Fernando Archila
Director of Athletics and Activities
Fernando Archila, originally from Venezuela, joins Graded after ten years at the International School of Panama, where he most recently served as the athletics and activities director for the past five years and previously taught physical education. In addition, he brings a decade of coaching experience as a head coach and strength and conditioning coach, and he has worked in the sports media industry. Fernando holds a BA in mass communication, an MEd in international teaching, and a master’s degree in marketing. He also earned a teaching certificate in health and physical education and a diploma in sports training methodology. In 2026, he will complete an additional bachelor’s degree in health and physical activity. Bilingual in English and Spanish, he is actively learning Portuguese. Fernando will relocate to São Paulo with his wife, Laura, a Spanish teacher, and their daughter, Federica, who will join pre-kindergarten. He enjoys staying physically active, learning, and watching sports. He looks forward to building strong connections across the Graded community and immersing himself and his family in Brazilian culture.
Gonzalo Cea Monsalves
High School Spanish Teacher
Gonzalo Cea Monsalves has spent over twenty years teaching in Chile, Brazil, and the United States across schools and universities. Throughout his career, he has taught language and literature, theory of knowledge, literary theory, rhetoric, and interdisciplinary programs. He has enjoyed working as a literature teacher at Saint John's School in Concepción, Chile, leading the Spanish department at Saint Nicholas School in São Paulo, and teaching both Spanish and English at Avenues New York and São Paulo. What Gonzalo enjoys most is connecting with people from all walks of life, sharing stories, and learning from others. Gonzalo holds a PhD in Latin American literature, an MA in Hispanic literature, and a BA in education with a specialization in Spanish from the Universidad de Concepción in Chile. Gonzalo's love of literature means that he is always writing down ideas. He has published several articles on literature and is the author of the novel No me pidan que olvide (2024). Outside of the classroom, Gonzalo loves playing guitar, watching sports (especially rugby), spending time outdoors with his family, and relaxing with a good movie.
Constanza (Connie) Dayller
Director of Admissions
Connie Dayller comes to Graded with more than 20 years of experience in education across public and private institutions in Brazil, Chile—where she’s originally from—and the UK. Most recently, she was part of Avenues São Paulo’s founding team, where she led admissions for the Primary Division and the school’s Financial Aid Program. Connie completed her higher education in the UK, earning a bachelor’s in European studies, a master’s in interpreting and translation, as well as a postgraduate certificate in education with a specialization in early years education. When she’s not at work, Connie can be found at the gym, studying languages (six and counting!), attending Comic Con, or trying out new restaurants and cafés. She also enjoys pondering life’s big questions (such as whether a Jaffa Cake is a cake or a biscuit) and pandering to her cat, Camomila, who graciously lets Connie share her apartment.
Kevin Gonzalez
College Counselor
Kevin Gonzalez joins Graded with 14 years of experience in college counseling, higher education recruitment and admissions, and social-emotional counseling. Most recently, he spent six years at the American International School of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, where he served as a comprehensive high school counselor and SAT and CAS coordinator. Kevin also previously worked as a college counselor at Colegio Nueva Granada in Bogotá, Colombia. Before transitioning to international schools, he spent four years as the assistant director of admissions at the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he led recruitment efforts and holistic application review for Latin America. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Southern Adventist University and his Master of Science in counseling psychology from Capella University.
Kevin’s connection to Brazil is deeply personal. He lived in the country until the age of seven, and Portuguese was his first language. He is excited to practice Portuguese once again. Kevin is fluent in English and Spanish. He joins the Graded community with his wife, Gabriela, an elementary educator, and their two children, Leo and Lily. A former junior varsity head coach and current varsity assistant coach for football, Kevin is passionate about the sport. When he is not working with students, Kevin and his family love to travel, play football, camp, hike, and spend time at the beach.
Marla Green
K-12 Interventionist Teacher
Marla Green is a Canadian educator who has worked in international and public school settings in Canada, Vietnam, and South Korea. She brings experience rooted in inclusive education, supporting students with diverse learning needs across multiple grade levels.
Marla holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa and a BA in psychology and biology from Mount Allison University. She has also completed postgraduate certificates in specialist teaching for literacy-related difficulties and counseling applied to teaching. Her work focuses on collaboration, thoughtful program development, and the creation of practical systems that support student learning. Outside the classroom, she enjoys coaching basketball, spending time outdoors, and exploring new places.
