Ecuador Staff
The team in BaseCamp Ecuador has a number of staff who have worked with BaseCamp for several years. This has allowed our operational team to develop a strong program and a warm environment for volunteers living with a team of people who have know each other for several years.
Ecuador is home to our Program Consultant, Rudayna Bahubeshi and our Volunteer Abroad Program Manager, Laurel Bredthauer. These two women work with each of our volunteers and our program staff in each country overseas to ensure that we are doing the best job possible of finding appropriate matches based on a clear understanding of the goals of each volunteer on the program.
Our Program Manager in Ecuador, Paulina Ibarra has been with BaseCamp for several years and previous to working here, she had more than a decade of experience as a Spanish teacher. As such, she is very comfortable helping to guide volunteers through the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and environment.
Our house services team includes Isabel who has worked with BaseCamp for many years and about whom we often receive fantastic reviews of her cooking, and two night desk staff who enjoy interacting with internatonal volunteers in the evenings around the center.
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Laurel BredthauerVolunteer Abroad Program ManagerLaurel is our current Volunteer Abroad Program Manager whose focus is to continue to develop quality connections with organizations looking for international volunteers.
Laurel is originally from California where she earned her Master's in Social Work and is now thoroughly enjoying living in Ecuador. She is thriving in a culture that embraces her favorite sport, futbol (also known as soccer). Laurel's favorite thing about Ecuador? Being immersed in a crowd of intensely passionate futbol fans at a game. Laurel is looking forward to raising her child in Quito and is eager for her baby to have the experience of two very unique and different cultures.
Ultimately Laurel feels it is imperative for people to take advantage of any opportunity to travel internationally.
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Isabel Imbaquingo ColtaHouse ServicesIsabel is an incredible cook and has spent the last five years making delicious meals for volunteers at BaseCamp Ecuador, while keeping the house in order. When asked what her favorite food is, Isabel had a long list that included pancakes, a sugar cane treat from Baños, and barbecue cuy with peanut sauce.
Originally from Otavalo, Isabel, currently lives in Quito with her family. She loves spending time at home with her three young children, plus enjoys being involved in her local community and getting to know people from other cultures.
Solvay Pharma Inc.