Cathy has been involved with GSO for several years through trips alongside her husband, Paul, and her daughters, Kennedy and Brooklyn. She began leading our Canadian operations in July of 2018 and brings years of experience working for International Justice Mission and Redeemer University College. We’re also glad for her leadership experience, focus on prayer and gentle, strong spirit.

Julianna’s heart was first drawn to Guatemala during a university discipleship program in 2002. Sensing that God had something more for her here, she returned the following year on her own to learn Spanish. While starting the work of Global Shore Opportunities in Guatemala, she met and married her husband Jacobo, a Guatemalan pastor, and together they’ve created a family full of wild and wonderful kids. Julianna leads Global Shore’s operations in Guatemala, encouraging her staff through a steadfast commitment to our vision, a compassionate sense of humour, and incredible baking skills.

As Short-Term Opportunities Coordinator, Shantelle works with groups interested in visiting, helping them through the application process, preparing them for their in-country experience and helping them transition back home afterwards. Within Donor Relations, Shantelle wears many hats (with excellence): answering donor questions, squinting at spreadsheets, making phone calls and helping our donors stay connected.

Shantelle is an Honours graduate from Wilfred Laurier University, specializing in International Development with a Spanish minor, having travelled extensively within Spanish-speaking countries around the world. She also has a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership from Summit Pacific College in BC. Shantelle lives in Waterloo, ON.

As Communications Director, Fred plans, develops and implements GSO content through print, e-mail, website and social media channels. As Short-Term Opportunities Director, Fred coordinates on-the-ground details for short-term teams visiting Guatemala, telling stories, translating, making spreadsheets, driving and liaising with local staff.

Lexi serves as the bridge between our Canadian donors and Guatemalan staff & students. She spends her time translating letters, throwing birthday parties and building connections between our school community and those who support it. Originally joining us as a participant on the Summer Program in 2014, Lexi moved to Guatemala in 2016 and is married to Jimmy, one of our high-school teachers. Lexi is energetic and loves people, and we are so happy to have her on the GSO team!

Beth is passionate about her profession and is a certified B.C. teacher with her Masters Degree in TESOL. Beth provides direction and builds community for the short-term TEFL teachers from Canada, and teaches English classes at our high school. We are grateful for her passion and love for GSO!

25 years ago, Darryl and Lisa Field were commissioned by their home church in Vineland, Ontario, to serve in Latin America, working first in Peru and later as missionary staff at a Spanish Bible College. Serving on the Canadian board of GSO, Darryl has returned to that first calling in Latin America. That passion and love never left them as God led them and their four boys on a journey that has led them to relocate in Philadelphia.

Darryl and Lisa spearhead our US office and operations. They believe in the work of GSO and desire to bring their ministry experience—along with Darryl’s senior leadership experiences in for-profit and non-profit higher education—to where they can help GSO educate and grow Christian leaders to ultimately impact the nation of Guatemala.

Robert & Carolyn Konrad are part-owners of The Shore Group, a family business involved in founding Global Shore Opportunities. Their daughter, Julianna, is our director on the ground in Guatemala. Carolyn’s compassion and Robert’s risk-taking faith have played an integral part in moving the ministry forward at crucial junctures over the years. Robert currently serves as chair of the GSO Board of Directors.

Bob & Debbie Putman have been involved with GSO for several years, both as sponsors and trip participants. Their daughter, Lexi Putman de Pelaez, works with Global Shore Opportunities in Guatemala as the Sponsorship Coordinator. Bob brings several decades of accounting experience to the board. (Contact Bob here.)

Tony & Verena Sanz became connected with Global Shore Opportunities through their son, Christoph Sanz, who worked with GSO through many of our formative years. While connected as sponsors and trip participants, Tony & Verena Sanz also served in our TEFL department through the 2017 school year. Tony and Verena bring years of service in their local church and volunteer experience with the board of Mission Central in Vancouver.

Ken & Julie Wall are part-owners of The Shore Group, a family business involved in founding Global Shore Opportunities. Ken’s background in law has been an invaluable asset in establishing and maintaining the ministry, and his business sense is a strong contributing voice to decision-making. Julie’s heart for development and people continually brings fresh ideas to the table. She also worked in the ministry’s accounting office for many years.