Richmond Directives Your children are in the best hands

Headmaster

LUIS EDUARDO RIVAS GARZÓN

About Me:

I am Luis Eduardo Rivas. I was born 57 years ago into a wonderful family. Guillermo and Graciela are my parents, who instilled in me a love for family and education.

Neither of them is a teacher, but they have been and continue to be the teachers of my life. Each of them is close to 80 years old, and they have allowed me to be their support and to give them all my love.

I am the brother of Guillermo and Rubén Darío, a systems engineer and a graphic designer, respectively. I have five wonderful nieces and nephews whom I love very much. For me, family is very important because it is the driving force that lasts a lifetime. I hope that we become a family that supports each other, respects each other, and continues to grow together.

I feel very honored to now be part of this family, and joining Colegio Bilingüe Richmond holds a very special meaning for me. I believe that my vision of learning and my experience are perfectly aligned with schools like Richmond that follow a unique, child-centered approach.

I consider myself a highly capable and experienced educational leader, and a person willing to share, support others, and keep learning. I am fully bilingual (English and Spanish), with extensive experience in the field of international education, and I am constantly seeking to improve outcomes. I have frequent contact with parents and students because I believe this is an essential part of a school leader's responsibility, and I think that the combined effort of the school and parents is hugely beneficial for all aspects of student development.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Education and two Master's degrees: one in Learning Disabilities and another in Educational Leadership. I have been an educator for over 12 years.

I join Colegio Bilingüe Richmond with great enthusiasm and the intention of sharing my experience in international programs and my passion for education.

I greatly enjoy working with children and young people, and I believe it is essential to build a team effort with families and all members of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school.

I also want to share with you and put at the service of the Richmond Family the key personal strengths that I believe support my management at the helm of our beloved school:

1. I am an open-minded person.

2. I strive for excellence in all aspects of education and learning.

3. I fully believe in and commit to teamwork.

4. I am a goal-oriented educator and leader.

5. I possess extensive knowledge and experience in Cognia certification areas.

Thanks to my experience and passion for learning, I have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of school management, both academic and formative in child development, achieving excellent academic results, as well as in the commercial and business aspects of school administration. Additionally, I have experience leading large international schools and have always believed in the benefits of working within and between different schools to achieve lasting results.

I look forward to the opportunity to gradually get to know each of you, and together we will continue making CBR “An Ideal Place to Grow” and one of the best schools in the city and the country.

Favorite quote: Less is more.

Recommended book: Reinvent Yourself: Your Second Chance by Mario Alonso Puig.

Middle School Director

DIEGO CORTÉS VELANDIA

About me:

I am Diego, a family man, happily married to Ethel and the proud father of three wonderful children: Nahum, 19, Abraham, 14, and Christine, 9. I greatly enjoy nature walks, running, reading, and, most importantly, spending quality time with my family. In my professional life, I strive to bring an empathetic leadership approach, always understanding and valuing the perspectives of both parents and students.

I firmly believe in a holistic education, understanding that learning goes beyond academics to include personal growth, social responsibility, and cultural awareness.

I strongly advocate for relational leadership, convinced that strong, positive relationships within the school community are essential for fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. I have always promoted open communication, collaboration, and inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.

I am eagerly looking forward to guiding the Middle School to continue being a place where students not only excel academically but also grow as compassionate, responsible, and well-rounded individuals.

Favorite Quote: "Everything is possible for one who believes." Mark 9:23

Recommended Book: "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.

High School Director

MAURICIO MANCIPE TRIVIÑO

About me:

My premise is justice, focused on contributing from my being so that things work well for everyone. I am always eager to contribute to a world that has favorable conditions so that each being that is part of it is treated as such, in a fair, respectful, and equitable manner.

I am driven by education and am a firm believer and promoter of it as a vehicle for transforming reality. As a teacher, my premise is always to open up positive options for everyone around me. As a man of science, I see the environment not as a means but as a whole and am aware of its care because we as humans are part of it and coexist with other valuable species.

I am passionate about animals. As a fun fact, I love cows, as well as dogs, but since I can't have them at home, I treasure my two feline pets.

I firmly believe that, to build society, it is important to have clear and assertive communication. That’s why I like to speak directly and clearly, without filters, but always with respect, understanding that we are all unique and diverse. It is precisely in diversity where we find the greatest social, cultural, and human richness. I apply this premise in my surroundings, in the classroom, and in life, convinced that small actions make a big difference.

Recommended book: Animal Farm by George Orwell

Favorite quote: "Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world." - Oscar Wilde

Coordinator of Coexistence and Well-Being for High School

Óscar García Guzmán

About me:

"If you treat a human being as they are, they will remain as they are; but if you treat them as they could be, they will become what they are destined to be." This quote by poet and novelist Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe has been my inspiration to positively impact the lives of my students and encourage them to fully develop their potential.

As an educator, I have focused on the development of the potential of hundreds of children, knowing that discipline is the key to success. I have applied coaching and mentoring models to my students, so that they are aware that true competition in life is with themselves and that self-improvement should be a priority.

I have achieved this in many of my students by believing in them, planting seeds of confidence, and using a proven mentoring and support model. Today, I am proud to consider myself more than a teacher, a mentor. This has been expressed by my former students such as Luis Fernando Díaz, one of the most important Colombian players who currently plays in the English Premier League, and Andrea Arciniegas, a recognized financial analyst in Washington (USA), who says "having a figure like Oscar and receiving his lessons and advice is truly an opportunity that serves for life."

Recommended book: The Bible

Favorite phrases: In life there are no good or bad people. In life, there are those who want and those who do not want.