FIMRC Ambassador Aubri Carman is spending six weeks this summer at Project Alajuelita in Costa Rica. Aubri played Division I soccer at the University of Arizona and has incorporated her athletic prowess in her work on site. Aubri's primary project combines nutrition, exercise and mental wellness to create a comprehensive program for women interested in living an active lifestyle at partner organization CCA San Felipe Soup Kitchen.

Aubri Carman - FIMRC Ambassador - Project Alajuelita, Costa Rica

Aubri begins each session with  stretching, yoga, and light exercises, those of which can be easily replicated at home without the need of equipment. Physical activity is followed up by a group conversation, covering topics such as the importance of weight loss, stress reduction techniques, and sharing healthy habits with the  family. A local nutritionist has supported Aubri's program with supplemental education about food groups, portion sizes, and preparing nutritious meals through creative recipes. Data collection is done on a weekly basis by tracking weight, measuring waist size, and calculating BMI.

Children are invited to accompany their mothers once a week during which time they learn games and activities geared toward an active lifestyle.

Interested in participating in FIMRC's Internship Program? Contact us at internshipprogram@fimrc.org.

We are thrilled to welcome several new members to the team at our sites in El Salvador and Peru!

Originally from Demnark, El Salvador Field Operations Manager Marloes Nijboer obtained her BS in Human Geography and Planning as well as her MS in International Development Studies from the University of Utrecht. Marloes has extensive international experience through her work in Tanzania and Guatemala. Most recently, Marloes served as the Women's Health Education Program Assistant for PrimerosPasos, where she facilitated workshops on community health issues, expanded the reach of programming, and managed volunteers. Marloes ensures that volunteers have a wonderful health immersion experience and a positive lasting impact on the community!

We are also thrilled to have Kalli Bermingham onsite in Las Delicias as our Micro Health Insurance Program (MHIP) Coordinator. Kalli received her BA in Psychology from Willamette University in Oregon, and has experience in community development through her time with the Peace Corps in Panama. Kalli is committed to improving the health and well-being of communities through engagement and participation, and we're very excited for the strides MHIP will make under her tenure!

In Peru, we are happy to welcome Haley Kerr as Field Operations Manager. Haley obtained her BS in Human Development and Family Relations from the University of Connecticut. Haley was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, where she worked in HIV/AIDS training coordination as well as rural health and sanitation community assessments and prevention programs. She also has extensive experience in community needs assessment, health education program planning, project evaluation, and managing programs within the clinic setting through her work with several public health organizations in New Orleans and Paraguay. Project Peru is a perfect fit for Haley´s professional skills, passions, and dedication to improving the health of the communities we serve. She works with countless partnerships in Trujillo and Agallpampa to continually develop public health interventions and coordinates volunteer programs in Peru.

We are so excited to have such great team members supporting our work abroad, and they are looking forward to working with our volunteers! 

Chapter Spotlight: Roger Williams University

FIMRC would like to extend a congratulations to the Roger Williams University student chapter, which was awarded the "Best Educational Program" from the Department of Student Programs and Leadership at their university. The RWU chapter also participated in a global health volunteer program in Las Delicias, El Salvador from March 12-19 and impressed the site staff with their enthusiasm. Keep up the amazing work!

The Changing of the Guards

As FIMRC welcomes the addition of Marloes, Kalli and Haley to the team, we are bidding farewell to Alex Kelly and Rob Orton, Field Operation Managers in El Salvador and Nicaragua, respectively. Alex and Rob's numerous contributions have forged a path where success is bound to follow. The foundation will forever remember the dedication, energy and spirit they brought to the table, each and every day. 

¡Qué les vaya bien!