Polly Mendoza is the executive director of HILLS and brings with her 16 years of experience leading national and international trips and programs for adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. She was the executive director of the Sarapiqui Conservation Learning Center, a non-profit education center in Costa Rica whose mission is to link communities and conservation through education and ecotourism. She currently resides as President of their board of Directors. She has worked in group homes for adults with developmental disabilities and has a brother with Down syndrome. Polly and her husband are also currently host home providers for 2 young women with developmental disabilities that reside with them in their house and Polly received the Direct Service Professional Appreciation Award given by Alliance in February of 2010.
Melissa Dominguez is a certified C.N.A. that has worked with residents with developmental disabilities teaching them everyday life skills, and assisting them with personal care needs. Melissa is skilled and trained in a variety of ambulatory needs, using lifts, positioning and transferring clients, g-tube feedings, nebulizer treatments, oxygen therapy, vital signs and colostomy care.
Javier Mendoza was raised and educated in Costa Rica where he has 14 years of experience leading outdoor adventure trips. He has numerous certifications including swift water rescue and handling poisonous plants and animals. He has 7 years of experience leading trips and programs for adults with developmental disabilities. He is also a professional kayaker and has traveled extensively around the world to compete. Javier and his wife Polly are also host home providers for adults with developmental disabilities and have 2 residents living with them in their house.
Pablo Miranda has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidad Nacional of Costa Rica and over 15 years experience leading outdoor adventure programs. He is certified in Wilderness First Responder, First Aid, CPR and Swift Water Rescue. He has extensive knowledge of the Colorado Parks and surrounding areas. Pablo is also a professional white water kayaker and avid mountain biker.
