ADMISSIONS
& FAMILY SERVICES
1 (800) 609-9496
admissions@newsummitacademy.com
Adam Beeson, MA, Strategic Enrollment Director
Adam Beeson is Strategic Enrollment Director at New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica. With nearly two decades of international school teaching and leadership experience in Europe and the Americas, Adam is an educator with a passion for creating meaningful relationships with learners and facilitating experiences that lead to cross-cultural understanding and global competencies.
Between 2015-2020, Adam served in a number of roles within the Academic Department at New Summit Academy. He is actively involved in the wider field of independent school education, adding his insight as a presenter at the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA), The Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference of the Americas. He previously served as an IB Examiner and member of the International Schools Anti-Discrimination Taskforce, and he is a contributor to various publications, including the Wellbeing in International Schools Magazine, for which he was also a founding member of the editorial team.
Between 2015-2020, Adam served in a number of roles within the Academic Department at New Summit Academy. He is actively involved in the wider field of independent school education, adding his insight as a presenter at the Small Boarding Schools Association (SBSA), The Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference of the Americas. He previously served as an IB Examiner and member of the International Schools Anti-Discrimination Taskforce, and he is a contributor to various publications, including the Wellbeing in International Schools Magazine, for which he was also a founding member of the editorial team.
Adam received his M.A. in International Education from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, a B.A. in English from Brevard College (USA) and an International Teacher Certificate from the European Council of International Schools. He is a Fellow of the Salzburg Global Seminar, an Austrian-based think tank and policy center, and an alumnus of the Global Citizenship Alliance. A lifelong learner, Adam spends his free time planning adventures with friends and family, trail running, and perusing independent bookstores for a good read and a cup of coffee.
Emily Jann, BA, Admissions Manager
Emily Jann is Admissions Manager at New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica, where she leads the admissions process with professionalism and warmth. Known for her responsiveness, empathy and strong communication skills, Emily ensures that families feel welcomed, supported, and informed every step of the way.
Emily brings more than 20 years of experience in client relations and family support to her role. Her professional journey began as a paralegal before transitioning into the educational and therapeutic fields. For the past eight years, she served as a client relationship manager at a consulting firm, where she guided families through complex educational and therapeutic decisions with empathy, clarity, and integrity.
Emily brings more than 20 years of experience in client relations and family support to her role. Her professional journey began as a paralegal before transitioning into the educational and therapeutic fields. For the past eight years, she served as a client relationship manager at a consulting firm, where she guided families through complex educational and therapeutic decisions with empathy, clarity, and integrity.
She holds a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication from The Ohio State University and is passionate about creating a welcoming and empowering experience for each student and family entering New Summit Academy. Emily recently relocated from Chicago to Arizona, where she is enjoying the natural beauty of the Southwest. Outside of work, she loves hiking, skiing, and spending time with her husband, their two young adult daughters, and their golden retrievers.
Laura Cespedes, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Laura Céspedes is Marketing and Events Coordinator at New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica, where she plays a key role in digital storytelling as well as welcoming new students and families into the community. With a warm and organized approach, she oversees various steps in the admissions process, from facilitating student interviews and coordinating travel logistics to arranging virtual and campus tours. Her attention to detail and commitment to care help ensure that each family feels supported from the very beginning of their journey.
A native of Atenas, Costa Rica, Laura has been connected to New Summit Academy for most of her life. Following high school, she spent three months volunteering in South Africa, a transformative experience that broadened her worldview and inspired her to pursue a degree in psychology. She is currently completing her undergraduate studies while actively applying her learning through her work at New Summit Academy.
A native of Atenas, Costa Rica, Laura has been connected to New Summit Academy for most of her life. Following high school, she spent three months volunteering in South Africa, a transformative experience that broadened her worldview and inspired her to pursue a degree in psychology. She is currently completing her undergraduate studies while actively applying her learning through her work at New Summit Academy.
Laura is dedicated to building meaningful connections with families and contributing to a smooth and thoughtful transition process for each student. Outside of work and her studies, Laura enjoys spending time with loved ones and continuing to explore the diverse perspectives that shape her passion for education and human connection.
Gabriella Klapheke, Admissions and Digital Portfolio Coordinator
Gabriella joined the team at New Summit Academy and The Bridge Costa Rica after relocating from Louisville, Kentucky, to Costa Rica to immerse herself in the country's beautiful culture and embrace a new adventure. She has always been passionate about creating opportunities for connection and helping people feel welcomed and supported, making admissions a natural fit.
Gabriella believes that every student has a unique story worth celebrating and loves helping families discover what makes New Summit Academy such a special place. She is excited to combine her passion for community, service, and youth development to support students from their very first conversation through every milestone of their journey.
After students enroll, Gabriella continues to play an active role in their experience by helping them thoughtfully build a portfolio that reflects their growth, achievements, and personal journey. She loves creating meaningful ways to showcase each student's progress while celebrating the dedication, resilience, and hard work that make their accomplishments so rewarding.
When she's not working, Gabriella enjoys exploring Costa Rica, learning from its vibrant culture, spending time outdoors with her camera, and building connections with the people around her.
Lic. Marco Arce V., RN BSN 12042
Medical Coordinator & Nurse
Before becoming New Summit Academy’s medical coordinator and nurse in 2019, Marco Arce graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2009 with his Bachelors of Science in Nursing. He worked as nurse in North Carolina and then relocated to Costa Rica in 2012. Since being in Costa Rica, Marco has completed his Costa Rican licensure in nursing and has worked in various healthcare settings.
Marco has a passion for the outdoors and golfing in his free time. He loves to travel and enjoys cooking different types of food. Marco loves to spend times with family and friends, including his Dachshund Roxy.
Marco has a passion for the outdoors and golfing in his free time. He loves to travel and enjoys cooking different types of food. Marco loves to spend times with family and friends, including his Dachshund Roxy.
Diana Rojas
Personal Growth & Family Services Coordinator
Diana 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.
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.