Meet Our Team

Executive Director

Hanna O’Connell

Hanna oversees Casa de Amistad’s programs and partnerships, guiding opportunities for cross-cultural learning and connection throughout the community.

President

Marcelo Buril

Originally from Recife, Brazil, Marcelo is a Realtor and musician who cares deeply about community. He leads Casa de Amistad's board of directors, supporting the organization’s mission and work.

Vice President

Chad Howe

As Board Member, Chad supports Casa de Amistad’s educational programs. He is Associate Professor of Hispanic Linguistics at UGA and active in community service.

Treasurer

Logan Williamson

Logan oversees Casa de Amistad’s finances. An Athens native and UGA graduate, he brings experience in economics, community service, and international engagement.

Member

Paul Duncan

As Board Member, Paul supports Casa de Amistad’s community initiatives. He is Associate Director of UGA’s LACSI and brings decades of experience in Latin America.

GED, Spanish & ESL Instructor

Sarah Cohen

As Instructor, Sarah teaches GED, Spanish, and ESL at Casa de Amistad. She brings international experience, Latin American heritage, and a passion for student success.

Instructor & Program Director

Caroline Scheneider

As Program Director, Caroline oversees Casa de Amistad’s Spanish and GED programs. She teaches Spanish, applies linguistic expertise, and supports students’ academic and personal growth.

ESL Instructor

Isabelle Leimkuhler

Isabelle teaches the online ESL Conversation Class at Casa de Amistad. A PhD student in Hispanic Linguistics at The Ohio State University, she brings teaching experience and a passion for language learning.

ESL Instructor

Anderson Smith

Anderson serves as one of our dedicated ESL Instructors at Casa de Amistad. An Ecology student at UGA with minors in Spanish and Bioethics, she brings great enthusiasm and a deep interest in language learning to her classes

ESL Instructor

Sofia Velasquez

Sofía is a bilingual educator with Colombian roots pursuing a Master of Social Work. She is passionate about supporting and empowering the community through Casa de Amistad.

Executive Support & Marketing Intern

Leticia Baquerizo

Leticia contributes to Casa de Amistad’s operations. A Peruvian MPA student, she brings professional experience and passion for community engagement.

Volunteer Liaison Intern

Ella Carver

Ella supports Casa de Amistad’s volunteers and programs. A UGA graduate student, she brings language experience, international exposure, and dedication to inclusive education.

Grant Writing & Fundraising Intern

Cooper Furman

Cooper Furman is a UGA graduate student in International Policy with a background in sustainability. He brings diverse professional experience and a long-standing commitment to our community as a former ESL volunteer.

ESL Program Support Intern

Tessa Cianfaglione

Tessa assists Casa de Amistad’s language programs. A UGA international affairs student, she brings Spanish skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to student success.

GED Program Support Intern

Iman Khan

Iman is a UGA senior majoring in International Affairs, Spanish, and Political Science. A dedicated researcher and advocate for human rights, she brings extensive experience in literacy mentoring.