The 2024 Volunteers will be published in December 2023

2023 Volunteers

Cory Amundson
Minnesota

Photographic Specialist, Lifetouch
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Cory has worked for Lifetouch for 16 years and has always enjoyed volunteering and giving back whenever he is able. He believes photography is a special gift that offers the ability to preserve a memory and that everyone should have the privilege to experience it. Cory is most excited to meet and work with people who see life through a different lens. He is also excited to experience the culture and sights of Guatemala and to provide the school pictures for the children and families to enjoy.

Cory has a pug dog named Charlie.

Stephanie Baker
British Columbia, Canada

Vice Principal, Highland Secondary
Comox, British Columbia

Stephanie has always wanted to give back to her greater community and participate in an experience like the Lifetouch Memory Mission. Most importantly, as a Vice Principal and mother, Stephanie enjoys being a good role model for her students and daughters. Through her actions and this trip, she hopes to demonstrate that we can all make a difference in the lives of others.

Stephanie is looking forward to bringing back a greater understanding of the local Guatemalan culture to share with her students, colleagues and friends. She is also excited to share how rewarding it is to meet people raised in different parts of the world and to help others.

Stephanie is married to Bryan and they have three daughters Arya, Maya, and Kayla.

Paul Beriault
Virginia

CPA, CFO/SVP Finance, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Member of NCMEC
Arlington, VA

This will be Paul’s third visit to Guatemala and he’s thrilled to be part of the culture, volunteer effort, and mission. Paul’s youngest son is adopted from Guatemala.

Volunteering has been an important part of his life, serving with the Boy Scouts, his church, and local community organizations focused on homelessness, education, medical support and lending a hand with Volunteer Income Tax Assistant programs.

Paul and his spouse, Brian, have two children, Zack and Diego.

Michelle Brown
Kansas

Photography Supervisor & Trainer, Lifetouch
Overland, Kansas

Michelle applied for the Lifetouch Memory Mission to make a difference. She’s seen how volunteer trips like this have affected people in her circle for the better. She’s looking forward to embracing the culture, learning how to build a sustainable school and experiencing the impact this school will have on the children and community in Guatemala.

Michelle is also excited to share the portraits with the students. As a member of the Lifetouch and Shutterfly team, she’s seen the joy school and family photos bring and she knows what a cherished memory they will be.

Michelle is excited to share her memories and experiences from this trip with her three-year-old daughter, Violet.

Jay Curtis
Wyoming

Superintendent, Park County School District
Member of AASA and NSBA
Powell, Wyoming

Jay has always believed in servant leadership, and his motto is that he can never expect any colleague or employee to do something he is not willing to also do. The opportunity to serve on a Lifetouch Memory Mission has intrigued him for years. A good friend of his and a fellow superintendent went on a Lifetouch Memory Mission trip to Puerto Rico and returned with life-changing stories. Jay realized these experiences shape a person, their leadership, and can have positive ripple effects throughout the organizations they lead. Jay is thankful to Lifetouch for providing the opportunity to join this year’s Memory Mission.

Jay has been married to his wife, Erin, for 27 years and they have three children, Colton, Grace and Devon.

Kate Dath
Ontario, Canada

Yearbook Specialist, Lifetouch
London, Ontario, Canada

Kate has worked for Lifetouch for more than 15 years and has been wanting to attend a Memory Mission since that first year. Kate remembers telling her grandma about the Memory Missions and her grandma told her that seemed like something Kate was meant to do. Kate regularly volunteers in her local community. The Memory Mission is a bigger cause that she's excited to be a part of. She is most excited about stepping out of her comfort zone and volunteering for something that could be potentially life-changing for someone else. Kate and Chris have been together for 12 years and she has two stepchildren Hannah and Carter.

Donna Ellis
Pennsylvania

Assistant Principal of Student Affairs, Archbishop Wood High School
Member of NASSP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Donna is most excited to meet the children in Guatemala during the Lifetouch Memory Mission. She looks forward to serving others while on the mission trip and helping to bring education to the community. While she is apprehensive about not being fluent in the language she plans to immerse herself in their culture and learn as much as she can so she can bring back stories to her school.

Donna has been married to her husband Paul for 30 years and they have four children, Jamie, Nicolino, Alaina, Alexandra.

