About our team

We have team members in each of the following nations: Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda, and the United States. We have some additional team members and locations not listed due to safety concerns. 

Ethiopia

Zelalem Baychekin

Program Coordinator

Ethiopia

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feven

Feven Byene

Alumni Coordinator

Ethiopia

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Yeshiwas Chane

Program Assistant

Ethiopia

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Selam Kahsay

Health & Wellness Specialist

Ethiopia

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Engida Lemma

Youth Development Coordinator

Ethiopia

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Zenebe Sisay

Alumni Coordinator

Ethiopia

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Selam Terefe

Regional Director

East Africa

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Guatemala

Yolanda Chacaj

Program Director

Guatemala

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Antonio Franco

IT Coordinator

Guatemala

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Rosy Pamela Gonzales

Program Coordinator

Guatemala

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Renate Krings

International Program Manager

Guatemala

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Andrés Quiñonez

Program Coordinator

Guatemala

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Otto Rivera

Accountant

Guatemala

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Honduras

San Pedro Sula

Joselyn Bautista

English Teacher

Honduras

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Erika Cuevas

Program Director

Honduras

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Cinthia Gonzalez

Field Technician

Honduras

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Eduar Gutiérrez

Program Assistant

Honduras

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Darleny Velásquez

Graduate Network Coordinator

Honduras

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Tegucigalpa & RE TE Partners

Francisco Paz

Program Coordinator

Honduras

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Maryi Pavón

Alumni Coordinator

Honduras

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Maritza Peralta

Family Life Center Coordinator

Honduras

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Ronia Romero

Regional Director

Central America

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Pamela Salgado

English Teacher and Assistant

Honduras

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Dina del Carmen Alonzo Pérez

RE TE Administrator

Honduras

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Alex Maffeis

RE TE Partnership Director

Honduras

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Jamaica

Cassem Barker

Alumni Coordinator

Jamaica

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Marjorie Beckford

Accountant

Jamaica

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Monique Brisco

Project Assistant

Jamaica

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Tavian Jones

Project Coordinator

Jamaica

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Sonja Robinson

Program Director

Jamaica

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Kenya

Simon Anzigare

Program Coordinator

Kenya

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Esther Muhia

Country Director

Kenya

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Nicaragua

Laura Cuevas

Program Coordinator

Nicaragua

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Erlin Guerrero

Accountant

Nicaragua

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Chira Marenco

Program Coordinator

Nicaragua

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Thamara Reyes

Program Coordinator

Nicaragua

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Ismael Arias

Program Coordinator

Nicaragua

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Norman Velásquez

Program Director

Nicaragua

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Uganda

Evelyne Atuhwere

Project Officer

Uganda

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Grace Flavia Ibanda

Mentor

Uganda

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David Kafambe

Country Director

Uganda

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United States

Mary Hall

Business Administrator

USA

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Rebekah Murray

Communications Director

USA

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Andrew Pawuk

Vice President of Operations

USA

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Tucker Rossmaessler

Director of Engagement

USA

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McKinley Schmitz

Engagement Manager

USA

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Mike Tenbusch

President

USA

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Zelalem Baychekin
Program Coordinator

Zelalem is a Psychology graduate from the University of Gondar. He is always ready to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was raised in the Kore community and understands firsthand the struggles and opportunities. Thanks to his experience and education, he is an instrumental part of our scholarship program. He is also a bookworm who has read more than 300 books to date.

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Feven Byene
Alumni Coordinator

Feven has been the visionary girl club’s leader for the past two years. She is an exemplary scholar. She mentors and instructs the younger Samaritan Scholars in SISTAL (Sisters Informing Sisters about Life), where she is also an active participant. Feven aspires to become a well-known personal development coach.

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Yeshiwas Chane
Program Assistant

Yeshiwas Chane is a former IntSam scholar who joined Team Ethiopia after graduating from college in Marketing Management. He will be working as a bookkeeper for our program. Yeshi is a highly organized and committed young professional and he has supported our program in different ways before even joining us as our bookkeeper.

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Selam Kahsay
Health & Wellness Specialist

Selam is a public health expert who is passionate about working with vulnerable communities, especially adolescents and their families to address their Health and Wellness issues. She has many years of experience working closely with neglected patients from the poorest sections of the city, which consequently set the tone for her professional decision to always work in close proximity with overlooked communities. “Beauty from Ashes” is her motto, so she strives to see people rise up from unfortunate situations. She is particularly interested in Nutrition and Psychosocial support.  Prior to joining International Samaritan, Selam worked as a consultant for a Non-profit called Lifebox that works to make surgery and anesthesia safer on a global scale. Selam holds a Master’s in Public Health from Addis Ababa University.

