A Canadian citizen, Dr. Desroches holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Teacher Turnover in American-Accredited Schools. He is an experienced international school leader with more than 14 years of senior leadership. His background as an international educator commenced over 25 years ago spanning 4 continents, having served in many roles, in particular as Principal, Deputy Superintendent, Head of School, and Accreditation Lead Evaluator, giving him a deep understanding of all levels of education. These assignments allowed him to acquire the experience and skills to successfully lead dynamic world-class accredited institutions. He possesses a strong track record of improving student learning, deeply and constantly engaging stakeholders, and aligning resources to achieve desired outcomes. He brings in-depth knowledge and deep commitment to the IB Continuum, with extensive leadership experience in IB World School, including Stamford American International School in Singapore, which is the third largest IB continuum school in the World. Furthermore, for the school year of 2023/2024 and prior to coming to EARJ, Dr. Desroches served as Interim Head of School at the Üsküdar American Academy in Turkey, an IB prep school with outstanding excellency credentials. Dr. Desroches is committed to collaborating closely with our internationally-minded educators, talented staff, students, and parents to continue upholding the values and traditions that have made EARJ a truly exceptional place.

Emilia Ferreira has been the Business Manager at EARJ for the past 20 years, where she oversees Finances and Operations. She is a carioca and began her career as an auditor at PWC. She had the opportunity to work in these areas for a few years in other organizations in the private sector before joining EARJ. Emilia has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UERJ, MBAs in Finances and Management from PUC and UFRJ and a Master’s Degree course in School Business Leadership at Wilkes University Pennsylvania. Emilia has twin sons who graduated from college in the U.S. and are EARJ Alumni Class ‘2016.

Leia Kraeuter joins the Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (EARJ) community as the new Lower School Principal at the Gávea campus. A passionate and highly accomplished educational leader, Leia brings over 20 years of experience in international and U.S.-based schools, where she has served as a classroom teacher, instructional literacy coach, and elementary school principal.

Before joining EARJ, Leia held leadership roles in the United States and most recently in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to nurturing inclusive, student-centered learning environments and leading school communities with empathy, vision, and a strong focus on academic excellence.

Leia holds two master’s degrees—one in Educational Leadership and another in Curriculum and Instruction. She is especially passionate about early childhood and elementary education, with a proven track record of implementing innovative teaching practices and supporting the professional growth of faculty through collaborative leadership.

With a global perspective shaped by her diverse experiences, Leia is dedicated to fostering a school culture that values diversity, promotes equity, and encourages every child to thrive. She believes in the power of strong relationships and works closely with students, staff, and families to build a warm, dynamic, and inclusive school community.

Now embarking on a new chapter in Rio de Janeiro, Leia is joined by her husband and is excited to immerse herself in the vibrant Brazilian culture. They are proud parents of a son and daughter, both of whom are currently  in the United States. Outside of school, Leia enjoys exploring the outdoors, discovering great local food, and engaging with new communities and cultures.

Leia is thrilled to be part of the EARJ family and looks forward to working in partnership with students, teachers, and parents to support a joyful, engaging, and impactful learning experience for all children.

Steve Spannring has been the Upper School Principal at Gávea Campus and has been at EARJ since July 2023. Steve has been an educator for more than 20 years. He holds a Masters in Educational Leadership and a BA in History from the University of Northern Iowa. Mr. Spannring has taught various subjects and held various leadership positions first in the United States, in Egypt and, most recently, in Indonesia. Steve is focused on building relationships, developing creative and critical thinking, and challenging himself and others to continue to grow and learn.

Claudia Araya is the Athletic and Activities Director at the Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro and has been at EARJ since 2019. Before coming to EARJ, Ms. Claudia Araya worked for 24 years at The International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile. There she taught Middle School physical education in her first 17 years and worked in Athletics for the next 7 years, as the Assistant Athletic Director first to later lead the 50+ athletic teams and 70+ coaches, staff, fitness and athletic trainers – Nido Athletic Program from 2015 to 2019.  Claudia attended the UMCE University where she earned a Physical Education degree and later earned a postgraduate degree in Learning disabilities at Universidad Andrés Bello. She is a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator and has been working with students, families, teachers, coaches, and educational leaders for 25 years. She is from Chile and has lived abroad since she was a child. Claudia is here in Rio de Janeiro with her son, Kuky, who swims professionally in the Flamengo and Chilean national team. She also has a daughter, María Ignacia, who is starting her dentistry graduate studies in Belgium. In her spare time, she loves working out, playing beach tennis, dancing, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

Cody Alton is the Director of Student Support Services, covering Nursery to Grade 12 on both our EARJ campuses. Student Support Services includes English and Academic Language, Learning Support, and Gifted, and has been at EARJ since 2019.Previous to EARJ, Cody was the Learning Support Coordinator at the International School of Latvia, and worked within the special education field in Tanzania, Malaysia, and California, USA. He has presented at international conferences within South America, Europe, and Africa on inclusion. He has a master’s degree in Inclusive Education, with a passion for developing a philosophy in which all students are valued within the community, the classroom, and most importantly within themselves.

He is here with his wife Margarita and in his spare time enjoys participating in various international groups within the special education field, creating art, cooking, surfing, and learning Portuguese.