About Us

Hi! My name is Chhengan Ul but everyone prefers to call me only An. I am from Kompong Cham Province which is close to the capital city and I moved to live in Siem Reap since 2010 to continued to take a Bachelor Degree. I graduated from Phanhasatra University of Cambodia, Siem Reap Campus and my major was Financial and Banking. While I was an undergraduate I spent most of my free time to volunteers in  social work programs that focused on health care, and culture exchange. 

Not at all, I was a translator and projects supporter for students from Hong Kong University to assist and helped them to work on the Community project and Culture Exchange Program. After finished my Bachelor Degree, I applied to work in a bank in order to practiced by relate degree. However, after a while I found myself that this  job wasn’t a match for me.

Social Contribution and responsibility is  the mission of my work career, Volunteer Around the World  has focus on all those majors and it is the reasons that encourage  me to join with VAW. I have been working with VAW since May 2017, I absolutely appreciate VAW for bringing medical outreach program that offers Mobile Clinic to my communities  which give them to access for medical and dental treatment, and health education for free. It’s very helpful for villagers that cannot afford it. Nothing happy to see my people living in healthy and continue to understand about health education.

Hi! My name is Ly pagnarith, I am from Phnom Penh, the capital and most populous of Cambodia, where I grew up and studied medical school. I graduated from University of Health and Science in 2014 as a medical doctor. After that I worked at University Research Co.,LLC as a team for Quality of Care assessment of USAID social health protection project, and then I have worked as physician at French NGO (Mission Humanitaire). 

There I learned a lot of things, did the mobile clinic, went to many places in Cambodia and knew the situation of people’s lifestyle in the province. Recently, I have been working at NekTeb Clinic in Siem Reap, a resort town in northwest Cambodia, being a popular tourist destination because of having a lot of ancient temples, especially Angkor temple, the central feature of the Angkor UNESCO world heritage site. As a medical student, I always hope that I could help the people to understand about their health, the importance of hygiene and nutrition that why I become a part of Volunteers Around the World (VAW) to do the mobile clinic to provide communities with access to medical and dental treatment, medication, nutritional security, clean water and health education to those that cannot afford it. This is a high motivation for me being a part of the VAW team. When I have free time I like to play football, chess, read books and watch movies.

Hello everyone,

My name is Mr. LIN Sileap, and I’m from Cambodia, born and raised in Kampong Thom Province. I’m the youngest of three siblings in my family.

In 2008, I completed high school and continued my studies at the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after, I received a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Science in Vietnam, which I completed in one year.

In 2014, I successfully passed the state exam and began working as a Veterinary Officer in Siem Reap Province, one of Cambodia’s top tourist destinations. Since 2018, I have been working as the Manager of Siem Reap Vet Clinic, a role that I find incredibly fulfilling.

Being a veterinarian allows me to not only save the lives of animals but also work with compassion and dedication, which is deeply rewarding. Thank you for taking the time to learn about my background and journey.

Hello! My name is Nathalie Rodriguez. I was born in Jarabacoa, the most beautiful town of the Dominican Republic! I finished high school when I was 16 years old and studied two years of marketing at UNPHU University. I studied English as a second language in YD Language Center where I started working as a secretary and then I became an administrator and teacher.

I am a nature lover so in my free time, I love doing outdoor activities and going out to contemplate the beautiful mountains that surround my beautiful town of Jarabacoa. When we love to serve people in need we often give ourselves deeper purpose and meaning and that nearly always leads to greater happiness, so this is what I enjoy most about working for VAW and the amazing experience this job gives me to connect with the people in my community.

¡Hello everyone!

I am Doctor Filpo from the Dominican Republic. I was born on the southwest coast of this beautiful half-island, where the sunshine greets me each morning with a beautiful smile.

I am the youngest of three siblings. Cooking and the act of serving others define our love language. I studied medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD).

During medical school, I participated in an intercultural exchange program in the United States. I engaged in a summer work and travel program that provided me with multicultural experiences. I graduated as a medical doctor in 2016.

