Staff Photos & Bios
Program Staff
International Director - Margarida Marques
Margarida is a biologist from Portugal, and after her BSc, an amazing gap year and a MSc in Conservation Biology, her job in experiential learning has taken her in many wonderful adventures around the world - following rhinos in the African savanna, taking students into the mayan jungle to study monkeys and jaguars, camping in the desert under the stars, scuba diving in a coral reef, and many more. This summer Margarida is very excited to take the GLA students in an exciting adventure around Dominican Republic!
Local Director - George Gomez
George Gomez is a Venezuelan-Portuguese individual, born in the heart of Latin America but with a deep connection to Dominican culture. He proudly embraces and adapts to the Dominican way of life. George holds a graduate degree in Cinema and Audiovisual Arts from the University of Santo Domingo. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he has acquired language skills through practical experience.
Aside from his academic pursuits, George also works as a language teacher and actively engages in projects related to his field of interest, as this is where his passion lies. He extends his support to friends and loved ones in their endeavors while pursuing his own aspirations. In his leisure time, George enjoys serene moments, whether it's skateboarding, watching soccer matches, or simply indulging in a cup of coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations.
Mentor - Erin Malloy
Erin was raised in Downingtown, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Colorado Boulder where she received a B.A. in sociology, leadership, and community engagement. Erin then worked in the Rocky Mountains as an outdoor educator, and directed a summer camp in the Poconos Mountains. She then attended Temple University in Philadelphia where she received her master's degree in social work. Erin has traveled around Europe, Central America, and Asia; Independently and as a past GLA student! Erin is excited to return to GLA in the mentor role and experience the Dominican Republic alongside her students this summer.
GLA Staffing - Roles
GLA staff are native to the host country and international, usually from the US, Canada or Europe. All staff are highly qualified adults with college degrees. Most of our staff are educators and/or working professionals with higher degrees of education. All of our staff have extensive experience working with teenage students, international programs and/or a specific knowledge of the program country.
GLA staff consists of a local program director, someone from the host country with extensive experience working with international students and also an international program director, someone from the west with extensive global experience working with this age group, who together bridge any cultural differences. Mentors work with the students on a day to day basis. Staff ages usually range between 25 – 35 years old. In addition, we maintain a student to staff ratio of 8:1.
In-Country Program Coordinator
Our In-Country Program Coordinators are people with close ties to the local community. Their connections are what allow our groups to be welcomed as friends into a community, and their knowledge of the challenges facing local people allow our work to be a meaningful and valued contribution.
Local Program Director
Local Program Directors are responsible for co-managing the overall experience alongside International Program Directors. First and foremost, they protect the health and safety of students at all times, reinforcing standards of safety and community culture. The Local Program Director is also responsible for planning excursions, speakers, and community service projects
International Program Director
International Program Directors are responsible for co-managing the overall experience alongside Local Program Directors. Along with the Local Director, the International Program Director protects the health and safety of students at all times, reinforcing standards of safety and community culture. The International Program Director is also responsible for structuring a dynamic learning environment by developing curriculum, facilitating the implementation of GLA’s service-learning workshops through group-wide discussions
Mentor
Mentors are also responsible for structuring a dynamic learning environment by working as part of a team to implement GLA’s service-learning leadership curriculum; leading daily discussion, reflection or journaling sessions with small student groups; and helping Directors plan additional workshops and activities to engage students in their “free” time.
Country Administrator
Country Administrators are responsible for managing the overall experience of multiple programs in a certain country. Along with the Local Director, and International Program Directors, the Administrator protects the health and safety of students at all times, reinforcing standards of safety and community culture. The Country Administrator is also responsible for structuring a dynamic learning environment by developing curriculum, facilitating the implementation of GLA’s service-learning workshops through group-wide discussions.
Program Manager
Our Program Managers support the International and Local teams over the course of summer programming. The Program Managers have extensive training in risk management, cross cultural communication, student and group dynamics, mental health protocols, staff management and GLA policies and procedures. Program Managers posses and in-depth knowledge of each program site, partner, service activities, and excursion. The Program Managers communicate weekly with each team in the field and provide ongoing support during the summer to ensure safe and successful programs.