About the Author

Cathy Rattray Samuel is an energetic and creative educator, instructional coach, and author of Let's Have Fun With Spanish. This series of Spanish workbooks is widely used in primary schools throughout Jamaica. The workbooks, along with an accompanying audio CD, reflect Cathy’s extensive experience in education. She has served as a Spanish teacher and principal at the primary level, as well as a consultant with the Ministry of Education and CARICOM, contributing to the development of Primary Spanish Curriculums. Cathy has also led workshops across Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean on the effective instruction of Spanish at the primary level.

With a deep passion for teaching and learning, Cathy leverages her expertise in technology to support educators. She has conducted workshops on Integrating Technology into the Classroom for primary-level teachers, helping them enhance instruction with digital tools. As an administrator, she has held leadership roles as Principal of Sts. Peter & Paul Preparatory School and St. Hugh's Preparatory School, as well as Executive Director for the Jamaica Independent Schools’ Association and the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission.

Cathy holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, an Instructional Coach and Mentorship Certification, a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. During her time at Tennessee, she competed on an athletic scholarship, earning 17 All-American honors. She represented Jamaica in the women’s 400 meters at four Olympic Games and achieved remarkable success, including:

  • World Indoor Champion (4x400m relay)

  • Three-time Olympic Games finalist (Top 8)

  • World Championships finalist (Top 8)

  • Pan American Games medalist (Bronze & Silver)

  • Commonwealth Games medalist (Bronze & Silver)

Cathy continues to dedicate her expertise to education, mentorship, and curriculum development, empowering both students and teachers through innovative and engaging learning experiences.