Staff Directory

President

David Merkley, BS

David’s journey into language education is marked by a deep-rooted passion cultivated from an early age. Following high school, he ventured to Brazil for a transformative two-year missionary experience, immersing himself in the culture and occasionally teaching English. Returning to the United States, David pursued higher education in Colorado, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career spanning two decades in corporate management and entrepreneurship.

Driven by a desire to empower others and fueled by his love for languages, David eventually transitioned into English language education. This career shift allowed him to merge his professional expertise with his commitment to linguistic empowerment. Today, David’s journey stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and versatility, inspiring others in the realm of language education.

Center Director

Alexandre Saraiva

Professional with over 30 years of experience in commercial, business management, and marketing sectors, Alexandre has a solid academic background in Law (Bachelor’s degree) and Marketing (Postgraduate studies). Recognized in The Top 100 magazine in 2023, he currently holds the position of Center Director at Antares Winter Park.

Alexandre’s career is marked by a continuous quest for learning and improvement. He has always deeply valued the importance of mastering a second language, and his passion for English is notable. During his time in the United States as an F1 student, Alexandre not only achieved fluency in English but also developed advanced knowledge of Spanish. This linguistic proficiency complements his extensive professional experience, enabling him to effectively engage in international markets and collaborate with a diverse range of clients and partners, reflecting his love and commitment to the English language.

Office Manager

Giovanna Panza

Giovanna Santos Panza was born in São Paulo, Brazil, into a traditional Italian family with the surname Panza. From an early age, she developed a strong passion for exploring different cultures and languages, shaping her global perspective and cultural sensitivity.

She holds a degree in Marketing and brings over 10 years of experience in customer service, administrative management, and team leadership. Throughout her career, she has led strategic projects, managed brand identity, media, and visual communication with a focus on excellence and innovation.

As a result of her consistent performance and successful outcomes, she currently serves as Office Manager at the Antares Winter Park campus in Florida, playing a key role in the institution’s growth and positioning in the educational sector.

Academic Coordinator

Angel Castro

Angel Castro Torres is a seasoned educator with over 34 years of experience specializing in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction within multicultural environments. Currently serving as the Academic Coordinator at Antares Winter Park, FL, Angel is recognized for his commitment to delivering exceptional educational experiences and fostering a supportive, inclusive learning atmosphere. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he leverages outstanding interpersonal and communication skills to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring personalized instruction and effective language acquisition.

With a robust background in curriculum development, test preparation, and online instruction, Angel holds a Master of Science in Behavioral Counseling and a Bachelor’s in Education in English as a Second Language from top Venezuelan institutions. His expertise extends to creating engaging materials and newsletters for adult ESL learners, always prioritizing adaptability, patience, and student engagement. As a certified ESL instructor, Angel’s solution-oriented approach and dedication to student success make him a valued leader and mentor at Antares Winter Park and in the broader educational community.

Teacher

Luciana Villar

Luciana is an English Translator, Interpreter and Teacher from Argentina.
She has fallen in love with the English language and culture since she started studying it in 2008.
She earned the TOEIC certification (Test of English for International Communication), TESOL/TEFL Certification and a BA in Human Sciences attained in the National University of Cordoba.
Luciana has been teaching English for almost 10 years now to students of all ages. Throughout her teaching career, she has developed engaging lesson plans, fostered interactive learning environments, and adapted her methods to meet the unique needs of each student. Her approach emphasizes enjoyment and practical application, making language learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.