Andreas Kidane
Upper School Optimal Learning Services Teacher
Andreas Kidane joins Graded from the International School Hannover Region (ISHR), where he worked for two years as a learning support teacher and IEP case manager. He brings more than a decade of experience in education and international development, including three years as a Teach For America corps member at Burton Tech in Los Angeles. Andreas earned his BA and MA in political science. Before entering the classroom, he spent nearly eight years as an independent consultant for youth-focused NGOs across East Africa. Outside of school, he enjoys playing and coaching soccer, off-road cycling, bikepacking, wildlife photography, and spicy food. He is looking forward to exploring the live music scene in São Paulo and visiting as many soccer stadiums across the country as possible.
Claudelle Lewis
Deeper Learning Coordinator
Claudelle Lewis joins Graded from the Canadian International School of Beijing, where she spent four years as a PYP instructional coach supporting students and teachers from early years through grade 5 and into middle school. With 20 years of experience in international schools, she has served as an elementary homeroom teacher, mathematics coordinator, and teaching and learning coordinator. Before moving to China, Claudelle worked in Trinidad and Tobago, Angola, and Japan. She holds an MA in international education from Framingham State University in Massachusetts, is a certified Concept-Based Curriculum Instruction Trainer, and serves as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Workshop Leader. Outside of school, Claudelle loves to travel—especially to beautiful beaches. On a typical weekend, you can find her immersed in a good book, dining out, or enjoying cultural events.
Luiza Nascimento
Lower School Grade 3 Teacher
Luiza Nascimento is excited to become a lower school grade 3 teacher after previously working in Optimal Learning Services (OLS) and grade 1 at Graded. Before transitioning into education, she spent more than ten years working in advertising and marketing while also pursuing photography. Motivated by becoming a mother to her daughters, Isabella, 13, and Larissa, 10, and by a growing interest in child development and learning, she decided to pursue a third degree in education and shift into teaching. She later worked in well-established international school settings in São Paulo before joining Graded. She is especially passionate about making learning and thinking visible for students and building strong relationships that support both academic growth and confidence. Outside the classroom, Luiza enjoys traveling with her daughters, nature, photography, and art.
Viviane Oliveira
Lower School Music Teacher
Viviane Oliveira joins the Graded community with nearly 18 years of experience in education, using music, theater, and the arts to create joyful and meaningful learning experiences for children. She has worked with students from early years through grade 5 in bilingual and international school settings. Viviane holds a BA in communication and body arts (theater) and pedagogy, as well as a postgraduate degree in music education and language arts.
In addition to her work as an educator, Viviane is also an actress, singer, choreographer, storyteller, and theater facilitator. She works with Maurício de Sousa Produções and is a member of Cia Paulista de Teatro Bilíngue, where she performs in bilingual theatrical productions for children and families. Outside of school, Viviane enjoys singing, doing Pilates, reading children’s literature to her daughter, Bianca, and spending time with her family.
Mark Palombo
Upper School Music Teacher (Choir)
Mark Palombo is excited to join the Graded community after 16 years of spreading the joy of choral singing in the classroom. He began his career teaching middle school choir for 12 years in Katy, Texas, where he also took on various leadership positions. He then moved across the world to help build a choir program at an international school in Bangkok. Mark holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master of Music from Louisiana State University, multiple levels of certification for IB education, and has presented at conferences both in Texas and abroad. Mark loves socializing with others over a game, whether it be Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, board games, or video games. He also loves planning trips and spending quality time with his husband, Chad, and two adorable Persian cats, Kumo and Miso.
James Ryals
Upper School Music Teacher (Band)
James Ryals is joining Graded after a brief stint back in the US, working as a middle school band director for the Labette County schools in Labette County, Kansas. Previously, he worked as the director of bands at the Escola Americana de Campinas. Internationally, James has also worked at the International School of Monagas in Maturín, Venezuela, and spent several years teaching in public schools in southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. He holds a BME in music education from Pittsburg State University and an MS in multidisciplinary studies from SUNY Buffalo. James has presented on topics such as project-based learning and ESOL learners in the instrumental music classrooms at conferences, including the Kansas State Music Educators Association and the National Association for Music Education. He is also a sought-after conductor and instrumentalist. James loves all things theater and great food, and he can’t wait to return to Brazil.
Ermeson Santos
Lower School Music and Art Teacher
Ermeson is excited to continue his journey at Graded as the new lower school music and art teacher, entering his 18th year in education. He joined the Graded community in 2023 as a substitute teacher and later became a pre-kindergarten teaching assistant.
Originally from northeastern Brazil, Ermeson has called São Paulo home for the past 19 years. His connection to the arts began early through his parents and later deepened through music studies at the First Baptist Church Music School and the Conservatório de Música de Sergipe, where he studied violin and performed in orchestras during his youth. His interests later expanded into visual arts, audiovisual media, and creative expression, leading him to earn a BA in fine arts and new media from Universidade Anhembi Morumbi and to complete a year of study at Universidad Europea de Madrid.
