Our Team
Founders and Directors
"We believe that enabling our children to lead their best lives means that schooling has to be transformed for the 21st century. When we discovered the freedom of an Acton Academy educational model, with its roots in Montessori, defined by self-paced learning, offering the opportunity for students to discover their most precious gifts, and to develop the character of a real hero, we became determined to make Acton Academy El Salvador a reality not only for our children, but for yours too."
- Shannon Falkenstein & Carmen Castro-Dárdano
Shannon Falkenstein, Executive Director
Shannon Casey Falkenstein decided to start Acton Academy El Salvador when she saw that conventional school was extinguishing the light in her children's eyes.
The Acton learning philosophy was so compelling to her that it became her "call to adventure" on an entrepreneurial and educational hero's journey, while living as an immigrant in El Salvador.
Shannon is also the host of "The New Schools" podcast, which explores innovative models of education around the world.
Prior to founding AA El Salvador, Shannon founded a test prep and college coaching business and served as a middle school science teacher and a Youth Service Learning fellow in New York City.
Shannon is also a professional coach who works with multicultural families, companies and individuals to help them understand themselves, craft empowering narratives, set worthy goals and develop habits that result in success.
Shannon earned her B.S. in Human Biology and Anthropology from Emory University, her M.A. in Secondary Science Education from NYU and her Montessori Guide certification from North American Montessori Center.
Carmen Castro-Dárdano, Director of Montessori
Carmen Castro-Dárdano is the co-founder and director of Montessori at Acton Academy El Salvador, the first alternative school to be founded in El Salvador.
Since performing in her own television show, "Las Travesuras de Anita," as a child, Carmen has loved to engage and delight children.
Carmen spent some time in Europe as an Au Pair where she was exposed to Waldorf and Montessori education. She then returned to El Salvador to study Early Childhood Education and Psychology at the University of Central America (UCA) in El Salvador, and became a Montessori Guide at Mi Casita Montessori, where she developed into the Academic Coordinator.
Carmen has 22 years of Montessori classroom experience and is a Certified Lower Elementary Montessori Guide with the North American Montessori Center in Canada.
Carmen is also the founder of "Montessori en Línea," which provides online Montessori training and support in Spanish.
Carmen also consults with private and public institutions to help them integrate Montessori principles into their education programs. She was also a contributor and facilitator of Maite Vallet's "Leolandia" reading and writing program, which is used in many schools in Spanish-speaking countries.
David Falkenstein, DIrector of Finance
“I learned more from working with my grandfather on projects, than from conventional school. As an entrepreneur, I believe project-based learning is much more effective than content learning and memorization.”
David Falkenstein is the managing and founding partner of Cadejo Brewing Company, the first craft brewery of El Salvador and the first brewery of any kind to establish itself in the country in over 100 years.
David previously co-founded a financial research sales firm in New York, New York in 2002; a venture whose operations he moved to his home country of El Salvador in 2008.
He earned a degree in electrical engineering from Cornell University in 1995 and spent the next 7 years working for IBM Consulting Group in the United States.
In 2015 he became a member of the 10th Class of "CALI," the Central American Leadership Initiative, part of the Aspen Global Leadership Institute. David chose to co-found Acton Academy El Salvador as his CALI leadership project and now serves as its Financial Director.
Our Guides
Victoria Conde, Master Guide, Agora and Launchpad Studios
"When I first started learning about the Montessori philosophy, I was instantly fascinated by it as it promotes independence and a passion for self-learning👏. I love the environment of love, respect and security that is cultivated."
Victoria started with us as an assistant Guide in Infant Community, and quickly demonstrated her innate respect for and connection with children, and her remarkable work ethic. She then moved up to be our Lead Guide in Infant Community (1-3 year olds). For 2022-2023, Vic took on the challenge of becoming our Discovery Studio Guide (3rd-5th grade), and this year she is Guiding our oldest Eagles in Middle and High School.
Victoria is studying for a Bachelor and Teaching Degree in Initial and Early Childhood Education at the Evangelical University of El Salvador.
