ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
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Dr. Heather Tracy, Ed.M., EdD.
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Previously, Dr. Tracy researched Math and English support programs for the MCAS in Boston Public Schools, taught English as a Second Language to teenagers and adults, taught college reading and writing courses to study abroad students, and served one year as a volunteer English teacher in the Costa Rican public school system through World Teach Costa Rica. Before founding New Summit Academy, she set up and directed the academic program at Coronado Academy, where she also taught English classes and served as school guidance counselor in matters of standardized tests and college applications and assessment.
Being a part of the founding team of New Summit Academy in 2004 has been the highlight of he career, and she feels blessed to be able to be a part of the team creating innovative, holistic, and quality education for unique young men. Her goal is to help students develop and pursue passions while enhancing traditional skills needed for college and independence in unique, interesting ways that are attractive to each student’s particular learning strengths. With engagement in activities that develop teen brains, minds, bodies, and spirits inside and outside the classroom, students are able to showcase their learning strengths, improve their learning weaknesses, earn confidence and curiosity for learning, and produce work that lives up to their potential.
She is tri-lingual (English, Spanish, and French), studied abroad in France for one year, and has lived in Costa Rica since January 2002. In her free time (free time?), she loves to travel to interesting places, dance, read nerdy books, eat good food, and take care of the various pets that seem to keep showing up at her doorstep.
Being a part of the founding team of New Summit Academy in 2004 has been the highlight of he career, and she feels blessed to be able to be a part of the team creating innovative, holistic, and quality education for unique young men. Her goal is to help students develop and pursue passions while enhancing traditional skills needed for college and independence in unique, interesting ways that are attractive to each student’s particular learning strengths. With engagement in activities that develop teen brains, minds, bodies, and spirits inside and outside the classroom, students are able to showcase their learning strengths, improve their learning weaknesses, earn confidence and curiosity for learning, and produce work that lives up to their potential.
She is tri-lingual (English, Spanish, and French), studied abroad in France for one year, and has lived in Costa Rica since January 2002. In her free time (free time?), she loves to travel to interesting places, dance, read nerdy books, eat good food, and take care of the various pets that seem to keep showing up at her doorstep.
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Catalina Rojas, Masters in Administration, Cert SFL Teacher
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Later, Catalina followed a similar path as her mother, who spent her life as a teacher with many years devoted to adolescents with academic problems. She began to give English lessons and Spanish lessons to children while taking classes at the British Institute. Since joining New Summit Academy in 2006, Catalina has been teaching Spanish classes and serving as the Administrative Assistant. In 2010, Catalina completed her technical degree (with honors) in teaching Spanish as a second language. Her goal is not only to teach Spanish, but to help students understand Latin American cultures and traditions. Through this experience at NSA, Catalina decided in 2010 to continue her studies and is pursuing a Masters degree in Educational Administration at La Salle University.
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Lic. Marco Arce V., , RN BSN 12042
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Diana Rojas, Personal Growth & Family Services CoordinatorDiana Rojas has been an integral member of the New Summit Academy team since 2011. Originally from Costa Rica, she spent a significant part of her life in California, where she completed her education. Diana holds an Associates Degree in Psychology from Goldenwest College in Huntington Beach, California and is a Certified Medical and Nurse Assistant.
Before joining New Summit Academy, she gained valuable experience in hospitality, nursing, and marketing, which honed her administrative and interpersonal skills for her role as the Personal Growth & Family Services Coordinator. Diana enjoys spending time with family as well as arts and crafts such as crocheting and painting. She also has a great passion for faith and caregiving and holds a Bible Counseling Certificate from the School of Pastoral Studies of Costa Rica. |
Diana plays a pivotal part in supporting students and their families, fostering personal development, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of New Summit Academy's community.
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Lucy McDonald, Billing ManagerLucy is a key part of our administrative team. For years, she has been organizing our billing, insurance spreadsheets, and supporting Administration with her caring, collaborative personality and diverse set of administrative skills.
Outside of taking care of two young boys and her family, she finds time to help New Summit Academy keep things running smoothly. She manages billing coordination and is always organized and available for questions in accounting. We are thankful to have her as a part of the NSA team! |
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Diego Umaña Herrera, Masters in HR Management, Lic. Psychologist, Director of Human ResourcesDiego was born and raised in Palmares, a rural town in Alajuela with a strong orientation towards agricultural, industrial, and commercial development, all of which strongly influenced Diego’s professional path.
For more than 35 years, his family has dedicated themselves to coffee production, which has influenced Diego’s integrated vision of the productive processes that create successful businesses as well as the values important to a company’s vision–including commitment, perseverance, and work ethic. |
Diego holds a Masters degree in Human Resources Management. In 2005, Diego earned his licensure in Psychology at the University of Costa Rica. His proudest achievement in this arena has been to complete his first clinical study in Costa Rica about risk-taking youth, specifically in driving safety. From his professional experience, Diego has shown versatility and a dynamic personality to develop his position as Professor of Ethics and Leadership at the Universidad Técnica Nacional, clinical psychologist in the Centro Médico San Rafael, and for more than 10 years, he has worked in the processes of Human Resources from his psychology of human resources approach and training for various international companies.
Diego sees at NSA an enriching opportunity where he can put into practice his knowledge and experience from the field of Human Resources. Diego has a natural talent for synthesizing information to provide comprehensive and useful feedback, developing professional development plans, and implementing processes that ensure occupational health and personal and professional development, as well as business sustainability.
Among his pastimes, Diego enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading, playing soccer, and hiking in the mountains and coffee plantations with his dog, Luka.
Diego sees at NSA an enriching opportunity where he can put into practice his knowledge and experience from the field of Human Resources. Diego has a natural talent for synthesizing information to provide comprehensive and useful feedback, developing professional development plans, and implementing processes that ensure occupational health and personal and professional development, as well as business sustainability.
Among his pastimes, Diego enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading, playing soccer, and hiking in the mountains and coffee plantations with his dog, Luka.
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Ana Cristina Gutiérrez Font, Nutrition & Wellness CoordinatorAna Cristina is a bilingual licensed dietitian and wellness coach with over 20 years of experience in holistic nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and behavior change. She leads her private practice, Nutrición Sostenida, based in Escazú, Costa Rica, where she offers personalized coaching focused on weight management, metabolic health, and sustainable habit change.
Ana Cristina holds a Master's in Nutrition and Food from the University of Barcelona and a Bachelor's in Human Nutrition from the University of San José. She is certified as a Wellness Coach, Lifestyle Diabetes Prevention Coach, and Sports Nutrition Specialist (CISSN), and has additional training in integrative treatments for eating. |
Ana Cristina’s work is known for her empathy, creativity, and the ability to craft meaningful wellness experiences that inspire sustainable change.
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Dayanna Corales, AccountingComing soon...
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Carolina Artavia Soto, AccountingComing soon...
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