Guatemala Board

CLAUDIA RINCÓN
CLAUDIA RINCÓN

PRESIDENT

Claudia is originally from Mexico and believes deeply in the power of education rooted in values to transform lives.

“I fell in love with Guatemala and decided to commit to NdL so that I could continue to work to help improve people’s lives,  through NdL programs, designed to empower guatemalan children”

SILVIA DE PURSWELL
SILVIA DE PURSWELL

VICE PRESIDENT

Silvia was born and raised in Guatemala. As a proud Chapina, she is passionate about giving back and making a positive difference in her community.

“I see Niños del Lago as a special place where children have the opportunity to enjoy camp, learn, and discover new experiences”

MAYRA TOBÍAS
MAYRA TOBÍAS

SECRETARY

Mayra is a Guatemalan lawyer and notary. She joined Niños del Lago’s Guatemalan Board after supporting the organization with legal advice through her friendship with founder Arlaine Cervantes.

“Niños del Lago vision is so admirable; it is a great honor for me to be part of the Guatemalan Board”

NICOLÁS RAMOS
NICOLÁS RAMOS

TREASURER

Nicolás lives in Panajachel and works as an Accountant and Auditor. We have been privileged to have him as the Treasurer of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for several years.

“I have witnessed the humanitarian programs of Niños del Lago that support the most vulnerable. This motivates me and strengthens my commitment to continue”

Francesca Wade
Francesca Wade

MEMBER

Francesca is originally from the UK and has lived in Guatemala for over 15 years. She has worked and volunteered with several NGOs, including Niños del Lago.

“Guatemala is a magical country that’s hard not to fall in love with. However, it is also a country with many needs – in particular many children fall through the gaps in a struggling education system. Ninos de Lago is helping these children to stay in school, flourish and believe that anything is possible – today’s children are tomorrows leaders.”

ARLAINE CERVANTES
ARLAINE CERVANTES

FOUNDER

Arlaine during her travels between the US, Mexico, and Guatemala, Arlaine grew to deeply respect Guatemala’s people and culture. She was deeply touched by the struggles of the women and children she met.

Sadly, Arlaine passed away in August 2021. For more about our founder, please Click Here

Guatemala Team

ZABDI POCOP CAN
ZABDI POCOP CAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I’m from Guatemala. I began my career as a Primary Education Teacher, working for several years in public schools in rural areas around Sololá. Later, I pursued a degree in Business Administration at Mariano Gálvez University, combining my passion for education with strategic leadership.

“I’m deeply committed to my community. My goal is to use my knowledge and experience to support the personal growth of others, helping them believe in themselves”

ANA MARÍA GONZÁLEZ
ANA MARÍA GONZÁLEZ

TUTOR

I am 27 years old, I was born in Panajachel, Sololá. In my family we are 4 brothers and I am the second, I graduated in 2014 with the title of Teacher of pre-primary education.

“My goal is to continue contributing to the education in my community and to teach with effort, love and commitment, and to continue acquiring more knowledge”

LIC. LOURDES LIMA
LIC. LOURDES LIMA

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

I’m Lourdes, my passion for supporting emotional well-being led me to pursue this career with the goal of contributing to the mental health of my community.

“I deeply believe in creating safe spaces where people feel heard, understood, and valued. Mental health is a right – not a privilege – and we must work together to break stigmas”

Volunteers

Evelyn Vásquez Pinzón.
Evelyn Vásquez Pinzón.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST | Volunteer

My name is Evelyn I’m originally from San José Chacayá, Sololá. I’m currently in my ninth semester of a Clinical Psychology degree at Universidad Mariano Gálvez.

“My greatest goal is to provide a safe space for children, adolescents, and adults facing emotional challenges – offering support with empathy, respect, and a genuine vocation”

YOSELIN CHALCÚ MATZAR
YOSELIN CHALCÚ MATZAR

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST | Volunteer

My name is Yoselin, from the beautiful town of Panajachel, Sololá. I’m currently in my ninth semester of Clinical Psychology degree at Universidad Mariano Gálvez.

“I’m passionate about emotional well-being and human development, and I see my vocation as a path to transform lives”

Stephanny Landaverde t.
Stephanny Landaverde t.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

My name is Stephanny, I’m originally from Sololá, Sololá. I’m currently in my ninth semester of Clinical Psychology degree at Universidad Mariano Gálvez.

“I’m passionate about mental health and its education, as I believe it’s essential for society to understand its importance”

United States Board

ERICA EAGLE
ERICA EAGLE

PRESIDENT

Erica has taught science in California public schools for over 35 years. Inspired by Arlaine’s vision for Niños del Lago, she shares a strong commitment to empowering children with confidence to thrive in a complex world.

“I am grateful to be part of Arlaine Cervantes’ legacy: empowering young people to become curious and resourceful problem-solvers.”

JOAN DAIDONE
JOAN DAIDONE

SECRETARY

DAVID ADER
DAVID ADER

TREASURER

David is an interdisciplinary scholar specializing in sustainable agriculture and rural development. He serves as Assistant Director and Research Assistant Professor at the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Tennessee.

Netherland Board

MARTEN NUMAN
MARTEN NUMAN

PRESIDENT

Marteen has worked with Niños del Lago since 2006, Marten became the Chairman of The Netherland Board in October 2011.

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