Our Team

Lural Ramirez

School Director

Lural is an experienced international school leader with over a decade of experience guiding schools through growth, transition, and innovation. She has served as Head of School in Thailand and Costa Rica, leading strategic planning, curriculum development, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, wellbeing, and a shared commitment to meaningful learning.

Michael Spielman

Secondary Principal

Michael Spielman serves as Secondary Principal at Academia Cotopaxi, leading the Middle and High School divisions. With deep roots in the school community, he is dedicated to cultivating an environment where curiosity, critical thinking, and student voice thrive. His leadership focuses on academic engagement, collaboration, and student growth.

Mike Bailey

Elementary Principal

Mike Bailey serves as Elementary Principal at Academia Cotopaxi, leading both the Early Years Program and Elementary divisions. He is committed to fostering a learning environment where curiosity, student agency, and exploration guide the educational experience. His work emphasizes student well-being, inquiry-based learning, and the development of confident, independent learners.

María Caridad Borja

Early Years Program Director

María Caridad Borja leads Academia Cotopaxi’s Early Years Program, bringing more than 14 years of experience in innovative, inclusive, and child-centered education. She is passionate about creating learning environments where play, inquiry, and creativity drive meaningful discovery, while empowering teaching teams through collaboration and reflection.