KKIS Team

Team

Meet Our Board

Gayle Collins Founder

Gayle Collins

After 36 years as a public high school teacher in the U.S., Gayle retired to Playa del Carmen—but never from education. As the saying goes, once a teacher, always a teacher. Though she’s left the classroom, her passion for helping young people reach their full potential continues to shine through in everything she does.

Kelly Caldwell Chairman of the Board

Kelly Caldwell

Kelly spent 21 years working in the banking industry as a change manager responsible for large scale technology projects.

She moved to Mexico in 2011 and is passionately committed to making a real difference in the lives of young people here.

Suzanne Filsinger Treasurer

Suzanne Filsinger

Born in Mexico City and raised in the U.S., Suzanne brings a bicultural lens to everything she does. Her upbringing, deeply rooted in education, gives her a unique perspective on both the challenges and possibilities within the Mexican education system—insight she now channels into creating real impact with KKIS.

Ruben Barahona

Rubén Barahona

A native of Cozumel, Ruben has spent the past 26 years building a distinguished law practice in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, specializing in Notary, Corporate, Civil, and Real Estate Law. He currently serves as Public Notary Number 13 for the State of Quintana Roo.

Beyond his legal work, Ruben is deeply engaged in his community. He serves on the boards of COPARMEX Riviera Maya, the Red Cross in Playa del Carmen, and his alma mater, Riverside Military Academy in Georgia. His commitment to both professional excellence and civic leadership reflects the values he brings to the KKIS mission.

Jordan MacDonald Board Member

Jordan MacDonald

Jordan leads a dynamic team-building and event planning company in Mexico that creates unforgettable “give back” experiences benefiting KKIS-supported schools and students. From customizing and donating bikes to building picnic tables, painting classrooms, installing shade sails, and transforming school grounds—his events are as meaningful as they are memorable.

With every project, Jordan brings high energy, creativity, and a contagious optimism that inspires everyone involved. His work doesn’t just improve learning environments—it strengthens community, connection, and shared purpose.

Allan Lockhart

Allan Lockhart

As Co-owner of North American Standards Property Management, Allan brings to the KKIS Board a wealth of experience across multiple industries—and a long-standing commitment to the cause.

A KKIS sponsor since the very beginning, he’s also a dedicated member of the English Conversation Club and a key force behind several successful fundraising efforts.

Briar Loewen President & Board Member

Briar Loewen

As President of KKIS A.C., Briar has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s impact. She helped design both the high school and university scholarship programs, which have grown significantly under her guidance.

Over the years, she’s served as a Sponsor, Mentor, Advisor—and now, a dedicated Board Member.

Merry Hummel Board Member

Merry Hummel

Merry is a seasoned nonprofit leader with 35+ years of experience in education, healthcare, and human services. Based in Fort Collins, she’s known for building impactful programs and managing multimillion-dollar budgets.

As a consultant, she’s led initiatives in digital inclusion, behavioral health planning, and nonprofit transitions. She also helped launch Outreach Fort Collins and Larimer County’s first behavioral health grantmaking.

Merry now directs school-based health centers at two middle and high schools, providing integrated care to underserved youth through Every Child Pediatrics.

Meet Our Team

Suzanne Filsinger Treasurer

Sara Viviana Vázquez López

HIGH SCHOOL SERVICES COORDINATOR

As University Student Services Coordinator at KKIS Project, Sara brings a deep passion for social impact and a belief in building more equitable futures. With a foundation in Social Communication, she has consistently pursued roles where creativity and strategy come together to drive meaningful change.

She holds a degree in Industrial Design with a Creative Design emphasis from UANL, and has completed specialized programs in art and communication, including diplomas from the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey and FLACSO México. This multidisciplinary training enhances her ability to connect with students and design thoughtful, effective support systems.

Sara’s career includes leading communication strategies for major initiatives in early childhood, circular economy, art, culture, and water security. She has collaborated with organizations like the IDB, Save the Children, and Fundación Coppel—managing media, events, and stakeholder engagement across Latin America. At KKIS, she draws on this experience to empower students to overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.

Jordan MacDonald Board Member

Gina María García Pérez

UNIVERSITY STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR 

Gina’s path was clear from the start. Born and raised in Yucatán, she studied Psychology at the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, already deeply committed to helping others grow. Her passion? Supporting people in their journey of personal development and well-being—not as an ideal, but as a lived, everyday practice.

Over the years, she’s worked across all ages and settings—schools, communities, and counseling centers—always guided by the belief that everyone deserves the tools to thrive. Her love for languages and cultural understanding led her to live in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, where she gained a global lens on what it means to care and connect.

