Meet the Heart of ILISA
Our Teachers
Tatiana Marenco holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish and has been a valued part of ILISA since 1997, sharing her expertise with countless students. Get ready for engaging conversations—Tatiana’s approach to teaching Spanish is lively and interactive, ensuring every student learns through plenty of practice and dialogue.
~”I felt excited to come to class each day because Tatiana expressed interest in the topics I enjoyed discussing. She is great! Professional, friendly, helpful, supportive – I felt Tatiana was genuinely interested in helping me learn.“~ Bill Clements, United States
~“ She is a wonderful teacher with a very positive attitude, very professional and also fun and informative, warm, relaxed and very conductive to learning.”~ Ofelia Nikolova, United States
Elizabeth Robles is a favorite among students, likely due to her genuine passion for teaching. With a background in Spanish philology from the University of Costa Rica, Elizabeth is not only an exceptional professor but also a wonderful conversationalist, open to discussing any topic. A dedicated sports enthusiast, she has been an avid runner for over 25 years. Elizabeth is also a devoted animal lover and follows a vegetarian lifestyle.
~“ Elizabeth is an absolute pleasure to learn from. She is very patient with me and, as I requested, she corrects minor errors that I make as we converse. This has helped me tremendously in improving my every day speech. She makes sure that the learning is fun while still efficient, and I highly recommend her to anyone serious about improving their Spanish! ”~ Brandon Pierpont, United States
Gabriela García has been an integral part of the ILISA community for many years, bringing her passion for language education to students from diverse backgrounds. With a solid academic foundation in Spanish teaching, Gabriela excels in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment. Known for her exceptional patience and understanding, she effectively works with students at varying levels of Spanish proficiency, ensuring that each individual feels valued and empowered in their language journey. Her dedication to fostering a love for the Spanish language makes her a beloved educator among her students.
Marielos Chaves has been a cherished member of the ILISA team for many years, contributing her expertise in Spanish teaching to inspire students on their language learning journeys. With a strong educational background in Spanish pedagogy, Marielos is committed to providing a rich and immersive experience for her students. Her warm and approachable nature allows her to connect with learners of all levels, fostering a comfortable atmosphere where they can thrive. Known for her creative teaching methods and encouragement, Marielos has a unique ability to make learning Spanish both enjoyable and effective, earning her the admiration of students and colleagues alike.
Olma Orozco has been an invaluable member of the ILISA team, bringing her expertise in Spanish teaching to enrich the learning experience for her students. With a solid foundation in pedagogy, Olma effectively engages learners of all levels, creating an inclusive and dynamic classroom environment. Her enthusiasm for the Spanish language and dedication to her students’ success make her a respected and beloved educator at ILISA.
Conny Díaz joined the ILISA team in August 2024 and has quickly become a beloved presence in the classroom, particularly with her young learners. Known for her remarkable patience and nurturing demeanor, Conny excels in creating a supportive environment where children of all ages feel comfortable and eager to learn. Her ability to connect with students and adapt her teaching methods to meet their individual needs ensures that every child receives the attention and encouragement they deserve. Conny’s dedication to fostering a love for the Spanish language makes her an exceptional educator at ILISA.
Esteban Gutiérrez is a passionate educator at ILISA, where he has made a significant impact through his background in Spanish teaching. His extensive knowledge and engaging teaching style resonate with students of all proficiency levels. Esteban fosters a stimulating learning atmosphere that encourages curiosity and exploration of the Spanish language. With his commitment to student success and his ability to connect with learners, he has become a valued member of the ILISA community.
Our Staff
To help you get acquainted with everyone in no time, we’d like to introduce you to our friendly office staff!
Hellen Rojas is our Program Director, responsible for marketing and designing new programs for both individuals and groups, as well as managing all aspects of execution and logistics. You will have the opportunity to meet her upon your arrival at ILISA; her office is on the first floor, and she welcomes students to drop by anytime for a chat or assistance.
Yorlieth Aguilar—affectionately known as Yor—is ILISA’s Enrollment Coordinator. She will assist you with registering for our programs and answer any pre-arrival questions you may have. Once you’re in Costa Rica, Yor will be your primary resource for inquiries about the city, available tours, transportation options, currency exchange, and payments. Highly organized and always welcoming, she is the friendly face you’ll see as soon as you step through the door. In her free time, Yor enjoys going to the gym and learning new languages.
Victoria Lip is our enthusiastic administrator at ILISA, overseeing logistics and ensuring that everything operates seamlessly. She provides essential support to professors, coordinates cultural activities, and manages the homestay program by matching students with host families. Victoria also handles the placement exams that help assign students to the appropriate class levels. Always eager to assist with any questions or concerns, her door is always open, and her warm smile makes her a friendly face in the office.
Silvia García is our renowned Cuban dance teacher. Born in Havana, she began her ballet training at the age of five. As a professional dancer, she has performed in numerous shows and danced with various professional groups in both Cuba and Costa Rica. Since joining us in 2012, Silvia has left a lasting impression on her students; her classes are filled with 100% pure energy. Even if you think you have two left feet, you’re guaranteed to learn something new with her! As you can see in the pictures, students absolutely love her!
Gabriela Zuñiga is our wonderful housekeeper at ILISA, dedicated to keeping the building impeccably clean. In fact, her meticulous attention to detail has made our glass office doors so spotless that they sometimes catch us off guard!