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Board of Directors

The school is governed by a Board of Directors that consists of eight members, two of whom are rotating members who serve as the president of the Ashton School Parents’ Association (ASPAS) and a student executive officer from the Student Council (STUCO.) The latter participates in one of the three to four meetings that are held per year, unless requested to participate more often. The Board sets, reviews and approves policies, while entrusting the general operation of the school to the head of school and the General Academic and Administrative Members (GAAM).

Board Members

President Vice-President Secretary Vocal Member Member Head of School ASPAS Representative

Jorge Luis Peláez

President

Mr. Peláez has 26 years of experience in the educational sector, founder of the Ashton School in 1998 and the Ashton Foundation, which he chairs; he is a former president of AINEP, member of the Advisory Board of World Vision RD.

He comes from a family of educators and considers himself a steward of what God has placed in his hands, which is why he seeks to honor him, glorify him and carry his message in all his activities.

He also has military experience and in the area of construction, a dentist by profession and a Postgraduate Degree in Management of Educational Centers. Furthermore, he served since its inception at Ashton as Administrative Director for 12 years, and then became President of the Board of Directors from 2010 to date.

Myrna Morales

Board Vice President

Audrey Moore

Board Secretary

Audrey Moore has been involved in education since 1994. She worked as a teacher for nine years, teaching high school Social Sciences, Spanish, and Biology, and has been in administrative roles since 2003. She has been part of the Ashton family since 2004, with two children who graduated from our educational institution.

Currently, she serves as the Secretary of the Board of Directors, a position she has held for 14 years. She joined the institution inspired by the Ashton Foundation’s mission, with a deep desire to serve and support those in need by extending Ashton’s education to marginalized communities. This vision gave rise to Aula HOPE, born with the hope of transforming the lives of its students and their communities.

She is a founding member of the Ashton Foundation, previously served as the Deputy Executive Director of Aula HOPE, and now holds the position of Executive Director. She is passionate about helping and serving others and witnessing how God works in the lives of her students.

Audrey firmly believes that we are here to serve, following the example of Jesus Christ, and that the best way to lead is through actions.

She holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC) and has completed additional university studies in Education at the same institution.

Dra. Rafaela Espaillat

Vocal

Rafaela Espaillat is an accomplished attorney who has practiced law for over 50 years in the areas of civil, labor, criminal and commercial law in the Dominican Republic. She is an alumni of UASD university where she earned the degree of doctor of law in 1971. She worked as the legal executor in the first mortgage bank in the country and she has vast experience in contractual relationships and resolution of conflicts. She has supported the Ashton School since its establishment, serving as their legal support as well as providing consulting services in all of the legal aspects involving third parties as well as the state. She is the co-founder of the law offices De La Cruz Espaillat and Associates founded in 1980. Rafaela Espaillat is incredibly passionate about helping others achieve their goals. She has the heart of a teacher, meaning she goes the extra mile to assist in any way she can to resolve disputes. She is a mother of three and a grandmother to six grandchildren who are her world. Presently, she is the grandmother of two students at the Ashton School and she is involved in teaching about the Christian doctrine as well as moral values in an adult community group. Her insights help the board rely on her legal expertise as well as her values, which serve as foundation of the Ashton School as an educational institution.

Victor Encarnación

Board Member

Graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Educational Administration. Currently, he serves as a professor for undergraduate and graduate programs in the Faculty of Humanities at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). Since 2006, he has worked as a Curriculum and Graphic Advisor in the Faculty of Humanities at UASD.

With extensive experience in both public and private education sectors in the country, he has consistently contributed his knowledge in an active and professional manner.

He has been serving as a member of the Ashton School Board of Directors since 2010.

José Mendoza

Board Member

José “Pepe” Mendoza is Peruvian and has worked as a pastor and professor of theology for more than 30 years in various countries. He has obtained theological degrees in Peru, Chile and Canada.

He and his family returned to Peru after more than 25 years living in different countries. He currently works as Professor of Theology, Editorial Director of a well-known page of Christian content and is also an editor of Christian literature in Spanish for several publishers. He also collaborates with different international organizations for the dissemination of theological material in the Hispanic world.

One of Pastor Mendoza’s main interests is the relationship between theology, daily life, the values of society and work. He is the Fraternal Pastor of the Christian Biblical Church in Lima, Peru since 2019. He is married to Erika and they have a daughter, Adriana.

Inés Gygax

Head of School

Mrs. Inés Gygax’s 29 years as an educator and administrator have included middle and high school teacher, department head, academic director and since 2011 as head of school at Ashton School. These years have been filled with rewarding experiences, yet her passion is to see children and adolescents developing in academic understandings and skills while growing in their knowledge and love for God.

Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things. –

While “free time” often includes reading, cooking and spending time with her family, one of the greatest pleasures is to browse and explore literature about innovative ideas in education and delve deeper into research-proven strategies and programs that will benefit students and overall school improvement. These activities are enjoyed even more so if there is a view to an ocean or lake.

Ms. Gygax holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, a Master of Education degree from Framingham State College and a Certificate in Educational Leadership for International Schools from Buffalo State University of New York. In 2016, Ms. Gygax was awarded a fellowship to participate in the Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership program for Heads of Schools at Teachers College, Columbia University.

It is a blessing to serve the Ashton community and to contribute to the lives of the children we are blessed to educate.

Gianna Cortina

ASPAS Representative

Gianna De Moya is an architect with postgraduate studies in construction management. She is a proud mother of two boys: one is currently pursuing university studies in Montreal, Canada, while the other is a ninth grader at Ashton School. Over the past 15 years, Gianna has been actively involved in school activities. This is her second year as president of Aspas, although she has been a part of it since 2017. She enjoys collaborating with other parents to support the growth and development of students and the community. Gianna and her husband Augusto work together as architects at Cortina De Moya Arquitectos. She strongly believes in the importance of meaningful relationships and values long-lasting friendships. In her free time, Gianna enjoys traveling, reading, and attending theater performances. Above all, she treasures family time and cherishes every opportunity to connect with her loved ones.

Board of Directors