from Costa Rica
Our Association
Our goal is to promote research, reduce risks, and facilitate informed dialogue in society, prioritizing education and access to accurate information.
Mission
To lead the generation of knowledge on harm reduction and the therapeutic and social uses of psychedelics, promoting research and disseminating evidence-based information through research, education, and risk reduction programs.
Vision
To be a leading national and international organization on issues of responsible, safe, ethical, and comprehensive use of psychedelic substances in therapeutic and research settings for the development of well-being and human potential, as well as their social benefits.
We work in collaboration with various institutions and organizations to strengthen the field of study and offer educational programs that educate people about the responsible use of these substances.
Our team
Dr. David Ricardo Valverde
Graduate in Medicine and Surgery
With a solid track record dedicated to mental health, personal development, and the study of sacred plants, as Founder and Medical Director of Centro Aurora, he has developed innovative programs focused on mental health, emotional well-being, and personal development.
He is a consultant specializing in Cannabis and Psychedelic Medicine, with an approach that seeks to combine traditional medicine with the latest scientific advances.
In addition to his medical work, he is a visionary novelist who explores interdisciplinary and spiritual themes in his science fiction and fantasy works, bringing a unique perspective to the fields of literature and human well-being.
M.Ps Massiel Arroyo Sibaja
Master's degree in Psychology and Bachelor's degree in Education. Certified in the use of psychedelics by ICEERS, Vital Psychedelics, and the Open Foundation.
She also holds certifications in compassionate inquiry, trauma management, and somatic techniques. She is a yoga trainer and certified in mindfulness. With 12 years of experience as a university educator and researcher at institutions such as the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the State University of Costa Rica (UNED), she has contributed to the academic field.
Additionally, she has worked as a clinical therapist and has been a mindfulness and yoga teacher for eight years, combining her knowledge of psychology and education with holistic wellness practices.
Dr. José Pablo Badilla Peralta
Graduate in Medicine and Surgery, Master's Degree in Pathology and Advanced Knee Surgery, Diabetes Mellitus Educator
and Endocannabinoid Physician
With extensive experience in the field of cannabis since 2018 and internationally certified in Endocannabinoid Medicine since 2022, he has specialized in the management of sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, autoimmune, metabolic, and oncological diseases, supporting as an adjuvant in chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments from childhood to old age.
Additionally, she has been an active voice in the media, universities, and even the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly, promoting education about medicinal cannabis and its therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of cancer and other conditions.
His work has been instrumental in disseminating scientific information and promoting complementary therapies that improve patients' quality of life, supporting their effectiveness in managing the symptoms and side effects of complex diseases.
Since 2018, she has been part of the CCSS team, working in emergencies and primary care in rural and urban areas, demonstrating commitment and dedication at every step of her career.
Rolando Aguilar León
Medical Student and Researcher
in Psychedelics and Mental Health
Rolando is a medical student with a deep interest in psychology, neuroscience, and alternative therapies. With years of research, he explores the responsible use of psychedelic substances to treat addiction, trauma, and mental disorders, combining scientific rigor with a humanistic approach.
She works directly with people in recovery, integrating their stories to better understand their needs. With a curious mind and a committed heart, she seeks to innovate in the field of mental health and emotional well-being.
In addition, her jiu-jitsu practice has strengthened her discipline, patience, and resilience, qualities she applies to both her medical approach and her commitment to holistic well-being.
Dr. José Manuel Rodríguez
Independent Psychedelic Researcher
He is a biological anthropologist with 20 years of experience studying the role of psychedelics in human evolution.
She has worked on preclinical research on psilocybin and stress in animal models, as well as on the analysis of paleoethnobotanical samples at the University of Costa Rica.
Currently, she is researching the use of various psychoactive substances among pre-Columbian Costa Rican populations and the diversity in the use of hallucinogens across different human cultures.
MSc Joseph Cambronero Solano
Graduate in Pharmacy
Master's Degree in Molecular Neuroscience
With a solid academic background, he has taught at the University of Costa Rica and the University of Medical Sciences.
His research has focused on discerning different physiological mechanisms of neuronal plasticity derived from substances such as cortisol and psilocybin.
MSW, Cathy Trejos Valverde
Master in Social Work
Graduate in Psychology
He has a solid academic and professional background, backed by credentials in Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy from leading institutions such as MAPS, CIIS,
Synthesis and ICEERS.
She also completed 500 hours of Yoga Instructor Training (YTT) and deepened her Mindfulness practices during her time in India.
Cathy has over 10 years of experience providing psychosocial and mental health support in humanitarian settings in Costa Rica, the United States, the United Kingdom, Libya, and Mexico.
Trained in Compassionate Inquiry and Internal Family System 1, she currently supports individual and group reconnection psychotherapeutic processes.
Ignacio Cuevillas Longan
Estudiante de Psicología
Formado en Navegación de Psicodélicos para Clínicos y Terapeutas con Psychedelics Today.
Instructor de respiración para Oyxgen Advantage.
+3 años de experiencia en reducción de riesgos y daños en uso de sustancias para contextos ceremoniales, fiestas y festivales. En México y Costa Rica.
+2 años de experiencia en la preparación para experiencias psicodélicas utilizando la respiración como herramienta principal.
Daniel Rocchi
Speleologist, Canyoner
Researcher of Human Consciousness
Daniele is a speleologist, canyoneer, and linguistic consultant. With a deep interest in exploring both the depths of the earth and the mysteries of the mind, he is currently enrolled in the first N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) certification program at the Colorado Psychedelics Practitioners Cohort.
His life is dedicated to the constant search for knowledge and adventure.
Elias Estrada
Holistic Therapist
Comprehensive Wellness Guide
Elías is a therapist specializing in alternative and holistic health, committed to the comprehensive well-being of people.
Through her work, she integrates diverse disciplines such as sound therapy, yoga, reiki, acupressure, Thai massage, Bach flowers, and aromatherapy.
With a professional approach focused on individual needs, Elías guides us toward physical, mental, and spiritual harmony, facilitating processes of personal restoration and transformation.
Its methodology combines ancient techniques with a modern approach, offering practical tools to improve quality of life and promote holistic balance.
