Costa Rica Team

A native of Costa Rica, "Cata" grew up in Atenas and lives in the nearby rural community of Rio Grande, giving her a deep, lifelong connection to our program’s home base. Her intense love for the outdoors led her to graduate as a licensed Naturalist Guide, specializing in Costa Rican flora, fauna, and history.

With a degree in Tourism and over a decade of experience—including six years as a sales executive managing complex group logistics—she ensures every program detail is executed with precision. Catalina is CPR and First Aid certified and holds a bilingual guide license from the Costa Rican Tourism Board. Outside of work, she is a true adventurer who enjoys zip-lining, horseback riding, and soccer (having even completed university coursework in coaching). Her "helping hand" philosophy and infectious energy make her a pillar of support for every Arcos student.

Known to friends and students as "Lau," María Laura was born in nearby Grecia and raised in our program’s home of Atenas. Her professional journey began with a degree in Hotel Management from Universidad Latina, a path that took her to Panama for a prestigious internship at the Waldorf Astoria.

With four years of experience as a Human Resources Director and an active role in her family’s business, Lau brings a rare combination of administrative precision and high-level client support to the Arcos team. She is an expert at managing reservation details and ensuring every student feels at home in the tropics. When she isn’t assisting participants, Lau is likely exploring the outdoors with friends or enjoying life in Atenas with her dogs and family. She looks forward to sharing the "Pura Vida" lifestyle with you!

A native josefina, Angie is a seasoned educator and licensed tour guide with over two decades of experience in Costa Rican biodiversity. A graduate of UNACE University, she has spent her career bridging the gap between nature and community, working with major conservation foundations like INBioparque and leading environmental workshops for at-risk youth through the Randy Explorer Foundation.

Angie’s expertise extends beyond the trail; she is First Aid and CPR certified and holds specialized training in leading groups for people with disabilities, ensuring the Arcos experience is inclusive and safe for all. Having served as a Program Director for over a decade (including seven years with Sol Education Abroad), Angie is a master at guiding students through the nuances of Spanish immersion, volunteerism, and the unique natural history of her homeland.

Born in Alajuela and a longtime resident of Atenas, Alina brings a deep scientific lens to the Arcos team. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife and a Diploma in Nature Tourism Management from the Universidad Técnica Nacional. 

A veteran naturalist guide and forest firefighter, Alina’s "office" has spanned Costa Rica’s most vital conservation areas, including Corcovado National Park, the Talamanca Caribe Biological Corridor, and Carara National Park. She is a passionate researcher who has participated in nationwide citizen science initiatives—from bird counts to bat research. As a mentor in environmental management, Alina specializes in transforming the Costa Rican landscape into a living classroom, teaching students how to engage with biodiversity through hands-on discovery and conservation.