Middle School Teachers
Lia Barnes, a native of the U.S. state of Florida, holds degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies and Elementary Education with Reading and ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) Endorsements, both from the University of Central Florida. She began her teaching career working with primary school students and later moved to middle school education. There she taught ESOL Language Arts, Intensive Reading, and United States History. Lia is excited to share her love of reading, writing, and social studies with students at CIPLC while building vibrant classroom communities and helping students achieve their personal best. Outside of the classroom, you can find Lia biking, hiking, or in the water. An avid traveler, she hopes to explore the beautiful country of Venezuela and discover all it has to offer.
Email: lia.barnes@ciplc.org
Sam Rugumamu is our MS Math and Science Teacher. He grew up in North Carolina and graduated from North Carolina State University, where he earned degrees in biological sciences and education. After working in a cardiovascular disease research lab for a few years, he began his teaching career in China. Over the years, Sam has taught at numerous schools across the Middle East, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, gaining a wealth of experience in diverse educational environments. With several years at CIPLC under his belt, Sam has developed strong relationships with students and colleagues alike, fostering a collaborative and engaging learning atmosphere. He believes in the importance of nurturing curiosity and critical thinking in his students, encouraging them to explore the world around them. Outside of the classroom, Sam enjoys traveling, swimming, running, and watching sports. He is excited to continue his journey at CIPLC and looks forward to another year of inspiring students and making a positive impact in their lives.
Email: sam.rugumamu@ciplc.org
Mary Olivares is a Venezuelan teacher with a bachelor’s degree in Business from the Universidad de los Andes and teaching credentials from the Universidad de Oriente. After some years working in the administrative field she decided that teaching is her true passion. She has been part of the CIPLC staff for 15 years. Ms. Olivares has two daughters who graduated from CIPLC High School in 2012 and 2018. Currently, Ms. Olivares teaches Math and English Language Arts using technological resources. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family in her free time.
Email: mary.olivares@ciplc.org
Héctor Aray, born in Nueva Esparta, Venezuela, spent much of his childhood in Fremont, California. His educational career led him to study Middle School and High School in Lechería. When he turned 18, he moved to Santiago de Chile to study Automation and Robotics Engineering at the Andrés Bello National University. Graduated with distinction in 2022, he specialized in Mechatronics. Héctor obtained a teaching certification at Universidad de Oriente in 2024. His diverse interests include a passion for science, technology, film, comics, and sports.
Email: hector.aray@ciplc.org
Wendell is a lifelong learner who has taught a variety of sciences for over 20 years at international schools in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and South America. Wendell and his wife Terry are excited to be back in the CIPLC community, where they and their 4 children spent 5 wonderful years, from 2005-2010. Just prior to this return engagement, Wendell spent 10 years as the Director of Teaching and Learning at Rowland Hall, an independent school in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wendell has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science degree in Physiology from Colorado State University, and a Master of Science degree in Educational Administration from Purdue University.