Lisa Emmons
Oregon

Center Operations, KinderCare Education
Portland, Oregon

Lisa is excited for the opportunity to participate in her first mission trip. She is especially excited to travel with a unique group of individuals who share a common purpose. She has volunteered to help children in classrooms at her daughter’s school and looks forward to helping the children in Guatemala.

Lisa is married to Craig and they have a daughter Morgan.

Nicole Ey
New York

Principal, Ellenville Elementary
Member of NAESP and National Distinguished Principal of New Year 2022
Ellenville, New York

Nicole thinks that the Lifetouch Memory Mission is an opportunity of a lifetime. When she was younger, her mother took on extra work during the summers as an art teacher for a migrant program. Nicole remembers going to work with her mom and enjoyed learning about other cultures and languages. Now as educator, she is most looking forward to working alongside the students in Guatemala and learning all about them and their culture.

Nicole and her husband Mathew are parents of Jarkko, a 180-pound Newfoundland.

Javier Galdeano
Texas

Production Manager, Shutterfly
Plano, Texas

Javier is thankful for the opportunity to work for a company that gives back. He is most looking forward to meeting the team of volunteers and having the opportunity to do something great for those in need.

Javier and his wife Angeles have two children Javier and Paulina.

Tammy Gerdes
Kentucky

Account Manager II, Lifetouch
West Chester, Ohio

Tammy is passionate about giving back to others and to making a difference. She served in the United States Army, on active duty, as a 25 Delta Telecommunications Specialist. She is also a lifelong philanthropist and volunteer and is most excited to meet the Lifetouch Memory Mission team and serve the community in Guatemala. She looks forward to learning about their culture and to being a part of something bigger than herself. She's also excited to see the looks on the faces of the families in Guatemala after they receive their first-ever professional Lifetouch photos. She knows first-hand that these portraits are great keepsakes that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Tammy and her husband Joshua have two daughters, Lacey and Kapalia.

Jan Haeg
Minnesota

Community Relations Manager, Lifetouch
Edina, Minnesota

Jan has been leading the Lifetouch Memory Missions since 2007. With Lifetouch's educational partners and employees, Jan has witnessed the Lifetouch Memory Mission's impact and she has seen how a community’s emotions can change from despair to hope to the fulfillment of a dream. Jan believes that volunteering and working alongside community members in developing countries is good for the soul. She also believes the volunteers receive as much, if not more, out of this life-changing experience than those they serve. Jan has built lifelong friendships through her many Memory Missions and believes it's amazing what a small group of people can accomplish if they all work together with a common goal of providing hope through education.

The Lifetouch Memory Mission has never served in Guatemala. Jan is excited about the partnership with Hug It Forward and embracing their learnings on using plastic bottles and inorganic trash to build a community school. She knows there will be many lessons and ideas that the volunteers can bring back to their families, students, and communities to make a difference.

Jan and her husband Ken have two children Danny and Molly.

Beth Houf
Missouri

NASSP 2022 National Principal of the Year
Fulton Middle School
Fulton, Missouri

Beth knows the power of education. It has had a huge impact on her, both in her early life, and now, as a principal. It’s also inspired her to give back to others the way her former educators supported and gave back to her. She can’t wait to attend this year’s Lifetouch Memory Mission. She’s looking forward to experiencing the Guatemalan culture - the similarities and differences, and being able to share those experiences with her students and colleagues back home. Beth is excited to engage with the Guatemalan students and community.

Beth and her husband Todd have two sons, Paul and Dawson.

Dr. David Jensen
Nevada

Superintendent, Humboldt County School District
Member of AASA
Winnemucca, Nevada

David believes serving others is an integral foundation to public education. He believes that participating in this year’s Lifetouch Memory Mission is a tremendous opportunity to grow by serving students from a different country, language and culture. David lived in South Africa for two years, which provided him a greater understanding of the benefit of public education and the challenges a community faces when it is not readily available. David looks forward to learning about a new culture and establishing new friendships. He’s also excited to see culturally historic sites.

David and his wife Fleur-Louise have three children Jessica, Sabrina and Brayden.

Yvonne Johnson
Delaware

President-Elect, National PTA
Member of NPTA
Wilmington, Delaware

Yvonne had heard about the inspirational stories that others experienced on the Lifetouch Memory Missions and she was eager to experience it first-hand. She has volunteered for 30 years in schools, as an advocate and a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Professionally, Yvonne is an independent consultant, working with local school districts on family engagement, education funding, school board reform, and community outreach.

