to be one of Teachers in ACCAI's English Program. Her goal is to empower Brasilito's youth to thrive and build a bright future. Prior to joining ACCAI, EJ volunteered in local educational programs, discovering her passion for working with young minds. When not shaping the minds of tomorrow, she enjoys cooking, reading, baking, and painting.
English Teacher
Kristin Coffey
With a unique blend of East Coast and Central American flair, Kristin brings her artistic and teaching passions to ACCAI. From her roots in Washington DC to her current home in Costa Rica, she has always been driven to make a difference. With her husband Ronnie and their 16-year-old son Kevin by her side, Kristin is thrilled to be part of an organization that goes beyond mere survival, instead empowering kids to thrive. With a wealth of experience bringing art to children, Kristin has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of ACCAI, describing the changes she's seen as "magical." She's proud to be part of this remarkable organization, dedicated to helping kids grow into their full potential.
English Teacher
Kristen Everling
Kristen, a newcomer to Costa Rica, arrived in Brasilito with her husband Todd and their beloved dog Gordy in 2022. Leaving behind her roots in Austin, she was eager to make a positive impact in her new community. Within no time, she discovered ACCAI and was drawn to their mission to mentor and support the local youth. The perfect opportunity to utilize her skills and energy, Kristen was thrilled to join the ACCAI family, ready to contribute to the organization's mission and make a difference in the lives of the young people she had grown to care for.
English Teacher
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra, a Costa Rican-American, has had a unique upbringing, spending her childhood in El Salvador until the age of 10, before moving to California with her family. However, she has made Costa Rica her home for the past 13 years, thanks to her mother's roots in the country. With a passion for volunteering, Alexandra finds joy in serving her community and has discovered that ACCAI is the perfect fit, not only because it's close to her home but also because she gets to work with familiar faces and build meaningful connections with the people she knows.
Pickleball Coach
Kathie Roberts
Kathie, a Bronx, New York native, spent her early years in the military, allowing her to travel the world. She later settled in Aiken, South Carolina for 17 years, owning a horse ranch and pursuing careers as a federal agent and firearms instructor. Her true passion, however, is teaching people to love Pickleball and working towards growing the sport and creating an Olympic team. She joined ACCAI to share her enthusiasm for Pickleball and inspire others to develop a passion for it. Outside of Pickleball, Kathie has a soft spot for all animals and the natural world, though she may come across as strict on the outside, hiding a kind heart beneath her tough exterior.
Reading & Writing Teacher
Inge Castro
Inge, a seasoned educator with 22 years of experience, has joined the ACCAI team driven by her passion to help others and improve lives. With a Master's degree in Preschool Education and Psychopedagogy, she specializes in Autism Syndrome and educational attention strategies for the classroom. Her extensive background and love for working with children make her a valuable asset to the team.