Ron built Team Tobatí in 1998 based on one powerful idea: the ability of education to transform lives. He continues to lead the organization today with heart and conviction. Read more about our founder here.
Ronald García
Founder and Director
Luis (Andrini) has been coordinating the service activities and projects of Team Tobatí since 1998. In this role, he helps allocate funds to infrastructure and education projects throughout Tobatí.
Luis Andrés Ayala Kunzle
Coordinator of Trips and Projects
Team Tobatí Leadership
Taylor spent three years teaching English at the Macchi School (2011–2014), where he specialized in helping students apply to universities in the United States. Since his time at Macchi, Ross has dedicated himself to raising funds and awareness for Team Tobatí. In 2017, Ross founded Bati Goods, a leather goods company created to support more students in improving their English and applying to universities.
Taylor Ross
Los Angeles Trip Coordinator
.png "image title")
Ben first came to Tobatí after graduating from the University of Michigan. He spent a year teaching English and serving as Vice Principal at the Macchi School and today he helps coordinate curriculum and fundraising efforts and leads an annual service and cultural immersion trip for Los Angeles high school students. Outside of Team Tobatí, he works in private equity at 25madison in New York City.
Ben Goldstein
Los Angeles Trip Coordinator
Principal
Gloria Beatriz Villalba Brozon
Gloria is an educator and school director with extensive experience in educational leadership and community development. She earned her teaching qualification from the Instituto de Formación Docente “El Maestro” in Eusebio Ayala, studied Guaraní Language Education at the Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní, and holds a degree in Educational Sciences from the Universidad Tecnológica Intercontinental (UTIC). She currently serves as Director of Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi, a role she has held since 2016. Read more about Gloria here.
Macchi School Teachers and Staff
Ariel is vice principal and advisor to the senior class at the Macchi School. As a member of the first graduating class of the Macchi School, he later attended Mt. Saint Mary's University in the U.S., receiving a degree in International Studies. He joined the Macchi team in 2016. Read more about Ariel here.
Ariel González Velázquez
Vice Principal
.jpeg "image title")
Yenny is an educator in the Basic Sciences who graduated from the Instituto Nacional de Educación Superior (INAES). She serves as both Secretary and a teacher of Physics and Chemistry, and has been a dedicated member of the institution since 2017, bringing nine years of experience to her work in education.
Yenny Rosidel Cuenca Roda
Secretary
.jpeg "image title")
Juan Dario is a teacher of Guaraní language to all grades at the Macchi School. After graduating from the first Macchi class in 2010, he earned a degree in Guaraní Language from the Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní and has been working at the Colegio since 2016.
Juan Darío Zaracho Acosta
Librarian and Professor of Guaraní
Elena María graduated from the Nacional Institute of Superior Education (INAES) with a degree in Mathematics and currently works as a math teacher at the Macchi School, where she has been a valuable member of the team since 2015.
Elena María Sánchez Almada
Professor of Math and Statistics
Marlyn is a Mathematics teacher with 22 years of experience at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi. She earned her degree in Science, with a specialization in Pure Mathematics, from the National University of Asunción (FACEN), and has additional training in Pedagogical Education and Educational Assessment.
Marlyn Elizabeth Giménez de Benegas
Professor of Math
Yoana is a Mathematics teacher at the Macchi School, where she has been teaching for a year and a half. She holds degrees in Guaraní Language and Mathematics, along with technical qualifications in English Language and Educational Assessment. Her passion for education drives her commitment to continued professional growth and to supporting the development of her students.
Yoana María Colman Cáceres
Professor of Math
Ingrid holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the Faculty of Philosophy at the National University of Asunción (UNA), Caacupé campus. She has been teaching at Reinaldo Macchi School since 2022, where she is a professor of Spanish Language and Writing at both the elementary and high school levels. She is an alumna of the school, having graduated in 2014.
Ingrid Jazmín Franco Vargas
Professor of Spanish and Literature
Arsenio holds a Bachelor's Degree in Bilingual Communication (English and Spanish) from the Universidad Politécnica y Artística of Paraguay. He has taught English at the Macchi School since 2014.
