Janeen Simon recently joined the SHI team and brings a breadth of experience that will support the overall operations as well as contribute to the achievement of SHI’s Million Farm Transformation scaling up initiative. Time in the Peace Corps in the northern highlands of Guatemala sparked a life-long passion for protecting the environment while helping rural communities thrive. Throughout her 3+ decades of living and working in Guatemala, Janeen worked as a field technician, program director, country director, executive director, and more, and was involved in nearly all facets of sustainable community development. Also throughout that time, Janeen was the owner/manager of a 360-acre sustainable coffee farm in one of the most biodiverse cloud forests of Guatemala.

Janeen currently lives on Flat Top Mountain in Tennessee and shares her tiny home and wooded property with horses, her rescue dog, and an abundance of wildlife.

Extra credit: Janeen once rode a bucking bronco in a rodeo in a town near her farm in Guatemala. She was billed as the star attraction to draw a larger audience in hopes of raising money that the town needed to maintain and improve their beloved rodeo grounds. She didn’t fall off!

As SHI's chief visionary and networker, Florence Reed is leading SHI's Million Farm Transformation scaling up initiative. She got her start in nonprofit work and serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panama, before founding Sustainable Harvest International in 1997. Florence is passionate about finding better ways to help the world’s farmers live better while regenerating the planet. This passion and acuity continually revitalize the staff, board, participants, and donors alike. In addition to zipping around the world spreading the good word about what we do and making connections, Florence lives with her family in an environmentally-friendly house on 30 acres of gardens and forest in Surry, Maine.

Extra credit: Florence once crewed on a sailboat delivery from Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Portsmouth, England, working as the cook.

Read more about Florence here.

Jenniffer Zapata brings over 15 years of experience in international development and 25 years of experience in the agricultural sector to her role managing SHI's programs. Jenniffer prides herself on bringing people and resources together to build transformative alliances for social change. In particular, she's passionate about empowering smallholder farmers to improve their livelihoods while restoring landscapes and building sustainable local food systems through regenerative agriculture.  Jenniffer is currently based out of Nicaragua where she lives with her beloved husband and children. 

Extra credit: Jenniffer enjoys spending her free time listening to traditional Colombian Vallenato tunes, visiting her family's coffee farms, exploring new markets, and teaching her children how to grow vegetables in their own garden. 

Kate Herndon joined our team in March 2020 and serves as our point person for donor engagement. Kate began her career in marketing, branding, and editing, but then shifted to nonprofit work after a series of deeply impactful volunteer experiences. Inspired to use her career as a catalyst for good, Kate spent the next 14 years as an educator and fundraiser for Heifer International. Sustainable Harvest International was an essential next step because it speaks to the causes she is most passionate about: community, intergenerational equity, migration, human rights, and the environment. Kate has learned first-hand from farmers in Peru, Tanzania, Armenia, Belize, Panama, and the Delta region of the U.S.

Kate and her husband and son live in a northern suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with their pittie and cats.

Extra credit: Kate fuels her creativity by throwing ceramics on the pottery wheel and painting her favorite photographs. She recently painted an agroforestry parcel in Belize and a rice paddy in Panama.

Walter Quintana Pérez strengthens the quality of SHI’s programs and monitors their impact. He ensures farming methods are along project guidelines and supports the development of technical capacities through continuous evaluation. Walter is an Agricultural Engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, and has a Master’s degree in Economy and Local Development. He has obtained international certifications in project management. Currently, he’s studying for an Executive Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) through the Organization of American States (OEA).

Walter enjoys sharing the vast amount of knowledge he has accrued over the years.

Extra Credit: He spends his free time praying, learning new skills, listening to music, playing basketball, getting to know new places and cultures, and spending time in nature.

Arielle Burlett joined our team in August 2024, stepping into the new position of overseeing and expanding SHI’s grants program.  Arielle brings over 11 years of experience in the nonprofit world, securing funds for and driving impactful programs addressing food security and public health.  Arielle has always been passionate about the need for sustainable food systems, but it was her Master’s program focused on food and agriculture studies, where she spent a lot of time on a 400-acre farm, that gave a hands-on look at the interconnections between sustainable farming, soil health, and climate change. After working on community health affecting New York City over the past decade, Arielle was ready to tackle issues of social equity and environmental justice on a global scale.  She's looking forward to learning from the SHI team and helping the organization to grow and achieve its important goals, including the TREE program!

