All of us at Costa Rica Outward Bound are excited to have three new instructors: Tania Brotto, Sean Marr, and Heidi Ruckriegle. Read below to get to know our newest staff!

Tania BrottoTania Brotto, New Instructor
Hometown: Aruja, Brazil
Courses: Tania just finished working with Santiago Lopez & Carlos Castro for our two adult courses: Reconnect With Nature & Surf Getaway.

Costa Rica Outward Bound is proud to have Tania as our first Brazilian instructor! Tania has worked for the past 8 years as a physical education teacher in a high school in Brazil. On weekends, Tania goes to the coast to teach surf lessons. Tania has extensive experience with Outward Bound, as she completed a leadership course with Outward Bound Brazil.

Tania says she came to Costa Rica because she “loves mud.” And anyone who has gone on course can attest to the truth of that statement- Tania does love mud. Tania loves the Outward Bound philosophy, especially the focus on physical, emotional, and mental balance.

One past Reconnect with Nature student describes Tania as “a superwoman with a heart to match.” Tania tells us that she’s shy, but no one who has met her believes it.

Sean MarrNew instructor Sean Marr
Hometown: Doylestown, PA
Courses: Sean will be working with Carlos Castro for the upcoming Water & Wave semester course

Sean graduated from Penn State University in 2008 with degrees in Education and Spanish. Since graduation, he has worked as an ELL (English Language Learners) teaching assistant, a translator/interpreter, a waiter, a mason, a summer camp manager, and a climbing instructor. Although his work was fulfilling and rewarding, his keen sense of adventure, strong thirst for knowledge and experience, and enthusiastic personality kept him searching for something slightly more exotic.

Being somewhat of an idealist, outdoor/experiential education is a glove that fits Sean quite nicely. Sean is thrilled to be working with Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School as an instructor. He must admit though that he views himself as more of a mentor and guide than instructor. He believes there is no better classroom than the outdoors and no truer instructor than experience. Sean is eager to share his knowledge of Spanish and his passion for surfing and the outdoors with his students.

In his free time Sean enjoys running, reading science fiction novels, climbing, camping, and traveling. But most of all, he loves surfing. His overwhelming passion for surfing often drives him to make the 2-3 hour trek down to the New Jersey shore whenever there is good swell.New Instructor, Heidi Ruckriegle

Heidi Ruckriegle
Hometown: Breckenridge, CO
Courses: Heidi is currently on the Tri-Country course with Santiago Lopez.

Heidi´s hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado was the perfect backdrop to participate in outdoor adventures. She grew up skiing and snowboarding, and taking long trail runs in the summer.

Heidi attended University of Colorado in Boulder as a Presidents Leadership Scholar. She graduated with degrees in Spanish and Business, complimented by a rigorous leadership development program. Heidi spent a full year studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. When not studying, Heidi was also playing college hockey.

Heidi´s view of Costa Rica: ¨You don´t really know how much it rains in Costa Rica until you get here and see the rainbow.¨ She considers Costa Rica Outward Bound a unique outdoor adventure experience because ¨nowhere else in the world do you get to interact with locals during homestays. You really get a new family.¨

Read more about Heidi in this article published in the Summit Daily News: