MEET OUR TEAM
Our board is comprised of volunteers with many talents, unending dedication and extensive experience. They work tirelessly to provide the leadership necessary for the overall well-being of the foundation.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Rhys Cheung
Heather Davis
Glen Guymon
Jorge Hernandez, M.D.
Aaron Cooperband
Phillip Penrose, M.D.
Peter Sullivan
Michael Mellenthin, MD
Board Chair
Michael Mellenthin
For Dr. Mellenthin, the work of the Hospital de la Familia Foundation is personal. As a physician who has spent his career caring for patients of all ages—from critically ill trauma patients to underserved children needing dental surgery—he has seen firsthand the difference compassionate, high-quality care can make in someone’s life.
Michael brings over 30 years of experience as a board-certified anesthesiologist, clinical leader, and healthcare innovator to his role as Chair of the Board. Throughout his career, he has focused on expanding access to care for vulnerable populations, whether by launching anesthesia services for underprivileged children in California or leading hospital departments through complex improvements in quality and efficiency.
His passion for service extends beyond the U.S. borders. As Chair, he is deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission to support Hospital de la Familia in Guatemala—helping deliver life-changing surgeries, medical care, and long-term health solutions to communities who otherwise would go without.
Michael’s leadership combines medical expertise, operational know-how, and an unwavering belief that healthcare is a human right. He sees every gift to the Foundation as part of a larger story—one where generosity, skill, and heart come together to heal.
Dennis Siegler, MD
Board Member
Dennis Seigler
Dennis is a gynecologic surgeon and obstetrician at Stanford and at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He first went to Nuevo Progreso in 1993. He has been a team leader and board member of the foundation for 25 years. “HDLF has been the most important medical aspect of my life for the last three decades. Working, operating, and visiting this town has been a win-win situation for me, the visiting medical teams, and all patients in the region who otherwise would not receive care”.
Andrew Sorenson, MD
VP and Eye Services Committee Chair
Andrew Sorenson
Susan Lindheim, MD
Maternal and Child Wellness and Education Committee Chair
Susan Lindheim
Susan is a retired pediatrician who worked for more than 30 years at Kaiser Permanente in Richmond and Oakland, CA. She received her MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and her MPH in Maternal and Child Health from UC Berkeley. She has been on many trips to Hospital de la Familia, the first in 1998. One of her sons, after helping on a couple of trips, has become a physician and hopes to return to Nuevo Progreso soon. Susan joined the HdlF Foundation board in 2021.
Christopher Aguilar
Legal Counsel
Christopher Aguilar
Lawrence S. Thal, OD
Governance & Nominations Committee Chair
Lawrence S. Thal
Larry has been traveling to Hospital de la Familia since the mid-1980s and has taken many residents and all of his immediate family. It was on one of those trips that his youngest daughter decided she wanted to be a surgeon and carry on that tradition. She has done that! Larry has found his involvement with HdlF to be one of the most gratifying and rewarding experiences of his life.
HdlF FOUNDATION STAFF
Rodrigo Barillas
Executive Director
Rodrigo Barillas
Rodrigo is a philanthropic leader with nearly two decades of experience driving impact in nonprofit organizations, strategic philanthropy, and organizational growth. Specializing in healthcare, education, and women’s rights, he has led local and international nonprofits, and has directed philanthropic capital toward high-impact initiatives across the Central American region. With an MBA and extensive experience as an executive director, he excels in scaling organizations, developing mission-driven fundraising strategies, and strengthening governance structures. Rodrigo has also served on nonprofit boards for over 15 years, taking leadership roles in Executive, Finance, Programs, Governance, Development, and Human Resources Committees. His expertise lies in aligning donor intentions with organizational missions, ensuring sustainable change in vulnerable communities.
Jennifer Younger
Programs and Partnerships Director
Jennifer Younger
Jennifer has been traveling to Nuevo Progreso since 1989 and fell in love with the culture and people. “I feel very lucky that my grandfather, as a founding member of the organization, had the foresight to share this experience with me, and that I am able to continue the work of this very important and noble cause into the next generation.” She attended CSU Chico and earned a degree in International Relations with a focus on developing nations, and a minor in Latin American Studies.
Marlén Garcia
Executive Office Manager
Marlén Garcia
Marlén Garcia is an award winning social and environmental justice organizer. She graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Community & Regional Development (CRD) and a BA in Political Science. As the daughter of indigenous migrants who continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare, she understands the critical need for providing medical care to historically marginalized communities. She is committed to the cause of HdlFF knowing that our efforts have resulted in improving the quality of life of the people in Guatemala and its neighbors.
Maggie Carlson, RN
Eye Teams Coordinator
Maggie Carlson
“Even though I have organized trips before, each year I still am profoundly surprised when the mountains of generous medical donations come in from supporters, the ophthalmic companies and humanitarian organizations. They make it possible for us to provide quality, state of the art surgical services and staff education.”
Felmar Bishop
Medical Teams Coordinator
Felmar Bishop
With a nursing career tracking back to 2006, Fel joined the HdlFF Familia as a volunteer in 2019. In October 2024, she transitioned into the role of Medical Teams Coordinator. Fel now leverages her extensive nursing and organizing experience to ensure the seamless operation of medical trips throughout the year. Beyond her active participation in the OR, Fel is committed to delivering impactful healthcare to Guatemalan patients through her new role.
Fel describes herself as a citizen of three nations: ‘Born and raised in the land of grace, embraced by the land of the free, devoted servant of the land of the trees.’
Jolie Willson
LFEC Admin Assistant & Fellowship Coordinator
Jolie Willson
Jolie is currently studying Journalism, with a focus in Photojournalism, at San Francisco State University. Before her current position at HdlFF, she worked as a medical records clerk at Sorenson & Sorenson Optical, working alongside Dr. Andrew Sorenson and her mother, Jennifer Willson. Growing up, her mother would bring home HdlFF shirts that the doctors brought back from their trips to Guatemala. Having admired the Foundation and its wonderful work (and its wonderful shirts!), she is excited to be able to finally be a part of the team as an Administrative Assistant and Fellowship Coordinator.
THE MAIN PILLARS OF OUR WORK
GENERAL MEDICAL CARE
HdlF treats nearly 20,000 patients annually. Guatemalan doctors provide general care and visiting U.S. medical teams perform specialized treatment and surgeries. Everyone receives care regardless of ability to pay.
LA FAMILIA EYE CENTER
La Familia Eye Center is committed to preventing and reversing vision loss through high-quality, self-sustaining, and locally driven care in an environment of continuous learning and innovation.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY
“My heart was deeply touched by my experience as a volunteer. I was moved by the devotion and commitment of all involved with hospital.”