Archives: June 2011

University of  Wales, M.A. Zoology with Marine Zoology
Nelson and Colne College, B.S. Human Biology, Chemistry and Sport Science
A qualified zoologist from the UK that has lived and worked in South America for the past 7 years specializing in the conservation of Andean Spectacled Bears. He is involved in the rescue rehabilitation and where possible release back to the wild of bears and numerous other animals. He has set up and runs educational projects in rural communities enabling underprivileged kids to attend high school and has taught indigenous Amazon people to become community tour guides. He also speaks Quichua, the indigenous language of the Andean people.  He loves being around nature and showing those around him the wonders of our world’s wilderness. An expert with a machete he has cleared hundreds of trails to the most remote regions of the Ecuadorian cloud forest and Amazon either in search of bears or other animals or just for the joy of exploration. David is a keen sportsman partaking in a wide range of sports. He has competed in the British Student Surf Championships on two different occasions and has summited a number of 10,000 plus ft. mountains. He loves an adventure, thrives on adrenaline, and lives for the day!!

Eckerd College, B.S. Psychology, Minor Spanish
Known for her nonstop smiling and mild obsession with salsa dancing, Emma began leading international academic and volunteer trips in 2006. At Eckerd College in Florida she studied psychology Spanish and how to engage in water sports as much as possible.  After leading courses ranging from rain forest conservation and public health to childhood education and SCUBA diving, Emma is thrilled to return to Costa Rica where her love affair with the Spanish language began.  She has led volunteer teams in FL, NY, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Mexico, Belize and Netherlands Antilles.  Emma co-founded both a community literacy program for rural Nicaraguan kids and a city-wide Earth Day Festival in New York, worked as the Education Director of a Children’s Museum in New York and now recently started my own business offering career counseling. She received a grant to continue research on promoting volunteerism and non-prejudice in Latin America.  Most importantly she can operate a log-splitter quite efficiently!

Clark has trained and volunteered at Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School in New Jersey, The Wilderness Awareness School in Washington, and the PAST Skills Wilderness School in Montana.  Clark received his B.A. in Environmental Studies through Prescott College.  During his time at these schools, he has delved into the studies of primitive culture, native philosophy, environmental education, and the practical applications of ancient skills.  Clark has spent the last two years teaching at the Cottonwood Institute and more recently at the Earthknack Stone Age Living School in Crestone, CO.  His overall commitment is to pull students deeper into the mystery of the outdoors, connect them with the natural environment, and encourage them to enhance community through their actions.  Clark learned Spanish during his extensive travels through the Andes, and his passion for traveling never seems to rest.  In his free time you are likely to find him in the mountains of Colorado backpacking, tracking, fly-fishing, or bow hunting.

Oberlin College, B.A. History &  Latin American Studies
Julia was born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. After participating on a Global Works trip to Costa Rica in 2003, she continued to study and travel throughout Latin America majoring in Latin American studies and History at Oberlin College. She has translated her commitment to community service and social justice by teaching ESL in Mexico, Peru and in her college town of Oberlin, Ohio. Most recently Julia has returned from Santiago, Chile where she was a Fulbright scholar working with high school students in 2010 on issues of historical memory and the Pinochet dictatorship. She cannot wait to return to Costa Rica and is thrilled to be part of the Global Works community once again!

University of Northern Iowa, M.A. French
Colorado State University, B.A. English, Minor French
Unlike her German name, Jennifer is a Korean-American who has a passion for the French language and culture.  A graduate from CSU with a degree in English and French, she continued her studies with a Master’s from UNI (University of Northern Iowa) in French & ESL.  Spunky with attitude Jennifer has been a French teacher at Conifer High School for the past 7 years.  She loves her job and has also taken four groups of students from her high school to France!  When she isn’t traveling working or speaking French Jennifer spends the majority of her time with her two sons Vaughan (5 years old) and Ethan (one year old) at the park.  Her newest recreational effort is bowling weekly on a competitive team with her husband Tracy.