JENNY MÉNDEZ
Jenny has worked at the mission since 2009. She serves as the Associate Campus Director for Education and Accounting, where she supervises the education staff and oversees the bookkeeping. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics for Secondary Education, Jenny serves as the head teacher of secondary education, working primarily with 7th-11th grade students. FSM students who continue their education beyond high school say that they wouldn’t have made it to university without Jenny’s influence to help them pass exams.
JAFETH NUÑEZ
Jafeth began working at the mission in 2013 as Recreation Director. He began teaching the preschool class, and continued to add more responsibility to his role until he became FSM’s Administrator in 2024. Jafeth works with government agencies, suppliers, service providers, and other local organizations. He also supervises the maintenance employees, security staff, and cleaning staff. Jafeth also loves arranging logistics, coordinating programs, and translating for short-term mission teams.
GIORDANO CORDERO
Giordano began working with FSM in 2021 as a Math tutor before joining the team full time as Math Teacher. He supports both elementary and high schoolers, working on an individual basis with each student to help them succeed. Students say he has a gift for making math concepts “click.” When he’s not teaching at the mission or tutoring university students from his home, Giordano likes to ride his bike, travel with his family, and play video games.
JOHAN SIRIAS
Johan joined the staff in 2022 as Director of the new English Institute. He has a Bachelor’s degree in teaching English to native Spanish speakers, and came to FSM with considerable teaching experience. He teaches several English classes of different levels each week to both children and adults, and also leads computer skills classes. For those living in Bajo Tejares to have the opportunity to learn English significantly improves their ability to secure good employment. Johan’s classes have allowed students of all ages to thrive!
LAURA MÉNDEZ
Laura worked for the mission as the primary teacher, overseeing the reading program for many years before taking some extended time off. Her degree is in elementary school education, and the mission was thrilled to welcome her back to as Preschool Teacher in 2023. Laura displays incredible patience and love for the children who come to the mission. She also helps to coordinate and plan programs with the short-team mission teams.
CARLOS BARRERA
Carlos joined the team in 2023 as the Recreation Supervisor. Before he worked at the mission, Carlos and his siblings were students at the mission! He grew up in Bajo Tejares and has been part of the education program and ministries for most of his life. Carlos has a great connection with both the children and youth who come to the mission.
PASTOR PONCHO
Poncho and his wife Giselle joined FSM in 2019. They and their three young adult sons, Axel, Kendall, and Dylan, had been serving with La Viña Palmares when they answered the call to plant La Viña San Ramón. Having previously worked in a textile factory, Poncho leads the church with hard work and dedication. This, combined with discipleship and love for the community have been an integral part of advancing the mission and vision of FSM.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
Ronald Cruz - Security Supervisor
Steven Álvarez - Security Guard
Dirimo Vargas - Security Guard
Dario Acuña - Security Guard
Pabel Rojas - Maintenance & Groundskeeper
Samadith Alvarado - Custodian
FSM also could not run without our seasonal employees, including cooks, translators, construction workers, and contracted leaders of the sewing program, baking classes, and more.