Professional Details

Job Title: Global Business Development Director

Department: Business Development

Professional Experience

Over 15 years in Health and Human Services. I love helping folks find recovery from Substance Use Disorder. One at a time I have connected thousands of people to life-changing services.

Special Skills: Skilled at communicating with those suffering cognitive impairment—whether chemically induced or organic, like Alzheimer's or dementia.

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role: I take the calls from those seeking treatment for themselves or a loved one, respond to online inquiries, and follow each participant from first contact to arrival.

Inspiration: Having addiction and dual diagnosis in my family, I understand what many go through. Being able to listen and be of service to others is healing for me.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact: I love to paint and draw. My office walls are littered with my work.

Favorite Quote: Where there is life, there is hope.

Languages Spoken: English

Professional Details

Job Title: Director of Operations

Department: Operations

Professional Experience

Rachel is dedicated to ensuring the smooth and effective operation of Costa Rica Recovery, prioritizing the well-being of every client. As the Director of Operations, she fosters a supportive and nurturing environment where individuals can heal through a structured and progressive treatment program, beginning with a team aligned in purpose and camaraderie.

Rachel brings extensive experience in clinical mental health, addiction counseling, and trauma counseling. She has supervised teams and managed residential programs, most notably supporting women and children leaving abusive situations. Her expertise in program management equips her to be a dynamic leader, guiding both staff and clients through their recovery journeys while delivering the highest standard of care.

Education:

• Degree from Concordia University, Montreal.
• Continued education in mental health and substance use at Vancouver Island University.
• Advanced certification in Somatic Experiencing® (SE), a therapeutic process focused on resolving trauma.

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Responsibilities:

As Director of Operations, Rachel oversees the daily functioning of Costa Rica Recovery, ensuring that staff and clients alike operate within a supportive and structured environment. She collaborates closely with team members to create and implement progressive treatment programs aligning with the organization’s mission of holistic recovery.

What Inspires Her:

Rachel is inspired by the resilience of those she serves. Leading with kindness and care, she combines her strategic mindset with a deep understanding of the challenges of recovery, ensuring that Costa Rica Recovery provides a compassionate and effective treatment experience.

Personal Touch

Originally From: Toronto, Canada

Fun Fact or Hobby: Passionate about fostering teamwork among staff, creating an environment where everyone feels supported.

Motto or Favorite Quote: "Compassion is the foundation of effective leadership."

Languages Spoken: English

Key Highlights

• Over a decade of experience in clinical mental health
• Expertise in trauma-informed care and addiction recovery
• Skilled leader, dedicated to fostering a supportive team environment

Personal Information

Job Title: Clinical Director

Department: Clinical

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Psychopedagogy, Ulacit, Costa Rica, 2022
• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Ucacis, Costa Rica, 2014
• Certification in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Centro de Terapias Contextuales, Perú, 2023
• SMART Recovery Facilitator, SMART Recovery International, 2022
• Comprehensive Approach to Individuals with Substance Use Disorders, Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Costa Rica, 2020
• Certification in Emotional Healing Techniques, Institute of Emotional Management & Mindfulness, 2020

Professional Experience:

With over 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in providing therapy using a variety of therapeutic modalities. My expertise includes Gestalt Therapy, to help clients navigate challenges such as grief, relationships, depression, and anxiety. I have also led educational programs and group therapy for managing emotional dysregulation. Over the last few years, I have focused on supporting individuals with substance use disorders, helping them address underlying trauma, depression, and anxiety. I take a holistic approach to therapy, ensuring that each client receives comprehensive care—addressing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of their well-being—supporting them through their healing and personal growth journey. I believe strongly in the power of facing and working through intense emotions with a gentle approach to facilitate lasting change. My commitment to fostering a compassionate, non-judgmental space ensures that clients can work toward greater emotional resilience and sustainable healing.

