Guatemalan Leadership Team - The GODS CHILD Project

Our Guatemalan Leadership Team

Patrick Atkinson

Executive Director

Patrick Atkinson founded the Guatemalan charity, La Asociación Nuestros Ahijados, in 1991 – the same year he founded the United States-based GOD’S CHILD Project and The Atkinson Center. He is the founder of several Central American charities and, simultaneously yet separately, the executive director of Nuestros Ahijados, The GOD’S CHILD Project, and the Institute for Trafficked, Exploited & Missing Persons.

Patrick attended Minnesota State University – Moorhead where he earned a BA in Criminal Justice (pre-law emphasis) and a BSW in Social Work (chemical dependency counseling emphasis). While at MSUM, Patrick began to work with victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and homelessness. After graduation, he turned down several lucrative corporate job offers to work with runaways, prostitutes, and gang members in New York City.

In 1983, Patrick moved to Central America where he began an international career in war-zone reconciliation and post-war reconstruction, working directly in the conflicted areas of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, and affected regions in Mexico, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia.

He subsequently earned a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University (Denver, CO) with post-graduate studies at Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) and the University of Oxford (Oxford, England). He has written several award-winning books, including the international selling books, Message for My Child and The Powerful You!.

Patrick is a popular guest lecturer and expert court witness on issues related to human trafficking, international crime structures, street gang issues, and international nonprofit management. He has been knighted by the Knights of St. James, is the recipient of numerous human rights awards (including the Guatemalan Congressional Medal), and the subject of author Monica Hannan’s biography, The Dream Maker.

MIGUEL ANGEL ALVAREZ PAZ

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS

Miguel Angel Alvarez Paz joined the Asociación Nuestros Ahijados de Guatemala when he was 9 years old as a beneficiary of the Project’s school scholarships program. He graduated as an accountant with a specialization in computer science and has held several professional positions within the Project since then.

He is a graduate of University Mariano Galvez of Guatemala with a degree in Legal and Social Sciences, and has developed, led, and participated in several regional and international activities related to the protection of children and victims of violence.

Miguel Angel has just finished writing his first book, an autobiography about growing up in the streets of Guatemala and looks forward to seeing it internationally published in 2024. He enjoys playing soccer and traveling nationally and internationally.

He considers the protection of human rights for vulnerable and excluded populations to be his lifelong vocation.

David Candaele

Administrator – Casa jackson Hospital for malnourished children

David Candaele was born in Belgium and has lived and worked in various countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Canada, and Guatemala. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Management and International Business from ICHEC Brussels Management School.

David has a deep passion for traveling the world and immersing himself in new cultures, which has taken him to over 40 countries. His enthusiasm for cultural exchange led him to engage in various volunteer experiences, including managing groups of international volunteers on impactful projects. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, David’s multilingual abilities allow him to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and contribute meaningfully to global communities. His passion for service and leadership has brought him to Casa Jackson Hospital for Malnourished Children, where he serves as the administrator, starting in January 2025.

Robbie Middleton

INTERNATIONAL SPONSORSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP COORDINATOR

Robbie Middleton was born and raised in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. He studied Modern Languages at Newcastle University and earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at York St. John University, qualifying as a primary school teacher.

After finishing his degrees, Robbie worked as an Early Years Foundation Stage Primary School Teacher in London for four years before deciding to move to Guatemala. Robbie first volunteered at the Project’s Casa Jackson for Malnourished Children in 2009 and returned each year from 2012 through 2019 to continue working with children in the Project’s Dreamer Center School.

In 2019, GOD’S CHILD Project founder and executive director Patrick Atkinson asked Robbie to head up the Project’s International Sponsorship and Scholarship Program, a responsibility which Robbie continues to hold and at which he excels.

As director of the Project’s International Sponsorship and Scholarship Program, Robbie coordinates the academic support given to hundreds of children, works with national and international donors and groups to fund the work that ANA does, and directs the child and hospital crib sponsorship programs and donor communications.

An educator at heart, Robbie believes that education is the most important and effective way for children in Guatemala to improve their quality of life. He is proud to be a big part of the Nuestros Ahijados program efforts.

Carlos Andrés García Valle

Director of ServiceTeams and Volunteers

Carlos Andrés García Valle is the Director of ServiceTeams and Volunteers at Asociación Nuestros Ahijados / The GOD’S CHILD Project. He has more than 12 years of experience coordinating international volunteer groups, service trips, community outreach, logistics, donor engagement, sponsorship support, and social programs. His work focuses on creating well-organized, safe, and meaningful service experiences that connect volunteers, sponsors, and donors with the needs of children, families, and communities in Guatemala.

Julia López

ServiceTeams and Volunteers Specialist

Born in 1996, she is a translator and interpreter graduated from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala. She has worked in the language industry for more than 15 years, always maintaining close contact with volunteers and non-governmental organizations, providing professional and dedicated service. In addition, she works as a freelance wedding planner, coordinating and organizing events with attention to detail and excellent client service.

She currently lives in Antigua Guatemala and has known the project for as long as she can remember. Over the years, she has met many people involved in different programs and is now willing and excited to collaborate and contribute to the project’s mission.

Aroldo Garcia Cay

PHYSICAL PLANT DIRECTOR

Aroldo Garcia Cay has worked in Grounds Maintenance, Construction, and most recently, as Physical Plant Director with the Nuestros Ahijados program for 24 years. A participant in the Project’s academic scholarship program, he was able to finish his high school degree in Science and Literature at the Science and Development School of Guatemala.

He is currently responsible for the efficient and effective operations of the Project’s buildings, grounds, and gardens, as well as security. He also manages the purchasing processes and inventory controls for the construction materials used in the house-building efforts of the Project’s ServiceTeam Experience volunteer groups.

Aroldo has stood out as an exemplary team member for his vocation, commitment, responsibility and honesty, and he and his team make the Project’s physical plant, and particularly the main campus “The Dreamer Center”, a magical place where the dreams of our program participants and beneficiaries come true.

In his free time, Aroldo likes to watch and play soccer, spend time with his family, and participate in activities that support those with need in his home community.

Hector Hugo López Palencia

Purchasing and Supplies Coordinator

My name is Hector Hugo López Palencia

I graduated with an Industrial Baccalaureate and am an Expert in Electricity.

I connect with Asociación Nuestros Ahijados de Guatemala NGO, because I grew up here. ANA supported me while I was able to study and graduate and be the person I am.

I have been working at ANA for 20 years. Over the years, I have worked in different departments.

I currently hold the position of Head of Warehouses, Supplies and Purchasing.

I am a responsible, intelligent, capable person.