Meet Our Team:
Andrew is honored to lead Nursing Heart Inc., working with a dedicated team to expand health equity in Guatemala. He believes that dignified healthcare is a fundamental right and that improving access strengthens both individual well-being and community resilience.
Since joining in 2022, Andrew has focused on deepening partnerships, expanding programs, and creating sustainable initiatives that empower both local communities and visiting nursing professionals.
Previously, he co-founded and led the Konojel Community Center in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala, growing it into a thriving nonprofit addressing malnutrition, education, and employment. Later, in California, he supported Latine families at Parent Services, Inc., developing digital literacy programs to help parents navigate online education.
Andrew remains deeply committed to Nursing Heart’s mission and is excited for its continued impact.
Walter started his professional career in social areas around the year 2000, working in the management of elementary education schools and Child Development in several rural communities in the highlands of Guatemala. He fell in love with the joy of seeing children’s smiles as they achieved personal goals. Ten years later, his involvement in other health and training projects deepened this passion, which ultimately inspired Walter to pursue a master’s degree in adult training.
Walter is also a volunteer in his community, working to promote human rights and prevent child abuse in collaboration with various community leaders. This commitment motivates him to continue studying international workshops on topics such as nutrition, human rights, early childhood, and food security.
As operations manager of Asociacion Corazon de Enfermeria, he is grateful to have the opportunity to support the development of the current programs by leading with an example and showing his love for the families, especially for those who are in need of essential health services in the rural communities of Guatemala.
César’s inspiration to become a nurse originated in the figure of Santo Hermano Pedro, whose story he knew since childhood. He knew he wanted to serve the people in a similar way. “We have a multicultural and multilingual country, and I wanted to be able to serve in a common way, regardless of background,” Cesar says. In his first nursing job, he learned to be as “human” as possible when providing care. “I saw all kinds of people in different stages of life, young and old. I learned so much but I knew I had to move on to keep learning.”
César’s philosophy of care is to maintain his spiritual and moral values that he has acquired over his life and from his parents. In his work planning clinics with ACE partner communities, he prioritizes respecting others and responding to them based on their stated needs. César enjoys being able to provide hospitality to ACE’s visiting nurses, and takes pride in being able to give them confidence to learn and in the care they offer to patients in Guatemala. “We are all on the same plane, with the desire to help those around us.”
Blanqui came to pharmacy through her work with other medical NGOs around Antigua. She studied for pharmacy at the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and through the Ministry of Health. As she learned more about pharmacy, she also learned just how much she loves being an educator. Blanqui enjoys being as specific as possible while developing relationships with clinic patients. “I make sure they have the confidence to ask me a question if they don’t understand something. I love having this connection and being able to serve people in this way. Sometimes people just need to be heard,” she says.
Blanqui tries to transmit her and the staff’s passion for their work to ACE’s visiting groups of nurses. This is informed by her outlook that if someone is passionate about something, they are loving to share that passion everywhere they can. “Passion for hospitality, care, and respect lead to productive and healthy environments. I try to share these things with our groups to remind ourselves why we do the work we do.”
Karla plays a central role in ensuring the seamless delivery of Nursing Heart Inc.’s Global Health programs in Guatemala. She coordinates all in-country logistics for visiting nursing students and professionals, serves as a trusted group leader in the field, and facilitates communication with Guatemalan health leaders through her work as a skilled medical interpreter.
Karla brings a diverse background in tourism and hospitality management, combined with years of experience supporting medical and community-based programs in rural Guatemalan regions where access to basic resources is limited. Before joining Nursing Heart’s staff in April 2025, she served as the organization’s lead translator beginning in 2018, and continues to provide telehealth interpretation support outside of her role.
In addition to her field leadership, Karla leads Nursing Heart’s digital storytelling efforts, creating content that connects supporters to the organization’s work through video, social media, and web presence.
Known for her warmth and generosity, Karla is often the first to make visiting groups feel at home. She frequently reminds nurses and students that they are “always welcome” in Guatemala, that they are part of the Nursing Heart family, and that the organization will always be there for them. Her energy, professionalism, and deep commitment to her community make her an essential part of the team.
Gerson joined Nursing Heart Inc. as an Accountant in August 2024, leveraging his studies in accounting and the experience he gained working with another NGO, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, that provides support to children and youth through various programs in rural areas of Guatemala. This experience allowed him to witness the diverse needs of individuals, families, and the population as a whole. In addition to his role as an Accountant, Gerson is a talented administrator who is helping Nursing Heart grow and become more sustainable, ensuring the organization can continue its impactful work for years to come. His greatest aspiration is to continue working with organizations that offer aid to different communities in the country, contributing to and being part of Guatemala’s development.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Nursing Heart Inc. I am proud to be part of the Association’s team because everyone is committed to the mission and dedicated to putting Nursing Heart’s values into practice so that individuals and families have access to quality medical care and health services.”
Iliana joined the Community Health Worker (CHW) program after local leaders invited her to learn about the organization’s work. Motivated to expand her health knowledge and support her community, she became involved in health education and prevention efforts.
As a CHW, Iliana conducted home visits, provided basic health services like blood pressure and glucose monitoring, and led educational sessions on chronic disease prevention. She also organized workshops on hypertension, diabetes, and nutrition.
Her dedication led her into a staff role supporting program coordination, community meetings, and field activities alongside CHWs.
Today, Iliana serves as Co-Program Lead, overseeing activities in four communities and supervising seven CHWs. She coordinates fieldwork, supports outreach to new communities, and helps lead women’s “Circles of Trust.”
Iliana’s leadership focuses on communication, teamwork, and active listening. She is inspired by seeing workshop knowledge translate into healthier household practices and stronger preventive health habits.
Mary first joined the Community Health Worker (CHW) program after hearing about it through a community leader. Although the program was not initially planned for her community, she advocated to participate, motivated by a long-standing interest in health and early exposure through her parents, who were also involved in community health initiatives.
As a CHW, Mary conducted home visits, provided basic health screenings, and delivered education on prevention. Through this work, she helped identify previously undiagnosed cases of hypertension and diabetes. In one case, she supported a woman through pre- and post-operative care, including wound care and blood pressure monitoring, building trust with the family through consistent, no-cost support.
Her strong field performance and commitment led to her transition into a staff role. Today, Mary serves as Co-Program Lead, coordinating activities across four communities and supporting a team of CHWs. She conducts regular field visits, traveling significant distances to accompany and mentor team members, strengthen service delivery, and ensure continuity of care. She also works closely with community leaders to establish “Circles of Trust” that expand outreach and engagement.
Mary’s leadership is grounded in proximity, trust-building, and practical support. She prioritizes accompaniment in the field, reinforces technical skills, and helps CHWs navigate challenges in their work. She is motivated by the opportunity to grow while contributing meaningfully to the health and well-being of the communities she serves.