Earth Train Staff

Mara Barria - Administrative Assistant

Mara graduated with a degree in Public Administration from the Universidad de Panamá. Before joining the Earth Train team, she worked for ANAM (Panama's National Environmental Authority) on forest and mangrove conservation and reforestation projects. As a project assistant with ANAM, she organized local and foreign volunteer groups to work in Panamanian communities. She currently works as Earth Train's primary administrative and accounting assistant.

Delia Cedeño - Financial Manager

Delia is a Panamanian Certified Public Accountant with over 18 years of experience running her own financial management company.

Zita Dias - Coordinator of Intern Services

Before starting work in Panama with Earth Train in 2001, Zita was a professional caregiver and physical therapist specializing in in-home geriatric care. Zita is a native of the Azores, Portugal.

Toniel Edman - Coordinator, Kuna Programs

Toniel manages Earth Train's collaboration with the Kuna General Congress, Kuna organizations, and educational programs.

Carlos Andres Gonzalez - Legal Administration

Carlos Andrés, a graduate of the University of Panama in environmental law, constitutes Earth Train's legal advice in Panama.

Nathan Gray - Co-Executive Director and Founder

Nathan has over 40 years of experience in the fields of international development and education. He is one of the founders of Oxfam America, the international assistance organization based in Boston, and is a pioneer in promoting socially-positive investment and emerging community development leadership in poor countries.

Susan Kopman - Earth Train Accountant and Bookkeeper

Susan is based in the United States.

Raul Mezúa - Coordinator, Emberá Programs

Raul was selected by the Chief of the Emberá, in 2006 to participate in a youth leader internship program with Earth Train. He was hired in 2007 to coordinate Earth Train activities with the Emberá.

Gabriel Salazar - Field Hand and Jungle Guide

Gabriel assists Earth Train on various maintenance projects at Centro Mamoní. He is also a knowledgeable guide and often escorts guests throughout the reserve to introduce them to the unique flora and fauna of the Mamoní Valley.

Lider Sucre - Co-Executive Director

Lider has been integrally involved in environmental activism in Panama for over a decade. After graduating with an MBA from Harvard University, Lider returned to Panama to work as the Executive Director of Panama's National Association for the Conservation of Nature (ANCON), the most renowned environmental NGO in Panama. He has also worked as Executive Director of the Museum of Biodiversity in Panama. He is a certified eco-tourism guide, a well-traveled backpacker, and a walking encyclopedia of information on Panamanian flora and fauna.

Elizabeth Valdéz de Toribio - Co-Manager, Centro Mamoní

Elizabeth has worked for Earth Train since 2007 in the maintenance and care of Earth Train's Jungle Home, Centro Mamoní, at the heart of the Mamoní Valley Preserve.

Leandro Toribio - Co-Manager, Centro Mamoní

Leandro has worked for Earth Train since 2001. He works together with his wife Elizabeth Valdéz to maintain and improve Earth Train's Jungle Home, Centro Mamoní, at the heart of the Mamoní Valley Preserve.

Rolando Toribio - Land Management and Community Relations

Rolando has worked with Earth Train in Panama since 2001. He completed three Earth Train internships in the United States.

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Mapping PDF

Learn about the Center for Biodiversity Research, the California Academy of Sciences and the important role tha each plays in helping Earth Train map the Mamoní Valley.

 Junglewood

Junglewood: The Danilo Perez Performing and Visual Arts Center in the Mamoní Valley Preserve.

 9˙80˙ Cover

Check out our press section and articles authored by Earth Train founder Nathan Gray