Amanda came to Stone Island in 2019 with a heart to serve and share Jesus through simple acts of love—visiting parks, telling Bible stories, and helping with community cleanups. What started as grassroots outreach slowly grew into something much bigger.

In 2021, she and her husband, Efraín, planted a church and launched an after-school program to support local children in reading, writing, math, and daily meals. As the program grew to serve over 50 kids, Amanda began to notice not only a spiritual hunger but a deep educational need.

Around that time, she met Merab and her husband Pancho, who were leading a local sports ministry called CAMPOS. It quickly became clear that they were serving many of the same children. Amanda and Merab began to dream together, recognizing the need for a safe, Christ-centered space where kids could grow—not just academically, but emotionally and spiritually.

That shared vision became Academia Ancla (Anchor Academy)—a school rooted in faith, built on love, and committed to raising confident, capable children who know their worth in Christ and are equipped to thrive in every area of life.

Amanda brings with her years of experience in teaching, special needs education, and missions. She offers not only the hands of a servant but the heart of a mother, with a deep desire to see each child loved, known, and prepared for God’s purpose in their lives.

“We’re not just building a school. We’re building hope, healing, and a new future for this generation.”