Our Team

MEd. Silvia Carrillo

Director

After almost 30 years in education and social care, I decided to return to my beloved Ecuador to serve its people in the name of the Lord. I answered God’s calling by setting up an affordable, accessible, and high quality language school for the population of Mindo. I believe that we all deserve the opportunity to learn and develop; to improve our opportunities and lives. I feel extremely blessed to count with an amazing team of educators and administrators who are helping me fulfill this dream. We not only educate, but nurture children, young people and adults as well as support the community with different projects that will help progress for all involved.

Jamie Young

Teacher

After living around the world, I found in 2022 that my true passion is teaching. My experiences and passion for life form core parts of my approach to teaching; one which is focused on making language lessons fun and engaging… as my students will tell you! I believe that in order to build confidence in your students, you need to first build connection, which is why I invest time in making my classes inclusive, open, and friendly environments.

Sharna Gilchrist-Dutaillis

Teacher

With a deep affection for Ecuador’s nature and the warmth of its people, I decided to call the Andean-Choco region home in 2021. My specialism is in leading engaging and fun language lessons for children and teens, which is why I lead the children’s classes at ENLACE. In my classes I look to nurture curiosity and growth so that my students feel confident and independent with their English.

Benjamín Ducker

Teacher

I’m a highly qualified Language coach from the UK with over ten years of experience. I have successfully taught business and conversational English to a wide range of ages and over thirty nationalities. Additionally, I have delivered bespoke face-to-face lessons in the UK, France, Austria, Romania, and now Ecuador. I am committed to ensuring that all of my students are left with a smile on their face and a richer knowledge of the English language.

Jonathan Pincay

Teacher

Born and raised in the beautiful community of Mindo, I have the privilege of working as a teacher at Enlace Academy. With a degree in language teaching and a master’s in teaching English as a foreign language, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and supporting my students on their learning journey. Working alongside native-speaking colleagues has helped me grow professionally, and I am committed to providing warm, personal, and high-quality education. I am truly proud to see my students grow and discover new opportunities through language.

Sharon Fogo

Teacher

Mindo is a very special place that I now have the privilege of calling home. Having learnt to speak Spanish, I know what it takes to learn a new language. Because of this I bring this patience and understanding to my classes, knowing it can be tough but also how rewarding laguage learning is. Teaching English at Enlace has allowed me to give back to the place that has given me so much.

James Riley

Before i came to Ecuador, I taught English for over a decade in many countries around the world, including in China, Russia, the UK and Ethiopia. Now, I’m proud to call Mindo my home. I believe in the accessibility of education for all and know that I can further this cause by working with Enlace and supporting its mission.

Carmen Padilla

Administrative Manager

Sebastián Colmenares

Administrative Assistant

Committed to both nature and ENLACE, I support our staff by maintaining functional classrooms and spaces. I also prioritize clear and warm communication and actively implement sustainable practices within the academy.

Natalia Mendez

Administrative Assistant

I am the administrative assistant at the academy, and I am grateful to be part of a place where not only English is taught, but also values that uplift. My role is to support students, parents, and teachers in everything they need, ensuring that each person feels welcomed and cared for with kindness and respect. I firmly believe that organization and service with love make a difference, and that is why my commitment is to help make every day at the academy a positive and enriching experience.