Arsenio Martínez Saldívar
Professor of English
Víctor Hugo holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language from the Evangelical University of Paraguay. His teaching career is closely tied to the Reinaldo Macchi Private School, where he has served as an English teacher since the school’s founding in 2004. Throughout his career, he has been committed to teaching and educating successive generations of students in the English language.
Víctor Hugo Ortega Melgarejo
Professor of English
Pamela has a degree in Communication Sciences from the National University of Asunción. She has been an English teacher at the Institute since 2020.
Clarice Pamela Ferreira González
Professor of English
Nadia is a history and geography teacher at Reinaldo Macchi Private School. She graduated from the National Institute of Higher Education and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the same institution. She's been teaching at the school for 22 years, ever since it opened.
Nadia Carolina Portilla Arriola
Professor of History and Geography
Sofia is a professionally trained dance instructor, graduating from the Reina Menchaca Dance Academy in Asunción, and has taught Dance and Arts at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi for three years. She also holds a degree in Clinical Psychology from the National University of Asunción and has taught Psychology and served as an Institutional Psychologist at Colegio Macchi for the past two years.
Romina Sofia Matto Franco
Professor of Arts and Psycology
Carlos is a graduate of the Universidad Tecnológica Intercontinental, where he earned a degree in Educational Sciences with an emphasis in Social Sciences. He later earned a Doctorate in Guaraní Language and Culture and specialized in Guaraní Terminology, while also training as a theater actor and professor. Since 2007, he has taught in schools and cultural institutions in Tobatí and surrounding communities, where he continues to work as an educator in Social Sciences, Guaraní, and other subjects.
Carlos David Salinas
Professor of Road Safety, Research, Politics, and Economics
Nilton is an educator from Tobatí with more than 20 years of experience in teaching. He holds degrees and certifications in Guaraní Language, Physical Education and Sports, Educational Assessment, Theater, and a Master’s in Educational Sciences, and has been teaching Physical Education, Health, and Theater at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi since 2005. Through Team Tobatí, he has also worked with children and youth through recreational programs and SeriousFun Children’s Network, including professional training experiences in Ireland and the United States.
Nilton Cesar Barreto González
Professor of Health and P.E.
Marcos is a Paraguayan educator, artist, musician, and community volunteer from Tobatí, with a degree in Artistic Education and a degree in Guaraní Language from the Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní. He has taught Music and Visual Arts since 2012 and is also a trained theater actor and Volunteer Firefighter, combining his passion for education, Paraguayan culture, and community service. Listen to his song about Tobatí here!
Marcos Wilfrido Girett
Professor of Music & Arts
.jpeg "image title")
Nilda is an educator in Personal and Social Development at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi, where she has taught and led community service activities since 2016. She holds a degree in Education from the National University of Asunción, as well as degrees in Guaraní Language and a Master’s in Guaraní from the Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní, and is certified in Spanish–Guaraní bilingual education through the Instituto de Lingüística Guaraní del Paraguay.
Nilda Elizabeth Rodríguez Martínez
Professor of Career Development
Blás is an educator and professional in Accounting and Guaraní Language and Culture. He earned his degrees from Universidad del Norte and the Instituto de Educación Superior Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní, and holds advanced degrees in University Teaching and Guaraní Language and Culture. He currently teaches Accounting and Economic and Financial Education at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi, combining his professional expertise with a strong commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generation.
Blas Fernando Rojas Villalba
Professor of Financial Education
Epifano is an educator specializing in logic and mathematics. He graduated from the Nacional University of Asunción with a degree in Educational Sciences after previously completing a specialization in math at the Polytechnic and Artistic University of Paraguay. He has been a member of the Macchi School staff since 2010.
Epifanio Otazo Noguera
Professor of Logic
Elva is a teacher specializing in Health and Reproductive Health, with a background in both education and healthcare. She holds degrees in Guaraní Language and Fisiotherapy and Rehabilitation, as well as a Master’s degree in Guaraní Language and specializations in Guaraní Terminology and Basic Sciences; she has been part of the institution’s faculty since 2022.
