Meet Our Team

ALONSO AVALO

Business Intelligence Jr. Analyst

Alonso is from Lima, Peru. He studied at Universidad De Lima and has extensive experience developing IT solutions for different fields. He is very passionate about technology and learning from others. He is very much looking forward to this new opportunity at MEDLIFE.

AMPARO ULLOA

Lima Office Manager

Amparo is a long-time supporter of MEDLIFE and wears many hats as a full-time employee with the organization. In addition to assisting in administrative duties, Amparo brightens the office with a positive, can-do spirit and boundless energy.

ALBERTO PAREDES

Director of MEDLIFE Lima
Director of Finances for Field Offices

MEDLIFE’s first employee in Peru, Alberto has worked in the logistics of the Service Learning Trips in the country since day one. He is a skilled and efficient administrator, and coordinates all aspects of our Mobile Clinics in Lima and Cusco, working tirelessly to ensure that all participants have educational, meaningful, and safe experience.

ALESANDRA ZEGARRA

Expansion Associate

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Alessandra holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from San Ignacio de Loyola University. She has five years of experience in customer service and is passionate about creating valuable experiences. Alessandra is delighted to be part of MEDLIFE’s work empowering communities and generating sustainable impact. In her free time, she loves doing puzzles with her grandpa and watching romantic movies!

ALEJANDRO BEOUTIS

MED International Chapter Coordinator

Alejandro was born in the U.S. but was raised mostly in Lima, Peru. He studied at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he got his BA, majoring in Political Science, and a minor in Global and Latin American studies. He is very passionate about international cooperation, development, and social issues. Before joining Medlife, Alejandro worked at ICPNA and with the U.S. Embassy promoting educational and cultural exchange between the U.S. and Peru and has been a volunteer for the past 4 years at a young professional-led non-profit organization dedicated to educating and engaging citizens in the political and social issues that affect Peru.

ANAIS BEOUTIS

Marketing Associate

Born in Lima, Perú, Anais Beoutis is a bachelor in Audiovisual Communication and Interactive Media. She studied her career at the Peruvian University Of Applied Sciences and also took a semester in Creative Advertising at the same university. She’s been always passionate about volunteering work and has participated in non profit organizations such as Kurame working with patients in hospitals. She feels excited to have the opportunity to mix her career knowledges with her passion on helping people in need by joining the MEDLIFE team.

ASIS LOYOLA

Marketing Associate

Since he was a child, Asis was very familiar with the inequality in his country, Peru, which is why he always had the intention of being able to do something about it. That led him to study Communications at the University of Lima where he obtained a specialization in journalism. He chose this career because it allowed him to continue learning more about the reality of his country and of others. In addition to being very curious and always wanting to try something new, he is passionate about technology, sports, and politics. He likes running and trekking a lot.

ASTRID FIGUEROA

Business Intelligence Jr. Analyst

CARLOS BENAVIDES

Director of MED Programs Lima

Carlos has lived most of his life in Lima, Peru where spent over 20 years working in community development. Serving first as a community leader, Carlos joined the MEDLIFE team in 2010 right when it began in Lima. Carlos oversees all projects and clinics in Lima and helps build stronger working relationships with our communities.

CLAUDIA HUAMAN

Marketing Trainee

María Claudia Huaman is a Communications and Advertising student at Universidad Científica del Sur. She is a young woman passionate about her career and with a strong desire for professional growth. Her enthusiasm for communication, advertising, and marketing consistently sets her apart in her studies. In addition to her academic commitment, she has volunteered with the United Nations Organization (UN). This experience has reinforced her belief in the importance of striving for improvement each day and making a difference.

CARMEN UMERES

MEDLIFE Cusco Nurse

Carmen was born in Quillabamba, Cusco, and studied Nursing at the Antonio Lorena Institute. She has extensive work experience within Cusco’s healthcare system and has held jobs in public and private hospitals, pharmaceutical distributors and municipal social assistance organizations. She is proud to bring with MEDLIFE medical assistance to even the most remote areas of Cusco.

