Virtual Personal Growth Coaching for Individuals & / or Families

If you are looking for coaching from a qualified psychologist who has experience with adolescents in the USA and Central America, one of our qualified psychologists might be a fit for you. Most of our coaches speak English and Spanish and all have worked for years helping to support teens and their families through difficult stages of growth and change. Please check their profiles and email [email protected] for more information about who might be the best fit for you. 

Mario Duran, LCP 1499, Therapist, MS in Substance Abuse Treatment

Mario Duran completed his Licensure degree in Psychology at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR), where he graduated with honors and went on to become one of the youngest professors in the School of Psychology of the University of Costa Rica. Mario completed a Masters program on Substance Abuse Treatment where he developed a residential treatment model for adolescents and eventually became part of the teaching staff, focusing on research models and best practices for residential programs.
Mario has served as clinical coordinator at a drug and alcohol treatment center, and he was the Executive Director of the Vida y Sociedad Foundation , a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing substance abuse prevention programs to schools throughout Costa Rica. He has consulted for mental health and educational institutions, NGO’s and international organizations and has published several articles and research reports on behavioral health, best practices and addiction. Mario invests himself in building healthy relationships with students, creating opportunities to model patience, sensitivity and empathy. Mario uses a strengths-based approach in therapy and believes in finding opportunities instead of threats when it comes to family dynamics and change. Mario speaks both English and Spanish. 

Dr. Danny Recio, PhD, Therapist, Young Adult Coach

Danny co-founded NSA in 2005 and the Bridge in July 2012. He has been guiding young men to open up their worlds to find more fulfilling paths for over 15 years. Danny is a native of Costa Rica but studied abroad in South Africa where he "came of age" in a way that further fed his passion for humanistic, experiential growth, specifically through exploration, discovery, adventure and cross-cultural experiences. 
Danny is trained in Clinical Psychology both in Costa Rica and in the USA, but he chose to step outside of its confines for his doctoral work, which was on Integrated Ecology. He has found that just like nature thrives on diversity, knowledge does too. Some of the most exciting perspectives he uses for his work did not come from Psychology, but from various fields, such as Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, Education (especially constructivism), Systems Theory, Neuroscience, and of course Ecology. He has an astounding well of patience and passion for working with and engaging everyone he meets. ​​In his personal life, he tries to take in all the shades of color life has to offer and to seize the precious opportunity of being alive. Danny speaks both English and Spanish. 

​Caleb Cortes, BA, LCP, Licensed Therapist & Substance Abuse Counselor

Caleb completed his clinical psychology degree and license to practice in 2010. He is currently completing his Masters degree. Caleb brings diverse experiences, from working at the Ministerio de Educacion Publica to working in rehabilitation centers and private practice. He is experienced in group therapy, substance abuse counseling, diagnostics, and implementing didactic trainings and workshops. Caleb has been a well-reviewed case manager at NSA since 2013. Caleb speaks both English and Spanish. In his free time, Caleb he enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

​Ignacio Vasquez, LCP, Licensed Therapist

Ignacio earned his Bachelors degree and Licensure in Psychology in 2015 and he is currently incorporated in the Colegio Profesional de Psicólogos de Costa Rica. In 2017, Ignacio completed a technical certificate in Human Resources in the Universidad de Costa Rica to improve his knowledge of organizational psychology. He has been part of the NSA team since 2016 -first as an Experiential Education mentor who facilitated cultural activities, Student Council, Aventuras, and served as the Experiential Education/Personal Growth liaison... and then as a case manager. Ignacio enjoys playing the guitar, exercising, gardening, traveling and spending time with his friends and family. Ignacio (Nacho) speaks both English and Spanish. 

Julia López S., BA, Licensed Therapist

Julia López S. was born and raised in Costa Rica, and she speaks both Spanish and English. Her main professional interests have been Cognitive Sciences and Psychology which led to a BA in psychology as well as an advanced degree in Clinical Psychology. She has worked in correctional facilities, treatment centers for substance abuse, and her own private clinical practice. Julia has focused her areas of expertise on Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), receiving a certification from the Albert Ellis Institute of New York and receiving a professional technical degree in The Management of Addictive Behaviors. Julia is currently pursuing a Master's degree. Since childhood, her greatest passion has always been music and she enjoys playing the guitar. She also has a deep love and respect for animals and nature. Some of her hobbies include art, reading historical novels, watching documentaries, and socializing with family and friends. ​

Lee Nadeau, MA, LPC (Colorado)

Wayfarer Wellness Integration [Lee Nadeau] provides a helping professional relationship that focuses on supporting clients in 'living out their personal truths' and 'new ways of being' discovered while away in the wilderness, after traveling abroad, on retreat or in treatment. Our intention is to 'fan the flame' and build on momentum gained through: Goal tracking & maintenance/refinement, accountability/feedback, executive functioning support, interpersonal connection/mentorship and opportunities for continued self-reflection and resourcing. You can read more at his website: www.wayfarerwellnessintegration.com