meet the mundo exchange team
Terry Meyers
Founder
Board Secretary – USA
Terry has worked in the field of bilingual early childhood education. She was a mentor for new bilingual teachers in Oakland Public Schools and volunteers as a photographer for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Terry Is bilingual in Spanish and English. Over the years she has become a well appreciated photographer of children’s issues. She loves animals, people and traveling to new places around the world.
Terry oversees and coordinates the development of Mundo Exchange and it’s projects from her home in Berkeley, Ca.
Evan Caster
Board Member – USA
Evan was raised by his Oregonian family to be a passionate traveler and student of unfamiliar cultures. Evan first connected with Mundo Exchange in 2010 and since then he has worked with Mundo as a volunteer, intern, and currently serves on the Board of Directors. He lives in Colorado Springs with his life partner Molly, son Sam, and enjoys spending every moment of free time outdoors adventuring. He believes strongly in the mission and values of Mundo Exchange exemplified by their ability to impact positive change at a local and community-based level in both Thailand and Guatemala.
Katherine Zechnich
Board Vice President – USA
Katie is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree at Stanford University, where she is studying International Anthropology and has a minor in Spanish. She is an avid human rights advocate, reaching out to the poorest of poor to ensure they have adequate care and resources. She has held a special interest in medicine for many years and is just on the brink of deciding which direction she would like to go.
Dalyn "BB" Simmons
Founder and International Co-Director
Board President – USA
Dalyn “BB” has worked and lived in many areas of the world, frequently in areas of conflict and economic depression. She now calls NE Thailand her home base.
She holds masters in Sociology and Education. Her professional experience includes teaching in the areas of education, international studies and the arts. She has served as an ombudsman for elders and the disabled, volunteered in the Middle East, Latin America, Asia and North America. Other work experiences include curriculum design, program design, teaching, project based education and many community development projects.
BB works primarily with Mundo Exchange in Thailand, overseeing project development and helping our volunteers have a successful experience. She is a bundle of energy, knows Thai culture in and out, and is a friend to everyone. She looks forward to sharing our NE Thailand friends and projects with you!
Joan Williams
Founder and International Co-Director
Board Treasurer – USA
Joan has lived and worked in Thailand, West Africa, Asia, Latin America, North America, and Europe. While spending years traveling and working as an international mountain climbing guide, Joan frequently observed the gross inequities that exist within communities around the globe. After leaving the world of climbing she immersed herself in causes that support social justice and cross-cultural understanding. Professionally she is a developmental and community psychologist. She carries an expertise in understanding the effects of interpersonal and community violence. Joan has spent several years in the Guatemala Highlands, working with local Mayan and Ladino constituents, and supporting community-based projects focused on improving education, health and social services. She also volunteers in Thailand.
Kayla Hughes
International Administrative Coordinator
Board Member – USA
Ever since graduating university with a degree in psychology, Kayla has pursued her passion of international travel. After spending a few weeks volunteering on an eco-friendly black pearl farm, she traveled to Thailand where she worked as a teacher for 3 years. It was in Buengkan that she discovered Mundo Exchange. Fueled by curiosity and passion to travel, and matched by her desire to help others, she is proud to be a part of our team and make a difference in the world.
Kayla is currently working with Mundo Exchange, coordinating volunteering services and guiding our technology activities.