DANIXA MANOSALVA

Marketing Associate/Graphic Designer

Danixa was born in Chepen, La Libertad. She studied Arts and Graphic Design for Business at the University of San Ignacio de Loyola in Lima. She is very responsible and committed to her work. Now that she is working in MEDLIFE, she plans to do everything possible to help in the MEDLIFE Mission through graphic design!

DAVID SOLORZANO

Marketing Specialist

David is a digital marketing professional born in Lima, Peru. He spent much of his childhood and adolescence in the beautiful city of Tarapoto, where he completed his high school education.
He then studied Communication at the University of Lima. Over the years, he has gained solid experience in digital marketing, working in various companies and projects, proving himself to be an expert in online strategies for promotion.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing the drums and occasionally the piano.
With a strong background in communication and a successful career in digital marketing, David is an individual who balances his professional life with his vast personal interests.

FRANZ REBAZA

Business Intelligence Jr. Analyst

Franz was born and raised in Lima, Peru. He studied at UPC, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Since a young age, he has enjoyed helping others in any way possible, and he is now happy to work in a place that allows him to do what he likes while also supporting those in need. Outside of work, he has a passion for music and biking. Franz’s goal is to make a big impact in helping others with his skills!

FRESIA SORIA

Volunteer Coordinator

Fresia was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She graduated with a degree in business management from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas UPC, and had the opportunity to obtain a half scholarship at Regent University in the state of Virginia. She has lived in the USA and in the UK for many years and enjoys travelling around learning about other cultures. She has quickly developed a global mindset from all her travels. Fresia has always been passionate about volunteering, social work, and learning other languages. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and exploring the outdoors.

GABRIELA CAVERO

Trips and Programs Coordinator

Gabriela was born in Lima but grew up in France. After moving back to Lima with her family, she obtained a degree in communications with a major in journalism. She went on to work in Italian Cruises for a few years and then attended film school in Argentina. Back in Lima, she worked in advertising until 2012 when she started leading tours through different South American countries. Gabriela is looking forward to drawing upon her diverse range of experiences in service of the MEDLIFE mission. 

JENNIFER ARANGUREN

MED International Coordinator

Jennifer holds a degree in hospitality management and has 8 years of experience in tourism. She is passionate about customer experience, social responsibility, and sustainability. Jennifer enjoys working at MEDLIFE because it allows her to do what she loves while making an impact on vulnerable communities. Another passion of Jennifer’s is taking care of her house plants and watching them thrive and grow!

JENNIFER CASANI

MEDLIFE Lima Field Nurse

Jennifer lives in Union Santa Fe and is currently a field nurse for MEDLIFE. She works with the field team to organize Mobile Clinics in Lima. She was introduced to MEDLIFE during the pandemic when she began working at our Community Soup Kitchen. Thanks to this role, she was able to remain close to her daughters and work in her community. Before MEDLIFE, she worked as a nurse with various private medical centers. She has a devotion to working in healthcare and knew she could contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the organization.

HEIDY ASPILCUETA

Director of MEDLIFE Cusco

Born in Cusco, Peru, Heidy graduated in Computer Engineering at the San Antonio Abad University and has an MBA from ESAN Business School with an emphasis on Finances. Heidy has about ten years of experience organizing travel, volunteer and other education programs for international participants in Peru and other countries in Latin America.

HELEN GOMEZ

MEDLIFE Field Nurse

Helen is a forward-thinking and proactive person. A nurse by profession, she has prior experience working in private centers, which allowed her to obtain both knowledge and expertise in such settings. She is currently working with MEDPROGRAMS, where she and her team are responsible for organizing Mobile Clinics and providing patients with follow-up care. Helen places high importance on being able to give back to a variety of communities by offering the assistance they require while at the same time volunteering her time to do so. Helen also has a soft spot in her heart for animals, and she volunteers her time occasionally to help raise awareness for animals in need and to raise awareness.

