¨A safe and welcoming health care environment where women are served by women.¨
HANNAH FREIWALD
Asociación Manos Abiertas Director
Hannah has over 20 years experience in midwifery and has attended over 2,000 births in Guatemala. Born in Germany, Hannah moved to Guatemala
in 1,988 and has four children. Hannah trained as a Professional Midwife at Maternidad La Luz in El Paso, Texas, a border town between the US and Mexico. There, she discovered her interest in working with marginalised communities
at risk. Prior to the opening of AMA, Hannah co-owned Ixmucane, a birth centre in Antigua. In addition to delivering babies, the clinic provided continuing education to traditional midwives. At AMA, Hannah strives to deliver high
quality care accessible to all women without discrimination.
OUR STAFF
Maria Bocel
Professional Services Provider
Mari started working with AMA helping with the cleanup, but soon began to support taking histories and giving family planning counseling. With the help of Manos Abiertas
she finished school and has now finished her nursing studies. She hopes to reach university level. She is currently our assistant director.
Diana Samayoa
Project Manager
Diana manages and coordinates projects with Manos Abiertas including the internship program. She also supports clinic services once a week and in emergencies. Diana has great passion
and experience in sexual and reproductive health, maternity and breastfeeding.
Astrid Torres
Administrative Area
Astrid Torres began working at AMA in January 2017 as a volunteer, helping with database management. She works for another institution which allows her to volunteer her time
and expertise with AMA. Currently, she supports and manages the administrative area.
Evelyn Chicol
Cleaning Area
Evelyn helps with general cleaning duties at the clinic so she can finance her studies.
Sandra Acajabón
Pediatrician and Pediatric Homeopath
Dr.
Acajabón is responsible for providing pediatric visits two mornings a week at the clinic. At each visit Dr. Acajabón educates parents about the health and welfare of their children, as well as consultations for
for parents of children with health problems.
Carmen Ordoñez
Conferences and Talks Coordinator
For seven years, Carmen worked with ALAS, a local reproductive health NGO, performing the "rapid test" (VIA) for cervical cancer screening. With ALAS Carmen
learned risk factors, prevention and timely treatment of cervical cancer, which is one of the leading causes of death in Guatemalan women. Carmen experienced violence in her marriage and after divorcing decided
to get an education and live her own life. At AMA, Carmen is responsible for seminars and lectures on sexual and reproductive health.