LUCIANA LEITE

FOUNDER DIRECTOR

Graduated in Business Administration from Fundação Getúlio Vargas, with a specialization in Finance from Harvard University. She has an MBA in Social Responsibility from USP. She worked in the financial market and on e-learning projects at MBG-Education at Distance. She was the administrative-financial director of Colégio Pentágono. She participated in study programs in schools in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, and Finland.

MARIA EDUARDA SAWAYA

FOUNDER DIRECTOR

Graduated in Production Engineering from the Polytechnic School of USP, with a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. In 2010, together with Luciana Leite, she founded Beacon School, serving as director. In 2020, she joined the executive board of ABEPAR - Brazilian Association of Private Schools, a position she still holds today. In 2022, she was appointed to the State Council of Education of São Paulo. Maria Eduarda is fluent in Portuguese, English, and French.

AUDREY PEVERELLI

PEDAGOGICAL DIRECTOR

Psychologist and political scientist from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, with a master's degree in International Education from Oxford Brooks University. She received a scholarship to participate in the “Head of School” program at Columbia University, Klingenstein Institute in New York. She specializes in the educational programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and has served as a member of the evaluation committee for the PYP-IB. She is fluent in four languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND

PEDAGOGICAL DIRECTOR

Elizabeth is the Head of School at Beacon School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Psychology from Clemson University, a Master’s degree in Education from the College of Charleston, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cape Town, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Elizabeth has taught and worked in IB schools in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, and France. Her key research interests include economic policy, gender inequality, digital learning, strategic development, instructional coaching, and educational leadership. She joined the Beacon team in January 2026.

Lais Carvalho

Deputy Head of School

Lais Carvalho is an educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of education. She holds a degree in Pedagogy from the University of São Paulo (USP) and a postgraduate degree in Educational Psychology from Mackenzie University. Lais has been working with IB programmes for 14 years and took part in the implementation of all three – the PYP, MYP, and DP – at Beacon School in São Paulo, Brazil, where she currently serves as Deputy Head of School. She is also an IB Workshop Leader and a member of the IB Educator Network (IBEN). In addition, she works as an Instructional Coach and holds a certificate in Instructional Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her professional journey includes leading teacher professional development, curriculum design, and team building in bilingual and international education contexts.

AUDREY PEVERELLI

PEDAGOGICAL DIRECTOR

Psychologist and political scientist from the University of Western Ontario, Canada, with a master's degree in International Education from Oxford Brooks University. She received a scholarship to participate in the “Head of School” program at Columbia University, Klingenstein Institute in New York. She specializes in the educational programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and has served as a member of the evaluation committee for the PYP-IB. She is fluent in four languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, and French.

ELIZABETH SUTHERLAND

Elizabeth is the Head of School at Beacon School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development and Psychology from Clemson University, a Master’s degree in Education from the College of Charleston, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Cape Town, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Elizabeth has taught and worked in IB schools in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Belgium, and France. Her key research interests include economic policy, gender inequality, digital learning, strategic development, instructional coaching, and educational leadership. She joined the Beacon team in January 2026.

ELIZABETH CONTE

GENERAL COORDINATOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION.

Graduated in Language and Pedagogy, with studies in Educational Leadership and International Teaching from Framingham College. Certified by the American Montessori Society in Meca-Seaton, Chicago, and Montessori Applied to Children at Risk (MACAR) in Texas, USA. She was an Early Childhood teacher at Graded School for over 20 years and coordinated the English Language area for Elementary School at Beit Yaacov School. She has been a coordinator at Beacon since 2012.

FERNANDA FREITAS

COORDINATOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - G1 AND G2 AM

Fernanda graduated in Pedagogy from the Vera Cruz Higher Education Institute and in English from PUC-SP. She has completed courses in the Primary Years Programme (IB), at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and participates in study groups on the Italian Reggio Emilia approach. She holds a postgraduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Instituto Singularidades. She has been part of the Beacon faculty since 2011 and took over coordination of the early years of Early Childhood Education in 2018.

TANIA TERPINS

SEL COORDINATION

Tania Terpins graduated in Psychology from PUC-SP and in Pedagogy. She has worked for over 20 years as a clinical psychologist, serving children, adolescents, and adults, as well as providing guidance to parents. She is a member of the Brazilian Association of Daseinsanalysis (an approach of Existential Phenomenology). She lived in Cambridge, England, and completed "Introduction to Family Engagement in Education" at Harvard University. She is certified by the International Baccalaureate in various courses. She has been at Beacon since 2017.