In 2017, I got my postgraduate degree as a medical auditor. Working in this area since 2018-2019.

Since 2020, I have been working at VAW. I am passionate about prevention, patient advocacy, and mental wellness in adult and adolescent medicine. In addition to my professional interests, I love traveling, cooking, volunteering, music, dancing, and meeting new people. ‎

My name is Miguel Yojcom Gonzalez, I was born in the city of Guatemala, department of Sololá, municipality of San Pedro La Laguna on December 3, 2115, my primary school was held at the Humberto Corzo Guzmán Mixed Urban Official School, my secondary school held at the Bethel School From a very young age, vehicles have caught my attention to this day. From the age of 12 I started with my little passion for vehicles and traveled almost all of Guatemala for the service of people, whether it be light, heavy or cargo transport, currently I have a small business for the service of people.

I consider myself a restless and active person, I like to speak clearly and I try to apply transparency in any type of work, I like to do new things and try different challenges, I think and analyze a problem several times so that everything goes well, I intend to do things well for the benefit of all.

Dr. Israel Hernandez graduated from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala in 1995, with the title Medical Doctor and Surgeon. Dr. Hernandez also has a Post Graduate title in Community Attention to Persons with Diabetes from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala.

He has worked for 15 years in Community Health and currently holds a diploma for Risk Management and Reduction from the Instituto Nacional de Administracion Publica de Guatemala. Dr. Hernandez is also studying for a diploma in Nutrition in Emergency Situations from the Instituto de Nutricion de Centroamerica y Panama (INCAP). Dr. Hernandez began working with Volunteers Around the World in 2004 and has been instrumental in the development of the organization.

Hi, my name is Ixiim Muñoz. I’m from Quetzaltenango, I studied Dentistry at San Carlos University.

I enjoy being part of VAW because it allows me to contribute to our communities.

Studying and learning are my passions, and currently focused on graduating in engineering.

A little bit about me is that my favorite color is pink. Also, I love video games, anime, Trading Card Games, and traveling.

Hola mi nombre es Evelyn Turcios, actualmente trabajo en el área de Odontología del AMI San Lucas. Soy una persona responsable que ama lo que hace, tambien me gusta mucho interectuar con las personas. Uno de mis pasatiempos favoritos es ver deportes.

Mi nombre es Karen Estrada actualmente trabajo mi proyecto de Ejercicio Profesional Supervisando (EPS) en la clínica AMI San Lucas por parte de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala. Soy una persona sociable, cariñosa y trabajadora. Me gusta compartir tiempo con mis seres queridos y mi hobbie favorito es la lectura.

Hola! My name is Itandehui, but you can call me Ita! I’m from Oaxaca city, a beautiful place with so much to offer; food, culture, art, textiles, archeological zones, and so many more. Oaxaca is one of the many states in Mexico.

I’m currently working on my Thesis to get my MBA, I did my major in International Business. I have two dogs Flash and Negra (blacky). I enjoy outdoor activities, playing sports, food, reading and learning new things, there’s always something new to learn.

I joined the VAW to help people around the world. One of the major values that I have is to leave this world better than you found it. VAW it’s a beautiful organization that not only helps all around the word by giving access to medical and dental treatment but teaches people to care for themselves and body by bringing health education for free and that’s much better and just helping. I feel honored to be part of the VAW.

I was born and raised in the province of Bocas del Toro in Panama. I had the opportunity to go to high school in the US in 2004 where I also began a hotel management & culinary arts course after graduation. In 2008, I returned to Bocas del Toro where I currently live with my three kids. I was given the opportunity to be part of VAW Global in 2014 as an Outreach Assistant, working hand in hand with the interns to provide aid to vulnerable communities. Through this experience I’ve been able to grow personally and also within the company. 

When I am not working for VAW I work managing my hostel & restaurant on Bastimentos Island. In my free time I enjoy being with my kids, fishing and relaxing on the beach with friends. My goal is to continue to grow in knowledge and to one day be able to provide sustainability within the communities where we currently work.

