Meet Our Board

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JUDI DODSON, BOARD CHAIR

Judi chairs the board of directors of Peruvian Hearts. She is an educational consultant and literacy specialist working with teachers and school districts throughout the United States and has authored several educational books for teachers. Her love for Peru began in 1992 while she lived there during the adoption of her daughter, Ana. As an educator for more than thirty years, Judi is committed to girls’ education and its role in empowering girls to become leaders.

ROCCO DODSON

Rocco is a commercial litigation attorney at his firm, Dodson and Associates, P.C. He sits on the governing board of directors of the Metro Volunteer Lawyers of the Colorado Bar Association. He was president and chairman of the board of directors of the Colorado Nonprofit Loan Fund from 2001 – 2009, and a member of the board of directors since 1988. Rocco has also been an active member of the Evergreen Colorado Rotary Club since 2001.

PAMELA GEIST

Pamela received a PhD from Michigan State University in Mathematics Education, Policy and Practice, with an emphasis in disciplinary knowledge of mathematics. She holds a Master of Science in Mathematics/Mathematics Education at the Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Teaching and Learning. Pamela currently owns and operates two innovative companies in the Denver area. She is the Owner and CEO of TEG Global, LLC, an established Business and Engineering IT company and she also runs Educational Resources, LLC, which empowers students mathematically. Before joining our Board, Pamela helped guide the creation of Peruvian Hearts’ mentorship program for our scholars in Peru.

SUSAN AHLQUIST

Susan spent nearly 40 years working as an occupational therapist. She worked at hospitals, mental health centers, and school systems. Susan received her Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in 1970. She has been involved with Peruvian Hearts since its inception and is a great admirer of Ana, her work, and her ideals.

EDWIN GONZALEZ, DIRECTOR IN PERU

Edwin has worked in the hotel industry for over 40 years. He currently owns and operates LaQuinta Eco Hotel in Urubamba, Peru, which has a 100% organic farm that provides the food for the hotel. Edwin is a past president of the Cusco Rotary Club and has also worked as a tourism advisor for former President of Peru Alejandro Toledo. Edwin speaks eight languages and enjoys spending time with his family in Cusco and the Sacred Valley of Peru. Edwin is a passionate advocate for needy children in Peru.

BETSY HOKE

Betsy has worked as a Montessori educator for four decades and led the Montessori School of Evergreen, a preschool through middle school, for many years. She currently consults and presents workshops at schools across the country and have overseen the development of a Montessori program for young children in Tanzania. Betsy served on the board of trustees for Colorado Rocky Mountain School from 2003 – 2012, and works with the Gurian Institute to help parents and teachers understand brain-based gender differences. She has two children, including a daughter who is focused her doctoral research on the health of women and children in Peru.

ANA DODSON, FOUNDER

Ana received her undergraduate degree in anthropology from Colorado College with a minor in Latin American studies. She received her Masters degree in Education from the University of Colorado and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Psychology. Ana has a passion for service and helping others. She understands the power education has to change societies and shares her story of compassion and giving back in hopes of inspiring others to make a difference in the world.

CHRIS KONRAD

Chris received his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from CU Denver. He has a passion for volunteering and working with children. Chris has worked for the Horizon’s Summer program for at-risk youth and Urban Peak, a shelter for homeless youth. He is currently a school counselor in Denver Public Schools.

BARBEE LUX

Barbee Lux co-owns and operates DeLux Team Realty in Denver, CO. She has a passion for girls’ education and empowerment and has decades of experience working with and advocating for underprivileged adolescent youth. She has a demonstrated a loyal commitment to and significant investment in the girls and young women supported in Peru.

Are you planning a trip to Peru? Contact us today to find out more about visiting Peruvian Hearts, meeting some of the scholars in the program and experiencing our impact in Peru firsthand.

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