Del Mar Academy was the vision of two families who saw a need for a school that would positively impact Nosara and be a center for change.  Education can elevate a child, a family and eventually an entire community. The magic of Nosara draws people from all over the world, but for those with school age children, living here was a challenge without a school with internationally high standards. The demand was there, and ideas became plans. Before long, land was purchased and building plans drawn. Teachers were soon hired, books were ordered and Del Mar Academy went from a vision to a reality. The vision is far from complete, but it is well on its way.

JESSICA SHEFFIELD AND BRAM SHOOK

Jessica is a native Costa Rican and grew up in Belen, Heredia. She is a biologist by trade and a  Fulbright Scholar who earned a Master's Degree in Environmental Science from Florida Institute of Technology. Jessica is the founder of CERENA H2O an Environmental Organization that focuses on Environmental Education and fresh water resources. She works at DMA as the Chair of DMA Environmental Committee, the Media Coordinator and is the Costa Rican Ministry of Education Consultant. Bram grew up in Westport, Connecticut. After eight years with a Fortune 500 company in San Diego, he moved to Nosara in 2001. Bram owns Century 21 La Costa Realty in Nosara. Jessi and Bram have two children: Kai and Lucia. Bram and Jessi also have a niece and two nephews who attend DMA.

HAYLEY MACMILLAN-ORD AND LAIN ORD

Hayley and Iain bought their first home in Nosara in 2002 and moved here from the Cayman Islands.  Hayley, a licensed  Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, and a yoga teacher, is originally from Edmonton, Canada and moved south to the Caribbean island in 1987. Hayley works at DMA as the Extra Curricular Program Coordinator, the Chair of DMA Yearbook Committee and the DMA Family Support System Facilitator.  Iain grew up in Berwick-upon-Tweed, England and after working in the Falkland Islands moved to Cayman in 1987 where he opened what is known today as GHEZZI,  a premier plumbing and construction company on the island. 

Now full time Nosaranians, they have three children: Oceanna, Skye and Solace, all of whom are Del Mar Academy students. The couple co-owns a housing development called Paseo Del Sol (which is near the DMA campus) as well as NOVA Development Group, one of Nosara's premier building companies.