Today at KKIS, Gina brings that global experience and local heart to her role as Coordinadora de Servicios Estudiantiles. She’s on a mission to support university students as they navigate a world that asks more of them than ever. In her words, they need not only resources but real champions. And that’s who she’s determined to be.

Briar Loewen President & Board Member

Malú Martínez

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM MANAGER

Originally from Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Malú Martínez has lived in Playa del Carmen for the past decade. She holds a degree in Marketing and Media Communication and is currently completing a Master’s in Public Relations and Management Processes. As the first in her family to earn a degree, her journey is one of resilience and purpose.

Malú’s career bridges education, government, and media. She has served in leadership roles at UNID University, the Women’s Institute of Solidaridad, and the Municipal DIF System. Since 2016, she’s brought that experience to the KKIS Project, where she now serves as Scholarship Program Manager.

With nearly 14 years in media, Malú hosts MCV Noticias, produces cultural and social content, and runs the podcast Ya en Confianza con Malú. Her work consistently amplifies voices that matter, and her passion for communication, empathy, and education drives every effort she leads.

Allan Lockhart

Rick Toone

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

After 20 years in Los Angeles, he shifted coasts—and careers—driven by a deeper sense of purpose. Working on three innovative apps, he honed his skills in digital marketing, learning how to turn ideas into action through strategy, storytelling, and results that resonate.

Since joining KKIS, he has doubled annual revenue, doubled the number of students supported, and transformed the annual gala into a standout community event. Now serving as Director of Development, he’s building meaningful partnerships, growing revenue streams, and leading a dedicated marketing team committed to impact.

Why KKIS? He puts it best:
“Once you meet the students, your heart melts. When you realize just a few dollars stand between them and greatness—you can’t not get involved.”

Kelly Caldwell Chairman of the Board

Melina Molina

MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY MANAGER

Originally from Argentina, she shifted from Law to Systems Engineering before discovering her passion for Marketing. With a Digital Marketing Diploma from Universidad Blas Pascal and several certifications from platforms like Google and HubSpot, she brings years of experience across Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and the U.S.

Her expertise spans SEO, content strategy, email marketing, and automation—combining technical skills with a human-centered approach to drive growth.

As KKIS’s Marketing and Technology Manager, she channels that same passion into advancing our mission—ensuring our message is both impactful and deeply felt.

Suzanne Filsinger Treasurer

Miguel Valencia Dominguez

WEBSITE MANAGER

A charismatic web designer with over 7 years of experience, he specializes in crafting beautiful, high-performing websites for entrepreneurs and personal brands. His focus is on turning ideas into digital spaces that not only look great but deliver results.

He’s also the host of Fracasando con Éxito, a podcast where he interviews entrepreneurs about their stories, struggles, and lessons—reminding others that failure is often just the start of something better.

Kelly Caldwell Chairman of the Board

Daniela De La Torre

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Originally from Mexico City, she’s a teacher driven by service and a deep love of learning. Her time as a nanny and Au Pair in the U.S. shaped her approach—rooted in empathy, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

With experience in education, hospitality, and healthcare, she brings strong communication, emotional intelligence, and a talent for creating safe, structured spaces where students can grow. She also leads team-building and volunteer efforts with warmth and clarity.

Passionate about languages, she’s currently learning Italian—reflecting the quiet curiosity she fosters in her students. Whether teaching or coordinating, she leads with presence, purpose, and a belief in transformation through human connection.

Emmanuel Flores Marketing Specialist

Emmanuel Flores

COMMUNITY MANAGER

As KKIS’s Community Manager, he brings heart, international experience, and a gift for connection to every interaction. Based in the Riviera Maya, he builds relationships and expands KKIS’s local impact—making sure our mission reaches the right hands and hearts.

With a background in social media marketing across Argentina and LATAM, plus skills in photography, video, and PR, he turns ideas into action and community into lasting support. Whether behind the camera or out in the field, he makes our presence as powerful as our purpose.

Emmanuel Flores Marketing Specialist

Dayra Isabel Cano Vargas

ENGLISH INITIATIVE PROFESSOR

Dayra joined the KKIS team in November 2023 and currently teaches English to nine groups of high school and university students. Passionate about education, she is dedicated to creating safe, inspiring spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

For Dayra, working at KKIS has been deeply meaningful—a chance to witness not just academic progress, but the personal growth of each student. It’s a daily reminder of the power of education to open doors and transform lives.

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