JHON MEJIA

MED International Coordinator

Jhon is a professional in tourism and hospitality with almost 8 years of experience working in the industry. Passionate about providing a great customer experience, Jhon enjoys traveling, discovering new cultures, and meeting people from all around the world. At MEDLIFE, he is looking forward to combining his passion for supporting people in need with his desire to empower future world-changers. Outside of work, Jhon enjoys playing with his 5 dogs, enjoying a cup of coffee, and listening to music.

VISHNU NAIR

Chapter Coach

Vish began his journey in Peru living in Puerto Inca where he worked on a sustainability project in the Amazon. He has worked in the field of medical nonprofits for the past 8 years, and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University. He is passionately investigating the interrelation between social inequity and its impact on healthcare, and has had extensive experience on both the clinical and research sides of medicine. Outside of work, Vish enjoys yoga, crafting, poetry, and surfing.

JORGE VIDAL

Administration

JULIA ALFARO

MEDLIFE Lima Housekeeper

Julia joined MEDLIFE in 2012 and is currently in charge of housekeeping at the office. A vital piece of keeping the organization running, Julia helps out an immense amount during mobile clinics when important materials need shuffling around the office. Julia never skips a beat, she is always available and willing to help out others in the organization.

KIOMI MATSUKAWA

Business Intelligence Team Lead

Kiomi was born and raised in Lima. She holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and is currently studying for a second career in tourism. She first joined MEDLIFE as a trip leader, where she had the best experience of her life witnessing the impact the staff and volunteers could have on people’s lives. Now, as part of the team, she hopes to help grow the movement in order to achieve its goals. In her free time, she loves getting to know her country better by traveling, reading, and listening to other people.

LILIANA PADILLA

MEDLIFE Trips & Programs Coordinator

LORENA MUNOZ

Lorena was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She studied at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom, where she got her Bachelor’s degree in International Development. Since a young age, she has enjoyed volunteering, and she’s now happy to work somewhere that allows her to support those in need. Outside of work, she has a passion for traveling, trying new cuisines, and experiencing different cultures. Lorena has also worked as an interpreter and freelance translator, and her goal is to speak at least five languages someday!

NICK ELLIS, MD

Emergency Medicine Physician
MEDLIFE Executive Director & Founder

Nick was inspired to create MEDLIFE when in 2001 in Panama he saw how effectively a grassroots organization could listen to the needs of people living in resource-poor settings, and subsequently enact change. He went on to work in both Peru & Ecuador which furthered his passion for understanding the root causes of poverty and exposed new complexities to the issues communities face. In 2004 he created MEDLIFE with the goal of establishing better and more sustainable access to healthcare, education, and a safe home for resource-poor families through the empowerment of communities and a student-led movement.

Nick received his Medical Doctorate from Dartmouth Medical School and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Dartmouth as well. Dr. Ellis currently lives with his wife, son, and 3 dogs in Lima, Peru where he works out of our international headquarters, and each month he travels to the US to work his ER shifts.

NEEMA LYIMO

Director of MEDLIFE Tanzania

Born in Tanzania, Neema holds a B.S. in Human Nutrition from the Sokoine University of Agriculture, and an MPH from the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences.

She was introduced to MEDLIFE in 2014, and since then, has become increasingly more involved in the development of the organization in Tanzania.

MARIA FERNANDA RAMIREZ

Expansion Associate

Since she was a little girl, Maria Fernanda always wanted to explore the world and learn about different perspectives on life. Her experiences traveling abroad have helped her grow and opened her eyes to diverse realities. When Maria Fernanda discovered the impact created by MEDLIFE, she was immediately interested in getting involved. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Management.

MARTHA CHICAIZA

Director of MEDLIFE Ecuador

Martha was born and has spent most of her life in Riobamba, Ecuador. She has been involved with MEDLIFE since 2002 and served as Director of MED Programs Ecuador since May 2008. Martha coordinates our Mobile Clinics and community development projects in Ecuador arranges patient follow-up care and assists MEDLIFE’s interns.

