Staff

Luisa María Castaño Hernández is Groundswell's Communications Coordinator for Latin America and the Caribbean. She has experience in media in different countries, content development in multimedia and print formats, fiction and non-fiction writing and editing.  She has played a leading role in the formulation and implementation of communication strategies for projects of institutions working for the preservation of cultural heritage and biodiversity, the strengthening of education and the … [Read more...] about Luisa María Castaño Hernández

Glicer Nalvarte serves as an Executive Administrative Assistant. Raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Glicer completed a Masters of Education from the University of Maryland in Human Development. For the past 15 years, she has worked to provide administrative support in the field of healthcare administration. Glicer is the mother of two active daughters and supports them on the soccer field and dance stage. … [Read more...] about Glicer Nalvarte – Executive Administrative Assistant

Ronel Lefranc is Groundswell International’s Haiti Program Coordination and Support Consultant. He has over ten years of experience managing holistic development programs and projects in Haiti to address critical development issues, including youth capacity building, sustainable agriculture, food security, environmental protection, and community development. As an engaging leader, Ronel co-founded several development initiatives in Haiti including ACTIVEH, Haiti’s largest youth organization. … [Read more...] about Ronel Lefranc

Peter Gubbels is Groundswell International’s Senior Advisor for West Africa and is one of Groundswell’s co-founders. He has 38 years of experience in rural development, including over 28 years living and working in West Africa. Peter is the co-author of From the Roots Up: Strengthening Organizational Capacity through Guided Self-Assessment. He has also written numerous articles, research reports, evaluations, case studies and policy briefs on agroecology. Peter was recently appointed senior … [Read more...] about Peter Gubbels

Jamie Smith oversees our social media accounts. She has over a decade of experience leading digital and print communications for non-profits, mid-sized corporations, and small businesses. Jamie runs a digital strategy consulting firm, partners with larger agencies as strategy support, participates as a board member on a library foundation board, and serves as vice-chair on the board of a charter school. Her academic career includes a Master’s in Management and Leadership from Montreat College, … [Read more...] about Jamie Smith, Communications Consultant