This week on the blog, we’re going to hear from our Global Dental Relief staff members!
We sat down and asked our staff a few questions about what life has been like during the COVID-19 quarantine.
Read on to hear their responses!
We’ve even included a few photos to give YOU a front-row seat to see how our hardworking staff has been enjoying their time over the last few months.
Kim Troggio, Co-founder and Director
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
Horseback riding. I’ve been riding since I was eight! The only thing I love more than traveling to help kids is being on a horse.
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Hmmm, so hard to answer! There are literally so many places I dream of! I would say (not in order of preference): 1.) The Northern Passage on an Icebreaker, 2.) New Zealand, 3.) Antarctica, 4.) Tahiti – because I want to stay in one of those bungalows over crystal clear water! 5.) Everywhere, really, everywhere!
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
I was first a social worker working with the indigent community in urban Denver, then I did risk planning for the Adventure Travel Society, and finally I ran a tour company that sent folks to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
Every day is a cheat day, that’s why I workout!
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Feisty, Loyal, Inquisitive.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Horseback riding with Leo, getting in to mischief with the kids, hiking, bike riding, camping, working on the yard…
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
To have a house in the mountains. No, not a fancy one, just someplace in nature, yes, nature.
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
Espresso or a hug from my kids – ohhh, that is a hard choice!
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
I love to cook, so I don’t feel like I am lacking yummy food options. What I miss is community. Any restaurant with my community, that is where I will go.
Katy Troyer, Deputy Director
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
I like to garden.
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Off the beaten path in Cuba with my girlfriends to dance, eat and experience the culture.
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
I worked for a non-profit that built schools in Nepal and Nicaragua.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
Cheese, chocolate and wine.
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Outgoing, compassionate and energetic.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Zumba class, playing outdoors with my kids and my husband grilling a delicious meal.
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
Get a tattoo – when I can decide what I want!
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
Music.
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Mango House’s food stalls from around the world.
Becky Bay, Country Coordinator
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
I’ve been called Chef BoyarBay for my baking abilities.
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Right now, ANYWHERE!
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
Dental hygienist – both in private practice and education.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
Truffle parmesan french fries or Gluten Free pizza.
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Adventurous, authentic, and a lover of alliterations.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Productively putzing around the house or off on a weekend adventure.
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
Australia and New Zealand.
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
My hubs and HQ (dog).
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Adelita’s.
Victoria Kilway, Country Coordinator and Volunteer Manager
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
I LOVE naps and can sleep anywhere. Plane, boat, car, bus, on the floor. Most people are surprised by my ability to sleep!
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Home to Nebraska. I’ve been missing my family a lot lately.
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
Before GDR, I spent a year with The World Race (Not to be confused with the Amazing Race). It’s a mission trip to 11 different countries over the course of 11 months. Truly, the experience of a lifetime!
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
SO-Delicious Cookie Dough ice cream.
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Compassionate. Goofy. Community-driven.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
One of two things. 1) Binging Netflix and eating all the snacks while my husband is at work, or 2) Spending the weekend camping and exploring a new hiking trail!
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
New Zealand. To visit my kiwi friend, Lucie, and explore the beauty of NZ.
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
Working out + Quality conversation with friends/family.
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Adelita’s Tacos!
Nathan Raymond, Country Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
I can juggle. My primary interests are music, soccer, food, and travel, so….surprise?
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I had to narrow it down even to just two they would be Turkey and Martinique. Turkey for the food and history, Martinique for the beaches and Agricole rum!
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
Water and Sanitation project in Kenya, and a community health and surgical services international program based out of a major health system in Colorado.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
What’s a cheat day? I thoroughly enjoy burgers, tacos, pineapple, and cookies on most days ending with “y”.
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Humor, quiet until you get to know me, inspired by hammocks.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Watching soccer, going on a bike ride, and grilling something delicious.
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
Currently, laying on a beach undisturbed for 2-30 hours. In normal times, visiting Australia so I can be on all the continents which count. Sorry, not sorry, Antarctica.
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
Coffee and/or being outside.
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Platte River Bar and Grill. I don’t know anything about it but it has a patio and a view! To live in CO, you must have a dog and spend copious amounts of time on patios.
Laurie Mathews, Co-founder and Director Emeritus
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
With GDR travel schedule, pets are not an option, so for 10 years I have fostered kittens – bundles of joy that make me laugh out loud.
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Not sure, right now I just miss the kids in Nepal so much, I would go there – Kathmandu and Pharping, and then return to glorious Cambodia for same.
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
US Senate — Policy Assistant for Energy and Environment, and later, Director of Colorado State Parks for ten years.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
Sweet or salty treats – anything!
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Enthused, strategic, trying to be kind.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Lots of reading, walks, time outdoors, time with family.
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
Wildlife watching anywhere in the world. Just saw the polar bears in Alaska, not sure what is next…
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
A book or an adventure.
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Not on my list.
Peter Vanicek, DDS and Clinic Coordinator
1) One hidden talent/interest you have that most people don’t know about.
Music and languages.
2) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Extended trip through Norway and Sweden to experience the amazing natural sights.
3) Where did you work or what was your profession before joining Team GDR?
Owner/dentist of my own dental practice.
4) It’s “cheat day!” What are you eating?
Great Czech meal at Cafe Prague.
5) Top 3 Personality Traits
Continuous learning, wanderlust, perseverance.
6) A typical weekend for me is…
Spending time outside and having friends over for dinner.
7) What is at the top of your bucket list?
Rafting the Grand Canyon!
8) Aside from the necessities, what is one thing you can’t go a day without?
Coffee, learning something new and enjoying music.
9) First restaurant you will visit post COVID-19?
Cafe Prague.
