My name is Esperanza Mora Cespedes, I was born and raised in Monteverde. I’m the seventh of eight children. I had a happy childhood learning all that the forest could teach me. Since I was very young, I would spend my school vacations helping to care for my nieces and nephews, which inspired my work with children. I completed my primary and secondary studies in Santa Elena. I learned artisanry and cooking from my mother. I spent a few years away from Monteverde, but returned after becoming a mother. In 1998 I was given the opportunity to work in the Cloud Forest School. I’ve learned and taught for 21 years alongside many different and wonderful people and I will continue learning and teaching as long as I’m able.