Maria Fatima “Girlie” Garcia-Lorenzo, MA CCLS
Executive Director
The co-founder of Kythe Inc. and a certified Child Life Specialist by the Child Life Council, Ate Girlie completed her Child Life internships at the University of California San Francisco Hospital. She is a professional Child and Family Psychologist and holds experience in Human Resources, Organizational Diagnosis and Counseling, and conducts training seminars and research studies on Team Building, Leadership Training and Strategic Planning. She finished her graduate studies on Child and Family Psychology at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Angelita Sievert-Fernandez, Ph.D.
Kythe Child Life Program Manager
Dr. Angie is a Certified Specialist in Counseling and Developmental Pyschology, and is currently a Psychologist for the Pain Management and Wellness Center of the Manila Doctors Hospital. She was an Observer in the Psychological Medicine Department and the Pain Clinic of the Children’s Hospital in Westmead, Sydney, Australia, in 2009. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of San Carlos, her Masters in Family Life and Child Development at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at De La Salle University, where she has also been a Lecturer; as of present, she is working toward a Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills from the Play Therapy International and Academy of Play in Child Psychotherapy in the UK, held in Hong Kong in 2010 and 2011. She is a speaker and facilitator for several workshops and seminars pertaining to child development, education, therapeutic interventions for children, and addressing the psycho-social needs of pediatric patients.
Nina Nerissa Sumpaico-Jose, MA
Kythe Child Life Program Deputy Manager
Ate Ninin has built her experience in Kythe as former Child Life Coordinator in the Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City and as the President of Kythe Inc.’s student arm, Kythe-Ateneo. She graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and completed her Masters in Family Life and Child Development at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Juliet Marleen Reyes, RSW
Philippine Heart Center
Child Life Officer (Metro Manila Hospitals)
Ate Juliet has been a seasoned Medical Social Worker, having gained experience from the Philippine General Hospital and the University of Santo Tomas Hospital. She has spent almost ten years in Kythe. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Saint Louis University and a Certificate of Preschool Education from the Philippine Normal University, and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Centro Escolar University.
Shalom Rea V. Bernales
Perpetual Succour Hospital – Cebu Cancer Institute
Child Life Officer (Visayas and Mindanao Hospitals)
Prior to her involvement in the Cebu Cancer Institute, Ate Shao worked in Telecare Global Solutions, Inc. as Customer Representative, and the Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center in the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center Compound as Registry Assistant and Program Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Biology units from the University of San Carlos.
Christine O. Liclican, RSW
University of Santo Tomas Hospital
Kythe Child Life Social Worker
Ate Tin earned her Social Work Licensure in 2008 and is affiliated with the Philippine Association of Social Workers. She is a holder of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Work from from St. Joseph’s College and and the University of Luzon, and has facilitated and organized trainings and seminars for Capacity-Building on Advocacy and Legislation, Organizational Development for Youth Leaders, and Resource Mobilization, Networking and Partnership, among others.
Marissa Joyce Wong
Partner Relations Manager
Ate Mars has done work as a Tours and Visits Specialist at Compassion International Philippines, and other institutions such as Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Bahaginan and Commission on Information and Communications Technology. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from De La Salle University, and also holds units from a Bachelor of Music major in Music Education from the University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Karen Rose D. Rivera, RN
Volunteer Care and Hospital Relations Manager
Ate Kai’s background in marketing, banking and healthcare extends to work experience in Banco de Oro Unibank, Caritas Manila, Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Asian Social Institute, as well as training from the Philippine Red Cross and St. Vincent Hospital, Marikina City. She finished a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, where she has also gained Masters of Business Administration units, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from World Citi Colleges.
Ma. Victoria Balbido-Aguilar
Finance and Administrative Officer
Ate Bec holds 18 years of experience in treasury and accounting for the pharmaceutical, trading and land development industries. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.
Alyssa Ann C. Alcid, RSW
National Children’s Hospital
Ate Alai passed the Social Work Board Examination in 2009 and holds work experience as a Medical Social Worker at the Philippine Orthopedic Center and at Sta. Teresita General Hospital. She graduated from Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and did her training at Our Lady of Sorrows Outreach Foundation, Inc., the Department of Social Welfare and Development District IV, the Manila Youth Reception Center and Manila Boys Town Complex.
April Anne Mangurnong, RND
Tarlac Provincial Hospital
A registered nutritionist-dietitian, Ate April’s work experience includes lunch counter management at the Manila High School, caregiving, and standing as Medical Representative for AREX Health Corporation. She has done training in Food Services Administration for Max’s and participated in Community Nutrition Practicum held by the Manila City Health Department. She graduated from the Philippine Normal University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics.
Benie Rosemary T. Opay, RSW
Philippine Orthopedic Center
Ate Benie earned her Social Work licensure in 2008, and holds additional work experience in Sales at Stream Global Services. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Leyte Normal University and completed her training in Regional Haven in Pawing Palo and Cabaohan, Pastrana, Leyte, as a Field Intern and Community Organizer.
Larissa D. Ramos
Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Ate Chay’s non-government organization experience includes involvement at Save the Children International and Australian Aid. She graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and trained at the Philippine National Red Cross.
Danilo A. Macalagay, Jr., RSW
Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Kuya Dan placed 9th in the 2011 Social Work Licensure Examination and holds Career Service Eligibility on the Subprofessional level. He graduated from the Universidad de Manila with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, where he also stood as a Part-time Lecturer and Secretary General of the Social Work Alumni Association. He has work experience in community organization in Trinity University of Asia, as a Scholar’s Career Guidance Facilitator in the Kaibigan Ermita Outreach Foundation, and as a Family Access Card Evaluator at the Department of Social Welfare and Development NCR Office.
Christopher James Mabuyo
Cebu Cancer Institute
Kuya James has worked with the Dychangco Group of Companies – as a Human Resources Staff member, and graduated from the University of San Carlos – Technological Center with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a distinction for Best Thesis. He completed his internships at the University of Southern Philippines in the Elementary Guidance Office and at Aegis People Support in the Information and Records Management department.
Mitzell Veron G. Trinidad, RN
Quirino Memorial Medical Center
Ate Mitzell graduated from Our Lady of Fatima University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and is duly affiliated with the Philippine Nurses Association and VSO Bahaginan. She has been a Youth Volunteer with VSO Bahaginan in cooperation with International Citizen Service and UK Aid, and attended trainings with the Bulacan Medical Center, the Philippine National Red Cross and the Philippine Heart Center.
Shiena Procullos
Southern Philippines Medical Center
Ate Shay graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brokenshire College, and completed training there at the Guidance and Counseling Office, as well as practicum in the Human Resource Training Department at AJMR Holding Company, and in the Davao Mental Hospital, Davao Medical Center and New Day Recovery Center.
Kristine A. Velasco, RN
Bicol Medical Center
As a graduate of Immaculate Conception College-Albay with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a passer of the Nursing Licensure Examination in 2009, Ate Chin had her training as a Child Life Coordinator in Bicol Medical Center and additional training at Universidad de Sta. Isabel, where she also earned units in Guidance and Counseling.