Before dedicating himself fully to education, Ermeson worked in marketing management for McDonald's and coordinated North American missionary teams through Global Missions Strategies, Inc. He has traveled throughout the Americas, Africa, and Europe, and has lived in both Spain and the US. Ermeson and his husband, Christopher, who is already well known around campus for his baked goods, are excited for this next chapter at Graded.
Daniel dos Santos Junior
Lower School Physical Education Teacher
Daniel dos Santos Junior joins Graded with nearly a decade of experience teaching physical education in Brazil. His most recent experience was as a middle school physical education and health teacher at the International School of Curitiba, where he enjoyed creating fun and engaging classes that helped students build confidence, stay active, and enjoy being part of a team. Before that, he worked as an elementary school physical education teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School in Rio de Janeiro. Along the way, Daniel has coached volleyball and swimming teams and has also worked as an indoor volleyball coach at Hebraica Club. He holds a BA in physical education from the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and a post-graduate degree in adapted physical education from Universidade UNINA. Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, he moved to Curitiba in 2022 and quickly adapted to the city's cloudy, rainy, cold days. A big volleyball fan, Daniel is happiest on the court and loves sharing that passion with his students and teams.
Alexa Schmid
Interim High School Principal
Alexa Schmid joins Graded as the interim high school principal for the 2026–27 school year, bringing more than two decades of experience as an international educator and school leader. Most recently, she served as middle school principal at the International School of Kenya, where she focused on strengthening community, amplifying student voice, and fostering a culture of belonging. Earlier in her career, Alexa held leadership and teaching roles in India and Egypt. She began her international journey as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia.
Alexa is passionate about empowering students to discover their strengths, develop confidence as both learners and leaders, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. She believes deeply in building collaborative school cultures where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Alexa holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy studies from Duke University, a Master of Education from Plymouth State University, and a Doctor of Education in learning, leadership, and community from Plymouth State University.
Alexa will move to São Paulo with her husband, Stewart, also an international educator. Their twin daughters, Sophia and Isabella, recently graduated from the International School of Kenya and are now studying at Queen’s University Belfast. In her free time, Alexa enjoys yoga, golf, traveling, and connecting with family and friends.
Colin Schriner
Lower School Grade 5 Teacher
Colin Schriner joins Graded as a grade 5 teacher in the lower school after twenty years in the classroom. Most recently, he taught at Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School in Upper Arlington, Ohio. Previously, Colin worked at Jakarta Intercultural School in Indonesia and at several public schools in New York City. Colin earned a BA in political science and philosophy from The Ohio State University and an MA from Brooklyn College. He has also begun a second master’s degree in educational leadership from Ashland University. He is passionate about progressive education and believes that the most impactful educational experiences occur at the intersection of children’s natural curiosity, a teacher’s supportive facilitation, and the intentional orchestration of resources, challenges, and supports. As a result, his classroom often features cross-curricular projects, experiential learning, and opportunities that inspire a deep, long-lasting love of learning. Colin is moving to São Paulo with his wife, Krista, who will be teaching third grade, their nine-year-old son, Francis, and their seven-year-old daughter, Margot. When he is not teaching or spending time with his family, he enjoys cooking and running.
Krista Schriner
Lower School Grade 3 Teacher
Krista Schriner joins Graded with more than fifteen years of experience teaching in the US and internationally, most of which has been spent in elementary classrooms. Most recently, she taught fourth grade at Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School in Columbus, Ohio. Previously, Krista taught in Dublin City Schools in Ohio, where she also served as a gifted intervention specialist working with middle school students. She began her teaching journey in New York City public schools before spending five years in Indonesia at Jakarta Intercultural School. She holds bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and special education from St. John’s University and recently completed a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Krista is excited to return to international education, join the Graded community, and experience all that Brazil has to offer! She will move to São Paulo with her husband, Colin, who will teach fifth grade, and their two children, Francis (nine) and Margot (seven). In her free time, Krista enjoys running, practicing Pilates, gardening, and baking, and she never turns down a trip to an antique shop or flea market.
Kat Shannon
Upper School Digital Arts and Photography Teacher/Yearbook Coordinator
Kat Shannon is thrilled to join the Graded team this upcoming school year as the high school photography teacher and yearbook coordinator. Most recently based in New York, Kat has spent the past three years in São Paulo with her wife, Ana, and their two daughters, Etel and Zazie. Over the past decade, Kat has taught visual art and photography to students aged five to seventy-five and has held teaching positions at Stern College, the International Center of Photography, Stetson University, Middlesex College, and other institutions. Through both her artistic practice and teaching, Kat is passionate about encouraging close looking, critical thinking, and a thoughtful engagement with visual culture.
Kat holds a BFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design and an MFA from Bard College. When she is not teaching, Kat enjoys baking—especially with her three-year-old daughter, Etel, who will also be joining Graded this year.
