About Us

President

Ann has been involved with AJC Children’s Foundation since she moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2013. A long time resident of Cincinnati, Ann worked as a banker and a software sales representative for such companies as IBM, BMC and Computer Associate. After retirement, Ann was President of the Ovarian Cancer Group of Greater Cincinnati. She also taught yoga to cancer patients for the last ten years. Ann lives in Fort Lauderdale with her dog, Bacci.

Executive Director and Project Coordinator

Cristina is a native of Uruguay who found her passion with the children of Honduras at AHLE. Cristina has many years of experience working in the hospitality business, from charter yachts to safari lodges, and later as a yacht manager based out of Fort Lauderdale. Cristina is grateful to have had a very interesting life and feels that now is the time to give back. She feels blessed for having the opportunity to be part of AJC Children's Foundation, and to make a positive change in these children's lives.

Sponsorship Director

Suzanne's love of children and interest in healing guided her to obtaining a bachelors of science degree in nursing, and her focus has been in the pediatric/neonatal field ever since. An artist and lover of nature, she has traveled the world and enjoys providing the opportunity to children to experience and express their creative spirit. This led her to volunteer to do an art project with the children in Honduras in 2012 when she made her first visit to her sponsored children. This experience is when she became “hooked" and committed to the foundation. Suzanne believes that Child Sponsorship is a valuable part of the foundation. "I see a transition in these children over time, knowing that someone out there cares enough to be their sponsor helps their self-esteem grow".  Suzanne believes that compassion, love, and encouragement can change a child's life forever.

Director of Higher Education Program

Ryan’s love for philanthropy and charity work goes back to his high school days in Ohio. He has done volunteer work in Haiti, the Appalachian Mountains and locally, in south Florida, where he currently resides with his 3 Jack Russells. Ryan has been in the healthcare field for over 20 years working in business development and marketing.  His passion for helping others transitioned into his work life where everyday he represents patients as their advocate. Ryan feels fortunate to be able to share his time with a foundation that has brought much joy and healing to his own life as well as so many children.  Ryan finds being at AHLE to be magical. Many of these children have endured so much neglect and abuse at a very young age and to see them persevere, succeed, and grow is very special.  It gives him so much hope that with a little empathy and financial support for education, the kids at AHLE feel that they matter.