Sandra McGirr, R.N., Vice President

Sandra attained a BScN in Nursing at McMaster University (Ontario, Canada) in 1987 and is currently completing a Masters in Nursing (Global Health emphasis) on-line at Athabasca University (Alberta, Canada). She is a Registered Nurse with the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia and has had a 20-year career in community nursing in expanded-practice, public health and acute care roles. Working mainly in remote communities for federal and provincial governments in British Columbia and Nunavut, she has extensive experience as an extended-care practitioner and in health promotion and prevention education. Sandra is serving as community health program coordinator, operating community medical clinics, and managing the community health worker program.

Frida Puma Delgado, Treasurer

Frida, a registered physiotherapist, has completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in kinesiology and physiotherapy in Cusco, Peru and Bolivia. Since 2008 she has worked as the lead physiotherapist for Kausay Wasi Clinic, Qoya, treating a wide range of conditions for the clinic’s primarily indigenous clients of the Sacred Valley region. In this practice, Frida has a particular specialty in the field of artificial prosthetics and bioprosthetics.  As a DESEA Perú director, Frida oversees financial transactions and serves as the signing officer for contracting purposes.  As a Quechua and Spanish speaker with lengthy experience working in the field of community health, Frida brings invaluable skills and experience to DESEA’s Board.

Edy Gonzales Torres, U.S. Director

Edy, a Peruvian national from Calca, has worked for many years in support of indigenous people in the Sacred Valley area.  Prior to his involvement with DESEA, he worked for the non-governmental organization, ProPeru, as an assistant organizer of their health program. Having completed CAWST training in biosand filter construction in September 2007, Edy established a filter construction workshop in Calca in January 2008. Working with Gregorio Mendoza he developed strong relationships with indigenous communities, installing water filters and providing training in filter operation and sanitation. Through the same period Edy served as a hospice worker and orphanage mentor at the Santa Rosa Hogar in Lamay.  Edy is currently residing in Oregon with his wife and child, and serving as U.S. Director and fundraiser for DESEA.

STAFF:

Gregorio Mendoza Flores; Workshop Manager

As a councillor (and former mayor) of his small community near Calca, Gregorio is very concerned with the health impacts of poor water quality and inadequate sanitation to which members of his community are exposed. Gregorio completed the CAWST training in household water treatment, filter construction, and sanitation in September 2007. In January 2008 he started working with Edy, installing filters in his own and nearby communities. He now operates the water filter workshop near his home, together with community volunteers, and serves as a community liaison.

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Ricardina Sosa Linares; Field Manager

Ricardina, a Calca resident, is trained as an educator and is fluent in Quechua and Spanish. As DESEA Field Manager Ricardina carries out a range of tasks including water filter inspections, family instruction in filter use, community- and family-based hygiene and sanitation education, assistance with family health assessments, assistance with bi-weekly health clinics, routine communications with communities, and maintenance of inspection forms and monitoring databases.  ace

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Vilma Florez Huayllapuma; Community Health Nurse

Vilma is a technical nurse with an extensive background in community nursing.  She worked in Kausay Wasi Clinic, Qoya from 2003 to 2008 and as the Pampallacta community nurse for the Ministry of Health during 2008.  Her employment with the Ministry included provision of nursing services for the communities in which DESEA is currently working.  In her current work as community nurse for DESEA Perú, she thus brings a close familiarity with both the project communities and with Ministry of Health staff and operations.  Vilma is responsible for the direct supervision and training of DESEA’s community health workers (Qha’lis), for provision of health education in the communities, and for participation in the bi-weekly medical clinics.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS (QHALIS):

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        Celia Poccohuanca Juarez                   Lucia Condori Chura                               Maria Melo Pari    

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            Lucia Flores Hancco                       Sabina Mamani Huallpa                     Tiburcia Espinoza Huilhua

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ADVISORY BOARD:

The following individuals provide valuable advice and assistance to DESEA Perú directors based on their extensive experience in business, government, and non-governmental organizations, both in Peru and abroad.