EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION TEAM
Andy Myers
Experiential Education Director & Co-Founder
Andy is the Experiential Education Director and Co-Founder at New Summit Academy, where he leads dynamic outdoor and cultural programming that supports student growth through challenge, connection, and discovery. With decades of experience in experiential education and therapeutic settings, Andy is deeply committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
His professional background includes extensive work with at-risk adolescents in both environmental education and therapeutic residential settings. He has lived in Costa Rica since 2001 and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
His professional background includes extensive work with at-risk adolescents in both environmental education and therapeutic residential settings. He has lived in Costa Rica since 2001 and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Andy earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Behavior from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment. During his time there, he served as Trip Coordinator for the university’s Outdoor Adventure Program, planning and leading backpacking, rock climbing, and sea kayaking expeditions for participants of all ages. He also worked as a High Ropes Course Facilitator with the University of Michigan Challenge Program, focusing on group dynamics and team development.
In addition to his work at the school, Andy serves on the Board of Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound, where he supports oversight of program safety. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and brings a deep appreciation for cultural immersion into his work. At New Summit Academy, he oversees on- and off-campus recreation, Aventuras, organized sports, and outdoor leadership opportunities.
Outside of his professional role, Andy continues to find inspiration in the natural world and values the opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people through meaningful, growth-oriented experiences.
In addition to his work at the school, Andy serves on the Board of Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound, where he supports oversight of program safety. He has traveled extensively throughout Latin America and brings a deep appreciation for cultural immersion into his work. At New Summit Academy, he oversees on- and off-campus recreation, Aventuras, organized sports, and outdoor leadership opportunities.
Outside of his professional role, Andy continues to find inspiration in the natural world and values the opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people through meaningful, growth-oriented experiences.
Alejandra Cardoza
Psychologist & Experiential Education Mentor
Alejandra Cardozo is a Psychologist and Experiential Education Mentor at New Summit Academy, where she supports the holistic development of students through daily connection and experiences. She approaches her work with empathy and a big-picture perspective, striving to understand each student’s behavior and worldview while creating safe spaces for expression through sports, art, baking, and shared activities.
Alejandra holds a Licentiate degree in Psychology from the University of Costa Rica and has a strong foundation in emotional awareness, active listening, and non-judgmental support. Drawn to hands-on, experience-based work, she has intentionally pursued opportunities beyond traditional clinical settings, focusing on working directly with adolescents in dynamic and outdoor environments.
Alejandra holds a Licentiate degree in Psychology from the University of Costa Rica and has a strong foundation in emotional awareness, active listening, and non-judgmental support. Drawn to hands-on, experience-based work, she has intentionally pursued opportunities beyond traditional clinical settings, focusing on working directly with adolescents in dynamic and outdoor environments.
Alejandra is especially inspired by the creativity and perspective young people bring to their growth journeys. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys outdoor activities, sports, reading, spending time with family, friends, and her dogs, as well as engaging in creative hobbies.
Carolina Chacón
Psychologist & Experiential Education Mentor
Carolina is a Psychologist and Experiential Education Mentor at New Summit Academy, where she works closely with students, using the boarding environment, routines, and real-time interactions as therapeutic tools to support emotional regulation, healthy behavior, social development, and overall wellbeing.
She brings strong emotional attunement and consistent presence to her role, skillfully intervening in the moment, building trusting relationships, setting clear and compassionate boundaries, and collaborating closely with colleagues to promote student growth.
She brings strong emotional attunement and consistent presence to her role, skillfully intervening in the moment, building trusting relationships, setting clear and compassionate boundaries, and collaborating closely with colleagues to promote student growth.
Carolina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad Nacional and a Licentiate degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE). She is certified as a Diabetes Educator and serves as a leader within the Diavida Association, supporting children, adolescents, and young adults in navigating their diabetes diagnosis; she is also certified in Art Therapy and nervous system regulation, with additional training in psychodrama.
Originally from Costa Rica, Carolina enjoys swimming—having competed when she was younger—working with clay, spending time creating, and staying active through time with friends and family.
Originally from Costa Rica, Carolina enjoys swimming—having competed when she was younger—working with clay, spending time creating, and staying active through time with friends and family.
Mauro Vargas
Psychologist & Experiential Education Mentor
Mauro Vargas is a Psychologist and Experiential Education Mentor at New Summit Academy, where he provides emotional support and daily accompaniment to students throughout their experience in Costa Rica. He is committed to fostering a supportive environment where students feel understood, grounded, and encouraged in their personal growth.
With a background in psychology, Mauro brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to student support and relational work. Much of his professional growth has been shaped within the New Summit Academy community itself, where he has learned to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the role through lived, day-to-day experience.
With a background in psychology, Mauro brings a thoughtful and informed perspective to student support and relational work. Much of his professional growth has been shaped within the New Summit Academy community itself, where he has learned to adapt to the unpredictable nature of the role through lived, day-to-day experience.
Originally from Costa Rica, Mauro enjoys training, reading, and writing in his free time, and values opportunities for reflection and continued personal development.
Frank Guerrero
Experiential Education Mentor & Trip Leader
Frank Guerrero is an Experiential Education Mentor and Trip Leader at New Summit Academy, where he guides and motivates students to grow and achieve their daily goals. He brings an energetic and supportive approach, encouraging students to challenge themselves while staying engaged and focused in their process.
