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Transitions welcomes the arrival of two new energetic team members to Guatemala in order to continue empowering citizens with disabilities. Josie Silverman plans to utilize her experience as the Development Director and Andy Garberson looks to expand the organization’s international presence as the Director of Communications. Both have adapted quickly to their new surroundings and have hit the ground running.
Josie is from Salem, Oregon and attended the University of Washington in Seattle. She graduated with degrees in philosophy and medical history and ethics. She served as a Special Projects Coordinator for two years at a nonprofit clinic before pursuing a Master’s degree in public health from Columbia University in New York. During her graduate studies, she taught adult health literacy with Community Impact, worked with grants and public policy at Komen Foundation, interned with UNAIDS, and expanded the development initiative at Global Health Corps. In addition to her impressive resume, Josie has studied Ayurvedic medicine in India, lived in Thailand, and extensively traveled Latin American.
Andy grew up in Cedar Rapids and studied international business at the University of Iowa. He started and managed an online advertising corporation while in school, but it was the summer in Italy that truly impacted his collegiate career. Andy temporarily satisfied his urge to explore during a year of university English instruction in China then returned to the States to work for a small communications firm. Andy grew restless in Iowa and was immediately attracted to Transitions when he saw the opening.
“We are excited to learn from those who created the organization and support their visions for the future,” said Josie. “Everyone has been welcoming and supportive. They bring heart and personal experience that is essential for the mission. We‘re excited by the opportunity to contribute.”