She has been married to John for 34 years and they have three children, Ross (Stephanie) Jessica, and Derrick (Melody) and one grandson Crew.

Donnie Koshiol
Minnesota

Videographer, Media Producer, River Street Creative
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

As the media producer in charge of documenting Lifetouch Memory Missions, Donnie has had the extraordinary experience of attending nearly all of the mission trips to capture the spirit of these projects with his deeply moving videos.

The Lifetouch Memory Missions have changed Donnie’s worldview and life experience. Improving the lives of people in other parts of the world is the ultimate goal of these trips, but Donnie didn't realize how much he would be improving his own life as a volunteer. When Donnie participated in his first Memory Mission, he had reservations about heading to Kosovo. By the end, Donnie was transformed. Donnie returned home wanting to be a better spouse, parent, and coworker.

Donnie loves traveling and experiencing new cultures, traditions, and music. He and his wife, Darcy, are parents to Samara and Ben.

Mark Krueger
Minnesota

Sr. Manager, Inside Sales
Lifetouch
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Mark has been determined to volunteer on a Memory Mission since he joined Lifetouch in 2016. Working for a company that partners daily with schools, has instilled in him a great respect for the importance of having access to education. Mark is most excited to connect with the community in Guatemala and meet the people while helping to build a school that will have a profound impact on their children. Mark is thankful for Lifetouch’s commitment to give back and participates regularly in the company’s Feed My Starving Children efforts. He also volunteers for Meals on Wheels. Mark has a girlfriend Kristin and a chocolate lab, Chase.

Dr. David Law
Minnesota

Superintendent, Minnetonka School District
Member of AASA
Minnetonka, Minnesota

David has a passion for service and was drawn to the opportunity to join the Lifetouch Memory Mission to support students around the world. He has witnessed how education has transformed the lives of students and is looking forward to connecting with the students in Guatemala to share in their joy as they work on their future school. David has also heard from other school leaders that participating in the Lifetouch Memory Mission offers life-changing experiences.

David and his wife Beth have six boys, Scott, Michael, Connor, Jack, Brock, and Gage. 

Susan Lerche
Illinois

Photography Supervisor, Prestige Captain, Lifetouch
Elmhurst, Illinois

The Memory Mission combines the three things Susan loves the most, photography, travel and humanitarian efforts. Whenever she finds an opportunity to help give back or pay it forward, she tries to do so. After seeing this opportunity made available through Lifetouch, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.

Susan is most excited by the opportunity to learn about Guatemalan culture and people. She loves meeting new people and sharing thoughts, ideas, and understanding their way of life.

Jusmar Rodriguez Maness
North Carolina

Deputy Chief of Schools, Guilford County Schools
Member of AASA
Greensboro, North Carolina

As a Latina who grew up in Venezuela, Jusmar understands the importance of education in changing life outcomes for children in underprivileged areas. She came to the United States to teach and help others learn about her culture, country, and the power of education. She started tutoring children when she was 15 years old helping to help those in need close the learning gap. Jusmar is also excited for the opportunity to learn from the Guatemalan community as well as serve and support a Hispanic community with a group of people who truly care.

Jusmar is married to Chris and they have two children Ryan and Carly.

Tamara Mitchell
Illinois

Assistant Superintendent for Business & Financial Services, Joliet Public Schools, District 86
Member of ASBO
Joliet, Illinois

Tamara was motivated to apply for this year’s Lifetouch Memory Mission to support education globally. She believes education is at the heart of success, regardless of where people live in the world. Having adequate educational facilities is paramount to people being able to provide for themselves and their families. Tamara looks forward to bringing those in a sustainable way to this Guatemalan community.

Tamara has always been amazed at how such service changes volunteers for the better and she is humbled to have the opportunity to serve on such an incredible Lifetouch Memory Mission.

Tamara is looking forward to learning about the rich history of Guatemala and its people through interacting with the local community.

Chris Mooney Jr
Texas

Director, Manufacturing, Shutterfly
Plano, Texas

Chris is excited to attend the Lifetouch Memory Mission because he believes it is important to help others and try to make a positive impact in the world. He has volunteered at multiple schools, food pantries, shelters and churches.

Chris is married to Monica, who was an educator for 20 years and they have four children, Michael, Nichole, Tara and Tasha.

