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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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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