Guanin USA Board
Elias Severino Hernandez
President
Severino is the President and Founder of Guanín, dedicating nearly two decades of his time to improving his community. Guanín would not be where it is today without his vision, passion, and unyielding commitment.
Nick Arisco
Vice President
Nicholas Arisco is a doctoral student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and helped build what is now UConn Bridge to Guanin. Nick's passion for improving population health together with his inspiration from the community of La Piedra, propels him to strive to meet community needs in whatever ways necessary.
Corbinian Wanner
Treasurer
Corbinian has been working with the Centro Cultural Guanin organization since the Fall of 2014. At first, as a participant on an annual service trip through the University of Connecticut Pre-Medical Society, which subsequently led to a trip leader position and led four trips of undergraduates to the community of La Piedra during his undergraduate tenure. In April of 2017, Corbinian joined the Guanin USA Board of Directors and has been managing the finances of the non-profit USA-based accounts since then. His passions lie in making Guanin a self-sustaining, economic powerhouse that can best serve the beautiful community of La Piedra for many years to come.Â
Analyse Giordano
Communication
Analyse first started working with Guanin in 2016 while attending the University of Connecticut. Her work continued throughout her undergraduate career as she orchestrated student led trips to La Piedra. Upon graduating in 2020, Analyse joined the Guanin USA Board of Directors to continue sharing Guanin's mission at institutions with the goal of building multidisciplinary partnerships for Guanin across the country. As a future physician, she looks forward to continuously evolving her ability to meaningfully impact the health and wellness of La Piedra. Her passions reside in inspiring others to experience and share in the culture and love that the Guanin community has to offer.
Rachel Tompson
Secratary
Rachel Thompson is a fourth year medical student and former leader of the UConn Bridge to Guanin alternative break. Her love for La Piedra motivates her to advocate for Centro Guanin and seek sustainable solutions to the problems faced by the community.
Jasmine Decossrd
Fundraising Manager
Jasmine first participated in the UConn Bridge to Guanin annual trip in January of 2024, and she is aiming to help fundraise to build multiple houses in the community of la Piedra Dominican Rep., as well as provide medical equipment. Her work as an undergraduate premedical student and her interest in international public health led her to join the Guanin USA Board to extend her impact
Brooke Spaulingkay
Social Media Manager Specialist
Brooke Spaulding is a skilled Social Media Manager Specialist with a background in nursing. Originally from Wisconsin, Brooke has combined her healthcare expertise with her passion for social media to create impactful campaigns and foster community engagement,
Nurse from Wisconsin with extensive experience in patient care. Participated in a Nursing School Trip in March 2024, where she met Guanin Dominican Republic. Led a team of 5 nurses in January 2025 to the Dominican Republic, providing donations and free care services to various sugar cane communities.
David Kofi Gyamfi
Programs Manager
David first participated in the UConn Bridge to Guanin annual trip in January 2025, where he contributed to medical outreach efforts in the Dominican Republic, assisting in healthcare initiatives for underserved communities. This experience deepened his passion for global health and reinforced his commitment to making medical care more accessible.
As a dedicated premedical student, David has two years of clinical experience as a Patient Care Tech at Hartford Hospital, where he has developed hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of patient care. His research with children with autism and volunteer work in hospitals outside the U.S. have strengthened his awareness of healthcare disparities and the need for global solutions. David has witnessed firsthand challenges of limited healthcare access. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine, combining clinical practice, research, and international outreach to improve healthcare equity both locally and globally.
Guanin Canada Board
Anna Selgert, President
Anna first visited Guanín while studying abroad in 2008. Today, she is President of Guanín Canada and works closely with the team to expand the organization’s impact.
Caroline McWilliams, Vice President
Caroline first visited Guanín in 2017 as a nursing student at UConn. She’s now an RN and is pursuing her masters in public health.
Her time at Guanín has inspired a love for global health and most importantly the people of La Piedra.
David Golden, Secretary
David was first introduced to Guanín in 2011 while he was teaching in Santo Domingo. He connected with Guanín and began teaching English to students in La Piedra. Since returning home from the Dominican Republic, he has continued to support fundraising efforts.
Now as a board member for Guanín Canada, he aims to create and maintain relationships between Guanín and international partners in order to support the organization's work supporting students and families in La Piedra.
Elias Severino Hernandez
Executive Director.
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Severino is the Founder of Guanín, dedicating nearly two decades of his time to improving his community. Guanín would not be where it is today without his vision, passion, and unyielding commitment.
Centro Cultural Guanin, Inc.
Registered.: 2017
Reference Number.: 694788
HST # 10786388 RT 000-
Guanin Switzerland
Kevin Angel Hablützel
Vice President and Treasurer , Board Director with office in Zurich, Switzerland.
I'm the agent here in Switzerland and I have been working with Centro Cultural Guanin for several years now, the first time I have been there in the Dominican Republic it was there in 2015 for 6 months volunteering services in Guanin. The people at the community of la Piedra, Dominican Republic, have become a family to me, it’s my second home. I am very proud to be a part of this organization and I am happy about how well it has developed.
I’m Certified social worker, having worked in various crèches for several years, now I work in a curative education school in Zurich, Switzerland. The welfare of children and young people is very close to my heart. It is very important to me to understand people's needs and to create optimal conditions for support in all areas of life.
