Takoma Academy Welcomes Three New Hires

Story by Shaun Robinson

This 2024–25 academic year, Takoma Academy (TA) welcomes three new hires to the campus family.

The Foreign Language Department welcomes Maritza Perez, TA’s new Spanish teacher. Although born in the United States, she was raised in Colombia and returned to the U.S. at the age of 19. She has taught Spanish at both Wisconsin Academy and Maplewood Academy (Minn.).

Perez values Christian education and has fully embraced her role this year. Anyone visiting her classroom would be pleased with the level of engagement and excitement among the students. Her cheerful disposition and energy lights up the classroom and models the kind of environment that makes learning fun, say colleagues.

“I see teaching high school students as young people full of potential, each uniquely gifted by God,” she says. “They bring a wonderful diversity of talents and perspectives, and it is a blessing to be part of their journey as they grow into who God has called them to be. I admire their energy, curiosity and their willingness to engage with both their faith and their academics.”

TA alumna Liliana Escobar (’20) is the bright, smiling face that is first seen by anyone entering the building. Escobar serves as the school’s front office manager and receptionist. After graduating from Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., she wanted to work in the Adventist community and not have to worry about having to choose between a job and keeping the Sabbath. Escobar enjoys helping the students and staff, as well as translating for Spanish speakers.

“I do feel that I am doing God’s work here because I try to be a good role model,” she states. “I try to be a good Adventist by reflecting God’s character and always having a good attitude. By being positive and always having a smile on my face, students will know that, despite any difficulties, God will always be there for us.”

Marianne Hope joins TA in a dual role as the 10th through 12th grade Bible teacher and school guidance counselor. Hope spent 11 years as a teacher in the local Montgomery County Public School System and also felt the call to education at TA.

“God had been dropping hints for me to come and work at TA during graduate school,” she explains. “As I was completing my master’s degree in School Counseling from WAU, I knew that I wanted to experience something different than the public school system. I wanted to stretch myself and secured an internship at Takoma Academy during the Spring 2024 semester. During that time, I was amazed at how different it felt to be in a school that embraced God at its core. As a guidance counselor, I hope to create a safe space where students can come and openly discuss their struggles or fears about school or their future.”