Our Team

Reinhart Stedem, M.D., Clinic Physician
Alajuelita, Costa Rica
As Project Alajuelita’s physician, Reinhart oversees all clinic operations and attends to all patients who enter the clinic’s doors. He brings vision and drive to Project Alajuelita in his daily work treating common diseases in the region’s youth population. A Costa Rican native, Reinhart has worked as a general practitioner in several hospitals in Costa Rica prior to joining FIMRC’s team. He holds a medical degree from Costa Rica’s Universidad de Iberoamerica and a Master’s in Palliative Care from the University Santa Paula.

Rita Zuniga, Homestay Coordinator
Alajuelita, Costa Rica
Since the inception of FIMRC’s Global Health Volunteer Program in Costa Rica, Rita has been responsible for arranging homestay accommodations for volunteers. Over the years she has cultivated a network of host families much like an extended family. As a mother of two, Rita brings a sense of warmth and caring to her position, viewing FIMRC volunteers as her own children during their time in Costa Rica. Rita frequently opens her own home to volunteers. In addition to coordinating housing accommodations for all volunteers, Rita assists volunteers in planning recreational activities to maximize their free time in Costa Rica.

Tatiana Blanco, Clinic Psychologist
Alajuelita, Costa Rica
As the clinic’s staff psychologist, Tatiana provides a much-needed service, which is severely lacking in underserved communities like Alajuelita. She possesses a wealth of experience in working with children from urban populations and specializes in breaking barriers through techniques such as art and play therapy. In her free time, Tatiana enjoys teaching art classes and is a certified English/Spanish language instructor.

Camilo Ocampo, Health Program Coordinator
Alajuelita, Costa Rica
Camilo is FIMRC’s Health Program Coordinator, who works diligently to develop community education sessions on important health topics that are attended by both children and their families. With passion and hard work, Camilo is looking forward to helping Global Health Volunteers teach the children the importance of being healthy, staying active, and setting and achieving goals. Fostering an environment where the youth of Alajuelita can grow with dignity and love is Camilo’s top priority. In addition to his community efforts, Camilo is also a student of medical law.

Marloes Nijboer, Field Operations Manager
Las Delicias, El Salvador 
Originally from the Netherlands, Marloes obtained her BS in Human Geography and Planning as well as her MS in International Development Studies from the University of Utrecht. Marloes has extensive international experience through her work in Tanzania and Guatemala. Most recently, Marloes served as the Women’s Health Education Program Assistant for PrimerosPasos, where she facilitated workshops on community health issues, expanded the reach of programming, and managed volunteers. In her current role, Marloes works with countless partnerships to continually develop public health interventions, ensuring that Global Health Volunteers have a wonderful health immersion experience and a positive, lasting impact on the community!

Jessica McGhie, Global Innovations Manager
Las Delicias, El Salvador
 

Morena Barerra, R.N., Community Health Coordinator
Las Delicias, El Salvador
A lifelong resident of Las Delicias, Morena is well-known and trusted among the community. As a health promoter with El Salvador’s Ministry of Health, Morena serves as a liaison between FIMRC and government-run health initiatives. As a nurse, Morena brings vision and drive to Project Las Delicias in her daily work treating common diseases in the region. She has been a health promoter with El Salvador’s Ministry of Health for over 17 years, forming personal relationships with families in the area. She lives in Las Delicias with her two children.

Eduardo Quevedo, M.D., Program Manager
New York, New York
Eduardo graduated from Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador as a general physician and has been practicing medicine for 4 years. He aspires to become a specialist in family medicine. His eagerness to help in underserved areas has led him to become an active member of organizations such as Pediatricians for Central America's Children, Helping Hand, and the Rotary Club, participating in numerous mission trips since he was enrolled in medical school. As former Clinic Doctor for Project Las Delicias, Eduardo brings valuable medical perspective to on-site initiatives and contributes to the project’s long-term vision. Eduardo enjoys practicing sports, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.

Mary Runkle, Program Manager
Seattle, Washington
Mary joined the FIMRC India team in November 2010.  As  Program Manager, she assists in managing FIMRC’s public health initiatives carried out by the Field Operations Manager in Kodaikanal, India.  Mary graduated from Seattle University with a BA in International Studies.  She works as an independent consultant providing intelligence in talent development and program management for a local Seattle company.  During her free time, she loves running, hiking and spending time with her family and friends.

Arun Selvaraj, Field Operations Manager
Kodaikanal, India
Arun underwent his schooling in Vellore, South India, and moved to Pondicherry for his graduation in Nursing and Midwifery. He practiced as an RN in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute in Pondicherry for a year, after which he worked as critical care nurse dealing with end stage patients. He pursued his post graduate education in International Public Health at Lund University in Sweden, during which time he volunteered with Red Cross International in Malmo, Sweden focusing on the nutrition of local school children. Apart from academics, he was an athlete in college and competed at junior level championships. He loves traveling and has visited most of central Europe and Scandinavia.

