GVH Team
Carolyn Bain, MPH - USA
Executive Director
Carolyn, who was born and raised in Seattle, received her MPH from Columbia University, has served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic (’91-’93) and also trained Peace Corps Volunteers in the Child Survival Program. Carolyn worked as a consultant for the Ford Foundation’s Sexual and Reproductive Rights program in Santiago Chile 1999-2005. In addition to working at GVH, she coordinates a breast cancer research program in Peru for PATH.
Jennifer Hoock, MD, MPH - USA
Director of Development
Dr. Hoock is a graduate of Duke University Medical School and completed her MPH at the University of Washington. She has devoted her career to teaching Family Medicine residents and faculty, and is currently in charge of the Community Medicine training at Kaiser Family Medicine Residency program in Seattle WA. She is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington. As a cofounder of Guatemala Village Health, she is passionate about improving health in rural villages and developing an educational model for primary care medical training in Guatemala.
Samuel Alvarez - Guatemala
In-Country Director
Samuel is from Guatemala City. He studied accounting in technical school and worked for 10 years with the Christian Cultural Center of Guatemala as an administrator and Program Manager. This work focused on providing a children’s breakfast program, school construction, and logistical coordination for medical mission groups visiting remote villages. Samuel currently manages all of Guatemala Village Health’s medical missions and programs in Rio Dulce and Monte Rico. He makes monthly visits to our villages to resupply medications and follow up with health promoters. Samuel is passionate about serving others and grateful for the opportunity to help improve health and education status in his country.
Vladimir Melgar - Guatemala
Project Manager & CIDECAS Director
Born and raised in Guatemala City, Vladimir studied design and construction. Some of his previous projects include building a 3-story retreat center in Monte Rico and the clinic from which Guatemala Village Health serves people. Vladimir has worked on home construction with international groups, focusing on underserved families in marginalized neighborhoods. He has built multiple GVH facilities in partnership with the Ministry of Health and New World Villages. Vladimir is motivated to help his fellow Guatemalans, improve their lives in all areas, especially in nutrition education, training and hygiene. He is the master toothbrush holder builder for remote villages GVH serves!
Santiago Melgar - Guatemala
Program Assistant & Pharmacy Manager
Santiago from Guatemala City is our Guatemala-based assistant. He takes on an array of responsibilities, especially during medical team trips to the villages. Santiago is passionate about pharmaceutics and is hoping to become a pharmacist. During clinic days in the villages, he manages our pharmacy, setting everything up and making sure that patients receive their prescriptions.
Eli Hwang - USA
Program Assistant & Communications
Eli was born and raised in Paraguay and has a deep love for Latin America and helping others. With her education and professional experience in journalism, communications and marketing, she has been keeping our community updated on what GVH has been up to via email, social media and newsletters. She is also the US-based assistant and helps us with administrative tasks and planning fundraising events.