MARTHA KENNEDY

MED International Coordinator

Martha studied Global Development at Queen’s University where she obtained a BA and realized her passion for sustainable development and community organizing. She is from Toronto, Ontario, and has spent the last six years volunteering and working for various non-profit organizations in Canada, Central America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia. At MEDLIFE, she is thrilled to combine her enthusiasm for youth mentorship and community empowerment, with her drive to create positive change.

MARIA CHAVEZ

MEDLIFE Ecuador Nurse

Born and raised in Cebadas, Ecuador, Maria speaks both Quechua and Spanish. She has been with MEDLIFE since 2007 and acts as a liaison between MEDLIFE and the communities we work in. María announces Mobile Clinic visits, coordinates new projects, visits patients who require follow-up care and provides assistance in operating our Mobile Clinics.

MARY BOURKE

Marketing Associate/Copywriter

Mary was born and raised on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. She studied Digital Media and Creative Writing at Vancouver Island University and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2020. Her passions for social justice and writing were able to meet when she started copywriting for MEDLIFE. She works remotely from Canada and helps to bring marketing material from MEDLIFE to a Canadian audience. Mary is overjoyed to be able to work for an organization that is so focused on helping those in need.

PERLA SANCHEZ MARTINEZ

Operations Coordinator

Perla has a degree in Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy from Ricardo Palma University. She has worked in tourism both in the public sector and in private companies. She is very happy to be part of MEDLIFE as it unites her passion for tourism and her experience in NGOs. Perla has been a volunteer for various social causes and outside of work she enjoys playing with her pets and cycling. 

RICARDO SOLTERO

Expansion Associate

Ricardo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and has worked for several non-profit organizations and tourism agencies. Over the last 6 years, he has worked for MEDLIFE as a Trip Leader. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences he has ever had because of the direct impact on people’s lives. Now, as part of the Expansion Team, he is passionate about continuing to grow the MEDLIFE Movement so we can partner with more local communities to make an impact. Ricardo loves exploring nature, traveling, and learning to play music.

RICARDO CCASANI

MED Programs Lima Projects Associate

We met Ricardo during the construction of the staircases and the daycare at his community, Union Santa Fe. Thanks to Ricardo’s extensive construction experience, we were able to optimize costs and logistics. Currently, Ricardo continues to work in the development of his community while working full-time in MEDLIFE.

RODRIGO CORTES

Operations Associate

Born and raised in Cusco, Rodrigo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Universidad Andina del Cusco. He has always been in touch with the reality of Peru, learning from books and the experience of his travels and the people he meets. He loves nature, literature, and all types of music.

ROSALI VELA

Marketing Team Lead

Born in Lima, Peru, Rosali joined MEDLIFE in 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences from UIGV and a professional technical degree in Audiovisual Communication and Multimedia from the Toulouse Lautrec Institute. Rosali is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Marketing and Communications for Development at UNSAAC.

RUBY OLORTEGUI

Human Resources

Ruby is originally from Ancash. She moved to Lima to pursue her dream of studying psychology. While finishing her studies at San Martin de Porres University in Lima, she discovered that contributing directly to the development of people was how she wanted to serve with her career. Ruby is committed to contributing to the development of people inside and outside organizations. She believes in living with purpose and that everybody has a unique talent to offer to make our planet a better place. As a passionate traveler, she loves to interact with people from different cultures and learn from them. She supports responsible travel and corporate social responsibility.

TATIANA VALER

Marketing Assistant

Tatiana, born in Lima, Peru, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC). She has taken photojournalism courses at Fuera de Foco and marketing courses at Universidad ESAN. Tatiana co-founded the Festival Extramuros, a project that twice won the Economic Stimulus for Culture from the Peruvian Ministry of Culture (MINCUL), promoting photography with themes of identity and territory in Peruvian neighborhoods. She has volunteered since university and has marketing experience with NGOs and tech companies. At MEDLIFE, she combines digital content creation with social causes. In her free time, Tatiana creates travel and food videos for her TikTok channel, enjoys road trips with her dogs, and pursues travel photography.