Hello Casa Family! My name is Marissa Salgado and I am so happy to be a part of the Casa Team as the new Kids Club Director. I joined the team in June and the last few months have been a blessing.

To share a bit about myself, I’m originally from southern California and moved to the East Coast for college, graduating from George Washington University with a degree in International Affairs with Public Health concentration. During this time I was heavily involved in volunteer reading programs at an elementary school, teaching health classes in DC high schools, and serving as a leader with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. After graduation, I worked with Peace Corps in Guatemala as a Maternal and Child Health Volunteer. My time living there was spent supporting health education efforts in rural health centers. I returned to the States this past March seeking opportunities to engage communities in a holistic way, and God’s wonderful plan brought me back to the East Coast to Casa Chirilagua!

Highlights from my time so far have been to celebrate the end of last school year (especially the inaugural Kids Club Olympics!), being part of building students’ confidence and love for learning at Summer Club, and my move into the Chirilagua neighborhood which I now call home! In the process of developing relationships with other staff, volunteers, parents and students, I’ve felt truly blessed by how welcoming this new family has been. I am so excited for the start of this next school year and for all the adventures and fun I’m sure Kids Club will bring. I look forward to being a part of this community and all that the Lord is doing!