Founder 

Shaiska Malca 

Meet Shaiska, an entrepreneur, twin mother, and former lawyer hailing from Panama. As the founder of Pura Vida Talk, Shaiska firmly believes in the transformative power of language learning. Shaiska's passion for celebrating Hispanic culture and diversity led her to create the bilingual coloring and activity book, "Hispanic Adventures." With extensive research on culture, history, and travels, she ensures an accurate depiction of the vibrant tapestry of 21 Hispanic countries. As an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), she envisions this book as an educational tool. It not only allows children to learn about the rich diversity of the Hispanic people, but also empowers Hispanic kids worldwide to take pride in their heritage. 

Educational Psychologist 

Chantall Shaddei GarcíaDutary

Born and raised in Panama City, Panama, Chantall is a licensed Psychologist in Panama, specializing in clinical psychology for children and teenagers. She is a proud member of the Positive American Discipline Association and has dedicated the last 15 years of her career to Educational Psychology, offering invaluable insights for the development of effective learning methods and materials.

Teaching is not just a profession for Chantall; it's her lifelong passion. From the age of 15, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to working with all children, including those with special needs.

Chantall believes that education is the most effective way to create a better world, one filled with empathy, respect, solidarity, and knowledge. To her, teaching is more than just imparting knowledge; it's about nurturing individuals to become better human beings.

Beyond her professional life, Chantall has a deep love for travel, connecting with new people, and experiencing diverse cultures.

She is thrilled to be a part of PURA VIDA TALK! As Albert Einstein once said, 'It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge

Curriculum Director 

Edelmira Nuñez

Edelmira, a native of Panama City, Panama, has dedicated herself to teaching since 1991. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education, a university postgraduate degree in School Administration, and a Master's degree in higher education.

With more than 29 years of experience in education, Edelmira most recently served as the School Vice-Principal at the 'Estados Unidos de America' School in Panama. Her primary goal is to inspire students to embrace the Spanish language and develop essential communication skills that will open doors in their education and future careers.

Her passion for exploring diverse cultures through music and literature is complemented by her love for travel

Illustrator 

Paola Flores

Meet Paola Flores, a Mexican-American illustrator with an unwavering passion for art since her early beginnings. Her journey as an artist started with award-winning traditional pieces that won her scholarships, showcasing her extraordinary talent. She holds a degree in Arts and Entertainment Technologies from the University of Texas at Austin. Her experiences in the Disney College Program at Disney World further enriched her understanding of artistic and immersive experiences. A true artist at heart, Paola's passion extends beyond visual art to playing the violin, infusing her creations with soulful melodies. She is currently a Brand Image Manager at a Marketing company and the Illustrator of our bilingual coloring book. Her unique skill set and cultural understanding bring characters, fauna, and flora from Hispanic countries to life in captivating ways. With her art, Paola aims to inspire joy and appreciation for culture, leaving a lasting impact on all who encounter her extraordinary talent.

Creative Director - Biologist

Alexia Salazar

Meet Alexia Salazar, an international professional passionate about biodiversity, biotechnology, and genetics. Hailing from Peru and Panama, she now resides in Canada and holds a BS in Biology from St. Mary's University. She is the Creative Director of our Bilingual coloring and activity book. Her meticulous attention to detail has made her succeed in her role. With a natural talent in visual arts and graphic design complementing her scientific knowledge, Alexia's contributions extend beyond her creative role. She has blended her scientific accuracy with artistic creativity ensuring all the endemic flora and fauna are the best representation of Hispanic countries throughout the book. She is fueled by a deep desire to create a meaningful difference for future generations through inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace the marvels of the natural world and to cultivate an understanding of the delicate balance of life on our planet.