She has worked as a preschool Teacher's Assistant and as a private tutor for primary and secondary aged children. Vic is earning her Montessori Guide certification through AMI courses and is studying to be a certified Acton Academy Guide.
Gaby Pineda Bicard, Discovery Studio Apprentice Guide
Gaby worked for 5 years at a Pre-K school in Austin, Texas , while finishing her Bachelor's degree in Communications. Soon, she returned to El Salvador and worked from 2015-2022 at the American College as Head of Faculty, Head of Social Outreach and then was promoted to Academic Sub Director. She also taught English Composition and Public Speaking.
She also has her own small business designing and selling women's clothing.
Gaby is a positive, kind and caring Guide who embodies the growth mindset and the Hero's Journey, and has the entrepreneurial spirit that is such an important pillar of an Acton education.
Paola Cuellar de Jule, Master Guide in Spark Studio
Paola is the Master Guide in our Spark Studio (K-2nd Grade). She came to us in 2022 from Lift Academy (an Acton Academy in Guatemala City), where she trained and worked as a Guide in their Spark Studio. We are so happy to have her!
🎓 Bachelor's Degree in Preschool Education from Universidad Evangélica, El Salvador
🎓 Master-level studies in Learning Disorders & Psychoeducation from Universidad Americana, Costa Rica
🎓 Master's Degree in Education from Universidad de Jaen, Spain
Paola has a super Growth Mindset and is constantly learning and growing - right now she is working on her Montessori Guide certification with North American Montessori Center!
Cristina Fuentes, Spark Studio Montessori Guide
Cristina Fuentes comenzó a trabajar en Acton Academy El Salvador en junio de 2022, como Co-Guía del Estudio de Spark Studio (Taller I).
Cristina tiene 13 años de experiencia en la enseñanza de la filosofía Montessori, con el nivel Montessori de Casa de Niños (3-6 años) y el nivel de Taller (7-9 años). Para ambos niveles Cristina ha recibido el entrenamiento Montessori, impartido por Lillian Moncada-Davidson, a través de la Fundación Hilda Rothschild. Adicionalmente, ella es una Guía Montessori del nivel de Casa de niños (3-6 años), certificada por la Universidad San Miguel Arcángel de Honduras y Montessori de Honduras.
Actualmente está estudiando la licenciatura en Educación Básica, para 1° y 2° grado, en la Universidad Pedagógica de El Salvador.
A ella le apasiona trabajar y enseñar a los niños, disfrutando al máximo, cada momento con ellos.
Para Cristina la filosofía Montessori representa, además de una experiencia laboral, una experiencia de vida.
Lo que más aprecia Cristina de esta filosofía es el ambiente preparado, el cual le transmite mucha paz y armonía.
Ella piensa que una de las virtudes más importantes de un educador debe ser sembrar valores, sabiduría, amor y curiosidad en cada niño.
Sofía Rodríguez, Spark Apprentice Guide
"I chose Acton Academy because it is especially committed to promoting education that meets children’s emotional, physical and intellectual development. Furthermore, we work to improve children’s creativity and independence in a way that is educational, joyful and also engaging. I also love that we are all part of a caring community - a community that makes me happy to be a part of."
Sofi has earned her Montessori Guide Certification at the Children's House (3-6 year olds) level, through Montessori Honduras and the University of Miguel Arcángel in Honduras.
Sofia is studying for a Bachelor and Teaching Degree in Initial and Early Childhood Education at the Evangelical University of El Salvador.
She studied English at Nassau Community College in Long Island, New York, during her time working as an Au Pair.
Xiomara Peña Coto, Children's House Lead Guide
"Disfruto trabajar con niños y es por eso que desde que doy terapia los niños han sido mi inspiración; siempre he creído que la educación es el arma más poderosa. Entonces, cuando conocí Acton Academy El Salvador, me encantó la total autonomía que se fomenta en los niños, observar como cada niño es capaz de desarrollar sus propias habilidades y destrezas por sí mismo y junto con los demás, respetando su libertad y fomentando la independencia en todo momento. Para mí eso es fantástico."
