Guatemala Aid Fund Board Members
Laura Rheinheimer
International Projects Coordinator and Liason
Laura spent many years working with Central American youth in the United States before moving to Guatemala permanently. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue her work with this population at Hogar de Niños Fátima and loves sharing the amazing work that is being done in Guatemala with visitors from near and far. In addition to her direct work with the children she manages visitor trips as well as provides Guatemala Aid Fund with updates and project management information regarding the specific programs GAF supports. Misal Bali
Development Director Misal jumped right in with the Guatemala Aid Fund team sharing her tremendous energy and enthusiasm for helping the kids. Misal volunteers at other non-profits as well as working full time, and is always ready with insights and ideas for developing our programs and increasing our outreach. You may have seen her at fundraising tables surrounded by colorful Guatemalan and Indian textiles (shown below) 
Bethany Eisenberg Zeeb A visit to Guatemala
President and Founder
After returning from Guatemala in 1998 with their first child Bethany felt the need to give back to others less fortunate and began a small effort to assist children in Guatemala. Each time she returns she wishes to do more. With the outpouring of support from friends and family, the Guatemala Aid Fund has grown substantially and now seeks to provide assistance to abandoned and needy children and women with children that are victims of abuse in Guatemala with a specific focus on programs that support education, preservation of indigenous cultures and use of the Guatemalan Work force. GAF supports proven and successful Guatemalan-run programs that support families and children for the long term, and work within their own communities to create productive futures for themselves and contributions back to their communities. Bethany has worked in the field of Water Resources for more than 30 years, and serves as the Director of Stormwater Services at VHB Engineering Company in Massachusetts. Bethany is also an advocate for the awareness for M.E/CFS, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Most important in Bethany’s life is her entire family and her friends, a source of joy and fulfillment on a daily basis. |
Martha Eisenberg
Promotional Materials Designer, Editor and Artistic Support Martha is a Marketing Services and Design Professional. She has been the graphic designer and media developer for Guatemala Aid Fund since it began. Martha designed the logo for GAF and all of our flyers, announcements and art. She is currently editing and designing the children's book "Singing Beach Day" that will be sold to support the construction of the childrens Home-School in Solola Guatemala. Her design business "MKT-ME" is located in Arlington Massachusetts. Eva Barbarics Eva Barbarics
Grants Director
Eva came to one of the GAF Fiesta fundraiser after which she approached Bethany and said "I want to help", and she has! She immediately donated more than 20 pieces of handmade jewelry she designed for the Ebay Auction and has continued to provide tremendous support and hours for the volunteer efforts of the GAF. Eva's daughter Sophia also assists with volunteer efforts at the fundraising events.Even thought Eva has returned to her home country of Guatemala she continues as an active contributing member of the Board. Eva has visited all the GAF programs in Guatemala. Melinda Eisenberg Paul
Treasurer
Lindy Eisenberg Paul, Bethany’s sister, has been involved in the GAF since the beginning and is now the Treasurer. Lindy has always been involved in the betterment of the lives of children and especially devoted to initiatives to provide safe and nurturing programs for the development of adolescents. Lindy works full time as an editor for a Scientific Publishing company and runs the environmental journal and academic book program. She is busy with work and family but hopes to visit the programs the GAF supports and hold some of the beautiful babies. |
Former Board Members
Donna Von Halle Donna with Christian
While on the Board Donna provided great support to the GAF with her special talents as a graphics and marketing professional, as well as her passion and dedication for the kids in Guatemala. Donna has a deep and personal connection to the children of Guatemala having visiting 15 times while waiting for the completion of the adoption of her son. Donna also twin teenagers, and works as a Communications Consultant. Donna continues to help GAF with support at events and consultation for outreach and engagement.
Karen Buck Karen furthest to the right
Karen and her family's lives were transformed by a brief encounter visiting Pedro Hermano Hospital while in Guatemala to adopt their two children; Kristina and Luis. They delivered a package to Pedro Hermano Hospital from Bethany and were overwhelmed by their kindness and by their needs. Karen's heart opened by the boundless love, the connection to our Guate sisters and brothers was forever sealed.
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Bob Noel Bob Noel at Teen to Teen Event
Bob has been leading service trips for more than 15 years. He has grown especially passionate in his desire to help the most needy populations in Guatemala and reached out to the Guatemala Aid Fund, first by visiting the partner programs, and then by initiating service trips and specifically the support of education and early childhood support programs. Bob has connected us with so many wonderful people in Fargo North Dakota who continue to support Guatemalan Programs, many of which are supported by GAF.
The GAF team is thrilled that Bob Noel from Fargo North Dakota found us! Bob is specifically gifted in fostering social awareness and development of youth, teens in particular. He has a great sense of humor and has an incredibly welcoming personality. We were also thrilled to learn of his extensive knowledge of the Boston Red Sox when he arrived with a team of amazing teenagers from the Oak Grove Lutheran School to kick off our Teen to Teen outreach events here in the Boston Area. Watch an AMAZING VIDEO THEY CREATED |
Kathy Stubbs
Kathy was instrumental in the early growth & success of GAF. She started the Amazon Smile program and the Ebay giving works. She is the proud mother of three Guatemalan-born children. Seeing a level of poverty first hand on her last trip to Guatemala with her husband, where people’s basic needs of life are not met, moved her to tears and solidified her desire to help. "Despite the poverty these children live with everyday they were so loving, generous with their hugs and grateful for anything they were offered." Another cause close to Kathy's heart is Gals for Cal.
Gisela Nilsson
Gisela fell in love with Guatemala during a visit in November 2007 on a servicing trip to a home for boys located just outside Guatemala City. Gisela made many little friends at the Hogar, especially Daniel, Jonathan and Chepe. Gisela set up our website and provided technical guidance and supported all of our sales and events with a beautiful smile, always. Gisela works at an au pair agency in Cambridge, is a guide in Boston, and has a website about Boston.
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