Faculty Profiles
“Train up a child in the way he should go.”
Proverbs 22:6
Clara Curiel-Nicholas
Director, Majestic Pathways Academy
With over 40 years of experience in education, Mrs. Clara Altagracia Curiel-Nicholas is a seasoned educator who brings a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and vision to her role as Director of Majestic Pathways Academy.
A passionate educator, administrator, and curriculum specialist, she has dedicated her life to nurturing young minds and strengthening early childhood and primary education systems. She spent her career empowering students, teachers, and communities, especially those navigating socioeconomic and learning challenges.
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Born in Aruba and raised in St. Maarten, Mrs. Curiel-Nicholas has served in nearly every capacity within the education system since beginning her career in 1984. From kindergarten teacher to principal, curriculum coordinator, and acting superintendent. She is widely respected for her expertise in early childhood education, her commitment to Foundation-Based Learning, and her hands-on leadership in community school projects.
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As Director of Majestic Pathways Academy, with a strong foundation in Foundation-Based Education and a Master of Arts in Education/Administration & Supervision she is leading a bold new vision to reimagine education, one that is inclusive, student-centered, and rooted in hope, purpose, and possibility. She believes that every child, regardless of background, deserves access to a nurturing, high-quality educational experience that honors their potential and supports their growth.
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Teacher Clara, as she is affectionately known, has led pioneering work in early childhood education, teacher mentorship, and school reform, including the successful transition and expansion of elementary school campuses. Her leadership style is rooted in collaboration, accountability, and a deep love for children and learning
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Guided by the principle from Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go,” Mrs. Curiel-Nicholas sees education as a sacred calling. Her leadership at Majestic Pathways Academy reflects her deep belief in transformation through care, innovation, and unwavering faith in the future of every child.
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Amanda Nicholas James
Lead Afterschool & Tutoring Coordinator
Amanda Nicholas James is a passionate and dedicated educator who leads Majestic Pathways Academy’s Afterschool & Tutoring Program. With over a decade of experience in both education and youth development, Amanda brings leadership, compassion, and structure to her role ensuring every student has access to a safe, enriching, and supportive learning environment.
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Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of St. Martin and an Associate of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Colegio EPI in Aruba. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in education counseling at the University of the Virgin Islands, which enhances her ability to support students’ emotional and academic growth.
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Since 2014, Amanda has worked as a Grade 2 Teacher and Coordinator at the Methodist Agogic Centre, where she has earned a strong reputation for her classroom leadership and student-centered approach. Her earlier experience as a teaching assistant shaped her inclusive and individualized philosophy of education.
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In addition to her work in schools, Amanda has a professional background in hospitality whichhelped refine her communication, team coordination, and organizational skills, qualities she now applies to managing after school and tutoring programs.
As Lead Afterschool & Tutoring Coordinator, Amanda designs and oversees programs that combine academic support, enrichment activities, and mentorship. She works closely with staff, tutors, and families to tailor instruction to each student’s learning style, ensuring that all childrenregardless of ability level can succeed.
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Amanda is fluent in English, Papiamento, and Spanish, which allows her to effectively engage with a diverse community of learners and parents. Her calm presence, high energy, and genuine care for children are at the heart of everything she does.
At Majestic Pathways Academy, Amanda’s leadership reflects our mission: to provide children with the tools, confidence, and encouragement they need to grow into capable, curious, and confident individuals.
"I believe every child learns in their own unique way—and it’s our responsibility to meet them where they are, nurture their strengths, and guide them forward with patience and purpose."
-Amanda Nicholas James
“If children love what they learn, and love how they learn, they will love to learn”
-Tatiana Arrindell
Tatiana Arrindell
Lead Learning Coach & K–12 Online School Coordinator
Tatiana Arrindell is visionary and Lead Learning Coach of Majestic Pathways Academy, where she brings more than 20 years of educational leadership and community advocacy to her mission of transforming how students learn and grow. She also serves as the Coordinator of the Academy’s K–12 Online School Platform, ensuring high-quality, flexible, and student-centered virtual learning experiences for learners across all grade levels.
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A lifelong advocate for personalized education, Ms. Arrindell is known for her innovative approach to learning that emphasizes interest-based, inclusive, and student-driven environments. Her guiding philosophy “If children love what they learn, and love how they learn, they will love to learn” is at the heart of her work at Majestic Pathways experience.
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Her career began in public service on Sint Maarten, followed by her historic appointment as Director of the island’s only Performing Arts Academy. Under her leadership, the Academy achieved a groundbreaking milestone: the first-ever academic partnership between a local high school and a prestigious U.S.-based university. This visionary collaboration expanded educational access and set a new precedent for international academic exchange on the island.
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Born in the Netherlands and raised on Sint Maarten from the age of three, Ms. Arrindell was deeply influenced by her first teacher, Mrs. Clara Curiel-Nicholas—an inspiration that still guides her work today. As a former school director, she has seen firsthand the shortcomings of one-size-fits-all systems and is committed to creating learning environments where students feel seen, heard, and empowered.
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Ms. Arrindell is also a dedicated mother of three. She homeschooled her eldest daughter through high school, a journey that led to her daughter’s current success as a university student pursuing a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Social Work.
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At Majestic Pathways Academy, Tatiana Arrindell leads with heart, vision, and a steadfast belief in every learner’s potential. Whether in the classroom, online, or at home, she continues to reimagine education to serve the whole child, mind, heart, and spirit.
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