
Sun Haven Academy, where curiosity blooms, roots run deep, and every child’s potential shines brigh

Meet the Team
Mariana López Guevara
Founder
Alina Carrillo Arroyo
Founder
Alina Carrillo Arroyo
Founder
Core Values
Mariana López Guevara
Take a minute to write an introduction that is short, sweet, and to the point.
Alina Carrillo Arroyo
I’m Alina Carrillo Arroyo. Ever since I uncovered the magic of books, I’ve been captivated by how children’s minds grow and explore. At 18, I turned that passion into practice—tutoring neighborhood kids and supporting teachers in the classroom—laying the foundation for my journey as an educator.
Education & Credentials
B.A. in Bilingual Primary Education
Universidad Latina de Costa RicaCertificate in Early Stimulation
Universidad Católica de Costa Rica (supports infants and toddlers in reaching developmental milestones)Grand Máster in Clinical Neuropsychology & Neuroeducation
Universidad Tecnológica TECH (Spain) — deep dive into the science of memory, attention, and motivationLeaders of Learning-Certification
HarvardX — strategies for designing classrooms that adapt to each child’s needs, inside and outside the four walls
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that children learn best when they feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore. My goal is always to ignite both head and heart by blending research-backed methodologies—Montessori, Science of Reading, Waldorf, and more—into a nurturing, bilingual environment. Whether I’m guiding a kindergartner through phonics in English and Spanish, encouraging a preschooler to create a Waldorf-inspired art project, or inviting a student to take charge of their own learning through Montessori materials, I strive to:
Foster curiosity and confidence
Cultivate independence and self-motivation
Nurture each child’s unique strengths and interests
What You Can Expect
As a parent, you can trust that I will treat your child’s curiosity with the same care I would give my own. From day one, I focus on:
Individualized Attention: Getting to know your child’s learning style, personality, and pace.
Bilingual Excellence: Building strong foundations in both English and Spanish, so your child becomes a confident communicator.
Holistic Development: Incorporating academic skills with social-emotional growth through hands-on activities, storytelling, movement, and play.
Family Partnership: Keeping open lines of communication—celebrating milestones, sharing insights, and collaborating on goals.
I’m committed to giving my very best in the classroom so that every student thrives. Thank you for considering me as a partner in your child’s learning journey at Sun Haven Academy!