Faculty

Co-Director & Founder

Tucker has been working in the field of environmental and experiential education for over ten years.  He believes that through action, creation and participation, students can step outside of their traditional roles of passive observers and theoretical debaters and into the real world that needs their energy, ideas and youthful exuberance.

Tucker has worked as an instructor and educator for Outward Bound, Islandwood, A Living Library, The Boojum Institute, PEAK Performance and The Student Conservation Association.  Tucker was nominated as the CIRENAS Executive Director in August of 2010 and is excited to blend his enthusiasm for experiential education with his passion for conservation and creating transformative international experiences.

Masters in Education: Curriculum and Instruction – University of Washington, WA. USA

BA in English and Religion – Colorado College, CO. USA

Co-Director & Founder

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Caroline may not look like your typical Tica but her heart and commitment to the country she calls home speaks otherwise.  Her ability to listen, sympathize and engage with people on a business and personal level make her the perfect advocate for the region and its various issues. She brings with her 4 years of experience in event management and communications that translates perfectly into her new roles in fundraising, outreach and as our liason to schools and students attending our programs.

Bachelor of Science: Communications with a Minor in Latin American Studies – Cornell University, NY. USA

Summer Program Faculty 

Matt’s passion for teaching and learning has propelled him twice around the world and through all fifty of the United States. His educational philosophy is summed up by the ancient Chinese maxim “Read 10,000 books, travel 10,000 leagues.”

He has worked for the New York State Board of Education, the Oita Prefectural Board of Education in Japan, Colby-Sawyer College, Hesser College, Granite State College, the University of New Hampshire, Cardigan Mountain School, and South Kent School, where he currently teaches English.

MFA in Creative Writing – Fairfield University, CT. USA

MA in Japanese Language and Society – Sheffield University. UK

MA in General Studies – University of St. Andrews. UK

Matt’s TED Talks - http://ed.ted.com/lessons/who-invented-writing-matthew-winkle-

Matt’s TED Talks - http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-makes-a-hero-matthew-winkler

 

 

Summer Program and Short Course Faculty

Dr. Agnes M.K. Nowaczek is a Professor of Hospitality and Tourism at Niagara College, School of Hospitality, Tourism and Administration, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. She is also a Freelance Ecotourism Consultant and owner of her Eco-Travel company Ecotours-by-Agnes, working with Carlson Wagonlit Travel Source in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Agnes has completed ecotourism projects in Poland, Peru, Costa Rica, and North America, and is a recipient of several research awards and grants.

Agnes is currently pursuing several projects related to her earlier work on measuring ecotourist predispositions (Ecotourist Predisposition Scale) and ecotourist ethics (Ecotourist Ethics Scale) leading to promotion and use of these instruments among the wider sectors of tourism and ecotourism such as ecolodge operators and park managers.

Ph.D, Recreation and Leisure Studies – University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

MA, Planning - University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

BA, Recreation and Leisure Studies - Brock University, Ontario, Canada