Staff
Avriel Diaz — Executive Director
Inspired by residents’ desire to rebuild and address local health challenges after a devastating 7.8 earthquake, Avriel co-founded WPGH in 2016 and now lives full-time in Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador. Avriel is a Systems Ecologist and has a master’s degree in Evolution, Ecology and Conservation Biology with a focus in Infectious Disease from Columbia University and her BS in Aquatic and Marine Science from SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry. Her specialization in natural disasters and mosquito-borne illnesses forms the basis for the scientific research conducted by WPGH. Born and raised in New York City, Avriel is a singer, and loves spending time outdoors with friends and family.
David Cedeño — Country Director
David oversees educating, training, and coordinating local staff in our Bahía office. After the 2016 earthquake, David formed a music therapy organization, Hope Music Ecuador, in working with hundreds of families that were displaced by the disaster using music to help survivors begin to heal from trauma. Born and raised in Bahía, David is interested in how music and movement can help to activate different parts of the brain and encourage youth to focus better, spark creativity and minimize stress. David holds a degree in Audio Sound Engineering from Universidad de Especialidades Espiritu Santo. David enjoys playing and composing music, photography, and art.
Gloria Jaramillo — Community Health Director
Gloria leads community health initiatives for Walking Palms and is our in-house nurse. Directing our in-home Diabetes care program, free community testing and overseeing health and safety protocols for our staff, Gloria’s role in the organization has taken on a heightened importance since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anita Marazita - Children’s Health and Wellness
Anita leads our holistic kids’ education program, Harmony and Health, which was the first in-place education available for Bahia’s low income families during the pandemic. With over 8,000 hours of instruction, Anita and her team of educators, artists, musicians and public health professionals are making up for the learning loss suffered by our communities most vulnerable students.
Blas Mera — Logistics
Blas leads logistics and manages WPGH operations for all volunteers, visiting researchers and students. Blas is also heading up logistics for More Than Food, our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program. Born and raised in Bahía de Caráquez, Blas has extensive administration and hospitality experience working for several hostels including Kiwi Montañita Hostel and DMCA (Mompiche With Love). Additionally, he is a real estate broker and has served as a public official at SRI (Internal Revenue Service). He has spent many years volunteering with various organizations such as Planet Drum and United Nations Ecological Radio program. In his free time, Blas enjoys surfing and has competed professionally.
Pablo Suarez Cazar - English
Born and raised in Bahia, Pablo leads English instruction and physical education for Harmony and Health.
Lisseth - Volunteer
Ismelda Cedeno — Women’s Health & HIV Program Coordinator
Ismelda is a leader and advocate for women’s rights and families living with HIV in Manabi. She is active in Nonviolence Against Women programs and in the network of human rights defenders. Ismelda has collaborated and coordinated HIV prevention programs in Ecuador for 18 years, in addition to leading educational prevention programs at local educational institutions, including Fanny de Baird College and Eloy Alfaro College. Ismelda is also the president of the community of El Junco. In her free time, you can find Ismelda spending time with family or crafting.
Andres Cedeño - Music
Andres shares his musical talents with students of Harmony and Health, teaching not only music theory and practical instrumentation but leads students in composing and playing original songs.
Maria Paula - Volunteer
Juan Minalla - Exercise
Juan has lived his whole life in Bahia, and describes the small town as beautiful and unique. Juan has worked in many of WPGH’s programs including infectious disease research, medical brigades, and mental health. Outside of WPGH, Juan is a professional boxer and represents the province of Manabí. Juan imparts values, discipline and technique to children and young people with limited financial resources through boxing and kickboxing in his project "Minalla Pitbull Box" and in the "United for the World" project of San Vicente Canton. His goal is to represent Ecuador in the Olympics. His favorite hobbies are running through his city and watching documentaries.
Daniela - Volunteer
Camilia - Volunteer
Yessenia Pallorosa - Community Leader
Yessenia is among the most effective and inspiring community leaders in our entire region. Representing one of the most historically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Bahia, Yessenia organized food and supply donations during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, has been recognized for community cleanup efforts she has led and has a limitless reserve of energy and compassion for her neighbors. For Walking Palms, Yessenia directs education and mental health portions of Harmony and Health.
Issac - Volunteer