Francesca is originally from the UK but has lived in Guatemala for over 12 years. In the past, she has worked for NdL and been a past member of the Guatemalan Board. In December she re-joined the Guatemalan Board as Vice President. She has worked and volunteered with several NGOs in Guatemala.

“Guatemala is a magical country that is hard not to fall in love with. I strongly believe in working with local communities to help them find ways to achieve their goals, especially women and children – they are the key to Guatemala’s future”

Luis lives in Antigua and has been the President of the Guatemalan Board since the birth of Niños del Lago. He has always believed that children, from the time they are born, are learning something new every day depending on who is nurturing them.

“I believe, and am very confident, that Niños del Lago provides an opportunity for Guatemalan children to discover their own talents and qualities, so that they can channel their energy in achieving everything they wish and dream for.”

Silvia was born and raised in Guatemala; she is a Chapina who likes to give back to society and help make a difference.

“I see Niños del Lago as a special place that gives opportunities to children during their time at camp, to enjoy, learn, and discover new experiences.”

Nicolás is married with two children and lives in Panajachel, where he works as an Accountant and Auditor. We have been privileged to have him as the Treasurer of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for several years.

“I have witnessed the humanitarian programs of Niños del Lago that are supporting the most vulnerable. This is the reason that motivates me and makes me commit to continuing to participate in such a noble cause.”

Claudia is Mexican and strongly believes that education with an emphasis on values in the path to change people’s life.

“I fell in love with Guatemala and decided to commit to NdL so that I could continue to work to help improve people’s lives,  through NdL programs, designed to empower guatemalan children”

Niños del Lago was founded by Arlaine Cervantes. During her years of travel between the United States, México, and Guatemala, Arlaine developed a deep respect and affection for the people and culture of Guatemala and was profoundly moved by the hardships suffered by the women and children she meets.

She resigned as Executive Director in December 2019, in order to be able to pursue personal projects. For more information on Arlaine, please CLICK HERE

Claudia is Mexican and strongly believes that education with an emphasis on values in the path to change people’s life.

“I fell in love with Guatemala and decides to commit to NdL so that I could continue to work to help improve people’s lives, especially children through our programs”

My name is Zabdi, I am from Panajachel. I studied to be a Primary Education Teacher and worked for several years in public schools in Panajachel and San Antonio Palopó. Years later I decided to study Business Administration at the Mariano Gálvez University in Guatemala.

“I love working with my community, my personal goal is that through my experience and knowledge, help the personal development of people to achieve their goals.”

My name is Ana María González Suar, I am 27 years old, I was born in Panajachel, Sololá. In my family we are 4 brothers and I am the second, I graduated in 2014 with the title of Teacher of pre-primary education.

“My goal is to continue contributing to the education in my community and to teach with effort, love and commitment, and to continue acquiring more knowledge, both in education and pastry.”

My name is Sucely Clarissa Xiquin García, I am 21 years old, I live in Panajachel. In 2015 and 2016 I received English language education in the ACCESS Program, part of the US Embassy in Guatemala, I graduated in 2019 as a Bilingual Secretary. In 2020 I completed the second stage of the Teaching Program at the UVG Language Center. Currently completing the career of High School Teachers in Pedagogy, Social Sciences and Citizenship Training at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala. I have been working for 4 years as a secretary and teacher in a medium-level school in the Patanatic Village, in 2023 I joined the Niños del Lago family.

“I love being able to contribute my grain of sand to education in my community and its surroundings.”

My name is Lourdes Lima Juárez, I have a degree in Clinical Psychology, originally from Panajachel in the department of Sololá, since 2020 I have been working as a psychologist for the Organization of Niños del Lago, with the aim of being able to support and promote mental health to specific groups. Being able to help children who want to develop their skills to face difficulties and any problems that arise in their lives. Group therapy helps to have psychoactive coping capacity, a sense of well-being, helps children to be able to solve interpersonal problems and serves to improve the quality of life with deeper experiences. This occurs through different activities planned by the organization’s administrative and technical staff.

Erica has since been teaching science in California public schools for the past 35 years while raising two adult sons with her husband. Naturally, Arlaine’s vision for Niños del Lago (our founder) has always aligned with Erica’s commitment to providing children the motivation, skills, knowledge, and inspiration to thrive in a fascinating yet challenging environment. Erica can use her experience with over 5000 adolescents to help curate a motivational program that naturally differentiates to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of all learners. A clear objective is to inspire all minds to explore and exercise their full potential.

“I am grateful to be part of the legacy of Arlaine Cervantes: empowering young people to become curious and resourceful problem-solvers throughout their journey toward adulthood”

Dr. David Ader works as an interdisciplinary scholar in the fields of sustainable agriculture and rural development. He currently works as the Assistant Director and Research Assistant Professor in the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. His expertise and research interests include population dynamics of rural communities, sustainable agriculture development for smallholder farmers, and nutrition sensitive agricultural approaches for development.
Ader holds a dual PH.D from Penn State University in Rural Sociology and Demography. His current research focuses on rural communities in Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central America.

Marteen Numan has worked with Niños del Lago since 2006, Marten became the Chairman of The Netherland Board in October 2011.