Give and Surf
Give and Surf
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    • Our Programs
    • Our Projects
    • Our Team
    • The Need
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    • Individual Volunteers
    • Group Trips
    • Internships
    • Gap Year Program
    • About Bocas del Toro
  • Donate
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  • More
    • Home
    • About
      • Our Programs
      • Our Projects
      • Our Team
      • The Need
    • Volunteer
      • Individual Volunteers
      • Group Trips
      • Internships
      • Gap Year Program
      • About Bocas del Toro
    • Donate
    • Testimonials
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Programs
    • Our Projects
    • Our Team
    • The Need
  • Volunteer
    • Individual Volunteers
    • Group Trips
    • Internships
    • Gap Year Program
    • About Bocas del Toro
  • Donate
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

Meet Our Family!

Our staff & volunteer leadership work tirelessly to help us serve as many children and families as possible each year! 


We are proud of our 10 Panamanian staff who are superstars of their home communities and amazing role models for the youth they serve. Most of our teachers have completed university degrees through Give & Surf's scholarship program.


Our international Board of Directors, led by our Founder Neil Christiansen, provides the strategic support, partnerships, and fundraising efforts to keep our ship afloat and heading in the right direction!

Our Team

Emily Talentino

Marialena Santos

Emily Talentino

Executive Director

Emily first joined the team as a volunteer in 2013 while living in MA and working at the YMCA. Since moving to Bocas in 2015, she has been a steadfast leader & helped to grow our programs and services dramatically.

Eddy Gomez

Marialena Santos

Emily Talentino

Captain & Logistics Coordinator

Eddy has been with us since the start! He is our unsung hero working behind the scenes to make sure children get to school, volunteers get to programs, supplies are delivered & more.

Marialena Santos

Marialena Santos

Marialena Santos

Bahia Roja Lead Teacher

Marialena is the rock star of her community. She is a dedicated and loving teacher to not only the Pre-K and Kindergarten children she teaches but to all of the kids in the community who frequently visit her classroom!

Vanesa Milton

Marialena Santos

Marialena Santos

Bahia Honda Lead Teacher

Vanesa was our first teacher of our first program. She & her family welcomed Give & Surf into the Bahia Honda community and her calm demeanor continues to comfort & empower the Pre-K and Kinder students she teaches.

Tanyusha Grenald

Magdelayna Quintero

Kassandra Grenald

Bastimentos Lead Teacher

Tany has the patience of a saint! With 25+ children running around the Community Center most days, Tany's easy-going nature ensures that the kids always have fun, educational activities planned.

Kassandra Grenald

Magdelayna Quintero

Kassandra Grenald

Bocas Lead Teacher

Tany's younger sister, Kassandra is just as patient & energetic with the kids at our Bocas Center! Her smile & laughter can always be heard making kids feel welcome & special!

Claricia Jimenez

Magdelayna Quintero

Magdelayna Quintero

Cristobal Teacher

The matriarch of the community, Claricia is a great model for the youth of San Cristobal. She is dedicated to making sure that the community center (with its computers & internet) are accessible to  community members of all ages!

Magdelayna Quintero

Magdelayna Quintero

Magdelayna Quintero

Cristobal Teacher

A single mom of 4, Made treats all of the kids at the Cristobal community center as if they are her own. She's always planning creative new arts projects & other activities to keep kids engaged & learning!

Angel Mitchell

Volunteer Coordinator

Marnelys Miranda

Bastimentos STEAM Teacher

A great male role model for the kids in. our Basti after-school program, Angel has a kind, gentle manner with these rambunctious kids!

Marnelys Miranda

Volunteer Coordinator

Marnelys Miranda

Bocas STEAM Teacher

Marnelys followed the footsteps of her older sister Otilia who previously worked with Give & Surf. On a Give & Surf university scholarship, Marnelys works part-time and loves planning math activities for the kids!

Astrid Downer

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

English Teacher

A recent college graduate, Astrid studied English including a semester in the Barbados. She leads dynamic English classes full of games & songs that the children all love participating in!

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Coming Soon! Our Volunteer Coordinator role is typically a 6-12 month position. If you're an outgoing, adventurous people person, email Emily@giveandsurf.org to apply!


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