Xiomara Peña Coto es una Guía Montessori del nivel de Casa de niños (3-6 años), certificada por la Universidad San Miguel Arcángel de Honduras y Montessori de Honduras.
Xiomara inició en el 2018 inicie mi camino en Acton como Guía de Infant Community y actualmente trabaja como Guía Líder de Children House. A Xiomy apasionan los niños y su desarrollo. Cuando conoció el método Montessori, se enamoró.
Xiomy es Fisioterapeuta y Terapeuta ocupacional, posea maestría en Dirección Estratégica de Recursos Humanos de la Universidad Miguel de Cervantes de España y ha recibido el diplomado de la Ley de Protección Integral de la niñez y adolescencia (LEPINA). También tomo cursos sobre primeros auxilios otorgado por Comandos de Salvamentos de El Salvador, y el curso avanzado de Lengua de señas Salvadoreña (LESSA).
Isabel Menjivar, Children's House Co-Guide
“Amo mi trabajo y disfruto cada día con los niños, compartiendo experiencias positivas que le ayudan a crecer con valores, responsabilidad y amor."
Isabel comenzó a trabajar en Acton Academy El Salvador en diciembre de 2022, como Co-Guía del Estudio de Children´s House.
Recientemente finalizó sus estudios de la licenciatura en Educación Inicial y Parvularia, en la Universidad Pedagógica de El Salvador.
Isabel tiene más de 10 años de experiencia en la enseñanza de la filosofía Montessori en los niveles de Comunidad Infantil (1-3 años) y Casa de Niños (3- 6 años). Para ambos niveles, ha recibido formación Montessori, impartida por Lillian Moncada-Davidson, a través de la fundación Hilda Rothschild.
Isabel disfruta cada momento de su trabajo con los niños, brindando nuevos aprendizajes, basados en la independencia y la confianza, y respetando siempre los intereses y necesidades de cada niño.
Valeria Avilés, Children's House Co-Guide
"I believe that kids are capable of amazing things, and sometimes all you need is to give them an opportunity so they can shine by themselves. I love the Montessori method because it is a method for empowering kids and letting them discover what they want and need. I love Acton because kids are the center of their own education and interest."
Vale is currently studying for a Bachelor and Teaching Degree in Initial and Early Childhood Education at the Evangelical University of El Salvador.
Vale has earned her Montessori Guide Certification at the Children's House (3-6 year olds) level, through Montessori Honduras and the University of Miguel Arcángel in Honduras.
Vale used to be a preschool teacher at a traditional school, but then had the opportunity to intern at an education center that believes in alternative education methodologies.
Since then, she has chosen to work at Acton Academy because she loves the way Maria Montessori saw kids.
Icela Fuentes, Children's House Co-Guide and Materials Maven
“Siempre he creído que el respeto y el amor son la base fundamental para una buena educación. Lo mejor de esta experiencia en Acton es que puedo disfrutar cada momento con los niños y puedo aprender todos los días algo nuevo, pues con ellos nunca se deja de aprender."
Icela comenzó a trabajar en Acton Academy El Salvador en octubre de 2022, como Co-Guía del Estudio de Children's House.
Actualmente Icela está formándose como Guía Montessori del nivel de Casa de Niños (3-6 años), en el Diplomado Montessori impartido por el Montessori de Honduras y la Universidad San Miguel Arcángel de Honduras.
Icela es una persona que disfruta mucho trabajando con los niños, considerándose a sí misma como un medio para que los niños se desenvuelvan y aprendan con fluidez, confianza, respeto y amor.
Celina Henríquez, Infant Community Lead Guide
"Soy una profesional comprometida con vocación y sobre todo con un inmenso amor por los niños, es por eso que me encanta la filosofía Montessori ya que esta basada en el respeto, el amor, la libertad y la espiritualidad de los niños."
Celina Henríquez es una profesora de Educación Inicial y Parvularia y y tiene su Licenciatura en Educación de la Universidad Pedagógica de El Salvador. Adicionalmente, Celina es una Guía Montessori del nivel de Casa de niños (3-6 años), certificada por la Universidad San Miguel Arcángel de Honduras y Montessori de Honduras.
