Board Members
Vanessa Caldarelli
Vanessa is devoted to the protection of wild landscapes and biodiversity. As the daughter of Eco Era’s founders, she developed an early connection to the land Eco Era protects in Costa Rica’s Cerro Nara rainforest.
She spent several years living and practicing at Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, where she practiced of Zen Buddhism, organic farming, and land stewardship. The Buddhist principles of interdependence and compassion continue to guide her approach to conservation.
In 2019, Vanessa co-founded Posada Natura, a nature-immersed retreat center located at the base of Eco Era’s reserve. In 2021, she was appointed President of Eco Era, where she leads the organization’s efforts to protect rainforest ecosystems in Costa Rica and foster a healthier relationship between people and nature.
Her work is also shaped by years spent living in rural Alaska, where she developed a deep appreciation for wilderness conservation and the protection of intact landscapes for future generations.
Bob Buckter
Bob Buckter was born in San Francisco and attended local public schools before graduating in 1969 with degrees in Social Sciences and Business from San Francisco State University. Throughout his youth, Bob traveled extensively, including an around-the-world journey in 1977. These experiences fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world and a strong desire to protect it.
In 1970, Bob founded a painting and contracting business in San Francisco, which he transitioned into color consulting in 1978—a career he continues to pursue today. Between 1970 and 1980, he also bought, sold, developed, and traded real estate in San Francisco, before retiring at the age of 31.
In 1994, Bob visited Gustavo Caldarelli’s rainforest property in Costa Rica, an experience that inspired him to begin purchasing land in the region. Over the next six years, Bob acquired several properties, with his holdings now comprising 1,000 of the 10,000 acres protected by Eco Era. While Bob has worn many hats throughout his life, his foremost identity is as a devoted protector of the rainforest.
Adrian De Leon
Mr. De Leon was a co- founder and shareholder of the Los Angeles law firm Worldwide Crossing Law Group. He has extensive experience in EB-5 immigration investments, corporate formation, preparation of Reg S / Reg D offering memorandum, subscription agreements, and cross-border planning for foreign individuals and companies doing business in the United States. Prior to Worldwide Crossing, Mr. De Leon was a law clerk with the Las Vegas law firm, Chesnoff and Schonfeld, P.C., where he worked on several high-profile cases. As a licensed attorney and entrepreneur, Mr. De Leon has served in an executive or advisory capacity for several companies. Mr. De Leon is the founder of Zalophus Global, LLC, a management and consulting firm focusing on cross-border transactions with special emphasis on Asia-United States and Latin America-United States transactions. Mr. De Leon is a special advisor to AI & You, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focusing on Artificial Intelligence education and training for underrepresented communities.
Celina De Leon
Celina is the founder of Circle of Sacred Nature, a 501(c)3 church, and the program director of Posada Natura Retreat Center, where she leads transformative experiences that help individuals reconnect with the natural world. Celina also co-directs Natura Care Programs, a holistic addiction recovery initiative that blends nature immersion with spiritual healing practices.
Celina’s academic background includes a degree from Stanford University, a Fulbright scholarship, and a Masters in Divinity from the Graduate Theological Union. She has received professional training in spiritual care through chaplaincy and has spent over 20 years cultivating an approach that merges indigenous teachings with modern wellness practices. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of nature to heal and the importance of fostering ecological consciousness in today’s world. As a mother of three, Celina draws her greatest inspiration from her children.
Jessica Nelson
Born and raised in Southern New Mexico, Jess’s journey has been deeply shaped by her connection to nature, especially watersheds. From a young age, she felt a call to understand the forces that shape our planet. As a Creative Director, Jess believes that storytelling is a powerful tool not only for inspiring change but for promoting health and unity. Through her work, she seeks to create connections that help people feel more connected to each other, to themselves, and to the Earth. By fostering a deeper understanding and compassion for one another, Jess believes we can inspire the kind of collective care that’s essential for taking care of the planet. Recognizing advertising’s potential to influence culture and decision-making, Jess is committed to using it responsibly, ensuring that her work doesn’t just connect people to brands, but to the world around them, and to a shared sense of responsibility for its future.
Leo Raderman
Leo Raderman is the Founder and Chairman of Psykia Institute, bringing over two decades of entrepreneurial and business experience to his work. Throughout his career, Leo has founded and led innovative companies, including the groundbreaking online film network IFILM.com, the world leader in large-scale and immersive video Obscura, and Nukotoys, known as “Silicon Valley's Toy Company.” He is also the co-founder of the non-profits miraclefeet and The Grof Holotropic Foundation, the latter of which he co-founded with Dr. Stanislav Grof.
Leo holds a Master’s degree in Systematic and Philosophical Theology from The Graduate Theological Union at U.C. Berkeley, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communication Studies from U.C.L.A.