ADMISSIONS & FAMILY SERVICES
1 (800) 609-9496
admissions@newsummitacademy.com

Griffin Hulkower, BA Psychology
Admissions Coordinator (USA)

Griffin was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, and is an alum of the New Summit Academy class of 2014, which he recalls as a pivotal part of his own growth and the experience of a lifetime. After graduating, Griffin deferred college enrollment to take a Gap-Year to gain some life experience through volunteering by teaching English and instructing kids/adolescents on how to surf. He spent time in Morocco, where he received his ISA level 1 surf instructor certification and taught English at a local middle school. Next was kindergarten teaching and surf outreach at a non-profit with the indigenous Ngbobe community in Panama. Griffin earned his B.A. in Psychology at UNC Wilmington and spent summers working at a surf camp. Since graduating, Griffin has worked at a therapeutic wilderness program near Asheville, NC, and also spent a year abroad in the Netherlands working at an international treatment center for teens and young adults. 
Griffin joined the New Summit team in February of 2021 after returning to Asheville, NC. His passion for this work is motivated by his own life experiences and what he has been able to claim in light of them. In his free time, Griffin loves to be outside hiking, surfing when he can, and spending time in nature. He is an avid reader and has a passion for cooking as well.

 Laura Cespedes, BA Psychology (in progress) 
​Admissions Coordinator (Costa Rica)

Laura Céspedes grew up in Atenas and has been involved with New Summit Academy most of her life. After graduating high school, she had the opportunity to volunteer in South Africa for three months which made her aware of all the different realities there are in the world, and gave her a different perspective for the better. Once she came back from this journey, she decided to begin her studies in Psychology. Laura is currently studying to get her degree while also working with us to improve her knowledge in the field.​

Laura is an amazing Admissions Coordinator. She skillfully manages all of the paperwork, checklists and logistics to help our families feel welcome! She prides herself on being connected, responsive, caring, supportive, and a wonderful organizer. 

​Lic. Marco Arce V.
Medical Coordinator & Nurse

Before becoming NSA’s medical coordinator and nurse in 2019, Marco 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.
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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
​Family & Student Services Coordinator

Diana is originally from Costa Rica but spent half of her life in California where she finished her education. Before working for NSA, Diana worked in Hospitality and Marketing where she gained her administrative and interpersonal skills.

​In her free time, Diana enjoys arts and crafts and also teaches Salsa – Latin dances and Crochet classes. Diana has a great passion for art, dance, music, and loves spending time with her pets. Diana is very passionate about animal rights and a loyal member of Preserve the Planet Foundation, “El Zaguate” and Fundacion “Amigo Animal” Costa Rica.

​Lucy McDonald
​Billing Manager

Lucy is a key part of our administrative team. Outside of taking care of two young boys and her family, she finds time to help NSA 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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