Our main goal is to work with teams of professional doctors from the United States and Canada to meet the surgical needs of patients who lack the resources to access these services. The individuals treated have been previously evaluated and identified by the teams from the Mobile Rural Medical Clinics.
Our patients can access procedures in general surgery, gynecology, plastic surgery, orthopedics, among others.
Our clinics are held at the Hospital de Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro in Antigua Guatemala and last for a week.
Silvia Macario
Financial Director
Silvia Eugenia Macario Balán has been a part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since March 2010. She is from Zaragoza, Chimaltenango, and currently serves as the Financial Director.
Silvia holds a degree in Legal and Social Sciences, and she is a qualified Attorney and Notary. She has previously worked as a General and Project Accountant at FUNDEBASE and ASECSA. Silvia is fluent in Spanish and enjoys swimming and visiting the countryside in her spare time. She is excited to contribute to the growth and development of the organization as a member of the team.
Emily López
EXECUTIVE Director
Emily López joined the Partner for Surgery team in April 2024, from Antigua Guatemala. Currently serving as the General Director, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to her role.
With a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Rafael Landivar and a master’s degree in Digital Marketing & Social Media from the European Business School, Emily has previously excelled as a Development and Digital Communications Manager and Awards Manager. With over four years of experience in the nonprofit sector, both nationally and internationally, Emily is fluent in English and Spanish.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Emily finds joy in traveling and staying active.
Irma Sabán
prograMS DIRECTOR
Irma Leticia Sabán Patzan has been part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since February 2013. She is originally from San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, and currently serves as Programs Director, supporting the IVAA program, and managing the inventory of medications and supplies.
Irma is a Medical Emergency Technician and Nursing Assistant, as well as a Volunteer Firefighter. She has worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Maternal and Child Center of Francisco Marroquín University and volunteered with the Volunteer Firefighters of Guatemala. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys hiking, running, gardening, and traveling with her daughter. She is very happy with her work and proud to be a part of the team.
Carlos Alberto Páez Galindo
Director of Operations
Carlos has been a valued member of the Partner for Surgery team since March 2019. Originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, he currently serves as the Director of Operations.
Carlos, a former dentist, has extensive experience in logistics and administration within health-focused NGOs, as well as in bilingual operational roles. He is fluent in both Spanish and English. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the guitar.
Carlos is deeply aligned with and empathetic to the mission and vision of the organization. His foremost priority is to act as a catalyst for change as part of the team.
María Alejandra Pinzón
Community Nutritionist
Alejandra is a licensed nutritionist with a strong commitment to improving child health and community well-being through targeted nutritional interventions. She holds a degree in Nutrition from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and has extensive experience working with both government institutions and nonprofit organizations. Alejandra has led efforts to address acute malnutrition, conducted caregiver education campaigns, and developed monitoring and evaluation systems. Within the Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, she plays a key role conducting home visits, training health promoters, and creating culturally appropriate educational materials.
Lourdes Pleitez
Financial Assistant
Lourdes Pleitez has been part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since January 2026. She is originally from Antigua Guatemala. She currently serves as a Financial Assistant, where she supports the organization’s daily accounting operations, including transaction recording, accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliations, and the preparation of financial reports.
Lourdes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Accounting and Auditing from Universidad Mariano Gálvez and has completed a postgraduate program focused on Fiscal and Corporate Compliance. She is currently in the process of completing her graduation requirements and expects to obtain her degree in 2026.
She has worked as a General Accountant in various companies and organizations, with much of her professional experience focused on social impact, collaborating with NGOs, foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Lourdes speaks Spanish, and in her free time she enjoys exploring different places in Guatemala and spending quality time with her family. She also enjoys hiking, dancing, playing board games, and learning new recipes in the kitchen. She feels deeply fulfilled to be part of an organization that transforms lives and creates meaningful social impact.
Cony Taj
Cleaning
Cornelia Taj Vigil has been a part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since August 2009. She is originally from Antigua Guatemala and currently works in the cleaning and maintenance department.
Cony has over 40 years of experience and supports all activities to the best of her abilities. She speaks Spanish and enjoys listening to music and spending time with her family in her free time. She is happy to be part of the team, considering it her second family.
Ana Gabriela Umul Tacatic
Program Assistant
Gabriela Umul has been part of the Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía team since February 2026. She is originally from San Pedro Yepocapa, Chimaltenango. She currently serves as a Program Assistant, where she supports the implementation of the Nutrition and Women’s & Girls’ Health programs.
Gabriela is a Nursing Assistant with experience in hospital care and support in specialized clinical areas. She holds a high school diploma in Science and Humanities and is currently continuing her professional training in the health field. She has worked as a Nursing Assistant at the Hospital Nacional Roosevelt in the pediatric unit, where she supported hydrotherapy services, contributing to the care and well-being of pediatric patients. She has also worked at the Hospital de Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro in the Operating Room, assisting in surgical procedures and patient preparation.
She speaks Spanish, and her favorite hobbies are exercising and traveling to explore new places. She is very happy to be part of the team.
Keren García
EXECUTIVE Assistant
Keren joined Partner for Surgery in April 2026 as an Administrative Assistant. In her role, she supports the organization’s daily operations, helping ensure that internal processes run smoothly and efficiently.
She assists with administrative coordination and provides support to different teams, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the organization’s work. Keren is known for being organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.
Keren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala and is fluent in English and Spanish. Originally from Guatemala, she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, and continuing to learn new skills in her professional and personal life. She is proud to be part of Partner for Surgery and is committed to supporting its mission to improve access to quality healthcare services for underserved communities.
EDUARDO MENDEZ
wEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Eduardo joined the team in 2024 and has since actively collaborated with Partner for Surgery | Compañero para Cirugía in the maintenance and optimization of its website, ensuring it remains functional, up to date, and aligned with the organization’s goals. His role has included content management, implementing improvements in design and user experience, and troubleshooting technical issues to ensure efficient and accessible navigation.
Additionally, he has worked on optimizing site performance by applying code and structural enhancements to improve load times and overall stability. He has also supported the integration of new functionalities and the adaptation of the website for mobile devices, helping expand the organization’s digital reach.
His approach has focused on maintaining a strong digital presence that accurately reflects Partner for Surgery’s mission, facilitating communication with donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, and supporting its efforts to provide medical care to those in need.
GABRIELA MONTENEGRO
CONSULTANT
Gabriela Montenegro Bethancourt holds a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Bonn and is a consultant specializing in nutrition, public health, and food security, with a focus on Indigenous populations and reducing social inequities. Her scientific work has centered on designing sustainable solutions to combat child malnutrition and strengthen women’s empowerment.
She served as Guatemala’s National Secretary of Science and Technology (2024–2026) and has been a fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Maya Health Alliance, where she led the Saqmolo’ Project. She has also been a researcher at the Center for Indigenous Health Research (CISI) at Wuqu’ Kawoq.
In 2023, she was recognized with the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World–Elsevier Award for Women Scientists in the Developing World. She currently works as a consultant on science, innovation, and development projects, promoting access to scientific knowledge and the creation of policies with social impact.
Mayra Chen
Residence: San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz
Languages: Q’eqchi’
Roles: Patient coordinator in Surgical Missions, promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz.
Dina Salguero
Residence: San Juan Sacatepéquez, Guatemala (originally from Jutiapa)
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Patient coordinator in surgical missions, nurse in surgical missions, certified nurse in IVAA rapid testing, promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in the department of Jutiapa.
Marta de la Cruz
Residence: Salamá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’, Poqomchi’
Roles: Support, accompaniment, and translation to patients in Surgical Missions; promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz and Baja Verapaz.
Julio Sel
Residence: Ixcán, Quiché
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’, some Poqomchi’
Roles: Nurse and promoter in Surgical Missions; promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Alta Verapaz and Quiché.
Miguel Brito
Residence: Nebaj, Quiché (Ixil area)
Languages: Spanish, Ixil
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program; coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in the Ixil area of Quiché.
Surama Pérez
Residence: Huehuetenango, Huehuetenango
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program in Huehuetenango; interested in returning to support Medical and Surgical Missions.
Jandery Aguirre
Residence: Chinautla, Guatemala
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program in Guatemala City area and nearby municipalities.
Esmirna Pirir
Residence: Rabinal, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Achí
Roles: Surgical Mission Health Promoter; projected support in Rural Mobile Medical Missions.
Angela Pérez
Residence: San Antonio Ilotenango, Quiché
Languages: Spanish, Quiché
Roles: Promoter in The Cleft Infant Nutrition Program, supports Surgical Missions and coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Quiché, Totonicapán, and Quetzaltenango.
Adolfo Sis
Residence: San Miguel Chicaj, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Achí
Roles: Coordinates Rural Mobile Medical Missions in Baja Verapaz.
Aleida de la Cruz
Residence: Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’
Roles: Supports surgical and rural Medical Missions.
Johanna Cap
Residence: Patzún, Chimaltenango
Languages: Kaqchikel
Roles: Surgical Mission Health Promoter; Cleft Infant Nutrition Program Health Promoter in Chimaltenango.
Marisol Canel
Residence: Between San Juan Sacatepéquez and San Raymundo
Languages: Spanish
Roles: Supports surgical missions as a promoter and nurse.
Angélica Gómez
Residence: Alta Verapaz
Languages: Q’eqchi’, Spanish
Roles: Promoter in Surgical Missions; projected support in Rural Mobile Medical Missions.
Rosa Rosales
Residence: Ciudad Vieja, Sacatepéquez
Languages: Spanish
Roles:Promoter in Surgical Missions; office support.
Clara Ponce
Residence: San Juan Chamelco, Alta Verapaz
Languages: Spanish, Q’eqchi’
Roles: Nurse and promoter in Surgical Missions; promoter in Rural Mobile Medical Missions.
Todd Peterson
Board President and Co-Founder
Background: Todd Peterson is the Owner and Director of the youth sports organization i9 Sports. Previously, Todd was the Senior Manager of International Affairs at the American Society for Microbiology for eight years. Todd has a masters in International Affairs and Economics from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Todd served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the rural village of Paquip, Guatemala from 1997-1999. While in Paquip, Todd saw a significant lack of access to surgical care for rural Guatemalans and coordinated surgeries for 14 of his neighbors with visiting international surgical teams. In 2001, Todd and his father, Frank, formalized this effort by founding Partner for Surgery. Since then, Todd has been an active member of the Partner for Surgery Board and has served as President since 2020.
Location: Todd resides in Oakton, Virginia with his wife and two children.
Frank Peterson
Treasurer and Co-Founder
Background: Raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Frank Peterson received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley. During his time there, he met his future wife, Linda, at a fraternity function, and they married in 1962. He went on to receive a PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 1966 from Northwestern University. Frank’s entire professional career was with the U.S. Navy as a civilian, where he led the Naval Architecture and Hydromechanics Department. He took early retirement in 2000 to expand a community support model using local individuals to help those in need of surgical care.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: In January 2001, Frank spent three months in Guatemala learning about available community resources. By the spring of 2001, he had incorporated Partner in Health (later renamed Partner for Surgery), and by the summer, the IRS approved its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. In the fall of 2001, he recruited Todd to return to Guatemala and lead the efforts to establish a functional presence.
After Todd’s departure in 2003, Frank recruited Peace Corps Volunteers who had completed their tours in Guatemala to stay and lead the organization’s efforts. In 2004, he worked with influential Guatemalans to establish an independent Guatemalan nonprofit, Compañero en Salud, and later in 2010, its successor, Compañero para Cirugía.
Frank served as president of Partner for Surgery and principal fundraiser from 2001 through 2019. During this time, he participated in more than 50 rural triage teams and provided oversight for efforts in Guatemala. In 2020, he resigned as president and assumed the position of treasurer.
Location: Frank currently resides in McLean, Virginia
Beatriz Coningham
Board Member
Background: Beatriz Coningham is the Founder & President of HabilisGlobal, and specializes in consulting for global remote companies on organizational leadership, learning and change. Beatriz’s career includes leadership roles in global organizations establishing and leading teams in organizational development and learning and human resources management. She has worked in 20+ countries, and especially in Brazil and the US.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Beatriz Coningham has been a Board Member for Partner for Surgery for more than 15 years. She has supported the Board in all issues related to strategic planning, Board development,and human resources in Guatemala.
Location: Beatriz is based in Washington, DC, USA, and travels extensively around the world for family and work.
Dharma Pachner
Board Member
Background: Dharma is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Contrast & Co., an award-winning brand strategy and communications agency determined to build the most strikingly different brand experiences anywhere. Founded in 2015 and featured as one of AdWeek’s 100 fastest-growing agencies, Dharma’s team at Contrast has designed revolutionary brands for everyone from global consulting powerhouses to hip-hop fashion icons to non-profits nestled deeply in the heart of the Himalayas.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Dharma’s journey with PFS began unexpectedly with a simple logo request for an event. Intrigued by the mission, he dove deeper and quickly became a part of the organization’s story. Since then, Dharma has participated in three medical missions to Guatemala, bringing his creative talents, his growing Spanish skills, and even his magic tricks to support the physicians and the communities they serve.
He’s made the experience a family affair, bringing his daughter along on two of the trips, which he considers the most meaningful work he’s ever done. Through his agency, Dharma has also supported PFS creatively, helping to reimagine their brand and develop impactful fundraising campaigns that amplify their mission.
For Dharma, the work with PFS is more than a professional partnership—it’s a personal passion that continues to inspire and challenge him.
Location: Dharma resides in sunny Annapolis, MD.
Donald HeebneR
Board Member
Background: Don Heebner is the founder and former President of Franklin Security Corp., a Philadelphia-based provider of electronic security systems. He led the company for 35 years before retiring in April 2006. Throughout his career in the Electronic Security Industry, Don served as Regional President of the Southeast Pennsylvania Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, and as Director of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Don Heebner is currently a dedicated board member of Partner for Surgery, a 501(c)(3) charity that sponsors surgery for the underserved in rural Guatemala. From 2017 to the present, Don has organized and led a team of doctors and nurses from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Smiles for Guatemala on cleft lip and palate surgical missions. Through these missions, over 500 children have received corrective surgery.
Location: Don resides in Telford, PA, where he continues his active involvement in various local and international service projects.
Edward Butler
Board Member
Background: Edward Butler is a retired Service Officer with the U.S. Agency for International Development. Married with two children and four grandchildren, Ed has a rich history of international service and expertise. He served in executive-level positions in ten African and Latin American countries, showcasing his extensive experience in international development and diplomacy. Notably, Ed spent three years as the Peace Corps Director in Guatemala, further solidifying his connection and commitment to the region. His career has been marked by a focus on non-profit organizational development overseas, where he has made significant contributions to the field.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Ed has been an invaluable member of the Partner for Surgery Board for over ten years. His extensive background in international development and non-profit organizational growth has greatly benefited the organization. During his tenure, Ed has applied his expertise to help shape and guide the strategic direction of Partner for Surgery, ensuring that the organization remains focused on its mission to provide surgical care to underserved communities in Guatemala. His experience with the Peace Corps in Guatemala has been particularly beneficial, offering unique insights and fostering strong connections that have enhanced the organization’s effectiveness.
Location: Ed currently resides in Washington D.C.
Ellen Davis-Zapata
Partner for Surgery Board Member and Program Committee Chair
Background: Ellen Davis-Zapata served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Rio Hondo, Zacapa, Guatemala from 1992 to 1994. She is retired from a career in municipal government in various cities in California. Ellen has worked as an International Election Observer in more than 22 countries, and as a disaster assistance employee for FEMA in several states. She volunteers in her home community and is an involved mother and grandmother to 4 children and 11 grandchildren. Ellen’s Rotary Club in Albany, CA, is an active supporter of the work of ACPC.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Ellen volunteered as a translator for an ACPC Rural Medical Mission in January 2017 and became deeply engaged with the organization’s mission. She particularly enjoys traveling to the most remote regions of Guatemala, getting to know the patients and their communities. Ellen joined the Board of Partner for Surgery because she cares deeply about the services it provides to underserved individuals.
Location: Ellen lives in Albany, California.