I am a general practitioner with a specialization and master’s degree in Aesthetic Medicine, a graduate of the University of Panama. I have over eight years of experience providing comprehensive medical care, combining clinical knowledge with advanced aesthetic techniques, focused on enhancing the natural beauty and well-being of each patient. Throughout my career, I have actively participated in various social activities, including medical tours aimed at caring for children and adults in hard-to-reach communities, reaffirming my commitment to health as a right for all. My approach is based on ethics, closeness, and medical excellence, offering safe, personalized, and evidence-based treatments, always with a human and empathetic perspective.

My name is Marina Ascue and I was born and raised in Cusco, although I also spent part of my childhood in Arequipa. I finished my high school studies at San Borja High School, the first high school in the city of Cusco. I earned my degree in tourism from the University of San Antonio Abad of Cusco. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world and teaching them about my culture and beautiful home region.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places. When I’m not working, I will often travel with my family to the Cusqueñan countryside to enjoy the peace and natural beauty. I enjoy working with Volunteers Around the World because not only do I get to meet the VAW volunteers and show them Cusco, but we also get to give back to the people of Cusco.

My name is Zinka Maite. I am a pediatrician, trained in Peru, and practiced medicine for several years in the United States.

I have been working with VAW for the past 6 years, and for the last 3 years, I have served as the Medical Director.

My years of practicing medicine have allowed me to connect with many people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. It is my priority to understand my patients and to ensure they understand me as well.

At VAW, we teach both science and empathy, so our volunteers leave this experience with a deep love for medicine and for people.

My name is Yajhaira Peña. I was born in Cusco and I am a dentist. I studied at the Andina University of Cusco and worked for many years in the rural areas of ​​Cusco and Apurimac in health centers and ONG projects, where I learned a lot. Currently, I am working in my dental office, as well as studying for a Master’s Degree in Rural Development, because I am passionate about social work in rural and poor communities.

This year, I was selected as the VAW Dental Coordinator in Perú. I am very happy to be a member of the VAW family because it gives me the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, from different cultures and with different ways of seeing life, as well as creating positive social change and providing dental care to the people who need it most. In my free time, I like to read and watch classic movies.

I am María Eugenia Cáceres Peña, a Veterinarian and Animal Scientist with over 15 years of experience dedicated to small animal medicine. Twelve years ago, I founded my own veterinary clinic in Cusco, where I introduced innovative diagnostic technologies and techniques.

Since then, I have collaborated with many social support organizations, participating in medical and surgical campaigns.

I hold a postgraduate degree in large animal surgery from the University of Havana, Cuba.

Five years ago, I discovered my passion for anesthesia, and today I hold a postgraduate degree in anesthesiology and pain management, which has become the focus of much of my work.

For the past three years, I have served as the Veterinary Director of Vaw Cusco. During this time, my goal has been to plant the seeds of learning in future veterinarians alongside my team of professionals. I take pride in teaching with patience, sharing my knowledge, and leaving a lasting impact so that they may become the best veterinarians.

I recognize that my work with volunteers is just a small grain of sand in the vast sea of knowledge yet to be explored, but I also believe that taking the first step is the most important.

Hello, my name is Eulogio Crespin. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Political Science and Russian Studies. From a young age, I have traveled and worked internationally, primarily in development work. I enjoy learning new languages and about different cultures. I also like helping others to develop personally and as a community, which has led me to work in various development areas and spend several years as a social worker.

I enjoy spending time with my family, going outdoors, and reading in my free time. My current home in Uzbekistan allows me to experience the great depth of Central Asia’s history and culture. Working with VAW means I get to share these incredible experiences with others.

Hi everyone, my name is Nhu Cam, from Vinh Long province. My hometown is in the middle of the Mekong Delta, which is well-known for many fresh fruits and specialities. However, I move to Can Tho city to study and work. My major was International Business, and I graduated in 2021. Then, I worked as an intern assistant at GIZ, an NGO about climate change in the Mekong Delta. It is my pleasure to be a part of VAW. In my free time, I enjoy reading comic books and travelling.

Hope to learn many things from you!