Welcome, Fall 2018 Volunteers!
This school year we are excited to welcome five new volunteers, as well as to welcome back returning volunteers Stephanie and Dani! Read on to learn about the newest additions to the Olancho Aid family.
Rachael Cina
Hello, my name is Rachael and I am from Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up in New Hampshire, and attended college at Lesley University where I studied Global Studies and Women’s Studies. I just graduated from Boston College with my master’s degree in Macro Social Work. My interests and experience are based around preventing violence against women, empowering youth, and working towards sustainable and participatory international development. In my free time I’m listening to musical theatre soundtracks, getting sunburns at the beach, and eating way too much with my husband. I am so excited to be here in Juticalpa with Olancho Aid! It is my 6th time in Honduras and I’m always discovering another reason to love this country.
Jim Walker
I have an MBA from the Western New England University and a B.S. in Accounting from Old Dominion University. Across my career, I have held the positions of Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and Director of Operations. My positions have allowed me to gain a broad knowledge of organizational structure, business finance and accounting controls. I have been married to Kathy for 43 years, have three children and seven grandchildren. I have been active with church and town finance committees, as a Eucharistic minister, and with Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). I recently finished serving on the IMA Global Board of Directors and chaired the IMA’s Committee on Ethics. On weekends, I enjoy fresh water fishing, house projects of all kinds, and spending time with by grandchildren. I hope the Olancho Aid Foundation can leverage my experience to continue moving the Foundation forward and I look forward to immersing myself in Honduran life.
Karen Wiley
I am a mother of six very supportive and loving children and they have blessed me with fifteen unique and beautiful grandchildren. This past spring I retired after teaching sixth grade math for the last fifteen years. My faith has strengthened me to withstand the death of my best friend and husband, John, five years ago. And that same faith has directed me to this mission in Honduras. John’s encouragement over a wonderful marriage of 41 years has allowed me to develop the confidence and independence that I needed to embark on this adventure.
Phil Angell
I have enjoyed a varied academic and professional background. I graduated in 1999 from Bridgewater State University with degrees in Elementary Education and Environmental Geography. This was followed with 3 years as a middle school science teacher in Hanover, Massachusetts where I also met my wife, Sandra. Later, I earned an MS in soil science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This I put to use working for the USDA as a soil mapper. In addition to these careers I am licensed and have worked extensively in the construction and solar fields. I have a 23 year old son and reside near Cape Cod and am excited about contributing to the Olancho Aid community and soaking up a new culture during my first trip to Central America.
Kat Welling
I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services. I was raised in a Christ-centered home where I was taught from a very young age about the importance of helping others. While attending Purdue University, I went on four short-term mission trips and had the opportunity to serve in Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Haiti. Upon graduation, I spent three months working with military children & families on Joint Base Pearl Harbor – Hickam in Hawaii. I also love working with children with special needs, and have experience tutoring and creating therapy strategies for children with autism. These experiences only furthered my passion for helping others, and I am excited to spend time teaching English with Olancho Aid Foundation.