Our Team

We are a team dedicated to improving the lives of those in the communities we serve.

Meet our Team!

Ricardo Cáceres 
Classroom Teacher: Sports, Technology & Boys' Club

A proud Tecpáneco, Ricardo brings passion, tech skills, and leadership to his role. Once a child who helped make ecobricks for Ütz B’ey Guatemala, he’s now inspiring the next generation to step into their potential.

Rafaela Surec Socop
Classroom Teacher: Literacy, Baking & Girls' Club

Rafa is an elementary school teacher from a family of weavers in Tecpán. Her love for playful, creative learning makes her a favorite among students. She’s also pursuing a degree in communication and language.

Norma España
Classroom Teacher: English & Volunteer Leader

Norma joined our cook trainee program and then became our head cook. Her dedication ensures every child receives nutritious meals every day. Her four beautiful daughters are also in our program, growing into strong young women.

Santos Cojtí
Farm Worker

Santos is a dedicated farmer and father of two from Tecpán. Known for his hard work and warmth, he values the friendship and respect he’s found at Ütz B’ey Guatemala.

Daniel Raxjal
Farm Worker

Daniel brings resilience and strength to the team. After personal loss, he found purpose in working with Ütz B’ey Guatemala and continues to serve his community through farming and leadership.

Oscar Zeta
Farm Manager & Caretaker

Oscar oversees our land, infrastructure, food production, and security. A skilled farmer originally from Tecpán, he loves sharing meals and farming knowledge with volunteers. He lives onsite with his family.

Claudia Ordoñez
Accountant & Volunteer Support

With a teaching degree and a background in accounting, Claudia manages our finances in both Guatemala and Canada. She’s also a key coordinator for volunteer visits and is known for her precision and care.

Ana Saloman
Community Health Worker

Ana is a nursing assistant from Chivarabal Tecpán with a deep passion for serving others. She works in our onsite community health centre with empathy and care, bringing vital services to her community through Ütz B’ey Guatemala.

Phomolo Tshaka
Classroom Teacher: English & Volunteer Leader

Originally from South Africa, Phomolo brings a rich background in education and nutrition. With years of experience across Latin America, she’s passionate about child development, healthy living, and farm life.

Marelyne Ramirez
In-Country Director

A trained preschool teacher and psychopedagogue, Marelyne moved from Guatemala City to Tecpán in 2011. Our first staff member, she has been with us from the beginning. Her calm presence and belief in every child’s potential drives her leadership, and she loves that Ütz B’ey Guatemala is grounded in love, education, and community transformation. Marelyne’s children also attend our program daily.

Sarah Riggott
Executive Director

Originally from the UK, Sarah has been in positions of program development, education, and humanitarian work across Latin America since 2009. With a background in international business and nonprofit leadership, she’s passionate about creating spaces where children can simply be children. Sarah leads Ütz B’ey Guatemala with creativity, strategic insight, and a deep commitment.

Board of Directors

Fern Logan
Board Chair and Ambassador Working Group Member

A long-time volunteer and spiritual leader in Vancouver, Fern has been part of Ütz B’ey Guatemala for over 16 years. She values holistic education and connection with nature.

Angela Hanley
Vice-Chair, Secretary & Volunteer Working Group Member

A chiropractor and founder of CHAI (Children’s Health Advocacy International), Angela supports child health and well-being through her professional and volunteer efforts.

Angie Cazares
Treasurer & Communication & Fundraising Working Group Member

A nonprofit professional and life coach, Angie first connected with the project in 2009. As a mother and long-time supporter, she’s committed to creating opportunities for families.

Arne Bister
Member & Volunteer, Ambassador & Process Working Group Member

A software engineer from Germany, Arne brings technical expertise and deep dedication to our mission. He has visited Guatemala multiple times and continues to build bridges between Ütz B’ey Guatemala and European supporters.

Ilana Jakubowski
Member & Ambassador Working Group Leader

With a Master’s in Social Work and years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Ilana is passionate about the intersection of social justice and environmental stewardship.

Les Irvin
Communication & Volunteer Working Group Member

After volunteering in Guatemala, Les was drawn to the joy and hope of the project. He brings a love of music, nature, and is our go to tech man!

James Simon
Member & Communications & Fundraising Working Group Member

A recent graduate from MIT, James supports communications and development research. He’s passionate about using data and empathy to address global challenges.

Ambassadors and Legal Support

Ralph Santosuosso

Ambassador for Volunteering & Fundraising

Keke Leiferman

Ambassador for Volunteering & Fundraising

Linda Tanaka

Ambassador for Fundraising

Kris Durbridge

Ambassador for Fundraising

Joe Fiorante

Ambassador for Legal Support

Jorge Alberto Granados Mancio

Legal Representative in Guatemala

Founders

Heather Knox and Greg Kemp
Their vision and dedication laid the foundation for what is now Ütz B’ey Guatemala. Honouring their legacy continues to inspire every action we make.
Home
    About Us
    Get Involved
    Giving
    Donate Now!

    © 2025 Compassion Fruit Society
    #400-856 Homer Street
    Vancouver BC V6B 2W5
    Canada

    Compassion Fruit Society is a
    Canadian Registered Charity that operates Ütz B'ey Guatemala
    Charity number: 86332 6468 RR0001