Latest Updates
Now enrolling for Fall and Winter 2024. Join an Adventure with us or contact our Team to learn more about our programs.
Meet the Team
How we’re making a positive impact and protecting biodiversity
Meet Our Instructors
Our instructors have a wide array of impressive educational backgrounds, and are committed to providing quality care and guidance to our program participants. Each instructor has chosen to work with NOA due to their alignment with our nonprofit’s mission to cultivate meaningful connections through sustainable ecotourism, culturally immersive experiences, holistic education, and nature conservation.
They are highly qualified in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and undergo wilderness first responder training every year. Our diverse group of instructors cultivates a safe space for students to explore their identities, passions, and curiosities about the world while in new cultural contexts and unfamiliar geographic regions. Our instructors provide compassionate mentorship to our participants helping them navigate new situations with confidence.
Marta Fabregas
Founder, International Coordinator and Instructor
Passionate Marine Biologist, Educator, and Sustainable Living Advocate, Marta Fabregas, founder of NOA, blends her passion for marine biology and education to inspire others. With a background in Biology and Marine Sciences, Marta's journey includes global wildlife conservation work and founding a marine conservation nonprofit in Costa Rica.
Jose Macanilla
Ecuador Instructor
Jose Macanilla brings 16 years of expertise as a naturalist guide in Ecuador's Yasuni National Park. His deep knowledge in botany, Amazonian medicine, and ornithology enriches NOA travelers' experiences. As a respected figure in conservation and ecotourism, Jose's passion for nature education shines through his work.
Marc Aquino
Europe Instructor
Marc Aquino Baleytó, a marine scientist passionate about sharks, has extensive experience in marine conservation and research. His academic journey includes a Master's in Marine Resource Management Sciences and ongoing doctoral research on white shark habitats.
Baruch Figueroa Zavala
Mexico Instructor
Baruch is a marine biologist specializing in coral reef management and rural development. With experience in marine conservation projects and certifications as a DiveMaster, he's also skilled in environmental education and underwater photography.
Jennifer Monge Forbes
Costa Rica Instructor
Jennifer Monge Forbes, a local tour guide in Costa Rica, owns a Caribbean restaurant and a medicinal tea company. With over seven years of experience in energetic healing and metaphysical practices, she promotes unity with nature and creates healing spaces in her community.
Raul Cuatrecasas Abad
Equador Instructor
Raúl Cuatrecasas Abad, a dedicated biologist from Barcelona, serves as a local tour guide for NOA in Ecuador. His journey began with a biology degree in Barcelona, followed by wildlife experiences in Ireland and Ecuador.
Alexandre Fellous
French Polynesia Instructor
Alexandre Fellous is a seasoned marine biologist with a diverse research background in marine organisms and climate change. His work spans collaborations with esteemed institutions globally, focusing on coral reefs in French Polynesia.
Barbara Barrera Vilarmau
Costa Rica Instructor
Barbara Barrera Vilarmau, a Spanish biologist, specializes in sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica and Panama. She leads research at Laguna Urpiano Wildlife Refuge, focusing on protecting the largest leatherback turtle colony in the Caribbean.
Our Administrative Team
Our administrative team at Nature and Oceans Adventures is a dedicated group of professionals who play a vital role in supporting our educational programs and travel experiences. Comprising experienced program directors, risk managers, curriculum developers, and support staff, our admin team works diligently to ensure the success and safety of our participants. Many of our team members have extensive experience in the field, allowing them to understand and address the diverse challenges and opportunities that arise during our adventures. We invite you to explore the profiles of our admin team to learn more about the individuals behind our international programming.
Alba Carod
Holistic Education Coordinator
Alba is an experienced teacher with a background in Psychology and Mindfulness. She holds a Master's in International Education and another in Transpersonal Psychology. With 15 years of teaching experience, she introduces Mindfulness to high school and higher education students. Alba's holistic approach in teaching is influenced by her personal journey in mindfulness, yoga, astrology, and spiritual studies over the last 20 years.
Tanya Fernandez
Secretary
Tanya Fernandez, a dedicated psychologist with a degree from the University of Menorca, specializes in experiential education and holistic learning. As NOA's secretary, she ensures smooth operations and supports the organization's mission of environmental education and conservation. Tanya's passion for empowering students and promoting lifelong learning makes her a valuable asset to the NOA community.
Alison Bullock
Chief Financial Officer
Alison, Nature and Oceans Adventures' CFO, has over a decade of accounting experience and a passion for nonprofit work. She started in 2006 and expanded into tax preparation in 2020, becoming certified in California. Alison's expertise supports NOA's mission, aligning her financial acumen with the organization's commitment to environmental education and conservation.
Our Operational Team
Our Operations Team at Nature and Oceans Adventures comprises a dedicated group of professionals committed to ensuring seamless and unforgettable travel experiences for our participants. With expertise in logistics, safety management, program coordination, and customer service, our team works tirelessly behind the scenes to make each journey a success. We prioritize attention to detail, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, striving to exceed expectations and create lasting memories for everyone who embarks on our adventures.
Marta Fabregas
Chief Executive Director
Marta Fabregas is deeply dedicated to marine conservation and education. With a background in Biology and Marine Sciences, she's also a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. Marta founded Nature and Oceans Adventures, and now is the CEO. She empowers students through education in marine biology and natural medicine, embodying a commitment to sustainable living and positive change at NOA.
Mohammed Aguirre
Cross-cultural Coordinator
Mohamed brings diverse experience and a passion for cultural exchange. With a background in language teaching, sustainable development, and a Master's degree in Sustainable International Development, leading to impactful roles with organizations like the United Nations Development Program and UN-Women. He facilitates transformative experiences for students exploring new countries and cultures.
Elisabet Fabregas
Outreach and Education Programming Coordinator
Elisabet Fabregas brings over a decade of experience in Montessori and holistic education. Her creative storytelling skills and commitment to early childhood education enhance NOA's mission of environmental education and conservation, fostering empathy and driving positive change.
Laura Cohen
Sustainability Coordinator
Laura Cohen has a diverse background in sustainability and education. Raised on a sustainable farm in Washington, she worked with youth in Senegal and guided tours in the USA. A Shiatsu practitioner and master gardener in Northern California, Laura teaches biodynamics and natural medicine. Fluent in multiple languages, she aims to foster diverse, sustainable communities and inspire future environmental stewards through NOA's programs.
