PERSONAL  GROWTH  TEAM

Mario Duran, LCP 1499 / Lic. Psych, MS in Substance Abuse Treatment. 
Personal Growth Clinical Director, Co-Owner

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 hosted by the Organization of American States (OAS) 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 a lot of experience, having served as clinical coordinator at Villa San Jose, a drug and alcohol treatment center. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of the Vida y Sociedad Foundation , a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing substance abuse prevention programs to elementary and secondary schools throughout Costa Rica. He has consulted for mental health and educational institutions, NGO’s and international organization and has published several articles and research reports on behavioral health, best practices and addiction. Prior to NSA, Mario was the Clinical Director at Coronado Academy a therapeutic boarding school serving adolescent boys and girls.

Mario invests himself in building healthy relationships with students by interacting with them in our milieu, creating opportunities to model patience, sensitivity and empathy. He also believes in helping adolescents boys become respectful, tolerant and responsible young men by providing mentorship and constant support. Mario uses a strength based approach in therapy and believes in finding opportunities instead of threats when it comes to family dynamics and change.
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Mario has lived in Costa Rica most of his life and has had the opportunity to also live in the United States and France. He is a proud husband and father, and he enjoys mountain biking, nature, ​and indoor soccer.

​Kelly Weld, MA, MFT, Lic. Therapist / Case Manager, 
Personal Growth Program Director

Kelly comes to New Summit Academy as a seasoned therapist and educator; she holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology, a Marriage and Family Therapy license, and a teaching certification in 7th – 12th grade English.  Kelly has worked in a variety of settings including wilderness / nature-based intervention programs as well as therapeutic boarding schools.

​As a systems-oriented clinician, Kelly believes in serving individuals, families, and communities.  Throughout nearly 20 years of experience, she has worked with hundreds of adolescents and their families.  As well, she has developed and facilitated multi-day family immersion workshops, parenting seminars, and leadership trainings for colleagues to increase community support and involvement.
As an educator, Kelly designed and implemented curriculum with a focus on personal growth and global citizenship.  She taught and provided counseling at a school with an international traveling program that led trips to Peru, South Africa, The Philippines, China, Turkey, etc.  “Though cultural norms do vary across the globe”, she says, “the fundamental needs of humans are the same. We all want safety, purpose, community, and respect”.

Kelly is a life-long learner herself. Her hobbies include camping, sailing, running, and writing.  Mostly, she loves to learn.  She is working on her Spanish fluency, surfing, and playing the guitar.  Kelly is grateful to be a member of the NSA community and is excited to be living in Costa Rica!

​Caleb Cortes, BA, LCP. Therapist/Case Manager

Caleb completed his clinical psychology degree and license to practice in 2010. He is currently completing his Masters in Clinical Psychology at Universidad Latina de Costa Rica.

Caleb brings diverse experiences to NSA, 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.
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In his free time, Caleb he enjoys spending time with his wife and young children.

​Andrea Stephanie Sosa Kneeland, MA (in progress). 
​Therapist / Case Manager

Andrea was born in Guatemala where she got a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology from Rafael Landívar private university in Guatemala City; Cum Laude and Valedictorian student.  She is currently on her last semester of Clinical and Health Psychology Master's degree program at the Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR). Her main psychological approach is Humanistic with a slight Psychoanalytic base.

She is experienced in Community Psychology with vulnerable population,
Post Disaster Intervention, and In-crisis Intervention as well as in Clinical Psychology with children, adolescents, and adults with different pathology diagnosis. Andrea also has experience as a Research and Academic Assistant, Preschool Music Teacher, and in the Performing Arts.
Andrea's main skills are related to group management and workshop facilitation. She recently finished a volunteer Music Therapy workshop with a group of young adults with disabilities and a short course on Therapeutic Accompaniment. Her finial project topic is on Disability Studies, "Crip Theory", and Group Therapy.

She enjoys singing, songwriting, guitar playing, watching international independent films, and she is beginning to learn about beat-making and DJing. Her favorite sports are running, functional exercise, yoga, and taekwondo. She is vegetarian, and also a nature, astronomy, and cat lover. 

Andrea is a life lover. She's passionate about every aspect in it, even if it is rough. She believes that everything has a solution, and that every person has and deserves a chance. Andrea likes challenges and is not afraid of change, but what she likes the most is working with and learning from others. ​

​Marcel Brenes, BA, (Lic. in progress). Therapist / Case Manager

Marcel has a BA degree in Psychology from Universidad de Costa Rica. Right now, he is finishing his Licensure through UCR and his work at NSA. He is interested in several aspects of social and cognitive sciences, such as philosophy, linguistics, psychosocial development and neuroscience.

Marcel is trilingual (Spanish, English, and Italian) and is passionate about chess, the history of art and adventure sports which include hiking, mountain biking, rafting, rappel, etc.. He enjoys team work, facing new challenges that have to do with physical activities and sports, and helping others become better human beings. 