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Humanistic approach with a specialization in Gestalt Therapy to help individuals achieve personal growth
• Expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to foster meaningful action and emotional acceptance
• Mindfulness techniques to enhance life skills
• Knowledgeable in REBT, CBT, and DBT, effectively addressing unique needs

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

Ensure and supervise that treatment is expertly coordinated in collaboration with the clinical team, for clients to receive personalized plans tailored to their unique needs and life experiences. Through a deep understanding of each individual’s personal history and circumstances, I support those in treatment with psychological sessions to overcome challenges and foster personal growth and fulfillment.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

Witnessing the progress and growth of individuals brings meaning and purpose to my own journey. I get inspired by the courage and strength of each one of them.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: I'm passionate about nature. I enjoy hiking in the mountains and seize every opportunity to go scuba diving to explore the wonders of underwater life.

Favorite Quote or Motto: "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are" – Carl Jung

Languages Spoken: Spanish and English

Personal Information

Job Title: Counselor

Department: Clinical

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• SMART Recovery Facilitator (SMART Recovery International)
• Certified Recovery Specialist
• Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor

Professional Experience:

Richard’s experience includes notable positions helping individuals navigate various stages of recovery. (Expand with relevant details as you see fit.)

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Skilled at guiding individuals through diverse therapeutic approaches

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

As a counselor, Richard provides individual and group sessions, helping clients build strategies for lasting recovery.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

Richard finds inspiration in seeing clients make profound positive changes in their lives and being part of their journey.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: Enjoys outdoor adventures and traveling.

Favorite Quote or Motto: "Recovery is a journey, not a destination."

Languages Spoken: English and Spanish

Personal Information

Job Title: Licensed Social Worker. COD.4631

Department: Clinical

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• University of Costa Rica: Master's Degree in Social Work (Mar 2016–Jun 2022)
• National University of Costa Rica: Diploma in English as a Second Language (Feb 2012–Nov 2013)
• Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: Comprehensive Approach to Individuals with Substance Use Disorders
• SMART Recovery International: SMART Recovery Facilitator
• Professional College of Social Workers, Costa Rica: Therapeutic Groups and Social Work

Professional Experience:

My experience with different vulnerable populations and communities has given me the ability to understand individual and systemic challenges, and promote supportive environments that foster clients' recovery and personal growth. I’ve acquired the skills to support people in recovery as they develop new tools for self-reliance and integration into society.

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Socio-Educational Facilitation
• Adaptability when working with diverse individuals
• Ability to set, monitor, and achieve goals
• Group management and interpersonal skills

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

I handle social and family assessments, generate treatment plans for individuals recovering from substance abuse, and conduct individual, group, and family sessions. I monitor and evaluate the objectives of the treatment plan.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

Witnessing how people rebuild their lives, regain independence, and reconnect with their loved ones. Being part of a team that provides them with tools to overcome challenges and fosters supportive reintegration environments is truly inspiring.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: Reading, gym, cat lover

Favorite Quote or Motto: “Worthiness doesn't have prerequisites.” — Brené Brown

Languages Spoken: Spanish, English

Personal Information

Job Title: Nurse Residential Coordinator

Department: Nursing

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• Universidad Santa Lucia, Bachelor’s Nursing Degree (2017–2020)
• American Heart Association, Basic Life Support
• American Heart Association, Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Professional Experience:

Registered Nurse in Intensive Care Unit, 2020–2024

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Withdrawal Syndrome Management: Experienced in managing withdrawal symptoms, administering medications, and monitoring for complications like seizures or delirium tremens.
• Substance Use Education & Support: Skilled in providing education on the effects of alcohol and drugs, plus relapse prevention strategies.
• Comprehensive Health Assessment: Proficient in assessing physical and mental health, identifying co-morbidities, and providing care to support long-term recovery.

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

I provide healthcare services, and also bring emotional support when clients need someone to listen to them.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

My inspiration is to bring my best to everyone who needs help. I’m glad when I meet a patient and see them leave with dreams, motivation, and the desire to live. Yes to life!

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: Running and technology.

Favorite Quote or Motto: Every sunrise means a new opportunity.