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Engidawork Lemma
Youth Development Coordinator

Engidawork brings over 15 years of expertise in empowering adolescents and youth through leadership, personal development, reproductive health, and program management. As a dedicated professional, he specializes in facilitating and delivering tailored training for different populations in various educational settings.

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Zenebe Sisay
Alumni Coordinator

Zenebe Sisay is a dedicated Computer Science scholar at St. Mary’s College, guided by his motto of helping anyone, anywhere, with whatever he can, and doing so with excellence. He facilitates, executes, and follows through on project tasks. As the leader of the Manhood Club and other volunteer initiatives, he demonstrates exceptional skills in managing and guiding his peers, particularly in leading the tutoring program.

When he’s not immersed in his academic pursuits or volunteer activities, Zenbe enjoys cheering on Manchester United and prioritizes his health through regular workouts and participation in church programs. His balanced approach to life showcases his commitment to personal growth and community engagement.

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Selam Terefe
Regional Director, East Africa

With degrees in law, management, sociology, and “Peace, Security, and Development,” Selam has years of experience in international development and aid with a track record of career advancements. Her education and career have given her a thorough and in-depth knowledge of gender, legal, social, and political issues of East Africa with a special focus on Ethiopia. Over the years, she has demonstrated skills in project management, research, leadership, monitoring and evaluation, and diplomacy. Selam is passionate about development in Africa and a strong believer in effective partnerships.

Yolanda Chacaj
Program Director

Yoli graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing with a Business concentration and then obtained a Master’s of Social Work. She’s familiar with all aspects of our programs as she worked as a coordinator before becoming the director. Outside of work, Yoli lives in Guatemala City with her family. She enjoys spending every moment that she can with her family and says they are her main motivation for everything she does.

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Antonio Franco
IT Coordinator, Guatemala

Antonio studied computer science with a business orientation and was part of the Buen Samaritano foundation team as the person in charge of the computer center. He enjoys working with computers and being part of International Samaritan’s mission. In his free time, you’ll find Antonio exercising and spending time with his family.

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Rosy Pamela Gonzales
Program Coordinator, Guatemala

Thanks to a scholarship through the Step by Step program, Rosy graduated with a computing degree. She currently works for the Buen Samaritano Foundation and helps provide what the scholarship students need. One of her favorite hobbies is making pastries. She loves baking and sharing food with her family and friends.

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Renate Krings
International Program Manager

As our International Program Manager, Renate leads global partnerships and coordinates the Learn, Serve, Grow program. Based in Guatemala, she has been with International Samaritan since 2019 and brings a strong background in design, social entrepreneurship, and cross-cultural collaboration. Her unique expertise leverages the strengths of young people in the United States and in the communities served by International Samaritan. Renate received her Bachelor’s degree in Product Design from the Universidad Rafael Landívar.

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Andrés Quiñonez
Program Coordinator, Guatemala

Andrés is from Guatemala and has four years of experience working for the Buen Samaritano Foundation. He has a degree in computer science and currently studies automotive engineering at Galileo University. In his spare time, he enjoys repairing vehicles and modifying them.

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Otto Rivera
Accountant, Jamaica

Otto graduated as an Accounting Expert with a Computer Orientation from the San José de los Infantes school, to which he belonged for 12 years. Then he subsequently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting and Auditing from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala last year. He lives with his mother and brother, whom he enjoys spending time with. Otto’s hobbies are going to the gym, listening to music, and he really likes watching comedy and listening to mystery podcasts. He has worked as a General Accountant at Fundación Buen Samaritano since 2019, and Otto’s main duties are to verify that the accounting is updated, present reports, and pay taxes. Otto says, “I am very grateful for all the experiences I have had at the institution, especially with the beneficiaries and families of the program who have taught me many things throughout this time.”

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Joselyn Bautista
English Teacher

Joselyn is a business management student. She graduated as a computer technician in 2022. She is dedicated to medical translation with hospitals in the United States. She has experience teaching English and is passionate about learning languages. 

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Erika Cuevas
Program Director of IntSam Honduras - SPS

Erika has a degree in Management and Social Development. She is the  Program Manager at International Samaritan’s partnership organization, RETE, in the town of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Erika has been working with International Samaritan since 2016. Prior to her work with I.S., Erika worked with children and youth at-risk for thirteen years. Her work consistently focused on eradicating child labor in the municipal garbage dumps.

