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Staff Spotlight: Vianney Medina

1/2/2020

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Vianney is our Spanish Language teacher at New Summit Academy, which means so much more than working in the classroom (although she is an incredible classroom teacher as well!)  Vianney has been a member of the NSA community since 2013, and alongside her teaching responsibilities, serves as a student Academic Advisor and takes great pride in providing our students with immersive experiences in the culture of Costa Rica.

She helps to prepare students for weekend cultural activities, takes part in our work with Hogar de Vida, and often accompanies our students to town to learn more about Atenas. 

When asked what her favorite aspects of working at NSA are, Vianney responded “I really like to develop relationships with the kids and to learn about their culture and experiences. It is also really fun to see them in the process of learning Spanish and learning about my culture, especially when we dance to Latin music or cook typical food.” 

Thank you, Vianney, for your passion and efforts in connecting our community to language and culture of Costa Rica!
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Staff Spotlight on Marco Arce

10/29/2019

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Marco is New Summit Academy’s Medical Coordinator. Marco joined our team this year, and is already an indispensable part of NSA. After earning a degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, Marco served as a nurse in the States for three years before returning to Costa Rica, where he also earned his nursing license.

Marco’s organization and kind demeanor means that our students (and sometimes our staff!) receive the highest-quality medical attention, and Marco’s empathy for our students shines through in his interactions with each of them. 
 
Outside of work, Marco enjoys playing golf, hiking, spending time at the beach, and spoiling his dachshund Roxy.

​When asked to describe his work at NSA, Marco put it perfectly: “Once you get the true meaning behind what NSA does for our students, it makes you extremely proud to be part of the team."

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The Superhero Science Teacher: Juan Diego Rodriguez

10/1/2019

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Juan Diego (or “JD”) has taught Science at New Summit Academy for more than a decade.  In that time, he has created a classroom environment that is rigorous but fun, and is successful because of Juan Diego’s ability to create strong relationships with his students both inside and out of the classroom. 

JD’s Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology classes engage in dynamic, project-based learning, and JD’s classroom, filled with models of cells and DNA, catapults and trebuchets, and even a hydroponic growing system that sustains and is sustained by fish, is proof. 

Outside of the classroom, JD participates in Integrated and Recreational Aventuras, runs a morning workout group for students, is the staff leader of the video game club, and is the go-to teacher for the latest comic books. 

When he isn’t working, Juan Diego loves cooking, walking his dog, spending time with his family and friends and, during football season, cheering on his beloved Green Bay Packers. 

JD is an integral part of the community at NSA, and we look forward to many years to come.

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Laura Cespedes Joins Admissions Team

9/11/2019

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​Laura Céspedes
 has joined Lee Nadeau (Admissions Director) to form a dynamic Costa Rica - USA duo to provide the highest quality of service to our collaborating referral sources and families. You will not be disappointed with their warmth, care, attention to detail, knowledge, and professionalism in walking alongside our applicants as they navigate the stress and anxiety of this important step on their journey. ​

Laura grew up in NSA's home community of Atenas and has been involved with New Summit Academy most of her life through family connections, community service and cultural activities, the homestay program, and working at a local hotel where many NSA parents stay during their visits.

​After graduating from her bilingual high school, Laura had the opportunity to volunteer in South Africa with Usiko for three months.

​This experience made her more aware of all the different realities in the world and gave her a different perspective on language, culture, and social work - for the better!
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Once she came back from this journey, she decided to resume her studies by majoring in Psychology and also studying Publicity. Laura is currently finishing her degree while also working with NSA to improve her knowledge in the field. Our students have already taken to her warm personality and stop by her office to distract her :) and share their day to day experiences. Lee and Laura will make a great first impression for New Summit Academy.
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Staff Spotlight: Roy Vargas

8/26/2019

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To describe Roy Vargas as one of our campus “guards” doesn’t begin to tell the story of how Roy contributes to New Summit Academy. Roy joined the NSA family eight years ago, and his organization, intelligence, and people skills have helped Roy develop into one of our “indispensable” members of the school. 

Not only does Roy spend his days ensuring that each of our students is safely where he needs to be, he manages all of NSA’s transportation logistics, checks in returning students, coordinates logistics for Bridge students arriving to campus, and much more. Roy is even one of our go-to staff for technical issues, troubleshooting internet and printer problems with ease. 

Roy says that his favorite part about working at NSA is knowing that he is being of service in a job that helps young people, adding humbly, “even if the support is minimum, it is satisfying to be able to help in some way.” He needs to take more credit. Roy spends his free time with his family and doing small projects around the house. 

Thanks, Roy, for your invaluable service! ​

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Staff Spotlight: Diana Rojas

8/1/2019

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Diana is our beloved Family and Student Services Coordinator. 

All of our families are familiar with Diana, as her dedication to helping them arrange travel, logistics, mail packages, prepare for workshops, and much more are one of the major reasons for their positive experiences at NSA. 

Diana spent 10 years in California, so understands our families very well. She has been a part of the New Summit community for nearly nine years. She loves helping all of our families and students, and
 collaborating with her co-workers every day.   

Outside of NSA, Diana enjoys spending time at her house, admiring the beautiful view with her dog Chispa and her cats, crocheting, and visiting her family on the beach in Puntarenas. 

Diana has a vibrant spirit and enjoys life to the fullest, and we are very grateful to have her as part of the team at New Summit Academy!
 
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Staff Spotlight: Miguel Varela

7/16/2019

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Miguel Varela, or “Migue” as our students call him, has played an important role in the Experiential Education department since he joined NSA in 2009. 

Born in Argentina, Miguel brings his passions for sports, cooking, travel, and community service to his position as an EE Mentor and student advisor. 

In addition, Miguel coordinates our Homestay program as well as weekend cultural activities, and serves as a trip leader on Integrated Aventuras.
 

Miguel’s presence on our campus is so impactful to our students, who often refer to him in their graduation speeches as a father figure while they are away from their families. 

Miguel gets plenty of practice at home, raising five (5!) children of his own, but returns to NSA each day full of energy and positivity, and models engagement, common sense, and the ability to balance fulfilling his responsibilities with a sense of humor that our students truly appreciate. 

Thank you, Miguel, for your dedication and contributions to our family at NSA! 
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