Arielle lives with her husband and their Chocolate Lab in Brooklyn, New York. She loves both exploring new corners of her neighborhood and traveling to new places around the world.  

Extra Credit: Arielle met her now-husband when they got stuck in an elevator together until a maintenance person arrived almost an hour later!

Jefry is an Industrial Engineer with a specialization in data analysis. He has extensive experience in sustainable development and emergency humanitarian aid. He has worked in agriculture, risk management, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), shelters, and livelihoods, always with the aim of improving the living conditions and sustainability of the most vulnerable communities. His work at SHI focuses on ensuring the effectiveness and transparency of implemented projects and designing monitoring systems that measure the true impact of our programs.

Extra Credit: Jefry enjoys quality moments with his family and friends.

Tania Roa manages SHI’s social media platforms and website, and coordinates content creation. She graduated from Tufts University with a Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy. She now emphasizes the interconnections between human, animal, and planet health. Tania writes articles on environmental justice where she discusses the relationship between ecological breakdown and social inequities. She has presented at multiple conferences, including TEDx Boston with her talk “How to Protect People and Planet.”

Extra Credit: Tania’s parents immigrated to California from Colombia, and Tania enjoys exploring the different ecosystems both places have to offer.

Karen Madrigal supports SHI regional programs in Honduras, Panama, and Belize. She prepares financial reports, revises financial statements, conducts internal evaluations, and develops budgets. Karen ensures each regional office is within budget, including wages and program costs. Each fiscal year, she ensures SHI has the funds and resources to expand programs and organizational impact. By tracking costs and auditing each country program, she streamlines financial information across offices to SHI supporters. Karen is from Nicaragua, and has more than twenty years of experience with financial administration. She received a certification from NIFF - Pymes, an international financial institution and specialized in labor law. Her accounting experience, which has mostly been with nonprofits, is essential for SHI logistics and personnel.

Extra Credit: Karen enjoys learning, teaching, and listening to others. She likes giving advice, reading, singing, and dancing - especially to salsa music.

Sandra Keagle is SHI’s Development + Finance Coordinator. Born in Michigan and educated at Western Michigan University, Sandra has been employed in the nonprofit sector for over 25 years. Her career has included the Arts, Animal Welfare, Higher Education and Human Rights. Most recently she worked with Trinity Cafe, a program of Feeding Tampa Bay with the mission that no one should go hungry.

Extra credit: After living in 5 states and 10 cities, Sandra has settled in Lakeland, FL with her husband, Derryle, and a rescue dog, Gracie.

Leonardo Pech became the first agronomist from his village in the Orange Walk district of Belize in 1995 when he graduated from Costa Rica’s EARTH University. He has over 20 years of agriculture experience providing technical expertise and guidance to small-scale farmers. He has developed environmentally-friendly crop management programs and implemented fertilizer and integrated pest management programs for a wide range of crops. Leonardo loves that the Sustainable Harvest International model empowers low-income farming families to improve their livelihoods while helping the environment. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Maria, son, Dwayne, and daughters, Jaileen and Shanelle.

Extra Credit: Leonardo enjoys listening to Spanish music.

Growing up on a livestock farm, Sharla experienced the importance of helping farmers firsthand and was drawn to working as a field trainer for this reason. Now in her current role as an administrator, she demonstrates her knack for transparency and accountability and particularly enjoys doing QuickBooks. She hopes to see Sustainable Harvest International expand further into northern Belize and plant millions of more trees. 

Indira was raised by her grandmother in San Narciso village in the district of Corozal. She graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. She is a lover of nature and farming. Her passion for agriculture was sparked when she began farming as a high schooler. Indira loves helping and sharing her technical knowledge with the people around her. Some day Indira hopes to become a sustainable organic farmer herself. No matter what she does, she will continue to help the people that need it most.

Extra credit: In her spare time, she enjoys reading and getting involved in community activities.