Divya Sharma
Mathematics Teacher
Divya Sharma joins Graded with 15 years of experience teaching high school math and physics. Most recently, she taught math and physics at the American International School Chennai. Before that, she spent seven years teaching high school physics at Taipei American School (TAS). Earlier in her career, she taught high school math and physics for six years at Sturgis Charter Public School in Massachusetts. She holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and physics and a Master of Science in mathematics. Divya is excited to join Graded alongside her wife, Jodi, who will be teaching middle school humanities. Outside the classroom, she enjoys crafting leather goods, photographing her two dogs, traveling, and exploring a wide range of creative hobbies.
Rodnei (Rod) Souza
Upper School Music Teacher (Orchestra)
Rod joins Graded after several years working in IB and bilingual music education in São Paulo, most recently at St. Nicholas School. There, he taught middle and high school music, directed the string orchestra program, and served as a CAS coordinator. His work combines ensemble performance, creativity, and music technology, encouraging students to explore music through composition, collaboration, and performance. Along the way, he also had opportunities to teach music in Chile and Kenya, experiences that strengthened his passion for cultural exchange and community building through the arts.
Rod is currently completing his MA in music education at São Paulo State University (UNESP). His research focuses on reflective teaching and music technology in education. He also holds degrees in music and pedagogy, as well as a postgraduate certificate in bilingual education. Outside the classroom, Rodnei enjoys reading in parks, running, and exploring different parts of the city.
Jodi Thompson
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Jodi Thompson is excited to live in the Western Hemisphere again after 14 years of living, working, volunteering, and traveling extensively throughout Asia. She will be starting her 16th year of teaching at Graded, having previously taught in the US, India, Taiwan, and Singapore. Before her not-so-short stint in Asia, Jodi earned a BA in English education from CUNY Brooklyn College and an MA in English language and literature from the University of Washington. In her free time, Jodi enjoys reading novels and planning adventures. She has traveled to 35 countries and hopes to make it to 40 before her 40th birthday. As a self-proclaimed global citizen, Jodi looks forward to calling Brazil home with her wife, Divya (incoming high school mathematics teacher), and their two fur babies, Mango and Fermi.
Tomás Wallenberg
Lower School ELL Teacher
Tomás Wallenberg joins the elementary school as a lower school ELL teacher. He has taught for almost twenty years and began his career in public schools in Dallas, Texas. He holds an MA in bilingual education, which has shaped his commitment to supporting multilingual learners. After 11 years in the Lone Star State, Tomás moved to South Korea to begin his international teaching career. Throughout his time in education, he has served as an elementary homeroom teacher, instructional specialist, teaching and learning coach, and, most recently, as an EAL specialist.
Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Tomás is excited to return to his Latin American roots. He joins Graded with his wife, Virginia, and their two sons, Isaac and Julian (grades 10 and 6). Tomás is passionate about all things soccer and also looks forward to taking full advantage of Graded’s tennis courts. If anyone is interested in playing tennis, please let him know!
Virginia Wallenberg
Lower School Literacy and Language Interventionist Teacher
Virginia Wallenberg joins the lower school after seven years at Korea International School, where she worked in early childhood education and as an early elementary classroom teacher. During her time there, she discovered her love for teaching literacy while witnessing the joy of young learners as they experienced their earliest breakthroughs as readers and writers. Virginia joins the Graded community with her husband, Tomás (who will join Graded as a grade 3 teacher), and their two sons, who will be entering grades 6 and 10. Outside of school, Virginia enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. On weekends, she can often be found exploring new places, cheering on her sons at soccer games, reading a good book, or taking long walks with their dog, Somi.
Internal Moves
We are pleased to congratulate current faculty members who will be taking on new roles at Graded in the 2026-27 academic year. We are grateful for their continued commitment to our school and community.
Isaac Macchia - Middle School Humanities Teacher
Isaac began his Graded journey in 2020 and quickly fell in love with both the community and education. In 2022, after returning to school to earn a degree in English language and literature and a teaching license, he became a middle school ELL teaching assistant. He later added the middle school MUN elective and sections of middle school humanities to his schedule while continuing his work as an ELL teaching assistant. Isaac recently earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and this school year, he is thrilled to officially join the middle school humanities team full-time.
Alicia Mota - Lower School Librarian
Alicia has been a middle school humanities and English teacher at Graded since 2014. She holds an MA in education with a focus on literacy from the University of Colorado Boulder and recently earned her K–12 library and media specialist certification. Alicia is also currently pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science, which she expects to complete next year, as she steps into the role of lower school librarian. She looks forward to helping Graded’s youngest students discover the joy of reading and grow as curious, lifelong learners.