Marcel is a peaceful, empathetic person who has the ability to bond with people and build relationships thanks to his respect of individual differences, his loyalty, and his unconditionally warm disposition.

 Michael Damoth, ​MS Rehabilitation Counseling, Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling, Lic. Therapist / Case Manager

​Michael grew up in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia and actively participated in various outdoor activities there including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Following high school, Michael attended James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia and obtained his BA in International Affairs with minors in French and Political Science. He was an active member of the Outing Club and often explored all that the outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley region had to offer including spelunking, white water rafting, hiking, camping, rappelling, and pretty much anything else that the club could get organized. During college, Michael also spent a semester abroad in London and exploring Europe. The college experience was a fantastic opportunity to pursue two of his passions - the outdoors and foreign culture.
At various locations in the US, Michael has served as a residential advisor for adolescents, teen runaways, and young adults with developmental disabilities. Michael also worked at a residential camp on Maryland’s Eastern Shore Called Fairlee Manor Recreation and Education Center, progressing through the ranks to eventually become camp director. Michael continued to gather experience working with various populations and has been involved with everyone from children through older adults engaged in Elderhostel. Each group definitely presents its unique challenges and rewards!
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Most recently, Michael was living on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and working as a licensed professional counselor and a licensed clinical addictions counselor with a nonprofit community clinic. He acquired two Master’s degrees from East Carolina University in 2011 including both Rehabilitation Counseling and Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling. Ongoing pursuits include exploring the world, learning to speak Spanish, fishing, kayaking, gardening, and playing with his dogs. Michael joined to staff of New Summit Academy in 2016 and is looking forward to many great adventures and learning opportunities.

Julia López S., BA, MA (in progress), LCP.
​Lic. Therapist / Case Manager

Julia López S. was born and raised in the city of Alajuela, Costa Rica. At a professional level, her main interests have always involved Cognitive Sciences and Psychology. This led to her receiving a Bachelor's degree in psychology as well as an advanced (licenciate) degree in psychology with an emphasis on Clinical Psychology. Her professional experiences include: Working in correctional facilities and in treatment centers for substance abuse and practicing private clinical therapy. Thanks to these experiences, Julia has focused her areas of expertise on Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) certifications 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 in Clinical Psychology. 
Since childhood, her greatest passion has always been music and she enjoys playing the guitar in her spare time. She also has a deep love and respect for animals and nature. Some of her hobbies include activities involving art, reading historical novels, watching documentaries, and socializing with family and friends. ​Her friends and colleagues describe Julia as being a very analytical and outgoing person.

Julianne Beirute, BA, (Lic in progress).

​​Julianne has had a passion for Psychology and the brain since she was 17 years old. This passion led her to publish her first academic article when she was 19 years old while getting her BA degree in Psychology which she earned with honors. She is currently finishing her final graduation project for licensure in Psychology
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Julianne feels honored and grateful to be a part of NSA as her first job. She sees it as the perfect opportunity to grow and learn, both personally and professionally.
 
Julianne dreams about getting a graduate degree in Europe, to publish a book, learn more languages and travel to as many countries as she can.

NSA combines all the things Julianne likes the most: Psychology, Health Promotion, nature, food, foreign cultures, building relationships, physical activity, animals, trips all within an atmosphere of constant learning. 

Julianne also enjoys exploring nature with her dog, reading, dancing, singing, playing board games and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Steven Kogel, MD Psychiatrist, Medication Manager

Dr. Steven Kogel has his MD in Psychiatry from the University of Costa Rica and has been in private practice for about 30 years. Dr. Kogel worked as the General Director of the National Institute of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse in the 1990’s, and has worked with American adolescents at-risk for the last 9 years.
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He is a native English speaker with over 40 years of speaking Spanish. Dr. Kogel also brings unique interests to his practice, including composition of music and the juxtaposition of psychiatry & spirituality.

Chicha

Chicha was born around 2006 and lived the first few years of her life as wild woman on a coffee plantation, raising her kids and surviving. Once rescued, she was brought to NSA by Dr. Kogel's connections and has enjoyed her early retirement, being fed and spoiled at NSA. Everyone loves her stoic presence as she meanders around campus, nudging you to pet her before flopping on the floor for a nap. Her fierce loyalty to Luis and Heather is admirable (and scary at times), and her strong tail wagging makes you wonder how her tail can speak so loudly of joy and contentment while her expressions remain consistently bored.

Shakira

Shakira was adopted as a puppy around 2007 by Quincho, an NSA student at the time. After being spoiled into misbehavior, Shakira attended her own therapeutic doggie boarding school and came back with better behavior and a purpose - to guard and protect NSA students (probably inspired by her German Shepherd genetic roots); she can be found wherever the largest group of students is convened. There is no one more depressed during Aventura weeks when students are not on campus. She jumps excitedly and licks lots of toes upon the students' return. In her free time, she loves barking at squirrels, possums, and monkeys.