Nadia Mosa
Maryland

Regional Photography Manager, Lifetouch
North East, Maryland

Nadia is no stranger to the Lifetouch Memory Mission, she’s applied a handful of times since she started her career at Lifetouch. She knows the power of a portrait and is excited to share that with the community in Guatemala – especially the children, knowing this will likely be their first school picture experience.

Nadia looks forward to building a school with the team and sharing that experience with friends and family when she gets home.

Nadia and her husband Michael Luzetsky, have two children, Owen and Jane.

Robert Motley
Maryland

Principal, Atholton High School
Member of NASSP, Past President NASSP
Columbia, Maryland

As a principal, it’s Robert’s responsibility to ensure that all students have what they need to be successful. The Lifetouch Memory Mission aligns with this philosophy of providing students and communities with the resources they need to succeed. He is looking forward to learning how to build a sustainable school out of plastic bottles and to being able to share all that he learned and experienced with his school.

Robert and his wife Marthe have been married for 20 years and have a daughter Sarah.

Charity Nielson
South Carolina

Program Coordinator I, Shutterfly
Fort Mill, South Carolina

Charity is looking forward to the opportunity to give back globally in a meaningful way. She grew up with a mother who said, “If you can help, you should!” and Charity believes this is her opportunity to do just that.

Recycled materials are a regular part of her life and her artistic practice - and Charity is thrilled to have the opportunity to elevate that work by creating sustainable, functional spaces for the community in Guatemala. She thinks seeing the impact on the community she will be serving will be immeasurable.

Charity and her husband Alex have been together for 16 years and are parents to two rescue cats.

Tom Payton
New York

Principal, Roanoke Avenue Elementary
Member of NAESP
Riverhead, New York

It was Tom’s personal philosophy of servant leadership and making a difference that motivated him to apply for this year's Lifetouch Memory Mission. He believes the Lifetouch Memory Mission serves as an opportunity to expand his personal circle and make a global difference.

Tom looks forward to being a conduit to connecting his students with the students in Guatemala so they can share stories with each other. The week of the Memory Mission is the same week his school celebrates the Great Kindness Challenge. His student council is looking to share acts of kindness with the students Tom will be visiting in Guatemala.

Tom is married to Holly, a third-grade teacher, and they have three children, Benjamin, Kaya, and Sean-Michael.

Deon Perry
Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Principal, Newtown Elementary
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Deon enjoys traveling and experiencing the beauty of nature and the connectedness of humanity. He is most looking forward to experiencing another education system in a different country and to show staff and students how school communities are alike and how they are different. The Lifetouch Memory Mission will allow him to combine all of his interests which include traveling, photography and nature.

Brian Peters
Indiana

Sr. Operations Manager, Lifetouch
Muncie, Indiana

Brian had heard from co-workers about the incredible experiences that occurred during the Lifetouch Memory Missions. He believes in serving others and looks forward to the opportunity to be able to serve those less fortunate.

He is most excited about the prospects of helping build a school and getting to know co-workers and educators in the community they will be serving.

Brian and his wife Darla have two daughters, Clara and Wendy.

Chris Potts
Ohio

Chief Operating Officer, Upper Arlington City Schools
Member of AASA
Upper Arlington, Ohio

Chris has a passion for serving having led several mission trips to Mexico to build houses with high school students during his college years.    He is most looking forward to serving alongside the talented educators and professionals from across North America. He is a student-centered leader who believes in the importance of meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, and students. This trip will combine many of his passions - serving and impacting others, travel, creating meaningful relationships and construction.

Chris and his wife, Megan, have three children, Natalie, Charlotte and Ryan.

Cindy Reilmann
Missouri

Assistant Superintendent of Business Service / CFO, Ferguson-Florissant School District
Member of ASBO
Hazelwood, Missouri

Cindy has always been drawn to service opportunities and mission trips. This trip was particularly meaningful since her family has sponsored two children through Compassion International for the past two years and one of the children, Hancer, who lives in Guatemala shares a birthday with her son. Being able to volunteer in Hancer’s country, build a school and make a difference in the lives of students, is incredibly meaningful to Cindy. She is passionate about helping children and students overcome poverty and have a chance at a good education.

Cindy is excited to visit Guatemala, and looks forward to the sustainability aspect of this project, learning the process and seeing the finished work. She is also excited to meet new people and build relationships with other Lifetouch Memory Mission volunteers.

Cindy and her husband, Sean, have two children, Grant and Lindsay.

