Meet the JE Team
Kendall Blackwood
Co-Founder of Jardín de Esperanza
CEO (Executive Director)
Kendall Blackwood graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor's degree in Early Education and a Master's degree in Counseling & Psychology from Trinity International University . She currently lives in the Dominican Republic, helping run the ministry, but also travels back and forth to fundraise and promote the ministry's mission. In her free time, she loves to play with her bulldog "Luna", garden, and bless others with baked goods, opening up the opportunity for quality time and relationship-building in the community.
Yosmery Parra
Co-Founder of Jardín de Esperanza
Director of Operations in the Dominican Republic
Yosmery Parra graduated from Dominican University O&M with a degree in Early Education and is a certified massage therapist. She supervises, facilitates, and/or leads courses, workshops, and Bible studies provided at the ministry site, along with supervising staff. Yosmery also communicates and collaborates with church leaders in the community. During her free time, she teaches Bible class at her church, likes to bless others by her cooking, and is currently writing a book about her life story so she can utilize it to impact the lives of other women in her culture.
Jairo José Gomez
Assistant Director of Operations
Director of Construction
Jairo graduated from Dominican University O&M with a degree in Secondary Education (Social Studies). He has been involved with JE from the beginning, driven by his desire to see positive change in the neighborhood of El Samán. A passionate advocate for his community, Jairo supports communication with political leaders throughout the Puerto Plata area. In addition to assisting Yosmery in day-to-day operations at the ministry site, he serves as head of construction. In his free time, Jairo enjoys spending time with his children and playing baseball.
Renise Croachy
Program Coordinator
Translator
Renise Croachy, known as Nena, graduated from Liceo Nocturno Montellano. She received her certification in pharmaceuticals and nursing from Escatedom Escuela, a technical school in Puerto Plata. Nena assists in planning and coordinating each course and activity at the ministry site, along with communicating with the ladies who are part of JE. She does an amazing job at building relationships/trust and translating for those whose native language is Haitian Creole. In her free time, Nena volunteers at her church, mentors teenage girls in her neighborhood, and spends time with her two little ones.
Nerline Blanc
Assistant to Program Coordinator
Child Care Assistant
Nerline Blanc, known as Nelly, oversees childcare at Jardín de Esperanza. Her calm presence and love for God shine through as she cares for our little ones. A resident of El Saman, she positively influences the women in her community and actively encourages their involvement. Nelly graduated from Siloe de Desgranges and has since earned several certifications in culinary arts, massage therapy, computer skills, and entrepreneurship, as well as attending various craft and beauty workshops. Thanks to her eagerness to learn and participate in our classes, we hope to see her leading future workshops.