Emmanuel grew up with a single mother since his father died when he was 6 years old. He lives and was born in Ranchito Village, Corozal District. He started working on a farm when he was 13 years old in order to pay for his education. Then he became passionate in farming and completed his Associate Degree in Agribusiness. He worked for 7 years at the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association as an Extension Officer, where his job was assisting small scale cane farmers with technical advice in improving cane quality. He was also involved in social projects such as monitoring child labor with the International Labor Organization (ILO). He hopes to continue helping farmers while protecting the environment.

Extra Credit: Emmanuel is a team player, and believes that by working together as a team big things can be accomplished.

William is responsible for the community of Santa Martha in the district of Orange Walk. William grew up in a family that was always involved in agriculture, either in the sugar cane industry or the cattle raising industry. It’s where his love for agriculture came from. He spent weekends either in the fields or on horseback herding his grandfather’s cattle. William earned his associates degree in Agriculture Business at Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College, and worked as a cable and internet technician for six years. He is passionate about his work and enjoys assisting people in the agricultural sector, especially since farming is something he believes most people take for granted.

Extra Credit: William loves traveling, seeing new places, and meeting new people.

Saul learned about agriculture from his father. His passion for agriculture grew as he grew up. When he finished his Associate degree in Agriculture Business, he joined the Belize Sugar Cane Farmer Association where he worked as an environmental field officer for five years. His job was to prevent sugarcane producers from using agrochemicals restricted in the sugar industry under fair trade standards. He later joined the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute as a field officer for research and training under the Farmer Field School program for seven years. Afterwards, he went back to school for an Agricultural Engineering degree from The "Instituto Tecnológico de la Zona Maya.” Saul values the importance of uniting as a team and showing love for others through sustainable agriculture.

Extra credit: Saul strongly believes that everyone achieves greater heights when we all come together for a common goal.

Alex has 24 years of experience in agricultural projects, rural development geared towards poverty reduction, and environmental conservation. His expertise includes using value chain approaches, building inclusive business relationships, and developing sustainable, profitable food production systems in harmony with the environment. He is comfortable working in different geographical contexts, with different approaches, themes and communities. He has led training processes, provided technical assistance, and promoted strategic alliances between sectors and between public and private entities.

Extra Credit: With roots in rural Honduras and a heritage tied to the coffee value chain, his personal and professional commitment to promoting rural development is driven by a deep motivation to implement climate-friendly, innovative practices and methodologies.

During Joel’s more than 15-year career, he has gained experience in diverse areas. He uses his expertise to foster harmony between humanity and the environment. Joel cherishes interpersonal relationships, and feels that they are more important than any professional goals. Through friendships with farmers and entrepreneurs, Joel learns from the people around him every day.

As a member of the SHI team, Joel works with field trainers and ensures the success of SHI programs.

Extra Credit: Joel loves spending time with his wife and four great daughters, who also love country living. Joel enjoys a good coffee with rewarding company, reading, and challenging projects. He feels grateful and secure knowing there is a superior being that accompanies him in his daily walk.

A native of the department of Intibucá, Frank Portillo is a trained agricultural engineer. He finds significant joy in sharing his knowledge with SHI’s partnering families to help improve their livelihoods. For Frank, his work is always rooted in fostering trust and collaborative relationships. Outside of his work with SHI coordinating the innovative Promoter4Change pilot project, Frank enjoys spending time with his family and going on long walks in nature.

Ileana is a Forestry Engineer and mother to a beautiful, 13-month-old baby. She enjoys supporting, guiding, and teaching participant families what they need to know and is passionate about environmental preservation and harvesting in sustainable ways. She hopes to continue with her master’s degree, while supporting her family and being the best mother she can be.

Orbin enjoys motivating participant families to live in harmony with the environment. As a previous program participant himself, Orbin enjoys sharing his knowledge and first-hand experience with the families he works with. He has a special knack for explaining complicated technical information in easily-digestible ways and prides himself on being punctual and committed to his daily tasks.

