United Planet Team

Dave, Executive Director

Why United Planet? Besides my family, of course, there is no greater joy than meeting the people of this world, experiencing their fascinating cultures, and working together beyond borders, to make a positive difference.

"To lead is to serve." - Motto

From UP   

Theresa, Vice-President of Global Operations

Working at United Planet is a chance to learn, grow and explore!

“The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” - Wade Davis

From: United States  

Mary, Director of Marketing and Communications

Living in another culture opens minds and hearts. United Planet offers a path toward greater understanding, and toward a better world.

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust and hostility to evaporate.” - Albert Schweitzer

From: United States

Read more about Mary

Jonathan, Director of Human Resources

It’s inspiring to belong to the United Planet team because the reach is so extensive, and the work is so meaningful. United Planet's international efforts at cross-cultural understanding come at a critical time.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single minute before starting to improve the world.”  - Anne Frank

From: United States

Read more about Jonathan

Li, International Programs Manager

United Planet provides me a great opportunity to see different cultures from different aspects. Not only to help me to learn work in an American environment, but also to help me to achieve personal goals.

“Experience is never limited and it is never complete; it is an immense sensibility, a kind of huge spider-web of the finest silken threads suspended in the chamber of consciousness, and catching every air-bone particle in its issue.” - Henry James

From: China

Caitlin, International Programs Manager  

My varied experiences abroad as a student, home stay guest, English teacher, and backpacker have led me to see the importance of understanding other cultures. Working at United Planet I can help others engage in amazing inter-cultural experiences also! 

"We can love what we are without hating what - and who - we are not." Kofi Annan

From: United States

Read more about Caitlin

Kumi, Senior Program and Groups Coordinator

I feel lucky to find United Planet, an organization truly dedicated to building bridges between different countries and cultures. I'm proud of being a part of the team.

“I inherited an important quality as a human being from my parents, which is understanding each other beyond borders, beyond oceans and beyond races.” - Mariko Terasaki Miller

From: Japan

Tyler, Sales Manager

United Planet provides exciting opportunities to break out of the day-to-day doldrums of life and make a long-lasting impact on our global community. There is no better way to enact change than by gaining new perspectives and making a personal difference in the lives of others.

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." – Sir Winston Churchill

From: United States 

Lily, Marketing and Communications Manager

United Planet combines a universal outlook and a growing network of support to offer a sense of hope and potential throughout the world. It's great to hear about the past accomplishments of United Planet, to see how it has changed throughout the years, and to help plan for an even brighter future. I am truly excited to be working for such an inspired organization. 

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

From: United States

Leo, Web Administrator & Developer

Working at UP has allowed me to gain new perspectives on other cultures, and the world has become a much more fascinating place.

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius

From: Taiwan

Bonnie, Online Marketing Coordinator

UP makes me think globally. Building relationships with different cultures enlightens the mind and soul. I'm proud to work for an organization striving for a global community.

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both." - Forrest Gump

From: United States

Jessica, Coordinator, Japan Program and Marketing

I am proud and excited to be part of an organization that works toward cultural tolerance by empowering people to volunteer abroad!  United Planet allows me to not only help people, but also to help others help people. 

“When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.” - Shunryu Suzuki

From: United States

Taky, Information Technology

I am pleased to be able to support the work of United Planet. Developing an understanding of other cultures helps counteract negative stereotypes and increases tolerance and compassion.

“Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first. That man is nearest to God, who pardoneth, when he had in his power him who would have injured him. ” - Prophet Muhammad

From: Algeria 

Maren, International Coordinator

I believe intercultural interaction is the best way to break down barriers between people. I am excited to be part of an organization that helps those who want to volunteer abroad – not only to donate their time and talents but also to be immersed in a new culture and community.

“If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.” - Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist monk

From: United States 

Lara, International Coordinator

I enjoy sending volunteers to become part of another culture, immerse themselves in different languages, help local communities and learn more about themselves than they ever imagined.

"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart." - Nelson Mandela

From: United States 

Chelsea, Communications Coordinator

United Planet works with the goal to make our world smaller and to erase our borders. I am thrilled to be a part of achieving these goals.

"Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society." - Confucius

From: United States 

Roberto, Sales and Outreach Coordinator

I have always loved traveling, meeting people from around the world and listening to their stories. Working at UP I have the feeling that I am doing all of these at once.  Furthermore I am proud to be part of an organization that brings people and cultures together.  

“Cominciate col fare ciò che è necessario, poi ciò che è possibile. E all'improvviso vi sorprenderete a fare l'impossibile” 

“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi

From: Italy 

Amanda, Marketing Coordinator

Traveling around the world has given me a much broader and more informed world view. Most people around the world are living a much different reality than the one in the US. I feel very fortunate to have seen this, and I do not want to pretend that basic, life-threatening problems do not exist just because I am not faced with them in my daily life. We can all make a difference, and I am grateful to be working with United Planet, whose mission is to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another.