Jennifer Rooney
Virginia

Director, Meetings & Awards, AASA
Alexandria, Virginia

The Lifetouch Memory Mission has been on Jennifer's radar since she started working for AASA. She is thrilled to be attending this year. She lived in the Philippines when she was younger and enjoyed the outreach work she did while living abroad.

Diving in to see new cultures is one of her favorite things and she’s always tried to find ways to give back in her community - locally and globally. She is excited to help build a sustainable school, meet the local children and families and see the impact the volunteer team is able to make on the Guatemalan community.

Jennifer and her husband Brian have three children, Connor, Emma and Allie.

Elizabeth Rorick
Virginia

Deputy Executive Director of Government Affairs, Communication, and Training, National PTA
Alexandra, Virginia

Attending a Lifetouch Memory Mission has been a goal of Elizabeth's since she started working for the National PTA, nearly 14 years ago. She looks forward to an opportunity that will allow her to be of service to a community in need.

Elizabeth, along with her husband Chris, have two children, Davis and Adelaide.

Dana Roseman
Nevada

Principal, Jesse D. Scott ES
Member of NAESP
Las Vegas, Nevada

Dana learned about the Lifetouch Memory Mission four years ago at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) conference. She knew instantly that she wanted to be a part of it. She sobbed in her seat as she watched the media clip about the trip and thought to herself that she would make it her mission to be a part of a mission. She looks forward to traveling abroad and the ability to lend a helping hand.

The Lifetouch Memory Mission is a great opportunity for Dana to represent her district and NAESP with diversity and excitement. This trip is an opportunity for her to show her students that we must all give a little bit of ourselves to make the world a better place.

Dana is excited to practice her Spanish and learn about the community that the team will support, along with learning about the history of Guatemala.

Dr. Marc Schaffer
Colorado

Superintendent, Thompson School District
Member of AASA
Loveland, Colorado

Marc who is celebrating his 30th year in public education. entered the educational field to make a difference for children. At his core, he deeply believes that educators have the power to support, shape, and cultivate the talents of students to help them realize their best and fullest potential.

Marc is most excited about visiting a country he's never been to as well as engaging in an authentic service project that will make a huge impact in the lives of the children within the community. Having never been to Guatemala, Marc looks forward to trying local cuisine, learning about the culture and customs of the community, and learning about the backgrounds and experiences of individuals he would otherwise never have met.

Marc and his wife Liz have one daughter, Elana.

Diane Stalzer
New York

Owner, The Learning Experience
Rocky Point, New York

Diane looks forward to serving the Guatemalan community in a meaningful and sustainable way. She has served meals in local shelters, provided support services to patients suffering from brain injuries, donated to college scholarships and fundraised for Make-A-Wish.

Diane and her husband Herb have four children, Alyssa, Dalten, Dean and Avagrace.

Dave Steckler
North Dakota

National President, NAESP
Principal, Red Trail Elementary School
Member of NAESP
Mandan, North Dakota

Dave has a 32-year career in education serving on various local, state, and national committees and boards. Dave looks forward to serving the Guatemalan community and learning about their culture and education. The Lifetouch Memory Mission aligns with his willingness to give back to those in need.

Dave and his wife Tina have twin boys, Camren and Trae, and a daughter Nevaeh.

Gregg Wieczorek
Wisconsin

Former Principal, Arrowhead Union High School
Member of NASSP and Immediate Past President of NASSP
Pewaukee, Wisconsin

Gregg has friends who have gone on a Lifetouch Memory Mission and have described the experience as life changing. He is looking forward to experiencing education in another country along with the culture. He is also excited to help families build a school so their children will have a brighter future.

Gregg and his wife Stephanie have two children Meghan and Grant.

Cathy Wong-Li
Massachusetts

National Sales Executive, Lifetouch
Charlton, Massachusetts

Cathy has heard about the positive impact the Lifetouch Memory Mission has had on co-workers and communities alike. Since she started her career with the company, the Memory Mission has been on her radar. Recently, her son had the opportunity to participate on a similar volunteer trip to Dominica. She’s extra excited about this opportunity because of that connection.

Cathy looks forward to meeting the community in Guatemala and creating a place for children to learn. She’s excited to take part in the construction process. Cathy knows this trip will lead to lasting connections with her co-workers and participating educators, and she’s excited to get started.

Cathy and her husband Tony have two children, Ryan and Kiley.