Daniel developed a love of agriculture and nature at a very early age due to his family’s work harvesting coffee and basic grains. Although originally from Gualcinse, Lempira, he grew up in San Juan, Intibucá. Daniel’s formative years led him to study environmental and resource management at the National University of Agriculture (UNAG). During this time, he fostered a deep passion for helping communities conserve and preserve precious natural resources in fragile ecosystems. He went on to pursue a Master’s degree in climate change and sustainable development in order to better understand the current climate crisis. Since graduating, he continues to apply his knowledge to various social projects, including the promotion of agroecology among rural families.

Extra credit: Daniel’s favorite activities include reading, painting landscapes, harvesting coffee, and advocating for our environment.

Kristhel was born in Siguatepeque, a municipality in the department of Comayagua. Since she was little, Kristhel always admired the women in her family who worked in the field of agroforestry, work she believes honors Honduras’ name. Inspired by the women in her family, Kristhel decided to pursue an education in forestry engineering with a focus on community development and environmental conservation. Altruistic and empathetic, she has always aspired to pursue a career dedicated to helping others.

Extra Credit: In addition to spending time with her mother, sister, and grandparents, Kristhel enjoys swimming, traveling, and going to the movies every Sunday.

Jonatan enjoys sharing his experiences and motivating families to help preserve natural resources. He is always committed to the tasks at hand and prides himself on always being punctual and prepared. Jonatan hopes to see the program in Honduras expand and thereby reduce the rate at which the environment is being destroyed.

Wilmer was born in the city of Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazán and grew up in the city of Santa Rosa de Copan. He has two Master's degrees in Business Administration and in Project Management, and also has two Bachelor's Degrees in Agronomic Engineering and Agricultural Business Administration. Most of his professional experience is related to microbusiness, agribusiness, rural development and local economic development. He is currently a father with three graduated children from university. Wilmer is supportive, compassionate, and likes working with people from vulnerable populations. It brings him satisfaction to be an agent of change.

Extra Credit: Wilmer is passionate about sports, including soccer and motorcycles.

Daysbeth is married with two kids and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Business Administration. Growing up with parents that were traditional farmers, Daysbeth aims to make an impact in agriculture without negatively affecting the environment. She dreams of owning a piece of land where she can produce all of her family’s food and continue learning about regenerative agriculture

José was born and raised in Santa Ana, a small community of cattle ranchers and coffee producers in the province of Coclé. After studying agriculture at the Professional and Technical Institute José de los Reyes Vásquez, he began a career providing technical assistance to farmers in rural communities. Throughout his career, he has focused on partnering with farmers to improve their quality of life through sustainable farming practices. It’s no surprise that he’s a great fit for SHI. More than anything else, José is driven by his desire to work for the betterment of the many Panamanian families who still practice conventional agriculture today.

Maribel is motivated by seeing participant families make changes in their lives in order to preserve the environment. She aims to inspire families to eat healthier, be mindful of nutrition, and keep up with their home gardens. Maribel has three children and envisions a future where the planet is free of trash and water sources are preserved. 

Kellys Eneida Lorenzo was raised in a farming family in the community of Toro Bravo, district of La Pintada, where she attended primary school and high school. She continued her studies at the University of Panama where she gained certification in Diversified Secondary Education and her Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and the Environment. Prior to working with SHI, she worked seasonally as an agricultural extension agent with the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) in the district of La Pintada.

Kellys has significant experience working in agroforestry, with an emphasis on the cultivation of healthy food. Her dream has always been to work with an organization like SHI to train smallholder farmers to adopt agricultural practices that are friendly to the environment. Kellys is extremely excited to join the SHI-Panama team.

César comes to SHI with extensive experience in agricultural development, agroforestry, reforestation, and self-sufficiency farming. He has an engineering degree in agricultural development and has worn many hats throughout his career. As part of the SHI-Panamá team, César is looking forward to sharing his knowledge with partnering families while, in turn, learning from them. He’s excited and ready to contribute to SHI’s growth and the sustainable development of the country.

Extra credit: César’s life-long passion for agriculture was instilled by his grandfather, whose career as a farmer helped provide a better life for a large family. César was born and raised in the province of Coclé and currently lives in the community of Río Grande where he proudly grows a wide variety of fruits and vegetables on his land.