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Cinthia Gonzalez
Field Technician

Cinthia is a member of the San Pedro Sula team in Honduras. She has been working with RETE Honduras, International Samaritan’s partnership in Honduras, as a Field Technician for the Step by Step Program since 2019. She works closely with scholars, conducting home visits and ensuring program participants have the resources they need to thrive. Cinthia was a graduate of the Step by Step Progream in 2016 with a focus in Science and Humanities and Information Systems.

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Eduar Gutiérrez

Eduar has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, thanks to the Paso a Paso scholarship program. In 2025, he joined the team as an assistant, with the purpose of providing close, empathetic, and quality care to the scholarship recipients. He is preparing to continue his studies with a postgraduate degree in Criminalistics, an area that he is deeply passionate about.

“I firmly believe in the transformative power of education and in supporting young people, just as I received it at the time,” Eduar said. “My purpose is to be a positive role model in their lives and actively contribute to their academic and personal development.”

When he’s not studying or working, Eduar enjoys hiking and spending time with his daughter.

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Darleny Velásquez

Darleny is studying Sociology at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). In addition, she graduated with a Professional Baccalaureate in Computer Science thanks to a scholarship from the Paso a Paso program.

As the coordinator of the San Pedro Sula Graduate Network, Darleny leads and manages various initiatives aimed at strengthening ties between graduates. She also works as a Pharmacy Assistant at the clinic in her community, which has allowed her to gain valuable experience in the health field.

Darleny’s focus has always been to contribute positively to her community, promoting the education and growth of young people in her environment.

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Francisco Paz Hernandez
Program Coordinator, Honduras

Francisco lives in Tegucigalpa. He really likes the countryside and is a faithful lover of animals. Before joining the Step-by-Step program, he worked in the fields in a small town where he was born and raised. In his hometown, he directed youth groups through soccer teams. Francisco is very dedicated to his work and concerned about the well-being of those who need it most, especially students in the Step-by-Step program. He is currently studying industrial engineering at the Catholic University of Honduras.

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Maryi Pavón
Alumni Coordinator

Maryi has a bachelor’s degree in computing and is currently studying System Engineering at the Universidad Metropolitana de Honduras. She tutors scholarship students in Math and Spanish at the Buen Samaritano Family Life Center. She joined the team as an alumni coordinator in 2025.

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Maritza Peralta

Maritza graduated in Computer Administration as well as an Instructor in Computing and with a diploma in preschool education. She is a leader and the board president in her community. Since the Step-by-step program was started in Tegucigalpa, she has been working with children by tutoring them in Spanish, Computer, and Math. She is passionate about serving others and working with children and youth.

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Ronia Romero
Regional Director for Central America

Ronia serves as International Samaritan’s Regional Director for Central America. She has a degree in Foreign Languages with an orientation in English from the Universidad Autonoma of Honduras. For many years she has dedicated herself to expanding opportunities for children, teens, and adults who work in municipal garbage dumps.

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Pamela Salgado

Pamela earned a degree in Foreign Languages in 2012. She has been working as a teacher for 15 years. She specializes in accounting, art design, and informatic skills. In 2025, she joined the team as an English teacher and program assistant.

“I consider myself a person who likes to learn new things every day to increase personal and professional development,” she said.

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Dina del Carmen Alonzo Pérez
RE TE Administrator

Dina was born and raised in the capital city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. She has lived in the same neighborhood of Tegucigalpa since she was ten years old. Dina studied at the National Autonomous University of Honduras, in which she obtained her licensure in Public Accounting. Her professional career has consisted of various roles from assistant accountant, accountant, administrator, and director, amoung others, for both private and international non-profits. Dina’s interests include traveling, going to the beach, helping others, and a lover of animals. Currently, Dina is the Administrator for RE.TE, International Samaritan’s partnership in Honduras. Dina oversees financial administration for the Step by Step Program in both Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

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Alex Maffeis
RE TE Partnership Director

Alex was born in Rome, Italy. He has been working in the area of development aid for over 25 years. Since 2009 he has streamlined programs between International Samaritan and RETE NGO Honduras, supporting children living near the garbage dumps of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Alex says the greatest rewards of his efforts have been to oversee the work of International Samaritan’s Step by Step Scholarship Program and support the program beneficiaries to attend university or acquire decent work.

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Cassem Barker
Alumni Coordinator

Cassem Barker, a youth advocate from Jamaica, is a dedicated International Samaritan scholar and intern in Jamaica. Passionate about nation-building and youth development, Cassem is an active member of his community and school environment. He currently attends The Mico University College, where he is completing a double major in Guidance and Counselling. Cassem’s commitment extends beyond academics; he believes in Christ and holds the conviction that everything happens for a reason. His dedication to his goals is unwavering, and he consistently puts his heart into everything he undertakes, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

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Marjorie Beckford
Accountant

Marjorie has a degree in accounting and is also a certified professional secretary. She enjoys listening to music and watching a good movie in her free time.

