Verto Meet your ASC – CATIE Center

Meeting with your Academic Success Coordinator (ASC):

ASCs provide ongoing academic coaching and support to students. At any point in the semester you can meet with your ASC to discuss academic challenges, strategies for success, class concerns, and long-term plans. ASCs are your strongest academic advocates. They’ll work with you in obtaining the skills and resources you need to achieve success.

ASC

Andy

I’m Andy and I grew up in Western Massachusetts. I’ve worked in international education for most of my career running exchange programs for students from all over the world, and teaching English in South Korea. I love to hike, watch basketball, soccer and movies, binge TV shows, and play poker. I was an extra in a movie when I was ten and got to meet Tobey Maguire and Michael Caine!

ASC

Yolanda

Originally from Ghana, West Africa but raised in Stafford, Virginia. I’m passionate about international youth development, program management, and data analytics. I am currently getting a double master’s in international education management and public administration at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California. With previous experience working for City Year in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Washington, D.C., I plan to use the skills I have learned to make my experience at Verto great for the students, fellow staff, and me.

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Ale

Hello! I am Ale. I am 28 years old and I come from Costa Rica and Ecuador. In brief, I am a kind human with a big heart. 🙂 I have been dedicating the past years to building trust and developing leadership with youth around Latin America, vulnerable communities in Costa Rica, and NGO’s. In my heart, I am a really curious and loving spirit who gets energized by connection, truth, and being in service to others. I am a seeker and an adventurer, constantly looking for ways to have fun and enjoy the ride of being alive. A fun fact about me is that I have played the piano since I was a little girl.

ASC

Kara

Hi friends! I’m Kara, aka Kaz 🙂 I’m moving from Brooklyn, NY and I grew up in sunny South Florida. I love listening to new and old funky music, and I have a deep desire to connect with folks authentically. I love a good book, podcast, or conversation that evolves my understanding of others and makes me laugh. Let’s go for a bike-ride, share a veggie meal, learn from one another, and teach others compassionately.

ASC

Chase

I grew up in TrackTown USA—Eugene, Oregon—so naturally I’ve been a runner my entire life. Hit me up if you want to go for a run! My wife Nikki and I have three young kids (Dash 6, Belen 4, Greta 1) and they rule the roost as they say. When I have time to myself, you’ll find me reading. Couch + coffee + book = bliss. Educationally speaking, I studied sports business then went to law school and earned my J.D. with an emphasis in Native American law. Let’s talk treaties. Before Verto, I worked in financial aid at a community college in Bend, Oregon, so I know where the money’s at! I studied abroad in Querétaro, Mexico, I spent a summer in Costa Rica way back in 2011, my wife and I walked across Spain for our honeymoon, and now I’m elated to be back in Costa Rica, here with you, learning and growing and changing.

ASC

Val

Hi there! I’m Val from Costa Rica’s flower town, Heredia. I have developed my career in the international education field as an English and Global Perspective teacher here in Costa Rica and Southeast Asia, where I learned about different cultures and appreciated life from diverse perspectives. One of the best lessons I’ve learned in my life has been volunteering in environmental, education, and medical programs; these experiences made me more humane. Some of my interests are Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu (don’t think I’m an expert). I adore dancing, practicing yoga, hiking, cooking, and reading good books. Well, I love all kinds of activities. I’m one of those who are always excited about trying new things, so count me in.

Meeting with your Academic Success Coordinator (ASC):

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Andy

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Yolanda

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Ale

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Kara

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Chase

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Val

Find your Way