Meet the Core Team

President

Dodie Schadlich

Dodie is one of the original founders and acting President of Ecuador from the Heart. Having practiced as an Licensed Practical Nurse in Canada, she brings a caring and unique perspective to the programs and support groups. Working with the most vulnerable local Ecuadorian population since 2014, she brings a unique perspective and understanding to the issues of living in extreme poverty.

Treasurer

Randy Schadlich

Randy is one of the original founders and acting Treasurer of Ecuador from the Heart. He brings many years of experience in mechanics, construction and management to the team. With a wide range of skills, he is the advisor to our construction and renovation projects. As Treasurer, he is always looking for ways to keep costs down and to make the most of the donors funds.

Vice President

Frank Muñoz

Frank is a local business owner-operator for his own taxi service. He brings many years of volunteer experience to the table, having completed Missionary work as an active member of his church. With his knowledge of the area and many local contacts, we are able to move projects forward. He has been an instrumental team member as the foundation grew from a small informal group to the Registered non-profit it is today.

Secretary

Mayra Vera

Mayra is the acting Secretary of Ecuador from the Heart. She also lives in a more vulnerable area and understands the needs around her. Her fresh, young perspective, energy and motivation to make a change in her country makes her an important part of our team. Being a university student, she is able to keep the minutes of our meetings and brings fresh new ideas to the groups.

Board Member

Veronica Vite

Veronica has been an acting Board Member since the inception of Ecuador from the Heart. She is a single mother herself so she understands the challenges that come with this role. As a Registered Nurse that works for the government IESS medical health care system, she brings with her a knowledge of the systems, a team of medical professionals for advice or guidance as needed.

Lead Youth Volunteer

Shayesnka Abad

Shayesnka is one of the recipients of an Educational Sponsorship through Ecuador from the Heart. She will complete her AUX nursing program in April 2023 and has started virtual classes for the 4-year Licensed Nursing Program at the local university. This young lady has proven herself to be a born leader. The lead organizer for the breakfast program, she also manages the youth group of volunteers that assist our support groups. She is very active in her church and participates in youth programs and teaching Sunday School to the children. She has become an important member of our team.

Abogado

Joseph Figueroa

Lawyer of the Courts and Tribunals of the Republic of Ecuador Joseph is a 23 year old social activist who through the foundation works every day for the rights of the beneficiaries. He leads a team of university students that provide assistance in multiple areas. In particular, they are assisting the single moms and children to ensure their rights are protected and receive assistance from fathers. "Justice is not an option, it is our right"

Volunteer

Paola Valero

Paola is 18 years old. She has been the recipient of education sponsorship through Ecuador from the Heart since the young age of 9. We followed Paola on her journey and in Dec 2023, she will graduate from a course that prepares her to work in the airline industry. To give back, she volunteers her time in the support groups, mentoring children and assisting with bookkeeping tasks for submission to the accountant. She is truly a shining example as to the success of our educational sponsorship program.

Lead Volunteer - Support Groups

Rebecca Chastain-Bigsby

Rebecca has been an instrumental team member soon after her arrival to Ecuador. She helped launch both the single mom and seniors support groups. She is a well-loved member of the team. Rebecca was a para legal and political activist in the USA prior to arriving to Ecuador in Feb 2020. She saw that the poverty and needs are significant and wanted to help. As is her nature, she jumped right in. Active in many organizations along the coast, we are not sure when she sleeps! Her payment is the continued love, caring, smiles and hugs she receives from those lives she touches.

join with us

take one step further... Join Our Team

Near or far, there are many ways to make a difference. Sometimes volunteering means spreading the word, networking or fundraising in your circle, helping with social media, boots on the ground in the field, offering your talent to the group. If you have a passion to see change.

Contact us today to to join the Team.

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