PRISCILA AMADO

COORDINATOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - G3

Priscila holds a postgraduate degree in Psychopedagogy, specializing in the Montessori method, and graduated in Pedagogy from Mackenzie. She is certified by the International Baccalaureate in "Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom in the Early Years" and "Implementing Agency." She has also taken the "Making Thinking Visible" course at Harvard Graduate School of Education. She studied at the Pan American Christian Academy (PACA). She has worked in Bilingual Education since 2009 and joined Beacon in 2012.

PAOLA COSTA

COORDINATOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - G4

Paola has a degree in Psychology from PUC/SP and in Pedagogy from UNIP - Universidade Paulista. She holds a diploma in Montessori Training from NAMC - North American Montessori Center. She completed her Elementary and High School education at international institutions in Venezuela, the United States, and Brazil. She has been working in Early Childhood and Elementary Education since 2003 and was a teacher at Beit Yaacov School. She has been at Beacon since 2011.

GABRIELA OKADA

COORDINATOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION - G6

Gabriela holds degrees in Pedagogy and Languages (English/Portuguese) from PUC-SP and has completed an extension course in bilingualism. She is a certified teacher by the Harvard Graduate School of Education in “Making Thinking Visible” and by the International Baccalaureate Organization in "Inquiry" and “Student Agency.” She has been working in bilingual Early Childhood Education since 2012 and worked at Red House International School, where she was involved in the implementation of the "Primary Years Programme" (PYP-IB). She started at Beacon in 2018.

ELISA GARCIA

COORDINATOR OF Y1

Elisa holds a degree in Pedagogy from Mackenzie. She worked as a Bilingual Early Childhood teacher at Beit Yaacov School for 9 years, contributing to the implementation of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), and in 2009, she developed a technology curriculum for Early Childhood Education. She is fluent in English and joined Beacon in 2018.

ELIZABETE ANTÔNIO

COORDINATOR OF Y2

Elizabete has a postgraduate degree in Art History from PUC-SP and in Literary Reader Formation from USP. She graduated in Pedagogy from USP. She holds a certificate in "IB - Making the PYP Happen – Implementing Agency." She is a specialist in Mathematics for early years from Instituto Mathema and has 14 years of experience as a teacher in bilingual schools. She co-authored Mathematics textbooks for Elementary Education for the SESI network. She joined Beacon in 2020.

Marcela Camargo

COORDINATOR OF Y3

Marcela holds a degree in Pedagogy from USP, a degree in Psychology from PUC-SP, and a postgraduate qualification in Languages from Instituto Vera Cruz. Her practice is grounded in contemporary approaches to the Learning Sciences and further strengthened by professional development at institutions such as Project Zero (Harvard), the Klingenstein Center (Columbia University), as well as training in Writer’s Workshop, Neuroscience and Education, and IB Americas.

TATIANA HORNO

COORDINATOR OF Y4

Tatiana Horno is a psychopedagogue and graduated in Pedagogy from PUC. She has served as a teacher, pedagogical coordinator, and educational advisor in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Integration School, and as a pedagogical coordinator and educational advisor for Elementary Education at Colégio Renascença.

FERNANDA OLIVEIRA

COORDINATOR OF Y5

Graduated in Social Sciences from PUC-SP and in Pedagogy from Mackenzie. She worked as an English teacher at the Sociedade Brasileira de Cultura Inglesa and Colégio Santa Maria, and served as Pedagogical Coordinator for English and Spanish at the Cel-Lep network. She has completed professional development courses in the IB Primary Years Programme, Harvard’s Project Zero, and has been a member of the Education Research Group coordinated by Cleide Terzi since 2020. She has been part of the Beacon Elementary School (Early Years) coordination team since 2015.

AMÉRICO DOS SANTOS

COORDINATOR OF Y6

Américo holds degrees in History and Pedagogy from PUC and a postgraduate degree in Culture and Media Communication from PUC. He has been a member of the research group in the Education Area led by Cleide Terzi since 2006. He has taught History at both Middle School and High School levels and has served as an advisor for the Humanities and Education areas in Elementary and High School. He was the pedagogical coordinator for Middle School, the coordinator of the PEA-UNESCO program, and the General Coordinator of the Pentágono network for 25 years.

FERNANDA MENEGHESSO

COORDINATOR OF Y7

Fernanda holds degrees in Education and Languages. She studied abroad and has acquired many international English certificates. She has been working at bilingual schools since 1998. She worked at Stance Dual as a teacher and coordinator, and at Aubrick as an Elementary and Middle School coordinator. She has recently visited museums and schools around the world to research innovative teaching methodologies. She has specialization in Assessment and Agency from Instituto Singularidades. Fernanda started at Beacon in 2017. In 2022, she became a Certified IB MYP teacher in Language and Literature.