Celina tiene 10 años de experiencia en la enseñanza de la filosofía Montessori, con el nivel Montessori de Comunidad Infantil (1-3 años) y Casa de Niños (3-6 años). Para ambos niveles Celina ha recibido el entrenamiento Montessori, impartido por Lillian Moncada-Davidson, a través de la Fundación Hilda Rothschild.
Desde abril de 2022 inició su camino en Acton Academy El Salvador como co- guía en Infant Community y actualmente se desenvuelve como guía.
Roxana Ramos, Infant Community Co-Guide
“Me enamoré de la filosofía Montessori porque pienso que les permite a los niños desarrollarse en un ambiente óptimo, a su propio ritmo, en armonía con la naturaleza, y esto considero que es muy significativo para el desarrollo de las habilidades y destrezas de cada uno."
Roxi comenzó a trabajar en Acton Academy El Salvador en octubre de 2022, como Co-Guía del Estudio de Infant Community.
Roxi estudió la Licenciatura en Educación Inicial y Temprana, en la Universidad Pedagógica de El Salvador.
En marzo de 2023 recibió su Diploma Certificado - Montessori Training de 0 a 3 años, impartido por Casita Montessori Nubes de España, avalado por el International Montessori Institute.
Además ha realizado el Diplomado - Curso Básico de Primeros Auxilios, impartido por Protección Civil de El Salvador.
Roxi disfruta mucho aprendiendo y capacitándose cada vez más. Actualmente está estudiando un curso de francés en la Universidad Pedagógica de El Salvador.
David Franco, Music and ESL
David has over 10+ years of experience in the music field, as a musician and music teacher, running and directing multiple music academies throughout his work with schools and institutions. Recently, he has also started his own entrepreneurial journey with Rhytmos SV, offering both in-person and online music classes.
David has also served as a teacher of English as a Second Language (ESL) in a variety of educational settings and age levels for more than 8 years.
David is a goal-oriented guide who is motivated to do all he can in order to help the people around him have the proper tools, resources and inspiration needed to grow and learn.
Support Staff
Diana Martinez, Administration and Bookkeeping
Diana Martinez is an indispensable person who maintains excellent parent communications, tracks and reports our financial data, makes sure all of our processes run smoothly and never forgets a key detail! We truly could not exist without her!
Mayra Mejía, Head of Cleaning
Mayra Mejía ensures that we have an orderly and prepared Montessori learning environment, and that the children and staff have plenty of water, coffee, supplies and delicious food! She is also a wonderful decorator for our celebrations!
Our Advisors
Laura Sandefer
Laura lived on both US coasts and in between as a child, then settled into Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies in the College of Arts and Science. After being awarded the highly competitive Walter Wattles Fellowship at Lloyd’s of London, Laura worked in the aviation insurance industry in New York City. Deciding to follow her calling into the world of education, Laura returned to Nashville and earned her Master of Education at Peabody College. This led her to her work at the Oklahoma Arts Institute, creating fine arts education programs for teachers and talented high school students.
Laura married Jeff Sandefer and is the happy mother of Sam and Charlie and step-mother to Taite. It is the inspiration of these children that led Laura and Jeff to co-found Acton Academy.
Her greatest hero is her mother who was a Master Teacher. Her wisest mentor is her father who sent her off to college with two words of advice: "Be curious".
Jeff Sandefer
Jeff Sandefer lives a dual life as an entrepreneur and a Socratic Guide. As an entrepreneur, he founded his first company at age 16 and went on to found or co-found seven successful businesses.
As a Socratic teacher at the University of Texas, Jeff's students five times voted him the school's Outstanding Teacher and Businessweek named him one of the top Entrepeneurship professors in America. Jeff went on to co-found the Acton School of Business, an MBA program perennially ranked by the Princeton Review among the best in the nation. In 2012 The Economist honored him as one of the top fifteen Business School professors in the world.
Jeff is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, where he served for over twenty years on the school's governing committees. He was a longtime director of the Philanthropy Roundtable and National Review magazine and one of the youngest members ever elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame.
