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, 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 has a Bachelor’s degree in International Development with a Spanish minor, and a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit Organizational Leadership. Shantelle resides in Waterloo, ON, with her husband Jericco.

Kate lives in Kitchener, ON and is an Honours graduate from Wilfred Laurier University, specializing in Research Psychology with an English minor. She focused her education on research and data analysis. Kate loves working with people and developing new relationships, and is currently working towards a certificate in Project Management. She has spent the last few years volunteering diligently with Slate Church (a church plant in Waterloo) to launch their entire volunteer management system, coordinating teams, organizing their systems for efficiency and rapid growth. She is well organized, personable and pays great attention to detail, with a fire and passion for the Lord and serving in ministry!

Fred (with his wife Beth) joined Global Shore in 2017 after leading two short-term teams to Guatemala and being called to join the ministry. 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 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. After leading missions trips around the world, Beth (with her husband Fred) joined Global Shore in 2017. 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!

In 1993, Darryl & Lisa Field were commissioned by their home church in Vineland, ON, to serve in Latin America, working first in Peru and later as missionary staff at a Spanish-language Bible college. Serving GSO, Darryl & Lisa have returned to that first calling in Latin America. That passion never left them as God led them and their four boys on a journey that has led them to relocate in Philadelphia.

Darryl & 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 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 the Executive Director of Global Shore. 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 works with Global Shore Opportunities in Guatemala as the Sponsorship Coordinator. To the board, Bob brings several decades of accounting experience, and Debbie brings an abundance of enthusiasm and creativity to the board.

Tony & Verena Sanz became connected with Global Shore Opportunities through their son Christoph who worked with GSO through many of our formative years. While connected as sponsors and trip participants, Tony & Verena also served in our TEFL department through the 2017 school year. They 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 central in the founding of Global Shore Opportunities. Ken’s background in law was an invaluable asset in establishing and maintaining the ministry, and his business sense has been a strong contributing voice to decision-making. Julie’s passion for education and heart for development have also been invaluable. She also worked in the ministry’s accounting office for many years.