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Monique Brisco
Project Assistant

Monique has always had a passion for community development. She has more than 9 years of experience in the community and youth development fields. She’s passionate about youth and community development because she has seen her community at its worst: high unemployment, violence, educational inequity, and lack of resources. This has led many to go to the landfill to work and earn an income. Monique says seeing that drives her to help. Her desire is to lead a purpose-driven life that helps others thrive.

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Tavian Jones
Project Coordinator, Jamaica

Tavian is an accomplished project leader and consultant with a diverse skill set, driven by a passion for sustainable community development. While actively engaged in multiple community-oriented organizations, Tavian focuses on empowering youth and fostering positive change. His dedication to service, exemplified by his 2017 Youth in Service award, fuels his commitment to leveraging his experience for community development and youth empowerment. International Samaritan’s guiding principles of humility, empathy, reverence, and excellence inform his approach, and his educational background in project management and social entrepreneurship equips him to drive impactful initiatives. With expertise in areas such as regenerative agriculture and agile project management, he adeptly navigates complex challenges to deliver successful outcomes, continually inspiring others to join in creating a brighter and more sustainable future.

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Sonja Robinson
Program Director, Jamaica

Sonja holds a PhD. in Workforce Development and Education from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Communication for Social and Behavior Change from the University of the West Indies. With a transdisciplinary professional background, she has played the role of counsellor, mentor, trainer and educator. Sonja believes in living a life of purpose and service.

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Simon Anzigare
Program Coordinator

Simon is currently pursuing a Master’s in Arts at TCM College, building upon a strong foundation in Education with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nairobi. He is passionate about transformational leadership and making a meaningful impact through youth-oriented programs, leveraging the dynamic landscape of modern technology. Simon has a talent for developing and designing content that inspires and elevates, through poetry and authorship of short stories and inspirational books. His creative endeavors aim to enrich lives and foster positive change. Outside of his professional pursuits, Simon finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a dedicated spouse to his wife, Edina, and a loving parent to their child, Jay.

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Esther Wangui Muhia
Country Director, Kenya

Esther’s education is in sociology, communication, and gender and development studies. She has worked in several leadership roles in Nairobi, Kenya, including at the Catholic Medical Mission Board. She has worked with NGOs and community and global organizations. Esther has a record of successfully implementing grants from donors from UN Women to UNICEF, reaching more than 50,000 clients with multi-layered interventions. Esther has successfully implemented various programs, including family and parent skills development, school-based mentorships and scholarships, economic empowerment, psychosocial support, and gender-based violence prevention programs.

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Laura Cuevas
Program Coordinator

Laura is a Systems Engineering student and has been working as a coordinator at International Samaritan since 2022, marking the beginning of her professional career. Her connection with the organization began in 2019 when she received a scholarship, which has strengthened her commitment to education as a tool to transform lives and break family cycles. Passionate about working with children and young people, Laura enjoys spending time with them, passing on her knowledge and contributing to their growth.

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Erlin Guerrero
Accountant

Erlin graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Accounting and Finance in 2019 from the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua. He’s been part of the International Samaritan Nicaragua team since November 2023, serving as the program’s accountant. Erlin expresses his gratitude to God for the opportunity to join this team, as it has been an enriching experience for his personal and professional life. He feels deeply grateful to be able to contribute and serve the community.

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Chira Marenco
Program Coordinator

Chira has a degree in Pedagogy with a mention in Educational Administration. She has 24 years of experience in the educational area, working mainly with children and young people from vulnerable areas near landfills. Chira and her husband have three children. She is passionate about teaching, especially to early childhood children, and she enjoys singing and dancing in her free time.

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Thamara Reyes
Program Coordinator

Thamara is a Psychologist who began her work in 2003 with comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and young people. She has experience in clinical care and higher education, as well as work in NGOs. Her greatest passion is helping people, and she says she feels God’s blessing through the embraces and smiles of the scholarship recipients.

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Ismael Arias
Program Coordinator

Ismael is a Samaritan Scholar studying Public Accounting and Finance. In September of 2024, he joined International Samaritan Nicaragua, serving as a program coordinator, where he has put his commitment and skills into practice. He regularly supports other scholarship recipients in their tasks and in subjects that often require extra help, like mathematics, an area in which he excels.

From a very young age, Ismael has worked with effort and determination to break the cycle of poverty. He’s an example of faith and dedication, inspiring others to achieve their goals.

