Board of Directors
Janet Michel
Founder and President
Janet has worked in the non-profit sector since 2000 with various organizations, focused on bringing hope into Latin America. Her professional background, prior to 2000, has been in administration and sales.
Julio Valencia
Board Member
Julio Valencia is from San Salvador, El Salvador. He is married and has two children. His bilingual skills, administrative background, spiritual guidance, and cultural perspective has contributed to the growth of Bridges of Hope in El Salvador since 2011. Julio holds an earned degree in Electrical Engineering. He is the founder and Pastor of Iglesia Comunidad Cristiana Soyapango of Assemblies of God. In 2017, he was elected as Executive Director of Liceos Cristianos Rev. Juan Bueno. The Christian school network is comprised of 37 schools throughout El Salvador with an enrollment of approximately 14,000 students and 800 professionals on the staff.
Heather Bottorff
Board Member
Heather Bottorff has been involved as a volunteer with Bridges of Hope for several years, participating in fundraising initiatives and on international trips. Heather holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Therapy. She is the Managing Broker for DOC Real Estate, Inc. in Greenwood, IN. She is involved as a lay leader in her local church, sings in the choir, and has three children.
Ed Kilroy
Board Member
Ed began serving with Bridges of Hope International in 2014 on a humanitarian team. He holds a B.S. degree in Journalism from Ball State University. Ed serves in children’s and homeless ministry at Bridgeway Community Church, Indianapolis, Indiana. Ed, his wife, and three children have a passion for serving others.
Joe Lee
Board Member
Joe graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Biology and a M.S. in Information Systems. He currently owns and manages an after-school math and reading center in Fishers, Indiana, providing academic support to about 200 students. He and his family attend Grace Church in Noblesville. Joe joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and has traveled on mission trips to El Salvador and Colombia. He participates in short-term missions and other missional opportunities.
Bridges of Hope Staff
Dana Heiniger
Administration
Dana began serving with Bridges of Hope in 2007 as the Administrator of the organization. She has a B.A. degree from Taylor University. Dana serves in children’s ministries at Grace Church, Fishers campus.
Technology Team
Teegan Heiniger
Teegan is currently a plumbing and HVAC Project Manager at R.T. Moore. He enjoys being outside in God’s creation whether that be climbing, fishing, camping, or playing sports. Teegan serves in Production Arts at Grace Church Fishers running sound and playing the bass guitar. He has also served with Bridges of Hope in Guatemala, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
Claire Killion
Claire enjoys running, baking, and spending time with her friends and family. She has also served on several mission trips with Bridges of Hope in Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic.
International Leadership Team
Efren Senior Locarno Florez
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR COLOMBIA
Tamara Quintanilla
International Leadership Team El Salvador
Tamara Quintanilla graduated from Universidad de El Salvador with a Bachelor’s Degree in foreign affairs. She also has a Master’s Degree in project management from Universidad Nebrija, Spain. Tamara has professional experience in International Cooperation, both public and NGO, and has always been involved in community development through a variety of community projects aimed at improving peoples’ lives. Her goal is to be a positive influence in all of her personal and professional actions.
Nanci Raquel Cruz
International Leadership Team Guatemala
Nanci Cruz is from Guatemala City, Guatemala, and began serving with Bridges of Hope International as a translator in approximately 2013. Nanci is a part of our International Advisory Council. She has been married for 12 years and has two children. Nanci is the local representative for Bridges of Hope in Guatemala. Her responsibilities include communicating with our local partners, researching potential new partnerships, and providing logistical support. She studied for five years at the University of San Carlos Guatemala as a professional translator and interpreter. She chose her career in order to help others communicate effectively cross-culturally. Nanci says: “God is a big part of my life because without Him, I couldn’t be the person that I am now.” Her favorite hobby is rock climbing, because “I feel free when I do it.”
Medical and Vision Advisory Council