GISELLE AKEL TORRES
Fine Arts And Education Proyect Manager
SAMBORONDON,G
Summary
Fine Arts Leader and Educator with extensive experience directing K–12 Performing and Visual Arts programs within high-performing schools. Proven expertise in strategic planning, curriculum leadership, faculty development, budgeting, and interdisciplinary learning. Strong background in neuroscience-informed pedagogy, project-based learning, and play-based education. Recognized for building innovative, student-centered arts programs that foster excellence, inclusion, and community engagement.
Experienced with coordinating performing arts projects and events. Utilizes innovative approaches to enrich fine arts programs and engage communities. Track record of fostering teamwork and achieving successful project outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Fine Arts Coordinator (K–12)
Colegio Menor – Nord Anglia Education
08.2022 - 05.2026
- Provide strategic leadership for K–12 Fine Arts programs across Performing Arts (Music, Drama, Dance) and Visual Arts.
- Design and oversee vertically aligned curricula aligned with international standards and best practice.
- Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and long-term program development.
- Recruit, observe, mentor, and evaluate Fine Arts faculty.
- Direct large-scale concerts, performances, exhibitions, and galleries.
- Lead logistics for local and international workshops, festivals, competitions, and cultural exchanges.
- Serve as Juilliard Lead, acting as institutional liaison with the Juilliard Creative Classroom program.
Undergraduate professor
Universidad Casa Grande
04.2025 - 09.2025
- Delivered undergraduate courses in Neuroscience-Based Didactic Strategies and Pre-Professional Teaching Practice.
Early Years Music Teacher
Colegio Menor – Nord Anglia Education
03.2017 - 08.2022
- Delivered general music education to students aged 3–6.
- Led curriculum development for each Early Years level.
- Directed annual concerts showcasing student learning and artistic growth.
- Successfully transitioned music instruction to online learning formats.
Early Years Music Coordinator & Piano Teacher
Sonata Academy
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Designed an exploratory, play-based music curriculum for children aged 18 months to 6 years.
- Adapted instrumental and group music instruction for virtual learning environments.
IPC Units Developer – Music Level 3
Nord Anglia Education
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Designed IPC Music units (Ensemble, Singing, Rhythm) for international implementation.
- Developed learning objectives, assessments, and creative learning sequences.
Education
Master’s Degree - Cognitive Psychology and Learning
FLACSO-UAM
ArgentinaLicensed Educator - Early Childhood Education, Minor: Special Education
Universidad Casa Grande
EcuadorDegree - Music, Piano Performance
Conservatory Sergei Rachmaninov
EcuadorSkills
Spanish: Native English: C2 Proficient
Performing Arts Skills: Piano, Voice, Percussion, Dance (Latin styles)
NLP Practitioner Mindfulness Practitioner
Teaching experience
Collaborative leadership
Performance scheduling
Design thinking
Design thinking
Accomplishments
- Led international arts initiatives providing students with performance opportunities abroad.
- Designed Early Years music programs integrating play, creativity, and cognitive development.
- Conducted action research improving developmental outcomes in underserved preschool communities.
- Delivered professional development based on Positive Discipline and social-emotional learning.
CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
- Fine Arts Department Leadership (K–12)
- Strategic Planning & Budget Management
- Curriculum Design & Vertical Alignment
- Faculty Recruitment, Coaching & Evaluation
- Project-Based & Interdisciplinary Learning
- International Programs & Partnerships
- Performance, Exhibition & Event Direction
Timeline
Undergraduate professor
Universidad Casa Grande
04.2025 - 09.2025
Fine Arts Coordinator (K–12)
Colegio Menor – Nord Anglia Education
08.2022 - 05.2026
IPC Units Developer – Music Level 3
Nord Anglia Education
12.2021 - 04.2022
Early Years Music Coordinator & Piano Teacher
Sonata Academy
06.2019 - 05.2022
Early Years Music Teacher
Colegio Menor – Nord Anglia Education
03.2017 - 08.2022
Degree - Music, Piano Performance
Conservatory Sergei Rachmaninov
Licensed Educator - Early Childhood Education, Minor: Special Education
Universidad Casa Grande
Master’s Degree - Cognitive Psychology and Learning
FLACSO-UAM