Elva Patricia Álvarez González
Professor of Health
Alicia is an educator specializing in Guaraní, Social Sciences, Ethics and Citizenship, Philosophy, and Cultural and Social Anthropology. She earned her teaching credentials in Social Sciences from Instituto de Formación Docente “Eusebio Ayala,” and completed her Guaraní studies at the Ateneo de Lengua y Cultura Guaraní, where she earned a Teaching Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, and Master’s Degree. She's been a dedicated member of the Colegio since 2016, bringing a decade of experience and a strong commitment to education and Paraguayan culture.
María Alicia Álvarez González
Professor of Guaraní, Ethics, and Citizenship
José is an educator with a background in Information Technology and a strong commitment to student development. He earned his teaching qualification in Information Technology in 2020 after completing his studies at Colegio Santa Teresita, and has taught Work and Technology at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi since 2024.
"La educación es la llave que abre todas las puertas; cada esfuerzo que haces hoy es el éxito que verás mañana."
"La educación es la llave que abre todas las puertas; cada esfuerzo que haces hoy es el éxito que verás mañana."
José Antonio Franco González
Professor of Work and Technology
César is a Biology and Public Health teacher with degrees in Midwifery (2007) and Nursing (2009) from Universidad del Norte, as well as teacher training completed in Eusebio Ayala in 2014. He has taught at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi for 11 years, where he teaches Biology and Public Health.
César Osmar Martínez Escobar
Professor of Anatomy, Biology, and Public Health
Freddy is an Information Technology instructor with training in computer systems, networking, and graphic design. He completed his studies at the Centro de Estudios de Informática and CEPEU in Asunción, and has been part of the institution for 23 years.
Jorge Alfredo Piñanez Toledo
Professor of Informatics
Graciela is a Natural Sciences teacher with 21 years of experience at the institution. She also coordinates the Science Fair Project, an important institutional initiative, and holds a university degree from the Universidad Tecnológica Intercontinental (UTIC) along with a postgraduate degree in Higher Education Didactics.
Graciela Rotela de Loppacher
Professor of Natural Sciences
Rosie serves as the school custodian, ensuring the campus stays clean and beautiful. Originally from San Pedro del Ycuamandyyú, she attended high school in the locality of Correa Rugua. After living in Argentina for 27 years, she returned to Paraguay and has been at the Macchi School since 2023.
Nidia Rosa Diaz Mareco
Janitor
Cristhian attended grade school at the Colegio Nacional Capitan Caballero. From 2016-2022 he worked in the school's office as an administrative assistant. Since 2023, he has served as the school's caretaker, directing landscaping and maintenence.
Cristhian David Cuenca Samudio
Caretaker
Carmen is from the Barrio San Antonio of the City of Tobatí. She attended high school at the local Colegio Capitan Pedro Juan Caballero and has worked in gastronomy and food services throughout her career. She joined the Macchi team in July of 2026.
Carmen Elizabeth Stela Cabriza
Executive Assistant
Jasel graduated from the University of California Berkley in 2025 with a degree in Legal Studies, Spanish, and Political Science. For the 2026-2027 year, she will be partnering with the Macchi School as a Princeton in Latin America Fellow, focusing on operations and development.
Jasel Rosadele Steinmetz
Princeton in Latin America Operations & Development Fellow
Abigail graduated from Tufts University in 2026 with a degree in International Relations, Spanish, and Music. For the 2026-2027 year, she will be partnering with the Macchi School as a Princeton in Latin America Fellow, focusing on ESL support and expanding student opportunities.
Abigail Margaret Johnson
Princeton in Latin America FellowAcademic & Student Pathways
Madita is a recent high school graduate from Hamburg, Germany. For the next 6 months, she will provide English language classroom support as an AFS volunteer. She is excited to support the youth through ESL instruction and to learn about Paraguayan culture.
Madita Naemi Seibold
AFS Volunteer
Volunteers and Fellows
Stella is a Clinical Psychologist who provides psychological support to students at Colegio Privado Reinaldo Macchi. She earned her degree from Universidad Autónoma del Paraguay and has been part of the school community for 18 years.
Stella Marys Inocencia García de Sánchez
School Psycologist