Seline George, Outreach Nurse
Kodaikanal, India
Seline is practicing as a nurse in Kodaikanal for more than 20 years. She has hands-on experience in working with different organizations. She has been associated with FIMRC and Project Kodaikanal since 2004, and she recently joined as full-time local staff in 2012. She undertakes all the activities of the project on the field, working alongside our Field Operations Manager. She is also involved in clinical activities, and assists the doctor during crèche visits. She oversees the FIMRC rural clinic and treats patients with minor ailments during doctor’s absence. She also coordinates with volunteers during house visits and assists in cultural understanding.

Bryant Shannon
New York, New York
Bryant spent a year in Kodaikanal as a Fulbright public health consultant for FIMRC from 2011-2012.  Upon returning to the US, he helps the team with the planning and implementation of new initiatives in the field.  Bryant graduated from the University of Florida with a BS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering. He currently is pursuing an MD at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. During his free time, he loves getting outdoors, cooking, traveling, and blabbering about his awesome time in India.

Greg Macdonald, Program Manager
Tucson, Arizona
As Project Manager, Greg assists with the overall management of Project Limon. He brings to the position several years of international experience, most recently as Field Operations Manager for Project Limon. In his time on-site, Greg launched and managed Project Limon's Global Health Volunteer Program, and also developed health innovations to improve the lives of thousands of children and adults in Nicaragua. Prior to joining FIMRC's team, Greg served as a Youth Development Volunteer with the Peace Corps in El Salvador, taught English at a leading university in Mexico, and worked as a Case Manager for child welfare agencies in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Greg holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Administration at the University of Arizona. He is passionate about making a difference, loves to travel, and will eat just about anything you put in front of him.

Christine Record, Field Operations Manager
Limón, Nicaragua
Originally from upstate New York, Christine ́s passion for Latin America began to develop after she lived and studied in Cuenca, Ecuador during her freshman year of college. She graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in English and Spanish and a Masters in Global Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras and most recently, worked for an organization in Guatemala dedicated to improving the lives of Guatemalans through improved surgical and medical care. Christine is responsible for managing Project Limón’s on-site operations, including coordinating volunteers, establishing and monitoring preventive health education initiatives, and managing the Pediatric Health Program.

Jessica Southern, Field Operations Specialist
Limón, Nicaragua
Jessica is originally from Denver, Colorado and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University. After working 5 years as a Pediatric Nurse in various hospitals throughout the United States, she joined the FIMRC team in Nicaragua. She created and runs a prenatal program in two different communities, help develop and now facilitates a center for disabled children within the area, works with a local Diabetic group that includes teaching sessions and blood sugar checks, and supports administrative and volunteer activities.

Yanira Obando, Community Health Coordinator
Limón, Nicaragua
Yanira supports FIMRC’s programs in Limón and the surrounding communities by developing and presenting health education talks in local public schools. By communicating regularly with these schools, Yanira serves as important link between FIMRC and school directors and teachers. Yanira also helps to support the volunteer program by accompanying volunteers during community outreach activities. Yanira is originally from Limón 1, and has been working for FIMRC since 2010. She is currently taking English classes and enjoys getting the opportunity to practice with visitors.

Nora Maresh, Program Manager
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Since 2006, Nora has served as Project Manager for Project Alto Vera. She first found FIMRC during her service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Paraguay. Nora believes that education is the most sustainable form of development and is pleased that Project Alto Vera has been such a success. A native of Ohio, Nora currently resides in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, working in the field of HIV/AIDS public policy. Nora is an alum of American University’s School of International Service where she received her B.A. and Masters in International Development.

Judith Friedman, Program Manager

Edinburgh, Scotland
Having joined Project Peru in January 2010 as Field Operations Manager of Project Peru, Judith has an intimate knowledge of the challenges and opportunities of FIMRC's diverse program in Peru.  Judith assists the team in achieving FIMRC’s twofold goal of improving the health of the region’s children while providing eye-opening experiences for Global Health Volunteers.  Judith liaises between field staff and FIMRC’s headquarters office to ensure effective work across the project.  She finished her undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and earned a degree in Law from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.  Her specialties are in International Law, Project Development and Human Rights.  Judith is currently working in Edinburgh Scotland as a consultant with the non-profit sector.

Edgar Mantilla, Site Coordinator
Trujillo/Agallpampa, Peru
With a degree in Agro-Industrial Engineering from the National University of Trujillo, Edgar has a background in agro-alimentary project management, nutrition, and public health.  Edgar is passionate about empowering families from the remote areas of Agallpampa and the shantytowns of Trujillo with the knowledge to prevent malnutrition and food-borne illnesses.  Edgar maintains complex professional networks, coordinates with local doctors, assists in developing projects and preventive health campaigns, and participates in volunteer coordination.

