Board of Directors
Cassie Hancock de AfaneFounder and CEO of Materna Foundation.
Hancock researched, developed, and implemented the first Materna program in 2021 during her time as a Pre-PA Student at ASU. She has grown the Foundation since then to four programs, partnered with healthcare resources in more than 90 communities, and served more than 5,000 women in her efforts. She is currently a second-year student in the Masters of Physician Assistant Program at Franklin Pierce University and continues to manage the operations of Materna Foundation. |
Andrea JungeJunge has been a businesswoman for more than 25 years, working with minorities and underserved populations to develop successful professional relationships and economic opportunities. She is a member of multiple women's organizations and nonprofit boards. She works daily to advocate for the women Materna serves within her networks in Phoenix, AZ and in her home country - Mexico.
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Dr. Angela Lober, PhDDr. Lober is a community advocate, academic, and writer. She has been a registered nurse since 2001 and an International Board Certified Lactation consultant since 2005. She is a clinical research director at Banner University Medical Center - Phoenix where she supports nurse researchers. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor and Director of the Academy of Lactation Programs at the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University. She actively monitors Materna Programs to ensure best practice and research-based evidence are at the forefront of our outreach.
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VaDawn KelleyKelley has led a life dedicated to service and family. She is an incredible advocate for public health and self-reliance. Her experience residing for three years in Central America has inspired in her a fierce dedication to helping those that live in extreme poverty. She is an important ally in religious and secular spaces in each of the countries where Materna Foundation currently serves.
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Executive Team Members
Abigail JaglowskiAbigail directs the Research and Program Analysis sector of the Materna Foundation. She leads the efforts to test and ensure the efficiency and efficacy of the various Materna programs which includes gathering, analyzing and presenting the data received from relevant populations. Abigail is also a member of the Administrative board and assists in various tasks. She is a native of Pocatello, Idaho and a Brigham Young University graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Family Life: Human Development. As a student, she worked as a project manager for The Festivals Project, a study on race and class disparities in America. Abigail is dedicated to growing with and beside the Materna Foundation as they continue to empower women and communities throughout the world.
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Elliani DeckerElliani is the Director of Advocacy at Materna Foundation. She oversees the search for funding opportunities and writes grants for the different Materna pillars. Elliani also facilitates the volunteer and internship opportunities for the U.S. volunteers. Besides working with grants and volunteers, she works closely on the administrative side of Materna. Elliani has had the opportunity to live in and visit Central America several times. She is currently a student in Southern Utah University’s Master of Public Administration program and works for the university as a Research Administrator.
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Local Community Partners
Paola DominguezPaola is the Co-Director of Materna Programs in Honduras. She oversees Materna Kit deliveries in different communities throughout Northern Honduras to support mothers and infants in need. She also mentors mothers in our Better Opportunities program and students who are on scholarship with the foundation. Her background is in Clinic Management; she owns multiple naturopathic clinics in the area which allows for local families to reach out to her easily when they are in need. She cares deeply about the families we serve and the Materna mission!
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Adriana TadeoBeatriz Adriana Tadeo Campos serves as the Director of Materna Programs in El Salvador. Adriana created the tutor center in El Salvador, where she gathers elementary students to her house weekly to help them with homework and educational needs. She developed and leads our monthly “Yes She Can” classes for teenage girls, providing valuable education and empowerment. She manages our emergency relief outreach in El Salvador, serving as a case manager to ensure timely and effective support for those in need. Her degree in bachelor’s communications and personal experience make her a valuable asset to our team.
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Florentina CastroFlorentina is a social worker in Solola, Guatemala and the Director of Materna Programs in Guatemala. She oversees Materna Kit Deliveries throughout the department of Solola, specifically focusing on underserved indigenous communities. She also oversees Emergency Relief needs in her area and has allowed for Materna to maintain good relationships with the local health centers. She has a passion for providing children of single mothers and children that have been abandoned with the opportunity to study and thrive through our Emergency Relief programs.
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Melissa PagoadaMelissa is the Co-Director of Materna Programs in Honduras. She specifically focuses on the Emergency Relief Program and outreach to rural communities. She actively mentors our families that receive emergency sponsorship as they work through our Self-Reliance courses. She is a student herself and loves to help others learn how to gain an education, find job opportunities, and develop important skills that will lift them out of poverty!
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