Our Team

Build Our Foundation.

As an alternative to child sponsorship, we encourage staff sponsorship. Our team is made up of Guatemalans who know their field, are well trained, and work day in and day out to support the people we serve. Without them, Story does not exist. Honestly, we think this is one of the most powerful ways to donate to our organization (or any organization, really.)

When you sponsor a staff member, you help provide a FULL-TIME job with competitive wages to a Guatemalan (a big deal). You provide ongoing opportunities for professional development (a big deal). And then your donation has almost infinite impact because that person you are sponsoring to come to work every day is turning around and supporting lots of cases (aka people in need of our services.)

This is a smart, sustainable, significant way to donate.

Choose a staff member to sponsor below.

*JUST MAKE SURE TO SELECT THE NAME OF THE STAFF MEMBER YOU’D LIKE TO SUPPORT IN THE DROPDOWN MENU*

Youscella Hernandez
Director of Operations

SPONSOR YOUSCELLA

“I like the work I’ve been doing since I began working with Story Intl. because as a team we’ve worked with lots of families with kids who are growing up. We’ve seen their transformation and how, with a lot of effort, we’ve managed to keep families intact.

Through our foster care program we’ve been able to offer a better alternative (to orphanages) for children separated from family.

I like my job specifically because I have such a great leadership team that is fighting to offer better services and provide family-based solutions for the the most vulnerable in our community.”

Zoila Toledo
Family Preservation Program Director

SPONSOR ZOILY

“I’m Zoila - I have a handsome husband and two beautiful daughters (July and Cami). I love cats and the outdoors, and watering the few plants I have relaxes me (I’d like to have a big garden).

I’m a clinical psychologist, and I’m halfway through my master’s in clinical psychology/mental health.

I want to know that my community is united. Not forcefully, but because people understand that serving and loving our neighbor is God’s command, and being part of a movement like that fills the heart.

I love my job!

Dilma Palacios
Foster Care Program Director

Sponsor Dilma

“I like my job because I feel like it’s a ministry that God has given me, and I’ve been able to see with my own eyes the impact that bring cared for in a family environment has on a child.

I would love for our community to be sensitive to the needs of children separated from their families, and for them to find ways to get involved.

By God’s grace I have a wonderful husband and 3 beautiful children who all support my work.”

Angelo Rustrian
Community Outreach Program Director

Sponsor Angelo

“Hi, my name is Angelo Rustrian. I was born in Guatemala City in 1993, but when I was 10 years old my family and I moved to Huehuetenango to serve in the church.

Currently, I’m working with Story Intl. as the Community Outreach Program Director. I like to take pictures, listen to music, and connect with people to serve in our community.

My desire is to see a community transformed by the Gospel of Jesus and to help the most vulnerable by serving as Christ’s hands and feet here on earth.”

Belbeth Toledo
Social Worker

Sponsor Belbeth

“Hi! My name is Belbeth, I’m 25 and I’m a social work by profession (and passion ♥).

I love working with children and adolescents - they’re like books with hundreds of pages still unwritten. I love to imagine that each page will be another joy, success, or triumph.

I understand that life isn’t all sunshine and roses, there’s grey days too, but there is no greater satisfaction than working to strengthen, empower, and walk alongside these youth on their path toward a future that is healthy, secure, and happy.”

Marleny Perez
Social Worker

Sponsor Marleny

“I’m Marleny Pérez, a social worker with Story Intl’s foster care program.

My job gives me the opportunity to serve God and embrace the vulnerable in the hardest moments of their lives.

I value the work that Story Intl is doing and I love that I get to be part of the change our team is creating in Huehuetenango

I love my family and I want every child to have the opportunity to grow and experience God’s love in the context of family.”

Mariola Merida Psychologist

Sponsor Mariola

“I’m originally from Chiantla (a small city connected to Huehue), where I grew up with my mom and siblings and also went to school.

Later I got my master’s in urban primary school education.

