Meet The Team

  • Matthew Blesso

    Matthew Blesso (US)

    FOUNDER

    Matthew’s leadership at Blesso Properties has driven Shift Esperanza's success, emphasizing social and environmental impact. Known for his innovative vision, Matthew is valued for his unique vision, empowering spirit, and ability to uncover unique opportunities, with business and people alike.

  • Raymond Brealey (CR)

    DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

    With over 23 years of experience and 150+ projects totaling $600 million, Raymond is a seasoned expert in civil engineering, project management, and real estate development across Costa Rica and Texas. A graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey with advanced studies at INCAE Business School, he joined Shift inspired by its vision of sustainable development and environmental stewardship. Outside of work, Raymond enjoys family time, caring for animals, and listening to country music.

  • Beth O'Brien-Gore

    Beth O'Brien-Gore (UK)

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Beth is a chartered marketer and self-made entrepreneur who successfully ran her own international online marketing agency for four years. After recognizing Shift’s potential and deeply resonating with its mission, Beth decided to cease her client work to take on a full-time role as Shift’s Head of Marketing. Since then, Beth has been instrumental in building the Shift team and never ceases to push the boundaries with her original ideas, creative solutions, and forward-thinking strategies.

  • Ginger Rivadeneira

    Ginger Rivadeneira (EC)

    DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & INNOVATION

    Matthew’s wife, Ginger, harnesses her expertise from Pratt, Parsons, and the Art Students League to lead interior design, art curation, and furniture design, ensuring all design projects align with Shift's vision. Ginger is currently exploring Bio-Design, using living organisms for sustainable, innovative materials.

  • Hannah Watson

    Hannah Watson (CA)

    DIRECTOR OF CULTURE & COMMUNITY

    Driven by a passion for genuine connections and well-being, Hannah left Toronto's entertainment scene for Nosara. With experience building and managing four restaurants, she shifted into holistic wellness and mentorship, leading to Shift. At Shift, she cultivates community culture, team bonding, and collaboration with her warm, inspiring energy.

  • Stephanie Valenzuela

    Stephanie Valenzuela (AU)

    SALES & MARKETING MANAGER

    Stephanie has extensive experience in marketing, events, and entrepreneurship after owning and running several businesses in Chile and working in multiple countries. Her decision to join Shift was driven by a genuine passion for the mission to create a successful model for socially and environmentally responsible developments.

  • Andy Marin (CR/US)

    LEAD COMMUNITY BUILDER

    Andy is passionate about fostering connection and building inclusive communities. With extensive experience in community development and sustainable living, he leads Shift Esperanza's culture by organizing collaborative events and supporting residents in creating meaningful relationships. Andy’s dedication to eco-friendly living and his love for Nosara’s natural beauty drive his mission to make Shift a model for conscious and sustainable living.

  • Ariane Stucky

    Ariane Stucky (CH)

    FINANCIAL CONTROLLER & ADMINISTRATION

    Ari, an accomplished professional with a management and human resources background, excels in administrative and compliance tasks. Her previous experiences highlight her leadership skills and expertise in personnel management, HR policy implementation, and staff organization, but she also demonstrates her ability to handle high-level responsibilities effectively.

  • Maria Jose Garcia (NIC)

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Mari brings over four years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and administration, overseeing Shift Esperanza’s daily operations and managing USA bank accounts while supporting the leadership team. Originally from Nicaragua, her passion for sustainable design aligns perfectly with Shift’s vision. Outside of work, Mari is an avid reader and enjoys exploring Human Design.

  • Sam Kenworthy

    Sam Kenworthy (US)

    LEAD LAND DESIGNER

    Sam Kenworthy is a water systems enthusiast and landscape manager with over a decade of experience in the tropics. Experienced in working in a wide variety of environments, he enjoys the challenge and process of designing around problematic landscapes. Dedicated to continued learning and improving his skill sets, he is passionate about self-sufficiency, water management, generating more and better yields, and well-executed design for human ecosystems.

  • Emanuel Villamil

    Emanuel Villamil (CR)

    FARM MANAGER

    Holding a degree in Biosystems Engineering, Emanuel joined Shift in 2023 as the Farm Manager, leveraging his deep agricultural roots from Costa Rica and extensive experience in both agriculture and the electric industry. Working at Shift gives Emanuel a chance to apply this knowledge by helping the project restore healthy ecosystems, conscious food production, protection of water resources, residue management, and positive social impact.

  • Daniela Villalobos Palma (CR)

    NURSERY AND SOIL FERTILITY MANAGER

    Originally from Heredia, Daniela is an agronomic engineer passionate about permaculture and sustainable agriculture. At Shift Esperanza, she manages the nursery and soil fertility at Finca La Esperanza, combining her love for nature with holistic living. Outside work, Daniela enjoys hiking, birdwatching, yoga, and exploring Latin American literature, philosophy, and culture.

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