Languages Spoken: Spanish, English

Personal Information

Job Title: Nurse Residencial Coordinator

Department: Nursing

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• Licentiate in Physical Therapy, Universidad Americana (June 2009)
• Incorporated into the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica, Professional Code P 3731-2009
• Licentiate in Nursing, Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (August 2018)
• Incorporated into the College of Nurses of Costa Rica, License 18137
• First Year of Business Administration (Emphasis on Foreign Trade), Universidad Metropolitana Castro Carazo (2003–2004)

Professional Experience:

ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad): Customer Service & Sales Executive (2007–2016), Sales Executive (2016–Oct 2024)

Physical Therapy: Personalized care based on user requirements, pathology-specific adaptations, lifestyle modifications, rehabilitation, aesthetics, home and corporate programs, corporate education talks.

Nursing: Direct user care, nursing care plans adapted to client needs, primary care, corporate program adaptations, continuous nursing education for families and corporations, newborn care.

Homewatch Caregivers Latin America: Nursing and physical therapy services tailored to specific user requirements.

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Ability to build trusting, compassionate relationships with patients
• Massage techniques for relaxation, pain relief, and overall well-being
• Effective intervention in panic attack crises (emotional support, relaxation)
• Listening and problem-solving skills
• Team collaboration and adaptability

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

I provide direct care to clients, assess their physical and emotional health, and offer continuous education. I also serve as the medical liaison with the clinical team and manage the nursing station, ensuring holistic support and care.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

As a nurse, I’m inspired to provide holistic guidance during recovery, always hoping clients can improve with quality and hope.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: I love picnics with my two young daughters.

Favorite Quote or Motto: “It's not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up.” — Paulo Coelho

Languages Spoken: Spanish and English

Personal Information

Full Name: Indira Aguilar Fallas

Preferred Name: Indira

Job Title: Nurse Residential Coordinator

Department: Nursing

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• ICU Nursing Experience

Professional Experience:

Skilled in closely monitoring health conditions while providing compassion and gentleness throughout the recovery process.

Special Skills or Expertise:

• ICU Nursing Experience
• Proficient in health monitoring during rehabilitation
• Gentle, supportive, and compassionate patient care

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

I am one of the nursing residential coordinators at Costa Rica Recovery. With my ICU background, I monitor your medical condition while providing compassion and gentleness throughout your rehabilitation.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

“We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in times of need, someone will be there for you.” – Jeff Warner

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby:

Favorite Quote or Motto: “We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other...”

Languages Spoken: Spanish, English

Personal Information

Job Title: Residential Coordinator

Department: Residential Coordinator

Professional Background

Educational Qualifications:

• Certification in Psychological First Aid, University of Barcelona, 2024
• Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, University of Costa Rica, 2023
• Degree in Public Administration, University of Costa Rica
• Certification in Support in the educational process of adolescents and young adults, AFS, 2020
• Certification in Support Coordination, AFS, 2020

Professional Experience:

I have experience in volunteering and organizing groups. I have participated in projects on issues such as migration and educational cultural adaptations. I have worked with people and social groups in vulnerable situations and in different socioeconomic contexts. Also, I’ve worked from the administrative side, from creating content for educational programs aimed at national and foreign youth, to planning and logistical development of activities for public and private institutions.

Special Skills or Expertise:

• Time management and organization
• Reasoning and conflict resolution
• Working adaptability with different social groups

Role at Costa Rica Recovery

Your Role in the Organization:

In charge of monitoring patients’ adherence to rules, regulations, and privileges according to their current level. Also, oversee special permission requests, money funds, and duties. Report any physical or behavioral changes to the clinical staff.

What Inspires You About Working at CRR?:

Each patient's life story teaches something different about how to see life and oneself. I believe you can learn a lot from them both personally and professionally. Seeing the progress of each patient for their personal growth and how they adopt tools for life inspires me to keep working and helping in whatever way I can. It is a joy to work in a place that seeks the well-being of its patients.

Personal Touch

Fun Fact or Hobby: Yoga, swimming, and reading

Favorite Quote or Motto: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for”

Languages Spoken: Spanish, English