Our Directors


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Amaral Cunha

HEAD OF SCHOOL - ESCOLA ELEVA BOTAFOGO 


Amaral graduated from the University of Pernambuco and received an MA in education from Framingham University (USA). Amaral has more than 25 years of experience in education, teaching English, Biology, Anatomy, and the IB Theory Of Knowledge course. For 14 years, he worked at Graded, The American School in São Paulo (Brazil), and was the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Co-ordinator in his last 3 years at the school. Today, he embraces the challenge of leading Eleva School towards its mission by sharing a wealth of professional knowledge and extensive education experience.

Fabiano Franklin

Fabiano Franklin

HEAD OF SCHOOL - ESCOLA ELEVA URCA


Fabiano Franklin is an international educator and educational leader with extensive experience in teaching and school management. With a passion for learning and teaching new generations, he is dedicated to fostering a learning community in schools that value the individual and embrace diversity and innovation. Fabiano is known for his innovative and collaborative approach, always striving for continuous development and excellence in his educational practices. Since joining Escola Eleva in 2019, Fabiano has held various roles, including maths and IB maths teacher, Head of Department, Teaching and Learning coordinator at Escola Eleva Botafogo and at the pedagogical centre, as well as high school coordinator at Escola Eleva Botafogo, before taking over as head of Escola Eleva Urca in 2023. 

Maíra Peixoto Timbó

HEAD of School - ESCOLA ELEVA UNIDADE BARRA DA TIJUCA


Maíra is a founding member of Escolas Eleva Botafogo and Barra. Prior to her current appointment, she was serving as head of Education for Inspired Brazil. Maíra has been in education for more than 25 years. She has extensive expertise in K-12 education. Maíra holds a BA in Language and Literature, an MA in Language Studies, and an MBA in School Management. She will work hand in hand with Inspired Education to implement the best education practices recognized worldwide, and provide leadership, management and supervision to foster learning and to secure a safe and collaborative school culture for all.

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Lucas Garcia

Head of School - Escola Eleva Brasília


Lucas Garcia is the Headmaster of Escola Eleva Brasília and a Professor of Public Speaking. He has more than 15 years of experience working in bilingual and international schools and has a global academic background. Lucas holds MBAs in Learning Neuroscience, Positive Psychology, and Educational Management, and his passion for education is a lifelong mission. He believes in a holistic approach to education and incorporates inclusion, differentiation, and innovative methodologies in his teaching. Lucas's leadership style creates a warm and inspiring environment in schools, preparing students to become empathetic, tolerant, and active leaders in the global community.

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Amanda Payne

Head of School - Escola Eleva Recife


As the Headmaster of Eleva de Recife, Amanda holds a degree in Pedagogy from the University of Brasília and shares her knowledge acquired over more than a decade of experience in bilingual education at K-12. She holds a Master's Degree in Intercultural Education from the University of Verona in Italy and a Certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. In her role at Eleva School, Amanda's mission is to build a school community focused on the holistic development of students, fostering a culture of care and academic excellence.

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James Diver

Head of School- Escola Eleva SÃO PAULO


James Diver was born in the UK and has lived in Brazil since 2010. A graduate in Ancient History from Cardiff University and University College London, he also has a degree in Music from Trinity College London and extensive teaching experience.

With 25 years' experience in the education sector, James has built a career as a Teacher and Principal in British and international schools in the UK, Brazil and Argentina.

Passionate about education, he believes in each student's potential to learn, grow and achieve. As a school leader, his commitment is to ensure that every student has access to an excellent academic education, underpinned by solid values, high expectations and a strong sense of community.

James currently heads the Eleva São Paulo School, where he works to develop a welcoming and challenging environment that boosts students' learning and all-round development.

Married to Carol, a Brazilian teacher, he is the father of Tom and Talitha. For him and his family, São Paulo and Brazil are truly home.

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Paulo Moraes

CEO Inspired Brazil


Paulo Moraes is an experienced executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the education sector. He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from ITA and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Paulo works closely with school directors to ensure the comprehensive implementation of the Inspired and Eleva Pillars. Throughout his career, Paulo has held various leadership positions in the education sector and played a crucial role in the rapid expansion and success of the organization. As the CEO of Inspired in Brazil, he focuses on promoting sustainable growth and operational excellence across all schools.