Dr. Lawrance Coleman (Buddy)
Board Member
Background: Dr. Lawrance Coleman attended the Medical College of Georgia and completed his residency in Pediatrics in Charleston, South Carolina. He has practiced pediatrics for 35 years in Beaufort, SC. Currently, he teaches at a local community college and owns a farm with his wife.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Dr. Coleman has participated in at least 14 triage trips as part of our Rural Mobile Medical Missions. He joined the Partner for Surgery Board in 2019, inspired by the organization’s dedication to improving the lives of underserved people and the reliable presence of the Guatemalan team. His first-hand experience, thanks to an invitation from his friend Dr. Shealy and recruitment by Frank Peterson, allowed him to work closely with Health Promoters and witness the impactful work being done.
Location: Dr. Coleman currently lives in South Carolina.
John McNeill Gibson, MD
Program Committee Member
Background: McNeill Gibson is a general internist from Durham, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of Virginia Hospital. He has practiced general medicine in Trenton, New Jersey, and Charlotte, North Carolina for 40 years.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Currently, he is a preceptor of young medical practitioners at Lincoln Community Health Center, a federally-qualified health clinic for the medically underserved in Durham, North Carolina. Over the years, he has participated in numerous medical missions to Africa and to South and Central America. He joined Partner for Surgery as a volunteer more than 10 years ago and has participated in 6 rural health triage clinics. He is motivated by the clear mission of Partner for Surgery to provide access to surgical care for underserved children and adults in rural areas of Guatemala.
Location: He currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.
Jeanette Umaña
Board President ACPC
Background: Jeanette Umaña has a distinguished history of volunteerism with both international and national organizations. She previously served as President of the Board of Directors and International Representative for Children International Summer Village (CISV) and as Executive Director of FUNSEK. Jeanette is the Founder and a Board Member of the Foundation Voser, which supports AYUVI (Children with Cancer). She has been a dedicated Rotary member since 1978, spending eight years as the coordinator of the Rotaplast Mission of the Rotary Club Guatemala Asunción, and co-founded Rotaplast Guatemala. Additionally, she served as President of the Ladies Committee of the Rotary Club. Since 2002, Jeanette has been involved with the Faces of Hope mission, supporting the surgical missions in Antigua.
Involvement with Partner for Surgery: Jeanette joined Compañero para Cirugía in 2004 and has since been an integral part of the Board of Directors. She played a pivotal role in legally establishing Compañero Para Cirugía in Guatemala and was instrumental in forming the first Board of Directors of ACPC with distinguished, well-known, and qualified individuals.
Location: Jeanette resides in Guatemala City. She has a large family, including four children, thirteen grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and is expecting two more. Additionally, she is a pet lover with three dogs.
DR. Leonard Friedland
Partner For Surgery Advisor
Dr. Leonard (Lenny) Friedland is a pediatrician and research scientist who is passionate about vaccines. He spends his days helping people understand the science of vaccines and complex ideas about how vaccines help to improve public health and the lives of patients. He leads the Scientific Affairs and Public Health team at GSK and is a volunteer pediatrician in the state of Pennsylvania. He has served on 17 global medical missions and is the team pediatrician for the Philadelphia-based “Smiles for Guatemala” group.
Susan Mccormack
Partner For Surgery Advisor
Susan M. McCormack is a senior speech language pathologist in the Center for Childhood Communication, the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center and Cleft Palate Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She received a B.A. from Marywood University and a M.A. in Audiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University. She has earned Board Specialty Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Susan has experience working with children and adults presenting with speech, language, and feeding/swallowing issues. She has taught graduate level courses in Dysphagia, Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders and Cleft Palate. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally on such topics as dysphagia, feeding disorders, cleft lip and palate, head and neck cancer and the impact these disorders have on speech, feeding/swallowing and quality of life.
Susan M. McCormack is a senior speech language pathologist in the Center for Childhood Communication, the Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Center and Cleft Palate Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She received a B.A. from Marywood University and a M.A. in Audiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University. She has earned Board Specialty Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Susan has experience working with children and adults presenting with speech, language, and feeding/swallowing issues. She has taught graduate level courses in Dysphagia, Neurogenic Speech and Language Disorders and Cleft Palate. She has presented locally, nationally and internationally on such topics as dysphagia, feeding disorders, cleft lip and palate, head and neck cancer and the impact these disorders have on speech, feeding/swallowing and quality of life.
© 2026 Partner for Surgery.