”One’s destination is never a new place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

From: United States 

Laura, International Coordinator

Being part of the United Planet Team is a catalyst for a better world - one of understanding and respect – a world in which differences are not the origin of conflicts, but an invaluable resource that unites people.  

"I read somewhere … how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong". – Christopher McCandless, Into the Wild

From: France 

Christopher, Marketing Coordinator

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with an organization and great team of people dedicated to raising cultural and social awareness and nurturing relationships of mutual understanding. I truly believe that this initial awareness coupled with deep personal relationships cannot help but lead to the recognition of our common bond and destiny as human beings, and ultimately to the creation of a more peaceful, and just world.

“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together…” -Lila Watson.

From: United States

Amy, Marketing Coordinator

I'm happy to be a part of the United Planet team because I believe in the mission to help people open their minds and hearts to other countries, cultures and languages.

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill

From: United States

Jackie, Alumni Relations Manager

There is something truly important about exchanging views, understanding cultures, and helping others in need. Whether we are on the other side of the world or in the local community, United Planet holds and encourages our mission to "understand, respect, and support one another." I feel very privileged to have this opportunity to work with UP!

"It is not what to do, but how much love we put into the doing. We can do not great things, only small things with great love." – Mother Theresa

From: United States

Rebecca, Marketing Coordinator

I feel so fortunate and honored to be working at United Planet, an organization that recognizes the importance and potential of international and cultural exchange. United Planet's wonderful team brings people from all over the world closer together under a joint mission of mutual respect and understanding. 

"Miracles: You do not have to look for them. They are there, 24/7, beaming like radio waves all around you. Put up the antenna, turn up the volume– snap... crackle... this just in, every person you talk to is a chance to change the world." – Hugh Elliot

From: United States  

Abdel, Research Assistant

I applied for United Planet as a volunteer because I felt that it was an opportunity for me to learn more about others while achieving academic goals.The organization's objectives are worthy of praise, and I hope that my work will contribute to help people all over the world.

"There are two great forces of human nature: self interest and caring for others." – Bill Gates

From: Burkina Faso

Kathleen, Communications Coordinator

My volunteer work has led me to United Planet. I am so happy to be part of a team dedicated to creating a world in which all people understand and support each other. I am giving others the chance to learn about other cultures first-hand.

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

From: United States

Coralie, Latin America Coordinator

Traveling is the best is the best gift of life. It allows us to share with different cultures and be open-minded. For me, to help volunteers to live a great experience abroad is really important and enjoyable. I can observe that solidarity does exist. 

"Travel teaches tolerance." – Benjamin Disraeli

From: France

Brittany, Marketing Coordinator

Being able to serve other communtities has really enriched my life and it feels great to be able to help others have the incredible experience of volunteering abroad.

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy." – Rabindranath Tagore

From: United States

Chie, Country Manager for Japan

I believe serving UP is the best and quickest way to achieve the World Peace.                                                                                  

"It is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give, but how much love we put in the giving." "Love can not remain by itself-it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service." - Mother Theresa

From: Japan

Read her United Planet Japan blog

Melanie and Mihail, Country coordinators for Romania

United Planet’s in country coordinator in Romania is Melanie Tanase. Her husband, Mihail also helps coordinate our volunteers and the two of them and their family manage the orphanage in Valea Plopului. They have been accepting United Planet volunteers for their orphanage since 2005.

Akos Ganyo, Country Coordinator for Ghana

Enyonam Akosua Ganyo is my name but I prefer to be called Akos, which is short for 'Akosua' (girl born on Sunday). I grew up in the Volta Region of Ghana. I like to meet new people, especially people from cultures that are extremely different from mine. I like to learn from the different cultures and already have a multitude of experience meeting people from different countries and cultures. I enjoy the unknown and my sociability always helps me integrate into my new environment. I love being outdoors and I also love to read!

Marlo, Country Coordinator for Guatemala

Marlo has been working with United Planet for the last five years. She works at a local Spanish school and working towards her Master's degree in Education. She says that the people of Guatemala are very service-orientated since it is taught that being active in your community is a moral obligation. Through United Planet, she coordinates volunteers to work on community projects in Xela.  Marlo has been involved in service since she can remember and she cannot wait to meet future volunteers!

Manfred, Country Coordinator for Peru

My name is Manfred Molin, I was born in '76 in the south of the Netherlands. My educational background is in general physics and technology management. The main reason that I work in Cusco is that my wife is Peruvian! I met her in early 2000, and decided to live and work in Peru at the end of 2003. We have a little girl who was born in December 2004. I like my job, which is coordinating the volunteer programs, cultural activities, excursions, Spanish lessons, family stays and more through United Planet. Please feel free to contact me through the United Planet office.