Currently, I’m married and I’ve been working as a clinical psychologist (graduated from Mariano Gálvez University) with Story Intl’s foster care program since 2021.”

Fernanda Castillo Social Worker

Sponsor Fernanda

“My name is Fernanda Castillo and I’m a social worker in Story Intl’s family preservation program.

I like my job because through it I have gotten to know wonderful families with so much potential who are looking for opportunities to rise above their circumstances, change their stories, and offer a better family upbringing for their kids.

In my city (Huehuetenango), I would like to see equal opportunities for everyone, empathy for others, and for us to help each other to be successful in life.”

Pamela Hernandez Social Worker

Sponsor Pamela

“My name is Nimcy Pamela Aguirre Hernández. I’m happily married, and also mom to a precious baby girl named Greys. She’s 1 year 4 months old. One of the things I love most is spending time with my family.

Currently I work with Story Intl, who’re seeking to empower the most vulnerable (based in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ).

I’m a social worker in the family preservation program, and I love my job because reunification/stability is our aim for the families we work with.”

Karla Ramirez Psychologist

Sponsor Karla

“Hi! My name is Karla Bellaney Ramírez Morales. I love my family and I thank God for each one of them. I am blessed to be a psychologist on Story Intl’s family preservation team.

I love my job because it feels good to be the reason someone is smiling, especially those little ones who’ve had to deal with hard and painful experiences from a very young age. I get to help them overcome their pain so that they can have a brighter future and be change makers in Guatemala.

I would like to see my community free from violence and discrimination - a people like the early church who supported and loved each other (Acts 4:32-36).”

Jessica Mejia Psychologist

Sponsor Jessica

“My name is Jessica Paola Mejía López, but everyone calls me Jessi. I’m 28, and I’m from a municipality called Aguacatan (I have Mayan roots!). I live with my husband, who supports me as I work towards my dreams.

I have the opportunity to work as a psychologist with Story Intl, and I thank God for the opportunity to support the emotional health of the people I serve. I ask God to give me wisdom so that I can strengthen each family and person who will be the future of my country.

Even when their successes are small, I am thankful to be able to see these families taking important steps forward.”

Mercedes Chun Tutor

Sponsor Mercedes

“My name is Mercedes Chun.

I like being a tutor because I get to watch how my students overcome obstacles that at the beginning seemed really big. That’s the greatest satisfaction - hearing them say: “I DID IT!”

I want to see my community to be more aware of the realities of children and the mistreatment they sometimes suffer.”

Eudy Morales Psychologist

Sponsor Eudy

No bio yet

Kelita Morales Community Outreach Coordinator

Sponsor Kélita

“Hi, I’m Kélita Morales - I’m a wife and mom to 2 incredible children who fill me with love. I like to play drums at church, and for many years I’ve been a speaker/presenter (I have a Saturday slot on a local Christian radio station!). I like art, music, traveling, and spending time with my family.

I love my job. I’ve learned to see life from another perspective, and ways that we can come together to care for and serve the most vulnerable as Jesus did.

I know there’s still a lot to do, but I’m excited to see Story Intl. become recognized on a local and national level for the work we’re doing to serve the most vulnerable.

It’s a joy and a blessing to be a part of this team - we’re working on big things!”

Ampárito Gutierrez Operational support

Sponsor Amparo

“My name is Amparo Gutiérrez, and I work as the building superintendent and cook.

I like cooking, serving the kids and seeing my food make them happy.

I’d like to see my community suffer less from hunger, and to see the love of Jesus in the hearts of the people.

I’d also like God to do a miracle in the lives of my children.”

Malincy Hernandez Admin. Assistant

Sponsor Malincy

“Hi, my name is Euri Malincy Hernández, and I’m the administrative assistant for Story Intl. I’m a wife, and mom to 2 children that I know God sent me to make me happy.

I know that it is God who has given me the privilege of being a part of Story’s family.

It’s a blessing to be a part of a team that is serving vulnerable children in my beloved Huehuetenango, and to be a part of the community change that is happening.”

US Board Members