Christine Record, Field Operations Manager
Originally from upstate New York, Christine ́s passion for Latin America began to develop after she lived and studied in Cuenca, Ecuador during her freshman year of college. She graduated from SUNY Oswego with a BA in English and Spanish and a Masters in Global Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras and most recently, worked for an organization in Guatemala dedicated to improving the lives of Guatemalans through improved surgical and medical care. The goals of developing sustainable preventive health projects and working with volunteers to create lasting bonds and a positive experience with international health are a great match with her own skills and passions. She works with countless partnerships in Trujillo and Agallpampa to continually develop public health interventions, ensuring that volunteers have a wonderful health immersion experience and a positive lasting impact on the community.

Natalia Rivera, Site Coordinator
Huancayo, Peru
Natalia studied Business Management at Huancayo University and has a professional background working with volunteer organizations that serve underprivileged populations in Huancayo. Through her work experience, Natalia is able to identify and understand the needs of these groups, which makes her a great asset to our team. Natalia’s goal is to improve underprivileged children’s standard of living through education, access to adequate healthcare, and increased economic opportunities. Natalia looks forward to serving as a link between Global Health Volunteers and the community of Huancayo.

Ryan Dunn-Komeh, Field Operations Manager
Bumwalukani, Uganda
Ryan hails from Washington DC and spent her younger years hanging out under the cherry blossoms and having long visits with Abe. She loves traveling and enjoys researching new places to explore. While working in Namibia with World Teach, Ryan discovered her passion for public health and earned her MPH from the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in 2010. Upon leaving Tulane she moved to Guyana, South America as a Peace Corps Volunteer where she designed and facilitated workshops on health communication which resulted in an increase in effective health talks. Through her workshops, a relationship was forged with the health workers which allowed for culturally appropriate programs for the promotion of healthy lifestyles to be developed. Ryan also has experience developing tools used to track current and emerging health issues, which employ surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation in conjunction with promoting public health activities and outreaches. Ryan’s impressive experience working with health education, promotion, and outreach in the international setting makes her a great asset to Project Bumwalukani! She is excited to once again be in Africa and work with a very special group of dedicated and passionate people at FIMRC’s project site in Uganda.

Wilson Masawi, Health Outreach Coordinator
Bumwalukani, Uganda
As Health Outreach Coordinator, Wilson supervises numerous preventative health initiatives and also manages FIMRC's network of Community Health Educators. He also serves as the Chairman of the local council of Bumwalukani parish. He lives in Bumwalukani with his wife, Grace and eleven children. In his free time, he enjoys participating in local meetings, tending his garden, and discussing health and political issues.

Richard Kimanayi, Health Outreach Coordinator
Bumwalukani, Uganda
Richard started supporting FIMRC as a volunteer teaching life skills to secondary students.  He soon joined the staff to support health education and later became a Community Health Educator.  In February 2010 he extended his reach to help manage the Community Health Educators program.  As a full-time team member, Richard focuses on health outreach activities that includes teaching all Community Health Educator refresher courses (weekly training review sessions) and tracks the knowledge and progress of each educator.  Additionally, he plans and attends all community outreaches and leads the monthly meeting for health educators.

Violah Kacumita, Comprehensive Nursing Officer
Bumwalukani, Uganda
Violah is our current clinic In-Charge and works to see all ages of patients.  She was born in western Uganda, and completed her secondary school at St. Maria Goret Secondary School in Kabarole district.  After completing her certificate as an enrolled nurse, she then worked at the FIMRC clinic for two years before returning to school at Mulago Nursing School to earn her diploma in Comprehensive Nursing.  We are now pleased to have her working with us again and the community has been so happy to benefit from her services.  She lives in Manafwa district with her son Daniel while her husband is earning his PhD in Economics from the University of Dundee in Scotland.  In her free time she enjoys listening to music, traveling around Uganda, making friends, and spending time with Daniel.

Vikram D. Bakhru, Founder & President
Vik started FIMRC in 2002 with the goal of bringing medical care to underserved communities. Vik currently works with the FIMRC team to drive growth across all aspects of the foundation with an emphasis on improving the organization's efficiency. Vik graduated with an M.D. from The George Washington University and an M.B.A. in Health Care Management from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  Before attending graduate school, Vik earned a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Biology as part of the Seven-Year Integrated Medical Program at The George Washington University.

In addition to serving as Chairman of FIMRC's Board of Directors, Vik also serves on the board of the American Overseas Medical Aid Association (www.aomaa.org) and is the Founder & Managing Director of Application Prep (www.applicationprep.com).