Frank’s background in customer service and the culinary field has shaped his ability to connect with others and share meaningful life experiences with students. His training in risk management and first aid has been especially impactful, strengthening his awareness, ability to read situations, and respond effectively to a wide range of student needs.
Frank’s background in customer service and the culinary field has shaped his ability to connect with others and share meaningful life experiences with students. His training in risk management and first aid has been especially impactful, strengthening his awareness, ability to read situations, and respond effectively to a wide range of student needs.
Originally from the Dominican Republic and living in Costa Rica for more than 25 years, Frank enjoys spending time with his family, listening to music, watching sports, and playing video games.
Daniel Perez
Experiential Education Mentor & Trip Leader
Daniel is an Experiential Education Mentor and Trip Leader at New Summit Academy, where he spends time with students and participates alongside them in Aventuras and outdoor experiences. Daniel connects well with students, bringing relatability, life experience, and a genuine willingness to support and guide them through both challenges and growth.
Daniel previously worked in electronics maintenance before transitioning into the tourism field as a guide, where he developed strong leadership and outdoor facilitation skills. He holds a degree in tourism and has a strong background in camping, nature-based activities, and hands-on experiential learning shaped by both professional and personal experiences.
Daniel previously worked in electronics maintenance before transitioning into the tourism field as a guide, where he developed strong leadership and outdoor facilitation skills. He holds a degree in tourism and has a strong background in camping, nature-based activities, and hands-on experiential learning shaped by both professional and personal experiences.
Originally from Atenas, where he continues to live, Daniel enjoys spending time with family and friends, most often outdoors, camping or hiking in nature.
Miguel Varela
Experiential Education Mentor & Trip Leader
Miguel Varela is an Experiential Education Mentor and Trip Leader at New Summit Academy, where he plays a key role in campus life coordination, student life leadership, mentorship, and Aventura trips. His approach is relationship-centered, grounded in respect, mutual cooperation, and a “parental” perspective that prioritizes connection as the foundation for growth, believing that strong relationships, though they take time to build, are the most effective.
Miguel brings deep understanding, flexibility, and extensive experience, adapting to each student’s unique stage while maintaining the quality of the program and preparing them for their next step beyond New Summit Academy.
Miguel brings deep understanding, flexibility, and extensive experience, adapting to each student’s unique stage while maintaining the quality of the program and preparing them for their next step beyond New Summit Academy.
He began his journey with the school in 2009 and has grown through multiple roles including Homestay Coordinator, Global Citizenship projects, Activities Coordinator, and Aventura leadership, shaping his comprehensive perspective through years of hands-on experience. While his expertise is primarily experiential, he continuously complements it through self-education, reading, and actively seeking tools to better understand and support students.
Originally from Argentina, Miguel is a father of six and is deeply family-oriented, spending his free time with his children and wife and supporting their activities.
Originally from Argentina, Miguel is a father of six and is deeply family-oriented, spending his free time with his children and wife and supporting their activities.
Jairo Pichardo
Experiential Education Mentor & Trip Leader
Jairo is an Experiential Education Mentor and Trip Leader at New Summit Academy, where he guides and accompanies students through outdoor adventures and experiential learning. With significant experience in adventure settings and terrain that can present real challenges, Jairo is attentive to risk management and proactive in protecting students during activities.
He has participated in numerous professional trainings in mountain, water, and experiential education environments, strengthening his hands-on expertise.
He has participated in numerous professional trainings in mountain, water, and experiential education environments, strengthening his hands-on expertise.
Originally from Nicaragua, Jairo deeply values his work and the experience he is able to share with students each day.
Daisy Rojas
Cultural Coordinator & Spanish Immersion
Before joining NSA in 2006, Daisy graduated from the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica as a Forest Engineer in 1988. She has worked in various forest programs in Costa Rica, working on monitoring sustainability of forest operations, reforestation, and environmental education. In addition, Daisy completed her license in education while working with a program for teen mothers, helping them complete their education as a teacher of math and sciences. She also completed (with honors) a technical degree in Teaching of Spanish as a Second Language through the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica. These experiences lead Daisy to begin teaching Spanish and Environmental Sciences at New Summit Academy.
Daisy holds dear her spiritual beliefs, family values, and desire to serve her community. These have guided her work as a person, mother of two, wife, and professional educator. She is a loving person whose joy for life, unlimited hugs, and hope for the future make her a joy to work with and a person to admire.
Ronald Rojas
Experiential Education Mentor
Ronald Rojas serves as an Experiential Education Mentor at New Summit Academy, supporting students through their personal and academic growth. He brings an integral and adaptable approach to his work, combining professional education with a broad range of real-world experience to meet students where they are.
Ronald’s professional background includes roles in customer service, fraud investigation, school psychology, and private psychology practice, giving him a well-rounded and insightful perspective as a mentor. His career path and professional training have shaped a strong foundation in applied psychology and experiential learning.
Ronald’s professional background includes roles in customer service, fraud investigation, school psychology, and private psychology practice, giving him a well-rounded and insightful perspective as a mentor. His career path and professional training have shaped a strong foundation in applied psychology and experiential learning.
Originally from Costa Rica, Ronald enjoys playing video games, reading, and spending time outdoors in his free time.
Emmanuel Alvarez
Experiential Education Mentor
Bio coming soon.
Maria Elena Fonseca
Experiential Education Mentor
Bio coming soon.
Julián Hernández
Experiential Education Mentor
Bio coming soon.