Our Team
At Lumina Academy , education begins with the human connection between teacher and child. Our teachers are not just instructors—they are guides, storytellers, and companions on each child’s journey of discovery.
Rooted in the Waldorf philosophy, they nurture the head, heart, and hands equally—cultivating curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every moment of learning.
Each member of our team brings warmth, artistry, and a deep respect for the individuality of every child. Together, they create a classroom environment that feels more like a home for wonder—where learning is joyful, purposeful, and alive.
Clara
My name is Clara Isabel Rodríguez Ciero.
I hold a Teaching Diploma earned in 2009.
I began my journey in education working in summer schools, until I received my first contract at Maristas San Fernando School in Seville, where I spent several years. However, my vocation and deep desire to grow—and my belief that a different kind of education was possible—led me to explore new educational horizons.
I began working with various methods and approaches such as Reggio Emilia, Montessori, ABN, and Piaget’s constructivist theories (with Myriam Nemirovsky), until I discovered Waldorf Education. I was immediately captivated by it and went on to complete the official three-year Waldorf teacher training, specializing in both Early Childhood (ages 0–6) and Primary (ages 6–12) stages.
Becoming a Waldorf teacher has given me a new perspective and the tools to truly see the real needs of children according to their developmental stage—allowing me to respond with empathy, respect, and presence.
I worked for several years at Waldorf International School Sevilla Girasol as both an Early Childhood and Primary teacher. Over the past three years, I have been responsible for the direction and pedagogical coordination of two Waldorf projects—“Horizonte” and “El Ancla”—both located in El Puerto de Santa María, guiding mixed-age classes from first through fifth grade (ages 7–11).
I will be delighted to meet you in person and answer any questions you may have.
John
Meet Coach John – Inspiring Confidence, Character, and Team Spirit
We are delighted to have Coach John Gontier leading our football programme at Lumina Academy. With a deep passion for the game and decades of experience, John brings far more than athletic skill to the field — he brings a philosophy: to put “old heads on young shoulders.”
As the founder of Gibraltar Wave FC and Europa Point FC, John has dedicated his career to nurturing young talent, building strong teams, and creating opportunities for players to grow both on and off the pitch. With a Diploma in Sports Science, he combines technical knowledge with a thoughtful, psychology-based approach to coaching. His work focuses on helping children develop not only physical strength and coordination but also resilience, teamwork, discipline, and self-belief.
Through his leadership, Gibraltar Wave FC has become one of Gibraltar’s most exciting community clubs — competing in the Gibraltar Women’s Football League, partnering with European networks, and even representing Gibraltar in international beach soccer tournaments. John’s vision is always the same: to use football as a tool for growth, empowerment, and second chances.
At Lumina Academy, John brings that same energy and purpose to our students. Every session is more than a sports class — it’s an opportunity for children to learn about perseverance, fair play, and collaboration, all while discovering the joy of the beautiful game. ⚽🌟
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Jo
Hello! My name is Jo. I’m Polish/Australian citizen and a mum of 3 beautiful children. I have been an English teacher for many years, with a background in TESOL —Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. My teaching journey has taken me from classrooms in England, China, Poland to online settings. I love helping students find confidence and joy in expressing themselves through language. I love creative teaching through play, games, books, conversation and activities that inspire confidence and curiosity in my students.
Alongside teaching, I also work as a doula — a trained companion who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women and families during pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. This work reflects my deep belief in the power of empathy, connection, and calm communication — values that I also bring into my classroom every day.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, travelling, cooking, chasing sunsets and engaging in meaningful conversations. I truly love what I do and feel grateful to support others in learning, developing, and discovering their potential. 🫶🏼
Orlando
Dance is not just what Orlando does—it is who he is. Born in Africa, where he spent his childhood and youth surrounded by rhythm and movement, Orlando carries the pulse of his roots deep within him. He grew into adulthood in Germany, where he founded his own dance school and built a vibrant community of dancers. Now, enjoying the Spanish sun, he continues to live his passion each day—sharing his joy for dance as a true citizen of the world. He inspires others not only through his technical skill, but through his heart: encouraging students to discover their own confidence, joy, and self-expression through movement
Experience & Professional Work
With decades of experience teaching students of all ages, Orlando has developed a deep understanding of how to connect through movement and music. He is especially passionate about working with children and youth, adapting to different learning styles and creating safe, supportive environments for growth. At Lumina Academy, he brings eyes to shine and bodies to move—infusing the class with joy, creativity, and positive energy. As the founder and director of “Orlando’s Dance Studio” in Germany—one of the region’s most vibrant and diverse dance schools—he offers classes in Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Merengue, Zumba, and more, welcoming dancers of all ages and backgrounds. Through his workshops, performances, and community events, Orlando continues to share his deep passion for dance across cultures, making it accessible, joyful, and inspiring for everyone he teaches.
He also hopes to inspire adults here in El Puerto de Santa Maria—helping them rediscover their natural joy and channel it into the movement of dance. He has big plans ahead…
Teaching Philosophy & Strengths
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Believes that dance can nurture the head, heart, and hands, helping children grow in body, emotion, and spirit.
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Focused on being more than an instructor — a guide, mentor, and source of inspiration.
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Dedicated to building confidence, creativity, and self-awareness in each student.
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Deep empathy, patience, and a genuine love for working with children define his teaching style.
Mission
To awaken in each child a love for movement, a sense of possibility, and the courage to express themselves fully. Orlando seeks to leave a lasting, positive imprint: that dance is not just an activity, but a way of being, a source of joy, and a path to personal growth.
Hilda Villegas
My name is Hilda Milena Villegas. I am a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a specialist in sensory stimulation for babies.
For more than 15 years, I have walked alongside children, families, and educational communities in both educational and cultural environments. My work has always been guided by love, dedication, and a deep respect for childhood.
I believe with all my heart that childhood is the foundation of our society. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and stimulated with intention and tenderness. For me, educating is not just a profession—it is a vocation that I carry with commitment, sensitivity, and joy.
It is an honor to be part of Lumina Academy, a space where childhood is recognized, protected, and celebrated as the beginning of a brighter future.