Global Volunteers service programs are managed by on-site staff who live in the communities we serve. Most are nationals who were either born or raised in the host country.

Your Ecuador Service Program team leader is Country Manager Maricela (Mari) Miranda. One of three directors at Fundacion Campamento Cristiano Esperanza, Mari has a college degree in early childhood special education, and has dedicated her life to helping children in need. You can read Mari's expanded profile here.

Our country managers have served on one or more volunteer teams, and each year are required to complete our intensive two-week training seminars in Minnesota. They're experienced in managing diverse groups of people, and are formally evaluated by each volunteer team. County Managers must achieve an established level of performance in order to continue leading Global Volunteers teams.

You'll receive contact information for your Ecuador team leader approximately four weeks before your service program begins.

"I can't find words to describe how wonderful Mari was to work with. From the first time we met her Sunday morning, she was competent, compassionate, fun and a role model of how her position should be handled. She knows how to build a team quickly and effectively. I know Global Volunteers provides the model and training for team directors but you would never be able to train in the enthusiasm Mari exhibits. She lives the mission of Global Volunteers and multicultural interconnectivness." ~ Barbara Hill, Ecuador Volunteer