Staff

Karen Clark, Chief Operating Officer

Karen Clark is originally from Pleasantville, New York. She attended Georgia Tech in Atlanta, where she met her husband Ken. She graduated with an electrical engineering degree and moved to Washington DC where she worked for the NASA Communications Division at Goddard Space Flight Center. For the next seven years, Karen worked in data networking equipment and network communications.

The Clarks have two daughters and moved to Jupiter in 1997. Karen started off as an El Sol volunteer at the Employer Desk and the Kitchen in 2008. Karen is responsible for bookkeeping, payroll, budget management, facilities management, and any new projects that need assistance. “Every day is different. You can never predict what is coming next, and you are always surprised. That is what I love about my job,” said Karen.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4201

karen@friendsofelsol.org

Georgia Anderson, Chief Development and Communications Officer

Born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Georgia moved to South Florida in 2003. Georgia’s first job was Development Manager at Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, before beginning what would be a 15-year long career with local non-profit organizations. Since leaving Adopt-A-Family in 2009, Georgia has held development leadership roles with YMCA of South Palm Beach County and Urban Youth Impact.

Georgia has been involved in the community through her membership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and she currently serves on Healthier Jupiter Marketing Committee.
As our CDCO, Georgia is responsible for grant writing, fundraising and communications efforts at El Sol. Georgia in her spare time enjoys traveling.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4212

georgia@friendsofelsol.org

Wilberto Luna, Labor Coordinator

Originally from Boston, Wilberto Luna moved to El Salvador when he was 7-years-old. At 12, he moved to Georgia, where he grew up. Wilberto went to Kennesaw State University in Georgia and later transferred to Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Wilberto worked for Soriano Professional Services in Boston where he helped the Hispanic community in Chelsea, Mass., with income taxes and immigration papers. Wilberto started working in June 2007 for Catholic Charities at El Sol. In January 2008 Wilberto stayed on to work with El Sol as labor coordinator assistant.

Now El Sol’s labor coordinator, Wilberto is responsible for the operation of El Sol’s day-labor center. He oversees the fair and proper placement of workers with employers.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4100

wilberto@friendsofelsol.org

Betzy Rega, Health Coordinator

Betzy was hired as a full-time Health Coordinator through a recent grant award from Allegany Franciscan Ministries.

The health program’s objective is to guide individuals to the right medical resources and to provide prevention and healthy lifestyles education. Betzy was the ideal candidate for this position. She has been volunteering for 13 years within the Jupiter Community and for four years with our programs at El Sol.

Betzy was born in Guatemala, raised in New York and has been in Jupiter since 1993. Betzy is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Skin Care Specialist in the State of Florida since 2003. Betzy is a certified medical interpreter in Spanish/English and has received a certification from the Florida Department of Health for the Volunteer Healthcare Provider program

Her familiarity with the needs and resources within the Jupiter community and her passion for helping those in need are great assets for our organization.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4202

betzy@friendsofelsol.org

Surynai Janowicz, Legal Coordinator

Surynai Janowicz, better known as Suri, is El Sol’s newest Legal Coordinator. Suri graduated with honors from Indian River State College with a degree in Organizational Management. Meanwhile, Suri has over 8 years of experience in the legal field. Suri is a Florida Registered Paralegal and has assisted lawyers in personal injury cases. Suri’s passion is in the area of immigration law. Suri is a big supporter of small businesses since her parents were small business owners in Venezuela and in the United States.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4202

betzy@friendsofelsol.org

Cliff Ross, Garden Coordinator

Cliff Ross was born and raised in Sterling Heights, Michigan where he spent most of his summers on his grandparent’s farm. Cliff moved to Florida to become an Environmental Chemist, testing water and soil samples. After a few years in the laboratory, Cliff decided to pursue a teaching career at Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida, where he taught science for thirteen years. In the last year, Cliff decided to follow his dreams of starting a landscaping business called Absolutely Growing. Cliff is excited to join the El Sol team as the Part-Time Garden Coordinator. As the Garden Coordinator, he will be in charge of managing the Sunshine Organic Community Garden.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4300

cliff@friendsofelsol.org

Kate Layton, Worker Development Coordinator

Kate Layton is a Jupiter High School alumnus who graduated with a Masters in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She speaks five languages and has extensive experience working and traveling in Latin America. Her master’s thesis was developed during her time living in Brazil and was titled “Ride to Live, Live to Ride: Motorcycle Dispatches from Maceió”.

Kate is responsible for implementing El Sol’s Strategic Plan for expanding the curriculum for the Worker Development Program. Her experience as a researcher, teacher, and writer complements El Sol team as we continue collectively to offer stimulating, diverse training opportunities for our workers.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4501

kate.layton@friendsofelsol.org

Mike Phillips, Volunteer Coordinator

Mike is a retired banker, a Florida native, and a resident of Jupiter for over 45 years. He and his wife raised their two children in Jupiter, and have five grandchildren. As a young man, he served as a missionary for the LDS Church, in Mexico, and came to love the people and the culture. Through this experience, Mike became bilingual and is thrilled to be able to use his language, and life experiences, to serve El Sol as the Volunteer Coordinator.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4102

mike@friendsofelsol.org

Barbara Beaubien is an intermediate teacher at El Sol. Barbara relocated from Ocean City, MD to Florida four years ago. She was an ESL teacher and an ESL specialist for Worcester County, MD. Barbara co-created a comprehensive teaching manual with ESL plans for teachers and established a Commission for Women in Worcester County plus held a position on the Advisory Council for the Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD. She earned her BS degree from the University of Tampa, Fl. and graduate studies at Hood College in Frederick, MD. Barbara also completed a variety of specialty courses specific to ESL teaching and is currently taking continuing education courses at FAU. She is passionate about educating people with a desire to learn and fostering a sense of community embracing the multicultural learning through teaching at El Sol. Her other hobbies include going to the beach, cycle classes, participating in a book club and pickleball. She finds El Sol an amazing workplace that encourages all students to work to their potential.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4101

barbara@friendsofelsol.org

Silvia Pedraza, Sewing Program Coordinator

Barbara Beaubien is an intermediate teacher at El Sol. Barbara relocated from Ocean City, MD to Florida four years ago. She was an ESL teacher and an ESL specialist for Worcester County, MD. Barbara co-created a comprehensive teaching manual with ESL plans for teachers and established a Commission for Women in Worcester County plus held a position on the Advisory Council for the Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD. She earned her BS degree from the University of Tampa, Fl. and graduate studies at Hood College in Frederick, MD. Barbara also completed a variety of specialty courses specific to ESL teaching and is currently taking continuing education courses at FAU. She is passionate about educating people with a desire to learn and fostering a sense of community embracing the multicultural learning through teaching at El Sol. Her other hobbies include going to the beach, cycle classes, participating in a book club and pickleball. She finds El Sol an amazing workplace that encourages all students to work to their potential.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4101

silvia@friendsofelsol.org

El Sol’s Food and Nutrition Coordinator Camille West has a lengthy background in the food industry from owning her own Italian Restaurant to specialized concierge services. She is also an experienced volunteer having volunteered as an ESL teacher for many years. Camille also volunteers with Meals on Wheels and with Everglades Angles Dog Rescue. Camille relocated from New Jersey with her husband and son.

(561) 745-9860 ext. 4502

camille@friendsofelsol.org