For more information about us.
E-mail.: switzerland@guanin.org
Jazmine Wanner
Secretary Board Director with office in Switzerland
She made her first experience with Guanin in July 2019, and fell in love with the people at the community of La Piedra and the country.
Meanwhile she is attending the college for health and social education to expand her knowledge. Her passion for different cultures and education inspires her to support Guanin’s goals.
Sarah Spreng
Public Relation and Media Specialist Board Director with office in Switzerland.
In 2017 Sarah joined the Guanin family. Since the first day she doesn‘t want to miss supporting and visiting the community of La Piedra. Together we can make a change in these people‘s lives!“
Zenia herzip
Public Relation and Media Specialist Board Director with office in Switzerland.
In 2017 Zenia joined the Guanin family for 6 months volunteering, and on her second trip she introduced her sister as part of this great family. Since the first day she doesn‘t want to miss supporting and visiting the community of La Piedra. Together we can make a change in these people‘s lives, this is our goal!“
Centro Cultural Guanin, Inc.
Registered.: 2019,09,03
Reference Number.: 73762041
Office.: Zürich Riedenerstrasse 1a 8304 Wallisellen
Executive Directors
Olivia Suchy
Executive Director with office in Germany.
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I first visited Guanin with my friend Kim in 2017 for 3 months volunteer work , working with the kids and the people of the community of la Piedra, was one of the best life experience for us, that was eyes open, I fall in love with the work that Severino Hernandez has been doing for his People in the Dominican Republic.
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Please, don't hesitate to contact me, for more information about Guanin.
Theo Van Rossum
Executive Director with office in Nederland.
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Theo Van is a Retired teacher of French and German language, while looking for volunteer opportunities on line, Theo found and became interested in Guanin. In 2018, when he met Elias Severino Hernandez and immediately was struck by his personality and caring attitude. In March 2019 he was able to visit Guanin for a month in the Dominican Republic to learn more about the community and needs.
Theo's passion for improving the quality of life for the Dominican people, with his inspiration from the community of La Piedra, it takes no effort at all to fall in love with the people, the families and friends living over there. Great to be a part of the Swiss team and the opportunity to let our heart work through our actions..
Advisors
Shalen Steinbugl
Public Relations & Media Specialist
A 2016 graduate of Juniata College, Shalen visited La Piedra on Juniata's Cultural Learning Tour in 2014. She then founded Amigos de Guanin at Juniata and has visited five more times. Although she's thousands of miles away, she says Guanín feels like home.
Dr. Lynne Guitar
Co-founder
A bilingual historian and cultural anthropologist, lived and worked in the Dominican Republic from 1997-2016, teaching, researching, and running study abroad-programs for U.S. Americans. She was co-founder of the Guanín Foundation, along with Elías Severino Hernández, and helped to set up cultural, educational, and volunteer programs in La Piedra. Now retired and living in the U.S. again, she services the Eastern third of the U.S. as a Promoter for all of Guanín’s volunteer programs through Student Services.
Debbie de la Rosa
Grants and Fundraising Manager
Debbie de la Rosa is a skilled Grants and Fundraising Manager with expertise in project management, grant writing, writing, and research. She also brings experience in social media and website management, showcasing her versatility. After initially volunteering with Guanin in 2019, she has reconnected with the organization, driven by her admiration for the resilience of the Dominican people and her dedication to empowering the community of La Piedra. Her passion lies in creating opportunities that foster positive change and uplift others.
DR. Abdul Karim Bangura
USA. Board Advisor
In 2004, I participated in a conference in the Dominican Republic, at the Santo Domingo hotel, where I was one of the speakers. It was there that I met my brother Severino and Dr. Lynne Guitar, who offered us his service as a tour guide and transportation to the colonial city. From then on I have served Guanín and Severino as advisor and intermediary of the Universities that I teach. I have visited the community of La Piedra several times, and in 2009, I organized one of the largest events of the foundation, inviting several investors and partners to support the Guanin projects.
Dr. LOURDES J. MERAN
DR. Board Advisor
Dr. Lourdes Merán is an honorary board member of the Fundación Centro Cultural Guanin in the Dominican Republic. Her connection with Guanin began in 2018 while she was still a dental student. Since then, she has remained deeply committed to oral health and community service.
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She currently serves as the Director of the UNAP UConn-Guanin Dental Clinic in La Piedra, where she leads impactful efforts providing free dental care to underserved communities. Under her leadership, hundreds of free dental outreach missions have been carried out across the country, offering high-quality treatment to both children and adults.
Gertrudis de los Santos
DR. Board Advisor
I am an educator by profession, I am an honorary board member of the DR., Foundation Centro Cultural Guanin, I am the President of the honorary board and also preside the disciplinary council of the youth association, and I am a history and geography teacher.
Diosely Fernandez
DR. Board Advisor
I am Clinical Psychologist with a specialty in Human Resources, I am the secretary of the honorary Guanin board officer. As a Psychologist I work with families, adolescents and young people.
Email: dioselis1234@gmail.com
Professor Mery Ramos
DR. Board Advisor
I am an educator by profession, graduated from the National Evangelical University (UNEV)
I am an honorary board member of the DR., Foundation Centro Cultural Guanin and I am the Director of Academic Institutional Affairs at Guanin, I love teaching, and I love helping others.
