The following people will be on this journey to support you, guide you, and celebrate your accomplishments with you…
Sandra “Sam” Adams-Berger has been a practicing social worker since 1986 and has specialized in the areas of treating addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, marital/ family counseling, and bereavement. Sam holds a BA in Sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Social Service Administration from The University of Chicago and a teaching certification from the University of Denver. A licensed educator in the state of Colorado, Sam has worked as a teacher, a middle school counselor and a high school clinical social worker. She is a certified ropes course instructor and has facilitated team building and leadership training at the Littleton, CO Challenge Course since 2001. She is a member of her district’s mental health crisis team.
In addition, Sam has coached volleyball, sponsored a National Junior Honor Society chapter, assists in various leadership organizations and has helped coordinate an Outdoor Education Program. Sam’s fundamental belief is that a healthy balance with self and with key relationships will result in peace and well-being in our daily lives. She is gifted at helping others to see and realize their full potential. Originally from Illinois, Sam is proud of her corn-fed roots. She has resided in Colorado and has for the past 24 years. Sam celebrates the time she spends with her family and friends in the Colorado Mountains. Her immediate family consists of her husband, two sons, and a red-footed tortoise named Bubba. Sam’s other joys include; travel, running, yoga and volleyball…
Josh Hahn is a young energetic licensed clinical social worker who is in his third year at Littleton High School (LHS) working as a bilingual high school social worker. At LHS, Josh provides counseling and resource support to students and families’ in-need. He also teaches two sections of a Life and Study skills class to LHS’ most at-risk students, is a co-teacher of a Peer Counseling class, and teaches a Freshman Advisement class. In addition, Josh is a trained low ropes course facilitator, and is a sponsor of LHS’ Key Club and National Honor Society. During his summers, Josh travels, spends his time outdoors, and works as the school counselor for Breakthrough Kent Denver.
Josh is a Colorado native who has been fortunate enough to not only call Colorado home for a good portion of his life, but also lived in Hawaii, Spain and British Columbia. In addition, Josh has studied abroad and completed numerous Spanish immersion programs living with native host families in places such as Spain, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Ecuador. In total, Josh has travelled to over 25 countries. Many of his travel experiences have helped him gain appreciation, knowledge and understanding of other cultures that would have been impossible to attain solely in the classroom. Josh is passionate about travel and believes that one can learn just as much from experiences abroad as they can in the classroom. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Josh works from a strengths and systems perspective. He believes that everyone has skills and talents that allow us to be positive contributing members of society. Josh is compassionate, empathetic, approachable, caring, and is passionate about helping individuals recognize and build upon their strengths.
Franco Marini shares…”As you know, the experience of exploring other cultures is such a powerful learning tool for students. Students who travel to foreign countries continue to show a better well rounded approach to life…both outside of themselves and within. I have been working with young people for over 20 years as a teacher, a counselor, a coach, an administrator and as a director of an alternative school. I continue to be amazed at the potential that students have within them and the gifts they can bring to the world. In my ongoing quest to provide opportunities for young adults to flourish and expand their capabilities and belief in themselves, we have put together travel programs that will provide the foundation of extraordinary adventures.
We are firm believers that our youngsters are the keepers of the possibilities of our future and we are committed to offer programs, such as this journey to Costa Rica, that will empower them to embrace the gifts they have within themselves. We offer travel programs that are safe, unique, flexible and fun. We accompany your students and teachers the entire time to guarantee a powerful and exciting program. This journey will be personal, high quality, with comfortable accommodations, and we’ll take measures to make this event not just remarkable at the time, but also memorable and powerful for the students’ future.”
Kay Latchmansingh is the main organizer and logistic expert of this retreat. Her background in international trade and finance and her attention to details will ensure that this will be a quality experience for all. She is in communication with everyone who is a part of this program and makes sure that all aspects of this endeavor are synchronized. Kay is also in charge of participant wellness and takes care of everyone from the time they register until they are back home. Kay is the co-owner and vice-president of Global Journeys. She provides a wealth of experience in travel and cultural connections.
Kay was born and educated in British Guyana, moved to the U.S. and has traveled and worked with people in many European countries, Russia, Egypt, South Africa, British West Indies, and Central America. Her knowledge and connections with various cultures is a wonderful asset as she works with and teaches a variety of people. Her vision of providing service to those in need and doing so in a celebratory way certainly is the foundation of this retreat. She is a Yoga Shiromani (teacher of yoga) in the Sampoorna tradition, and is a student of Sanskrit. Kay’s Hindu practice, knowledge of: the Vedic Traditions, Kirtan, Ayurveda, Chakra alignment and amazing ability to prepare healthy International cuisine will be invaluable assets on this retreat.