Meredith G. Mick, CEO
Meredith has been an indispensable member of FIMRC's team since early 2008. She lived on-site in El Salvador for two years as Field Operations Manager for Project Las Delicias, managing all community outreach initiatives and volunteer activities. She planned and initiated FIMRC's Micro Health Insurance Program, an innovative project which implements a holistic approach to addressing the community's most pressing health issues. In her current role as Chief Executive Officer, she oversees all operations of FIMRC's Philadelphia Headquarters, provides guidance and management to international team members, and works to implement and maintain quality standards across all international sites. Prior to joining FIMRC's team, Meredith served as a Rural Health Facilitator with the Peace Corps and graduated summa cum laude from Hope College with degrees in Psychology and Political Science.

Evan Kirkley, Vice President of Financial Affairs
Evan directs FIMRC's budgetary process, facilitating the crucial flow of funds to provide medicines, medical equipment, and staffing to our clinic sites. Evan has been an invaluable member of FIMRC's team since 2007, working behind-the-scenes to ensure the smooth implementation of FIMRC's financial affairs. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Evan resides in West Philadelphia and graduated from Temple University with a BA in Advertising.

Jennifer Bealer, Esq., Director of Legal Affairs
Jennifer joined the FIMRC team in early 2009 with a focus in health care and international law. Along with her experience in health regulatory compliance, she also advised hospitals regarding proposed health care policies and legislation, and helped clients receive health care coverage from private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. She received her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a Master of Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She is admitted to practice law in New York.

Before attending law school, Jennifer spent four years investigating the link between environmental factors and breast cancer as a Research Coordinator for the Harvard School of Public Health. She also received an A.L.M. in Government from Harvard University. Jennifer has B.S. degrees in Biology and Psychology from the Pennsylvania State University.

Zainab Ghadiyali, Director of Operations Control
As Director of Operations Control, Zainab enhances the foundation's focus on reporting through the creation of templates and reporting systems. Additional responsibilities include strengthening FIMRC's monitoring and evaluation effectiveness and increasing the added value of Global Health Volunteer Program participant donations. Born and raised in the Indian city of Mumbai, Zainab possesses a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, conducted research in Germany, and gained firsthand experience in public health as a FIMRC Global Health Volunteer in Costa Rica. She loves traveling, cooking Asian, Thai and Greek food, technology, logic, traveling, yoga and searching for the elusive four-leaf clover.

Vikas Gupta, Vice-Chairman & Treasurer, Board of Directors
Vikas joined FIMRC in 2003 with a strong background in organizational leadership, business development, and a passion for the healthcare industry and working with children. Vikas was involved with the initial stages of FIMRC's development, particularly in the areas of recruiting, public relations, and financial affairs.   As a member of the Board of Directors, he brings his financial expertise to the areas of cash flow management and budgeting, as well as helps to make important growth and strategic decisions for FIMRC's future development.

Vikas is a Senior Loan Officer at CapitalSource Bank, a commercial bank in Chevy Chase, MD, where he has been an integral part of the portfolio management team for the past seven years.   He manages a portfolio of over $500M in loans to healthcare companies across the US and is knowledgeable in Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance.  Vikas earned a B.A. in Business Administration with a minor in Biology at The George Washington University.

Stacy Wallick, Chief Program Officer, Board of Directors
Stacy joined the FIMRC team in 2005. Over the last several years Stacy has worked on many efforts across the organization to improve operations and now focuses mainly on project development. Stacy has worked with the FIMRC team to launch new international programs, expanding the reach of FIMRC to more underserved communities worldwide. Stacy currently provides management and oversight to the international sites, working with field staff to assess program activities and implement new public health initiatives.

Stacy holds a BA in Environmental Science and Policy from Duke University and MPH from George Washington University. Stacy currently works remotely from Washington DC where she also serves as a Public Health Analyst at the National Institutes of Health.

Fernando Torres, Board of Directors
Fernando Torres is currently a member of the Corporate Strategy and Business Development team at McKesson, one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. His passion in healthcare and helping the underprivileged comes from his parents, both themselves healthcare practitioners and natives of a developing country. After a trip as a volunteer to Project Las Delicias in El Salvador to help launch FIMRC's Micro Health Insurance Program, Fernando was inspired to join the organization as a member of the Board of Directors. In this capacity, Fernando provides support and insight for FIMRC's strategic plans. Fernando is a graduate of Cornell University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Nikos Petrides, Director of Volunteer Programs
Nikos joined the FIMRC team in 2011, after having spent a year and a half working in Mexico where he oversaw the home-building program for Project Mexico & St. Innocent Orphanage. As Director of Volunteer Programs, he orchestrates the flow of volunteers to FIMRC's project sites around the world, working with both volunteers and FIMRC staff abroad to coordinate and carry out volunteer missions throughout the year. Nikos is a proud graduate of Bucknell University, and in his spare time he enjoys running, reading a good book, cooking new foods, and fútbol - the beautiful game.