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Behind the Scenes: Meet the GDR Staff!
Posted on July 15, 2019.
Since 2001, Global Dental Relief has transformed and expanded in many different ways! Much of GDR’s success can be attributed to its hardworking and dedicated staff.
This blog is dedicated to the passionate people who work diligently to ensure GDR is able to provide free dental care to children in need around the world. Meet our hardworking, passionate and inspiring staff!
Kim Troggio, GDR Director and Co-founder
Kim was 29 when she dreamed up the volunteer model behind GDR, and since then has worked tirelessly to see that dream to fruition. She cares deeply for the children we serve and is energized by her time spent in our clinics. With previous experience in social work and the travel industry, Kim offers expertise perfect for this line of work.
When not overseas on a GDR clinic, she loves traveling the world and spending time outdoors with her husband and two boys.
Laurie Mathews, GDR Co-Director Emeritus
Laurie was a large contributor in GDR’s small beginnings. With experience in public policy, she founded GDR and fought for it to become the successful organization it is today. With a love for the Tibetan and Buddhist culture, she enjoys trip leading clinics in Nepal and India.
In her free time, Laurie enjoys attending yoga retreats, traveling the world and spending time with friends over a good book and glass of wine.
Katy Troyer, GDR Associate Director
As an experienced volunteer and traveler, Katy brings immense knowledge and experience to the table at GDR. She is passionate about creating connections in each country she visits and strives to provide the best possible experience for those she travels with. She truly loves trip leading and working with GDR volunteers.
When she’s not traveling, you will find her exploring Colorado, spending time with family or enjoying a high-energy Zumba class.
Nathan Raymond, Country Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator
Nate’s previous experience in numerous other countries – like Haiti, Kenya and Ghana – lends a great deal of perspective to the office. He loves exploring topics such as international development, public health and creating systems that lend to the greater good of the world. He received his M.A. in International Studies and Global Health Affairs from the University of Denver, and when he’s not in the office, you’ll find him spending time with his family.
Becky Bay, RDH and Country Coordinator
As a registered dental hygienist, Becky is one of the few people in the office who comes from a dental background. She is passionate about our oral health model, and truly loves working with children in San Martin, Guatemala. After her first GDR trip to Guatemala, Becky was inspired to join the organization and a few years later she did just that!
Becky enjoys spending time with her pup and husband exploring the great outdoors!
Victoria Kuhlman, Country Coordinator and Volunteer Manager
After graduating from the University of Denver and spending a year abroad, she knew she needed a job that combined her love of people with her love for traveling. Victoria loves interacting with GDR volunteers who are experiencing life overseas for the very first time! She enjoys our small adventure clinics, away from the city, immersed in local culture and tradition.
She loves sports (especially volleyball) and spends her weekends camping and hiking in the great Rocky Mountains.
Dr. Peter Vanicek, GDR Clinic Coordinator
After retiring from private practice, Peter found himself with a desire to continue doing dentistry. With a passion for helping others, he joined GDR as a volunteer and soon after a trip leader. Peter works diligently to ensure all necessary equipment and supplies are in each of our clinic locations, making sure volunteers have the necessary supplies for a week of hard work in the clinic!
Peter enjoys listening to podcasts and traveling with his family.
With almost 20 years behind them, GDR has expanded to work in five countries, providing care to 25,000 children a year. GDR volunteers have served 170,000 children since the start in 2001!
Without the dedicated office staff, and efforts of our many trip leaders we would not be able to do the work that we do!
If you have an enthusiasm for volunteering and serving children in need, we would love to have you join us at one of our clinics (we host around 27 annually). If you’re interested in more information, email us at volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org today!
Experience Spring Break in a Whole New Way!
Posted on November 1, 2018.
Fall is in the air – pumpkin spice lattes, colorful leaves and crisp mornings abound. It’s a welcome relief from the hot summer days. Though it seems several months away, spring break is just around the corner. After the festive holidays, cold grey days can seem endless and one will likely be craving a sunny destination. Volunteering with Global Dental Relief this March is a great Spring Break alternative for anyone looking to give back and travel the world.
... Read more »A New Volunteer Experience: Hello from our Small Adventure Clinics in Nepal!
Posted on September 17, 2018.
With a motivation to provide treatment to children in more remote locations, Global Dental Relief is now offering a one-of-a-kind experience for return volunteers! This September, GDR launched their very first Small Adventure Clinic and it was a huge success.
Read below to hear it first from GDR Co-Director, Laurie Mathews.
Dear Friends of GDR –
Yesterday GDR volunteers finished our first Small Adventure Clinic situated in the foothills high above Kathmandu in Nepal.
Come Join Us for Our Annual GDR Party!
Posted on September 11, 2018.
The leaves are changing and the nights are crisp – it’s hard to believe September is already here and fall is just around the corner!
September is always an eventful month for GDR, it is when our community comes together to celebrate healthy smiles around the world! Each year, GDR hosts an evening event and silent auction to raise support and awareness for our clinics overseas.
... Read more »Volunteer with Family!
Posted on August 31, 2018.
Global Dental Relief welcomes and works with volunteers from a wide range of careers and backgrounds. Beyond the dental field – lawyers, teachers, students and many other professionals join GDR teams across the globe, sharing the common purpose to improve the health of children.
Regardless of professional and educational background, studies show that volunteering with your family leads to a richer experience. Sharing the joy that comes from helping children live happier,
... Read more »A New Volunteer Experience: Join Us on a Small Adventure Clinic!
Posted on August 20, 2018.
Are you a return volunteer looking for a unique experience where you can serve others, but want more than just a week in a standard GDR clinic? We have the solution for you!
Starting this fall, Global Dental Relief is offering a very special volunteer experience – Small Adventure Clinics. A small group of intrepid volunteers is headed to Nepal this fall to take part in our first small adventure clinic.
... Read more »
