The Team Behind HUGS
Janni Martin, RN. BS. Mdiv
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Janni has been working in Guatemala since 2006. She is a retired RN with 47 years of experience including pediatrics, adults, and hospice. She has also earned a BS in Biblical Studies from Toccoa Falls College and a Master of Divinity from Emory University. Janni divides her time between the U.S and Panajachel, Guatemala.
In 2018 Janni discovered a street vendor child whose parents could not afford to keep him in school. Shortly thereafter, Janni met two more child street vendors whose single parents also could not afford school supplies so she provided them. Word spread and soon a preschool teacher contacted her about 8 children who needed uniforms and workbooks. From a single act of compassion, followed by a vision for more, HUGS (Help Us Go to School) was born in 2019 and quickly began to grow.
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Yasmin Socon
SOCIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR
Yasmin Lisbeth Lilieanna Socon Joj graduated from the Pan-American University in Solola with a degree in Social Work. Her primary personal goal is to have a positive impact on her community by working with the HUGS team. Her desire is to provide support and follow up to the students and to provide resources so they can continue their education and achieve their dreams.
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Irma Julajuj
SOCIAL CARE COORDINATOR
Irma holds a BA in Social Work with nine years of experience supporting vulnerable families, especially women. She is certified in conflict resolution, reproductive health, youth leadership, and family violence intervention. As the founder of Atlas Guatemala, she helps children improve in school. At HUGS, she empowers mothers and advocates for women and children, breaking the cycle of poverty through education.
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Esmeralda Villalobos
OFFICE MANAGER
Esmeralda holds a Bachelor of Science and is studying Environmental Engineering. Fluent in Spanish and English, she also speaks some German and Kaqchikel. Born and raised in Panajachel, she loves connecting with HUGS families, especially the children. She manages the HUGS office with care, striving to make it a welcoming space while helping break the cycle of poverty through education and support.
HUGS Board Members
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Lisa Nesbit
VOL. FINANCIAL COORDINATOR
Lisa spent 35 years in the corporate world working in Accounting, Supply Chain Management, Lean Manufacturing and Project Management. She now works part-time as the Treasurer at her home church and does all of the HUGS bookkeeping on the side. In 2023, Lisa traveled to Guatemala to learn more about HUGS.
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Rev. Dr. Rob Bruce
BOARD MEMBER
Rob Bruce is a second-career pastor entering the ministry after 33 years in the corporate world. Rob is an Atlanta native and a graduate from Peachtree High School, Georgia State and Emory University Candler school of Theology. Rob has participated in three HUGS vision trips to Guatemala.
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Rev. Kathy Lamon
BOARD MEMBER
Kathy Lamon is an elder in the United Methodist Church who has been in ministry for over 20 years. Prior to her time in ministry she was the Senior Vice President of federal banking compliance audit software for American Banking Systems. Kathy has participated in two medical mission trips to Guatemala and a HUGS vision trip.
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Kinsey Phillips, DVM
BOARD MEMBER
Kinsey Phillips graduated from UGA with a degree in veterinary medicine. He is semi-retired but continues to work at Commerce Veterinary Clinic. Kinsey has participated in multiple medical mission trips to Guatemala and a HUGS vision trip.