About Abriendo Mentes

History

After three years as community members in Playa Potrero, Costa Rica, Meradith Leebrick and Drew Ragland began to realize there was a lack of educational resources and extra-curricular activities available to community members. Children had idle afternoons, no creative outlets, and many community members had never used a computer! Meradith and Drew saw a need in the community for extended learning, and they decided to dedicate themselves to improving the current educational situation by creating an afternoon program offered to the entire community, at no cost.

Starting from a meager beginning with only their personal finances and a handful of resources, the partners launched the first Abriendo Mentes class on June 8th, 2009 in a local, open air restaurant with just 15 students. Community members fondly recall the early days of hearing local children shout the names of colors and shapes in the center of the village. With the help of many volunteers, supporters, and donations, AM has grown to include more than 40% of the community and has accumulated over 2,000 class hours.

Board of Directors

Meradith Leebrick: Board President
Drew Ragland: Board Vice President
Denton Ragland: Secretary

Staff and Interns

Meradith Leebrick & Drew Ragland: Co-Project Directors
Shannon Ghere: Co-Development Director & Director of Women's Programming
Anna Hergt: Director of Youth Education Emily Hric: Co-Development Director
Caroline Kirkendoll: Director of Adult Education