Paul, Country Coordinator for Chile

Paul Fischer is a high school teacher and university professor in Santiago, Chile. Mr. Fischer has operated his own trade-related business in Chile and worked for the U. S. Foreign & Commercial Service at the American Embassy in Santiago. Mr. Fischer has a B.A. Degree from Duke University and an M.A. Degree in History from the University of Denver. Mr. Fischer also spent several years in Africa with the Peace Corps. He currently lives in the Lo Barnechea sector of Santiago with his wife and their three children.

Pablo, Country Coordinator for Ecuador

I am Pablo from Ecuador, I was born in 1976 in Quito, Ecuador.I finished my studies in Ecotourism at the Universidad Catolica in Quito, Ecuador and also attended Reed College in US where I studied photography and worked as a Spanish language scholar promoting studies abroad in South America. Since 2005, as UP Ecuador country coordinator, I have had the chance to broaden my understanding and knowledge of other cultures and to reflect on my own. It has as well helped me strengthen my communication with national and international volunteers. Finally I have gained a great deal of experience organizing and promoting cultural activities and academic trips, and supporting volunteers in their adjusting processes to a new environment and with their Spanish learning skills.

Raj, Country Coordinator for Nepal

Raj Gyawali is our in-country coordinator for Nepal. Raj is originally from Nepal.  He helps coordinate our Nepal Quests and has been working with United Planet since 2004.

Binita, Volunteer Coordinator in Nepal

Binita works for the United Planet Nepal Team, and helps coordinate incoming volunteers to Kathmandu.

From: Nepal

Meng, Country Coordinator for Cambodia

My name is Por Meng, I was born in Kom Pong Cham Province 1976, Cambodia. I have been working in the hotel industry over 9 years. I like to work for UP because I can meet people around the world and teach them how our people live. I feel very happy to help United Planet in its mission of cross-cultural understanding specially Cambodian Culture. I want all people know about Angkor temple in Cambodia. Peace and good luck to all people in the world !

Caiya, Country Coordinator for Tibet

Caiya (Tsaiyang) - My name is Tsaiyang and please call me Caiya! I am the in-county coordinator for Tibet Quest with my daughters, Deiji and Dechok. My daughters and myself were born and raised in Jyekundo (Yushu) where United Planet volunteers will be working! I love my hometown, full of history and culture. My brother was also the United Planet country coordinator here until he passed away. I would love to fulfill his dream and hope. Judy (Deiji) - Assistant - My name is Deiji and please call me Judy. I am in junior year at the North University for Ethnics, majoring in English. I am always so excited and proud to work with UP volunteers to contribute to my hometown and help people in the community. I look forward to meeting you in Yushu! Olivia (Dechok) - Assistant - My name is Dechok and please call me Olivia. I graduated from the University and Colledge of Radio and Television in Yushu Prefecture with English major, Now I am studying at the Qinghai Minority University, majoring English. You learn our culture and we learn your culture though Tibet Quest! Every time when I see smiles on children's' faces and volunteers feel a sense of achievement, I really want to encourage everybody to come here!

Patience, In-Country Coordinator for Tanzania

Patience is the In-Country Coordinator for United Planet Tanzania. She works together with Greta Scheibel, Executive Director of UP Tanzania, in handling all volunteer logistics, as well as identifying new projects and host families. Patience is one of the founding members of the Board of Directors of the newly-registered UP Tanzania, a local NGO in Tanzania. She is a great asset to the program and loves interacting with all volunteers to ensure they have the best Quest possible. Patience lives in Dar es Salaam with her husband (a minister) and their two children.

Greta, Executive Director for Tanzania

Greta Scheibel is the Executive Director for United Planet Tanzania. Greta is a Massachusetts native who has lived and worked in Tanzania since 2008, when she first arrived in Tanzania as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Ms. Scheibel has a wide range of professional experience including: work as a zoo keeper in New York City, ESL teacher, bee-keeper, health care consultant, and rock climbing gym manager. Ms. Scheibel is also a published author who loves to write about life in Tanzania.

Nick Mould, Director and Founder of Umzingisi Foundation

The Umzingisi Foundation partners with United Planet in South Africa. Umzingisi is a non-profit organization focused on development through sport, under which the volunteer program operates. Nick is half English, half South African, and was born and studied in the UK (at Cardiff University) before returning to the land of his father in 2005 to set-up Umzingisi. 

Hannah Clare, General Manager at Umzingisi

Hannah is perfectly placed to manage the volunteer program, having been a volunteer herself back in 2005 (she never went home). Originally from the UK, Hannah has a great balance between understanding western expectations mixed with knowledge of the local context after running programs in South Africa for 6 years.

Nosipho ‘Spakes’ Xapile, Program Manager for Umzingisi.

She is born and bred in Port Elizabeth’s township communities so has an acute understanding of the program needs from a local perspective. Spakes studied Marketing at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and is putting her expertise to good use by combining this with her bubbly personality at Umzingisi.