Meet Our Leaders:

	Eileen Weisslinger Eileen will be leading Mir Pace's 2007/08 IHSM programs. To learn more about Eileen, click here.
	John Fortin currently works as an independent facility asset management consultant helping facility and utility owners with operations and maintenance best practice projects. John is from the Boston area and is now living in Cohasset, MA with his wife and two teenage daughters. He graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1986 with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. John's background is in the area of engineering and construction and he enjoys sharing his experience on local and community projects. Locally, he is a volunteer for the New England Water Environment Association, a not-for-profit technical and educational organization working toward the vision of preservation and enhancement of the local and national water environment. Community volunteer efforts include the Cohasset Swim Center, Sailing Club, community soccer program coaching and the construction of two school playground projects. In addition, John serves as a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Anthony's parish. He has co-lead our IHSM-Guatemala programs since 2005, and will join us again in 2007, along with his daughter, Samantha (an IHSM volunteer). Together, they are excited to be a part of this rewarding experience.
	Katie Grimes was a "leader in training" during our April 2004 mission in Tamahú, Guatemala. It was on this trip where she learned what it means to be a leader and how to accomplish the necessary goals in only one weeks time. According to Katie, "It's determination, organization, and keeping Mir Pace's mission in mind, at all times, that effectively helps the IHSM team work together to fulfill its goals." Katie will complete her IHSM leader training program in February of 2008. Her other volunteer works include the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) and the MS-Walk, both of which she has been actively participating in for over 7 years. Katie is currently working with Wellington Management Company in Boston, MA, and we look forward to having her co-lead our 2008 IHSM-Honduras program.
	Annette Quinn is currently pursuing her MA degree in Social Work at Simmons College. Prior to entering graduate school, she worked in the Human Services field supporting children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities in the school system and in residential settings. She received a BA degree in Human Services Management from UMASS Boston in 2003. Her volunteer experience includes being a pen pal through Roxbury MA's Promising Pals program, as well as participating in various homeless shelters and clothing drives. Annette developed a passion for learning about the negative effects of oppression while working with homeless patients at her internship. Her interest led her to volunteer during the 2007 trip to Guatemala, which she describes as the most rewarding experience of her life. When she graduates, she plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a social worker. She would also like to become involved in policy development and advocacy work for issues surrounding poverty and disabilities. She is looking forward to working with the IHSM team to provide relief efforts to Tanzania residents in 2007.
	Seth Ragosta is currently pursuing his law degree at the University of Virginia. Prior to returning to the University of Virginia, Seth worked as a paralegal for the law firm of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane on case preparation and research, undergraduate intern coordination, and marketing for the Harshbarger Governance Practice. Seth grew up near Syracuse, New York, and was a youth minister at his church for many years. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 2003 with a BA in History and Religious Studies. His social-awareness work while in college and pro bono participation in the Massachusetts Governor's Commission on Corrections Reform ignited the desire to advocate for those without a voice throughout the world. He co-lead our 2005 IHSM-Guatemala program, and looks forward to another productive and rewarding experience with Mir Pace's IHSM volunteers in 2008!