Cynthia Michaud
Transcending Grief: The James Initiative
As the mother of James, I established the James Initiative following his untimely passing in July 2021. My heartfelt desire was to commemorate his life by transforming my profound sorrow into a force for good. Through the initiative, we unite the community through various events, fostering a sense of togetherness and facilitating the mending of broken spirits. Each smile, every meaningful connection, and all contributions made stand as a testament to the everlasting essence of James. Despite the weight of grief, the resilience and solidarity of the community provide me with comfort and a sense of purpose. Moving onward, we persist in effecting positive change collectively, one event at a time.
Meet the Nosara Siente staff
Dr. Ale
Seeking a different lifestyle and a desire to help people through his medical practice, Dr. Alejandro Gutierrez, M.D., followed his heart to Nosara 17 years ago. From the moment he arrived, the town and its people captivated him, and he made it his home. Joining forces with Thierry and the Nosara.com group, they embarked on the creation of "The Esperanza Project" to address the community's need for affordable, high-quality medical care. As the project unfolded, a pressing need for mental health support and women's reproductive education became evident, prompting further outreach efforts. In addition to his medical endeavors, Dr. Alejandro has played a significant role in fostering the cultural scene by co-founding and producing the Caricaco Music Festival, aiming to promote wellness and entertainment through music and culture in Nosara. An avid surfer on occasion, Dr. Alejandro embodies a multifaceted commitment to the well-being and enrichment of the community.
Andrea Carranza
Andrea Carranza, a prominent clinical psychologist hailing from Costa Rica, boasts a diverse educational background in art therapy and psychoanalysis. Notably, she serves as the General Director of Sueña en Colores, an organization she co-founded. Her profound interest in psychoanalysis stemmed from a personal quest for meaning, which led her to pursue a Master's in Clinical Psychology with distinction from the University of Social Sciences of Central America. In addition to her private practice in San José and Nosara, Guanacaste, she imparts her knowledge as a teacher of the Creativity and Psychoanalysis class. Andrea's commitment to Mindfulness is equally remarkable, evidenced by her accreditation as a Mindfulness facilitator from the esteemed Mexican Mindfulness Institute. Her enduring dedication to enhancing mental health and her ceaseless pursuit of knowledge make her an influential figure in the field.
Daniela de La Ossa
Daniela de la Ossa is a licensed clinical psychologist with a practice located in the serene Las Huacas, Nosara, Guanacaste. Daniela received her degree in psychology from the esteemed Universidad Latina of San José. Passionate about individuality, she established Kind Mind Psychology practice, guiding therapy with the fundamental belief in the uniqueness of every person, shaping her treatment to honor this. Embedded in her practice's ethos is the mission to guide patients towards discovering self-compassion, a cornerstone for their recovery. Embracing a wide spectrum of clients, from children and teenagers to young adults and adults, Daniela's focus lies in assisting those grappling with grief, trauma, and various forms of anxiety. Notably, her practice is fully bilingual, ensuring inclusivity for all.
Melissa Huertas
Dr. Melissa Huertas embarked on her journey in the field of psychology by obtaining her bachelor's degree. It was during an eye-opening internship in Santiago, Chile, where she first encountered the captivating world of psychiatry, sparking a deep sense of determination within her. Fuelled by this passion, she made the pivotal decision to return to her homeland, Costa Rica, to pursue a medical degree with a specialization in surgery. Upon achieving this milestone, Dr. Huertas delved into the realm of psychiatry through a rigorous postgraduate course at the esteemed University of Costa Rica. In her unwavering commitment to holistic care, she became an integral part of the Esperanza program, extending her support to children and women within the local community through a comprehensive biopsychosocial approach. Imbued with a spirit of service, Dr. Huertas dedicated six transformative months as a medical practitioner with the esteemed Paradise Medical team in the picturesque Guanacaste region. Here, she found solace in the tranquil embrace of the beautiful Nosara beach, a place that holds a special corner in her heart.
Alvaro Quesada
With over 18 years of experience, Alvaro Quesada is a specialist in Antitrust, M&A, and Real Estate and oversees ECIJA’s offices in Nosara, Guanacaste. Throughout his career, he has facilitated the acquisition and establishment of companies in the region and managed the legal department for a multinational non-profit organization for over 12 years. In addition, he served as in-house counsel for a major consumer goods company in the area and worked as a foreign associate in Sao Paulo, Brazil, engaging in various M&A processes. In 2021, Alvaro aided companies and individuals in private lending, retail real estate transactions, and developments. He also assisted a Swiss capital company in acquiring sites for environmental service contracts and aided a local group in establishing a private funding platform for carbon credits. Working part-time from Nosara, Alvaro supports clients in conservation initiatives, real estate transactions, and investments with a focus on sustainability. Described by his clients as knowledgeable, analytical, creative, and result-oriented, Alvaro is fluent in English and Portuguese and remains passionate about practicing sports and maintaining a connection with nature.
Sofia Ballard
Sofia Ballard Echeverri, a graduate in Clinical Psychology from the Universidad Latina, brings a wealth of experience in functional and strength training. Having resided in Nosara for the past 3 years, she is deeply entrenched in providing comprehensive care from a humanistic perspective. Her dedication to individual therapy for adolescents and adults underscores her emphasis on the interplay between the physical and mental realms as a gateway to accessing emotions. Sofia firmly believes in tailoring therapeutic approaches to suit each individual's needs and currently integrates individual psychotherapeutic consultation with personalized physical training regimens.
Dra. Diana López
Hello, I'm Diana López, a dedicated general practitioner with advanced training in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health. I'm excited to be part of the team at Nosara Siente.
Using my education and expertise, I blend psychology and neuroscience to fully support my patients, helping them understand the connection between mind and body. My top priority is to create a safe space for people to explore their needs for complete well-being.
I also founded the Therapee project, aiming to spread essential mental health knowledge and break down societal stigmas through a digital platform.
I joined Nosara Siente after recognizing the need for stronger mental and emotional care in the Esperanza community during my previous work at Paradise Medical. I'm thankful for the chance to contribute to this transformative initiative and share my knowledge with others.
I strongly believe that just as we care for our physical health, it's equally important to nurture our mental well-being. By working together, we can bring significant positive change to our community.
Lalen Hoepker
Hello, my name is Lauren Hoepker, and I am a dedicated nurse with a deep commitment to providing quality healthcare.
Four years ago, I made the life-changing decision to relocate to Nosara and join Paradise Medical Services, where I undertook the invaluable opportunity to conduct my bachelor's thesis in nursing, focusing on the community of La Esperanza. This experience allowed me to gain insight into the unique lifestyle of the area and its impact on the residents' health. Throughout my career, I have steadfastly held the belief that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or any other societal distinction.
My passion for community service and holistic health promotion led me to eagerly embrace the chance to become a part of the remarkable Nosara Siente team. It has been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I am grateful to all those who have supported and believed in our mission - from the generous donors to my dedicated colleagues and the resilient patients who have entrusted us with their care.
In my professional capacity, I have come to realize the vital importance of advocating for mental health awareness within our community. Open, respectful conversations, characterized by empathy and humility, are pivotal in addressing this significant aspect of overall well-being. Therefore, I am dedicated to fostering these crucial dialogues and promoting mental health wellness as an integral part of our comprehensive healthcare approach.