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Norman Velásquez
Program Director

Norman is a clinical psychologist with a 17-year career in the educational and sports field. He has worked with various academic institutions and non-governmental organizations, leaving a significant mark in the development of programs and projects focused on people’s well-being. He is married to Neydi, another clinical psychologist, and they have a daughter. Norman says his family is his greatest source of inspiration. In addition to his passion for human development, Norman enjoys singing and playing the guitar.

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Evelyne Atuhwere
Project Officer

Evelyne has more than 10 years of experience in community development, mental health awareness, psychosocial support, and HIV management. She has previously served as an Outreach Team Leader at the Most At Risk Population Initiative/STD/Skin Clinic of Mulago National Referral Hospital and as a Counsellor at Family Health International. Evelyne’s efforts have significantly improved community access to health services in Uganda. She holds a Bachelor’s in Guidance and Counselling from Kyambogo University, Uganda.

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Grace Flavia Ibanda
Mentor

Grace, with over 20 years of experience in community development, dance education, and creative facilitation, has empowered children, youth, and adults both locally and internationally. Through her role at Tap Uganda, Inc., she has facilitated cultural exchanges, connecting Ugandan children with their American counterparts. Grace’s previous positions include Creative Artistic Director at House of Talent East Africa and Director of Programs at the Centre for Creativity and Capacity Development, where she leveraged the arts to strengthen communities. She holds a first-class degree in Music, Dance, and Drama from Makerere University Kampala, and an M.A. in Dance Education from an International University, USA. As a Certified Movement Analyst, Grace continually harnesses dance to enhance communication, expression, and exploration.

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David Kafambe
Country Director, Uganda

David joins IntSam with more than 15 years of leadership experience and a deep knowledge of East Africa. He specializes in managing and developing organizations in development and humanitarian contexts. He has overseen youth programs (including scholarships for primary through university students) and health, wellness, and sustainable livelihood programming. In previous roles, David partnered with the Uganda government, its ministries, UN agencies, and the U.S. Peace Corps. He has degrees in social work and social administration and has an MBA.

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Mary Hall
Business Director

Mary holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and developed her skill set in a variety of business management roles in commercial and residential real estate organizations prior to joining International Samaritan. Outside of work, Mary enjoys coaching FIRST Lego League with her husband Steve, studying history, and spending time with her family.

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Rebekah Murray
Communications Director

Rebekah loves to write and share stories. She has a B.A. in communications from Lee University and an M.A. in public relations and advertising from Michigan State University. Rebekah came to International Samaritan after managing communications for a large, multi-site church and at other non-profit organizations. When she’s not writing or snapping photos, you can find Rebekah enjoying time with her husband and three kids.

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Andrew Pawuk
Vice President of Operations

Andrew holds a Masters Degree in International Studies from Ohio University and has two B.A. Degrees from Miami University in International Relations and Spanish. He was also part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Peru before joining us at International Samaritan. He has been with International Samaritan for more than a decade, making him our longest-tenured employee. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys ornithology and spending time with his wife and daughter.

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Tucker Rossmaessler
Director of Engagement

After living in Southeast Asia, working as a teacher, Tucker moved back to Michigan to start a family and begin his career working in nonprofits. He spent 7 years leading a campus ministry at the University of Michigan, rallying staff, volunteers, and donors to live out Jesus’ incarnational approach, as well as introducing college students to Jesus and helping them grow in their faith. Tucker is an energetic team player and is helping International Samaritan take the next step toward growth. Tucker and his wife Alex live in the Old West Side of Ann Arbor where they are raising their three kids.

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McKinley Schmitz
Engagement Manager, USA

McKinley is a recent graduate of Concordia University Ann Arbor with a degree in Business Management and a double minor in Marketing and Theatre. She joined International Samaritan after deciding to stay in Ann Arbor post-grad. In her free time, McKinley is often directing or stage-managing local theatre productions or trying to catch up on her current read.

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Mike Tenbusch
President & CEO

A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Mike co-founded Think Detroit with Dan Varner in 1997, which was named Crain’s Detroit Business Best-Managed Non-Profit in 2004 and merged with Detroit PAL in 2006. After serving on Detroit’s school board, Mike then led an effort at the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to move graduation rates from less than 60% to 80% or higher in the region’s most historically challenged high schools. He also served as the founding executive director of the SAY Detroit Play Center and interim CEO of the Detroit Parent Network. He is the author of The Jonathan Effect: Helping Kids and Schools Win the Battle Against Poverty, called a “moving, inspiring and important book” by bestselling author Dan Heath. Since 2019, Mike has led International Samaritan, a Christ-centered organization whose mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty. International Samaritan provides holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa. Mike and his wife, Maritza, have three children: Grace, Julia, and Jacob.

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