JANE KOUTNIK is a teacher, translator, writer, and craft jeweler who has lived in Costa Rica for nearly thirty years. After graduating in Philosophy and English from the University of California at San Diego, she traveled to Costa Rica, fell in love with the country, and decided to call it home. Over the years she has worked for mutual English—Spanish understanding in her local rural community, and has contributed to several guidebooks and tourist magazines. Her passion for the environment has led to intensive time and energy dedicated to conservation, working with the government, the local community, and environmental groups.