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Demonstrating their ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth, three members of New Summit Academy’s dedicated faculty and staff - Clinical Director and Co-Founder Mario Duran, therapist Ignacio Vasquez, and English teacher Yannick Pilgrim - recently took part in The Autism Symposium, where more than 45 referring professionals and 100 programs to explore cutting-edge treatment approaches for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The 2025 Symposium was held over three days in Sunriver, Oregon and featured a series of innovative workshops led by leading experts in the field, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for our team to bring back to Costa Rica.
The symposium opened with a keynote address by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. John Constantino, who presented research on the connection between parental social responsiveness and ASD risk in offspring. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and strongly advocated for precision intervention, an integrated approach that combines high-quality psychiatric care, individualized education plans, and positive behavior support strategies to reduce the likelihood of co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
The symposium opened with a keynote address by renowned child psychiatrist Dr. John Constantino, who presented research on the connection between parental social responsiveness and ASD risk in offspring. He emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and strongly advocated for precision intervention, an integrated approach that combines high-quality psychiatric care, individualized education plans, and positive behavior support strategies to reduce the likelihood of co-occurring intellectual disabilities.
Building on Dr. Constantino’s foundation, the New Summit team engaged in a wide range of workshops covering cognitive disengagement, psychological flexibility, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and integrating neurodivergent-informed care with practical accommodations. These sessions gave the team fresh perspectives and tools to enhance their work with neurodivergent students.
Among the key takeaways were the continued use of mindfulness and self-management techniques to support behavioral interventions, along with the vital role of fostering autonomy and creating a sense of safety in therapeutic settings.
Among the key takeaways were the continued use of mindfulness and self-management techniques to support behavioral interventions, along with the vital role of fostering autonomy and creating a sense of safety in therapeutic settings.
At New Summit Academy, we remain committed to providing inclusive, student-centered care. The 2025 Autism Symposium reaffirmed the value of a synergistic, neurodiversity-affirming approach in promoting self-acceptance and functional development for individuals on the autism spectrum.
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For twenty years, New Summit Academy Costa Rica has engaged students in rigorous, college-prep academics, ensuring they are ready for the future—wherever their paths lead.
A key to our success is our highly-qualified teachers’ dedication to building personal connections in and out of the classroom, fostering engagement and growth.
Meet some of our incredible educators:
A key to our success is our highly-qualified teachers’ dedication to building personal connections in and out of the classroom, fostering engagement and growth.
Meet some of our incredible educators:
Yannick Pilgrim: English Teacher & Soccer Star
Bringing his passions for English literature and soccer to Costa Rica more than a decade ago, Yannick stayed in the country to earn his Master’s in Education before joining New Summit Academy.
He now leads a weekly soccer club, helping students hone their skills and prepare for local matches—all under the guidance of their English teacher.
He now leads a weekly soccer club, helping students hone their skills and prepare for local matches—all under the guidance of their English teacher.
Peter Gottovi: Social Studies Teacher & Drummer
Before earning his Master’s in Secondary Education, Peter spent a decade as a professional drummer in New York City.
At New Summit, he teaches US and World History while also running Howler Music Studio, mentoring students in musicianship, recording, and live performance.
At New Summit, he teaches US and World History while also running Howler Music Studio, mentoring students in musicianship, recording, and live performance.
Vianney Medina: Spanish Teacher & Aventura Enthusiast
Vianney, our Spanish teacher and Academic Advisor, is soon to pursue a Master’s in Educational Psychology.
An avid outdoorswoman, she inspires students to push their limits on Integrated Aventuras, embracing adventure, personal growth while immersing in the natural beauty of her Costa Rican home.
An avid outdoorswoman, she inspires students to push their limits on Integrated Aventuras, embracing adventure, personal growth while immersing in the natural beauty of her Costa Rican home.
Juan Diego Rodriguez: Science Teacher & Fitness Coach
Beloved by students, Juan Diego makes Biology, Chemistry, and Physics hands-on and engaging.
Pursuing a Master’s in Human Movement Science, he also leads our Personal Training program, guiding students toward balanced fitness and wellness goals.
Pursuing a Master’s in Human Movement Science, he also leads our Personal Training program, guiding students toward balanced fitness and wellness goals.
