Karina was born in Miami, FL and her background is Panamanian and Cuban. She is in her last year for her B.S. in Psychology from Florida International University. Karina is currently a Paralegal at the Law Office of Carlos del Amo.
Alfalit International, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Our Federal Tax ID # IS 59-159-5459. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Agriculture and Consumer Services by calling toll free (800-435-7352) within Florida. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the State.
Gradice Alexandre
US Program Consultant - Literacy (Haitian Creole)
Joined the Alfalit team: 2002
Gradice Alexandre is a retired licensed elementary school teacher from Haiti. She spent 25 years teaching in Haiti. She studied Psychologist at the Faculty of Humans Sciences. She also has a bachelor degree in Theology from the Christian University North of Haiti. She is a Church planter. She is the lead Pastor of Rock’s Horeb Baptist Church in Torcel/Tabarre, Haiti. Beside the Rock Horeb Baptist Church, she established a foundation for kids in needed at Michaud/Croix-des-Bouquets, and is in the process to start an Institute (Missionary Training Institute) for teaching young with calling to be missionary at Ouanaminthe Northeast of Haiti. She served with love and dedication as the Alfalit’s Project Director in Haiti for 13 years, from 2002 to 2014 and now as Program Coordinator at Alfalit Miami Office since 2017. She is currently working on a Master’s degree in missiology and also in the process to study International Relations.
Juan Marcos Bello
Program Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2001
Born: Dominican Republic
Education: Information Technology degree, Universidad A.P.E.C., Santo Domingo, D.R.
The father of 3 sons, Juan Marcos has over 26 years of work experience. Alfalit is a family affair as his mother, Milagros Bello, serves as the executive director of Alfalit’s affiliate in Dominican Republic. A devout Christian, he is committed to bringing hope to those with the least worldwide.tudied in Prague (Human Rights); Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, Florida State University.
Maria Teresa de Almeida
Development Coordinator
Joined the Alfalit team: 2006
Born: Angola, Africa
Fled to Portugal with her family in 1975 as a long, protracted civil war erupted leaving behind a successful coffee plantation which was never recouped. Teresa worked at Mount Hope Bible School (14 years) and Abundant Life Christian Center (12 years), where she was introduced to Alfalit as the Center’s liaison. Also, a translator/interpreter (20 years) for renowned speakers from Europe, Australia, and USA. As a testament to her parents, Teresa’s main goal is to serve others in God’s name.
Alexandra Coll
Chief of Staff
Joined the Alfalit team: 2003
Born: Colombia. Moved to Miami in 1991.
Education: Studied Law and Political Science.
Currently enrolled in accounting classes. She and husband Alvaro have 3 children, two of whom are in college. She worked in the Manufacturing and Freight Forwarding Industry in management for many years before joining Alfalit. In all, she has over 20 years in the management and accounting fields. Passionate for the Kingdom of God, she devotes all her professional and personal efforts in the name of Christianity
Catherine Penrod
Executive Director
Joined the Alfalit team: 2016
Born: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania
Education: Masters Degree, Public Administration; Bachelors Degree, Social Sciences, both from Pennsylvania State University. Certification: Harvard Business School, Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.
With over 30 years of nonprofit experience, Catherine feels she is blessed to end her incredible nonprofit career with Alfalit, an organization that has dramatically changed her life in many ways. The mother of four adult children, she plans to retire in 2022
Gabriela Adarve
Development Coordinator
Joined the Alfalit team: 2019
Born: Orlando, FL. 1st generation American born to Colombian parents.
Education: Studied in Prague (Human Rights); Bachelor of Science, International Affairs, Florida State University.
Resides in Pembroke Pines with her parents and siblings. One of the newest members of the team, Gaby is motivated by the love and compassion she witnesses daily at Alfalit.