About us
Cotiledón
As former university professors with teaching and research experience in Colombia, the United States, and England, our background has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of human potential and the diverse forms of learning and growth. This academic foundation, combined with our experience in project planning and organization, allows us to offer a structured and personalized approach to helping others discover their potential and achieve their goals. Second language teaching, mentoring, transpersonal coaching, and management tools are part of our work because we believe in the holistic development of the individual, addressing both their cognitive and emotional abilities and their deep well-being. This allows us to guide people in their personal and professional transformation.
Our Story
Cotiledón was founded in early 2020 in Medellín, Colombia, as a service offering that seeks to help people discover and develop their true potential, both personally and professionally. Our distinguishing feature is that we provide the support needed for each individual to grow, organize their projects, optimize their time, and achieve holistic balance in their lives.
Rita Isabel, a biologist with a Master's degree in Education and Science, along with Alejandro, a biologist, anthropologist, and artist, have joined forces to form Cotiledón. Here you will find the advice you've been searching for. We combine our personal and professional experiences as teachers and mentors in both the Social and Natural Sciences, as well as English language teaching, to help you develop the skills needed in today's world.
Cotiledón is what you need: direct, personalized advice where you'll learn everything from speaking English to connecting your life purpose with your work life.
Work team: Rita Isabel Vélez-Ruiz
I studied Biology at the University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia), then earned a Master of Science in Entomology from the National University of Colombia (Medellín Campus) and a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from South Dakota State University, United States.
My academic training is complemented by a Master's degree in Education and diplomas in Human Resources Strategy and Management, Neurolinguistic Programming, Reiki, and Coaching.
My professional career has allowed me to work in various institutions, such as the National Science Foundation (USA), South Dakota State University, Unilasallista, EAFIT, and EIA University in Colombia, focusing on scientific education. I also have extensive experience in scientific outreach, both in academia and in business, and in teaching English in a variety of settings.
At Cotiledón , my focus is on providing time management tools, mentoring, and transpersonal coaching, supporting people in their personal and professional growth through structured and personalized methodologies. If you'd like, I can also guide you through the process of acquiring English as a second language or contribute my knowledge of English mentoring and coaching.
Work team: Alejandro Valencia-Tobón
My background in biological sciences at the University of Antioquia (Medellín, Colombia) led me to specialize in Visual Anthropology and obtain a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology with Visual Media from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Throughout my career, I've worked on projects that integrate art, science, and anthropology, exploring sound art, participatory art, and the relationship between art and science. An example of this is Cucusonic , a musical work made with the sounds of frogs, birds, and bats that features artists such as Brian Eno.
I have been a consultant, teacher, and curator at various Colombian institutions and have had the opportunity to teach English at software companies and independently. My professional experience includes working as an academic peer and curator at internationally renowned events.
At Cotiledón , my contribution focuses on mentoring and English classes, where I help people discover and unlock their inner potential, applying a communicative approach that integrates both the development of second language skills and professional support. I also assist you in the use of time management tools, project organization, and scientific writing.