Katy is a global humanitarian at heart. She began volunteering overseas as a teenager and hasn’t looked back. She joined the GDR family in 2012 and enjoys trip leading, especially in her second home of Guatemala.
Katy loves Zumba, spending time with her family, and exploring beautiful Colorado.
In undergrad, I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador for six months. I stayed with the most wonderful Ecuadorian host family who helped me polish my Spanish, introduced me to the flavors of Ecuador and provided the best cultural immersion possible.
I explored the Galapagos Islands, Pacific beaches, and the Amazon. I climbed active volcanoes and visited a local Shaiman. I watched the national soccer team play their rival and celebrated Mardi Gras; Dia de Los Muertos; and Christmas the local way.
Ecuador planted a seed in me; since then I have traveled internationally every year and lived abroad for two.
I hear time and time again that volunteers feel they have received more than they have given.
The cutest five-year-old cowboy in Guatemala with his sombrero and boots hopping into the intake chair with the biggest smile. A Kenya teenager who loved taking selfies with the volunteers. Excited kids in Nepal carefully picking out a sticker and scarf after receiving treatment.
All these children steal our volunteers’ hearts and make them want to volunteer again. It is truly better to give than to receive.
I’ve been to all of our country locations except for India. My favorite by far is Guatemala, because it is my second home. I lived there for two years and love the people, culture, and landscape.
Since I speak Spanish, I can easily communicate with the children we serve, their families and teachers, friendly faces in the market and people everywhere we go. It’s an easy, short flight from the United States; no jet lag or long connections. It’s the perfect place to start volunteering with Global Dental Relief.
Global Dental Relief is committed to returning to the same communities and schools year after year. We have established strong partnerships with local NGOs and municipalities ensuring that we serve the children who are most in need.
The communities where we work trust us and welcome us back with smiles and hugs at every clinic. We are improving the oral health of generations to come.
As a small non-profit, people are central to everything we do: the children we treat, our local partners, our dedicated volunteers and our generous donors.
Every year we improve the oral health of thousands of under-served children overseas and touch the hearts of hundreds of volunteers. Most are from the United States and have no concept of what living in a developing country is like. They return home being more mindful and grateful and find ways to continue improving their world. Many return for another Global Dental Relief adventure.