OPERATIONS  TEAM

​James Woody, BS, 9-12 Math & Woodshop Teacher, Operations Director, Co-Owner

James Woody is a high school math teacher who believes in incorporating real-life applications of curricular materials into his classroom every day. He has extensive experience in electrical systems design, building design, construction, and engineering. He enjoys the art of creation, especially when working in the woodshop. Mr. Woody is highly respected by the students he teaches thanks to his consistent, structured expectations and his ability to make math and science come alive through hands-on activities and real-life applications. James is dedicated to his students, serving as an honorable and influential mentor both inside and outside of the classroom.

Most recently, James took on a more influential role at Summit to Summit Bridge Program for young adults where he serves as both an administrator and mentor to the young men participating in a gap year experience. He helps organize, teach, and mentor… all with a smile on his face!

Roy Vindas, Chef

Roy has been with NSA since we started in 2005. He has a personality bigger than life, and his food is no exception. With trips to the farmer’s market and a constant interest in trying out new recipes, he keeps us well fed and happy. He enjoys NSA students, helping them learn to cook or slipping them secret ice cream sandwiches in between classes. His classic “What’s up, my friend?!” is heard multiple times throughout the day as he welcomes students to the dining hall. Roy loves his family, his daughter, his beloved horse, and he has been known to ride a “sick wave” or two on his surfboard. 

Alejandra Arguedas, Chef & Transition House Mother

Alejandra Arguedas has been working at NSA since February, 2008. She is a fantastic cook and keeps on learning new recipes to make our students happy. 
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A regular recipient of the “Nicest Staff” award, she loves “chineando” (spoiling) our students with her specialty sweet treats, including her famous birthday cakes. 

Alejandra and her husband, Marcos, are also the house parents to our transition students at the transition house. The students adore Alejandra and her family and are grateful for her patience and guidance as they practice independent living skills off campus. She loves her family, loves to dance, and enjoys spending time with NSA staff and students.

Maylen Corrales, Limpieza

Maylen is a loving and nurturing presence at NSA. Her work revolves around taking care of cleaning at NSA, but we often find her in the kitchen, helping prepare meals or serving up coffee for guests. Her passion is her faith and her family–her husband, kids, and grandchildren. She has been the subject of a short film produced by our documentary film class who worked with her family to help make some improvements around her home as thanks for her constant love, care, and prayers for our students.

Kattia Castillo, Limpieza

Kattia has worked at NSA since February 2013 and enjoys her job helping keep NSA a clean and safe place. She also collaborates with special events (like graduations, home stay parties, and other celebrations).

​We are fortunate to have such a caring and wonderful person as a part of the NSA team.

Maria Elena Fonseca, Limpieza

Maria Elena is our latest addition to the operations team at NSA. She always has a smile on her face and a “saludo” for anyone walking by. Besides helping keep NSA clean and safe, Maria Elena enjoys helping staff the Tuesday service afternoons at Hogar de Vida.

Miguel Fallas, Operations / Maintenance

Miguel Fallas is a neighbor of NSA and has worked with us since we moved to our new campus in 2012. He manages a lot of different operational maintenance issues. He has a calm, pleasant demeanor and enjoys spending time with his family when he’s not working at NSA.

Carlos Ramos, Operations Coordinator

Carlos joined the NSA team in 2014 to manage operational maintenance. He brings a lot of experience from local hardware stores, operational projects, and his volunteer work at Hogar de Vida, the children’s restoration home where we volunteer weekly. We are blessed to have his expertise, in all areas of operations. He has a calm and pleasant demeanor and enjoys practicing his very good English with our students and staff. When not working, Carlos enjoys spending time with his family.

Jose Antonio Cascante, Garden & Groundskeeper

A native of our home town, Jose Antonio, or "Tito," maintains our beautiful gardens. The Costa Rican climate keeps him busy–cutting the fast-growing grass in the rainy season, raking up dry leaves in the dry season, and dealing with the loads of mangoes that fall during February through April. Add that to managing the delicate flowers and coffee plants, and helping students with their gardens, Tito keeps busy! When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family.