Our staff  

Tropical Oasis was founded by Nicholas Russi, an addict and alcoholic.  Nick is nationally and internationally certified as an addiction counselor.  He received his training from Pharmatox institute for behavioral sciences.  As an adolescent and young adult he struggled with substances of all types and went to various rehabilitation and detox facilities.  No matter where he went he inevitably used again, until the choice was made for himself.  Having traveled the road of devastation both physically, emotionally, and spiritually he has come to embrace a way of living that has exceeded all of his expectations.  Through this journey he has committed to helping others with this disease, in hopes that they find the same relief and joy that he has.

Owner/executive director 

Psychology

Licda. Sonia Loria Sanchez

Sonia received her Bachelor degree at the Unversidad Latina de Costa Rica, located in San Pedro, San Jose.  Unversidad Latina de Costa Rica is known for its excellent program in chemical Dependency.  Sonia has experience working with a variety of different disorders and is well adept in several different treatment modalities.  She is characterized for being a good listener, putting 100% of her experience and professional knowledge to helping people and becoming a part change in there life.

Bach. Sonia Pochet González 

Psychiatry

Dr. Steven Kogel Hughes is our resident Psychiatrist at Tropical Oasis.  Steve has been practicing Psychiatry and addiction medicine since 1982.  Former Co-owner of Casa De Campo treatment center and former president of IAFA (National institute for substance abuse), Dr Kogel brings a level of excellence and service unsurpassed to the treatment field.  Currently finishing his PhD in education, Dr. Kogel enjoys playing the flute, piano and clarinet in his spare time.

 Dr. Steven Kogel Hughes 

Medical

Dr. Jaun Carlos Arias heads our medical department at Tropical Oasis.  He received his medical degree from UCIMED (Universidad de Ciencias Medicas) which is a famous medical school located in San Jose, Costa Rica.  It was founded in 1978 and has had a legacy of excellency in the teachings of medicine.

Dr. Juan Carlos Arias 

Dr. Edgar Leguizamon Velandia

Nutrition

 Mónica Umaña Alvarado has a Bachelors degree in human nutrition and a Masters degree in human movement sciences.  She earned her degrees from the Universidad de Costa Rica.  She has seven years experience in private practice specializing in individual and group nutritional counseling.  She is a certified sports nutritionist and has three years experience as a university professor teaching nutrition.

Mónica Umaña Alvarado

Administration

Danilo Castro Merino

Transportation

David José Guzmán Aguilar

Housekeeping

Mercedes Ramona Campos Quirós

Support Staff

Fritz is our newest member of Tropical Oasis.  He is a  black Lab currently in training to give therapy of all types.  His specialties include giving company, going for long walks, looking handsome and cuddling.  Fritz is really an all around lovable dog and we cherish his pesence at Tropical Oasis.