Before teaching at NSA, JD worked as a volunteer for a few non-profit institutions, doing recreational activities with teenagers and children while studying Microbiology at University of Costa Rica. Juan Diego is a scientist at heart who loves genetics and cellular biology studies. However, JD’s passion for working with teenagers lead him to pursue a degree in education (which he is currently completing). JD is particularly excited about the Biotechnology course he developed at NSA.

NSA students respect and admire JD for his open and easy-going personality which makes him easy to approach. JD also has many interests to find in common with NSA students, including Rock Band, magic, graphic novels, sports, and video games. During football season, JD runs a fantasy football league (go Green Bay!). JD also helps the Experiential Education department with physical education classes, which gives him a nice and unique opportunity to interact with his students outside the classroom. He loves to go to the gym, play flag football, and especially play basketball with the students. Sports has always been a big part of JD’s life as he also played first division volleyball in Costa Rica and has celebrated a few championships.

JD is one of the staff who is native to the Atenas area. He loves being close to home and has a large family in the area, many of whom have opened their homes as homestay families to our students. JD enjoys spending time at home, talking to my family and sharing histories with them. He also loves to dance Salsa and other Latin rhythms although he claims he is not especially good at it.