MARCUS PAULO VIEIRA

COORDINATOR OF Y8

Marcus Costa has extensive experience with bilingual schools and has led multicultural projects from Y6 to Y9. During his tenure at Rede Santa Catarina, he managed the international department, languages, and curriculum, focusing on the development of competencies through active methodologies, multiliteracies, and multiculturalism, while integrating the use of technologies (ICTs) as mediators for innovative, creative, and student-centered learning. At Trails School, he managed and implemented the international curriculum, utilizing WIDA, Cambridge, and CEFR frameworks, and served as a middle school and high school counselor at Escola do Futuro. He also works as a Cambridge Speaking Examiner. A native of Bahia, Marcus holds a degree in Languages from the Federal University of Bahia, a postgraduate degree in Bilingual/Multilingual Education Methodologies and Practices from Instituto Singularidades, and is completing a Master's in Education and Curriculum at PUC-SP. Started at Beacon in 2025.

MARIA FERNANDA CANEPARO

COORDINATOR OF Y9

Maria Fernanda da Cruz holds a Master's and a Doctorate in Entomology from UFPR and has academic experience in supervision (undergraduate and graduate) and scientific publications in international journals. She is trained as a Biologist (PUCPR) and has been working in basic education since 2018. She served as MYP Coordinator, ATL Skills Coordinator, and Head of Sciences at an IB Continuum school, where she was responsible for implementing the MYP. She has experience with Service as Action, supervision, and submission of Personal Projects and Extended Essays.

KARINE VAIRO

GENERAL COORDINATOR OF HIGH SCHOOL

Karine is a biologist with specialization, a Master's, and a Doctorate in Entomology (FIOCRUZ - RJ / UFPR / University of Copenhagen / DN). For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to basic education and has specialized in School Management. She has served as the Head of the Science Department, Biology Teacher, Coordinator of Elementary School II, Extended Essay Coordinator, and Coordinator of High School and the Diploma Programme. She is a member of IBEN as a "Team Leader," "Consultant," and "School Visit Team Member."

MAIARA TERRA

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM COORDINATOR, PYP-IB

Maiara holds a degree in Pedagogy from USP, with academic experience at the University of Barcelona, where she received a scholarship and completed observation internships in schools in Spain. She specializes in Integral Formation from Instituto Singularidades. She has completed various courses in the Primary Years Programme, Project Zero from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Instituto Singularidades, and USP, among others. She has been part of the Beacon team since 2015.

FELIPE PREGNOLATTO

COORDINATOR OF HIGH SCHOOL

Felipe holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Social History from USP. He has an MBA in Educational Management from Trevisan School of Business. He has been working as a teacher and pedagogical coordinator in bilingual and international schools for over 15 years. He has served as MYP Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Organization and has also worked as a teacher and CAS Coordinator in the DP-IB.

PEDRO HENRIQUE FERNANDES

DIPLOMA PROGRAM COORDINATOR, DP-IB

Pedro holds a degree in Geography from UFRJ and has a Master's in Organization and Management of Territory from the same institution. He has been accredited by IBEN as an Examiner, a role he continues to fulfill. He is conducting research on scientific literacy in international curricula as part of his MBA in School Management from USP/ESALQ. Pedro has worked at institutions such as Eleva, International Baccalaureate, and CIEI International School, where he served as Coordinator of High School and IB DP Coordinator.

LUCAS SOUSA

UNIVERSITY AND CAREER COUNSELING

Lucas holds postgraduate degrees in Education and Educational Guidance from UCLA and in International Relations from FGV. He has a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from UNB, with an extension at Seton Hall University. He has worked at the UN, the British Embassy, in education NGOs, an American school, and a binational center recognized by the US Embassy. He has taught US History and American Government. For the past five years, he has been advising students on pursuing higher education in various countries. He has been at Beacon since 2022.

CRISTINA FUMIS

ELECTIVE PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Tina holds a degree in Physical Education from USP and has a specialization in Social Responsibility from USP, along with an extension course in Sustainability from Harvard University. She taught Physical Education at Colégio Santa Cruz for 13 years after previously teaching at St. Paul’s School. At Beacon, she served as Body & Movement Advisor and taught Physical Education in Early Childhood and Elementary School. Since 2014, she has coordinated the Elective Programs.

VERÔNICA GARCIA

EXPRESSIONS COORDINATOR

Verônica is a postgraduate student in Innovation Culture Management in Schools at Instituto Singularidades. She graduated in Literature from USP, with additional qualifications in Architecture from FAU-USP and Fine Arts from Belas Artes. As a child artist, she participated in circus, theater, and dance performances in Brazil and Europe. She is the founder of Bathka Arte Plural, an arts school that offers training in various modalities. For 15 years, she has directed school performances and various cultural projects. She has been at Beacon since 2019.

BEATRIZ TOSTES

LIBRARY COORDINATOR

Beatriz Tostes holds degrees in Library Science and Pedagogy and is a postgraduate in Bilingual and Multilingual Education. She is currently completing a Master’s in Education at the University of Alabama. With over seven years of experience in international and IB schools, she focuses on promoting information literacy, research skills, and library management. She also excels in curating digital resources and fostering a culture of reading.

MARIA EDUARDA MENEZES

EDTECH COORDINATOR

Maria Eduarda holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on New Technologies in Education from PUC-SP. She is a specialist in Instructional Design from UNIFEI-MG, holds a teaching degree in Pedagogy from Centro Universitário Claretiano, and graduated in Communication and Multimedia from PUC-SP. Additionally, she is a postgraduate student in Applied Computing in Education at USP and is certified by the IB in "PYP Transdisciplinary Learning for Subject Specialists" and "Making the PYP Happen in the Classroom." Maria Eduarda joined Beacon in 2018 as an EdTech teacher and took over as coordinator of the area in 2023.

AMANDA BOLDARINE

LANGUAGE COORDINATOR

Amanda Boldarine holds a postgraduate degree in Teaching Strategies and Methodologies and in the use of English from the Culture English College. She graduated in Languages from Mackenzie and in Pedagogy. She is a certified teacher and examiner for Cambridge and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). She worked as a teacher at Cultura Inglesa for 8 years, where she also participated in coaching and mentoring projects for teachers and in the development of courses for young people. She has been at Beacon since 2018.

JULIA SPIGUEL

HUMANITIES

Julia holds a Master's degree in Social History from USP and was a member of Diversitas, a research center focusing on diversity, intolerance, and conflicts. She lived in London, where she completed the CELTA, an English teacher training course certified by Cambridge University. Julia has been teaching history in bilingual schools for 9 years and frequently participates in extension courses at Harvard University and the International Baccalaureate. She joined Beacon in 2017.

MARCELA VISNARDI

MATEMATICS

Marcela holds a postgraduate degree in Didactics for the Implementation of the BNCC from Instituto Singularidades and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics at USP, where she is also pursuing a postgraduate degree in Mathematics Education. She has been working in bilingual schools since 2014 and has experience with the International Baccalaureate. In 2020, she completed training in Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches. Marcela began her journey at Beacon in 2019.

MARIA LAURA SANCHEZ

COORDINATOR OF INCLUSIVE PRACTICES AND LEARNING SUPPORT

Maria Laura holds a Master's degree in Special Education: Multidisability and Cognitive Problems from the Polytechnic Institute of Porto and a degree in Pedagogy. She has worked as a teacher in early childhood education and in Fund II, also serving in the Personalised Learning department with support for learning and socio-emotional development. She was the leader of the Professional Learning Community in "Creative and Flexible Thinking." She has training in PYP and Inclusion and Diversity courses from the IB. She has been at Beacon since 2021.

MÔNICA SPIGUEL

SCIENCE

Mônica has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Rede de Educação Claretiano and training in Pedagogy from ISEVEC, as well as in Pharmacy and Biochemistry from Faculdade Oswaldo Cruz. She has teaching experience in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and has been at Beacon since 2011.

RENATA FACURY

MUSIC

Renata holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from FAAM, is licensed in music from Uniplena College, and specialized in "Teacher Training in Brazilian Music" at Anhembi Morumbi University. She has worked as an assistant to Teca Alencar de Brito and as a music educator at EMIA since 2013, where she also serves as the pedagogical coordinator. Renata has taught music education in regular schools at both Early Childhood and Elementary levels. She joined Beacon in 2017.

VICTOR MAIELO

EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA

Victor specializes in School Physical Education from FMU and in School Management from USP/ESALQ, holding a full degree in Physical Education from FMU. He has been working in bilingual schools since 2013 and has participated in various IB-PYP training programs. Victor holds Cambridge English diplomas (FCE and CAE) and works with ultimate frisbee team training, delivering lectures and training courses for teachers. He began working at Beacon in 2018.